Wawasee Presenting ‘Little Mermaid’ For Spring Production
By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews
SYRACUSE — A wide range of age groups will likely find something to enjoy about Wawasee High School’s spring musical “The Little Mermaid.” Music, costumes, sets, colors, acting and more will stand out during show times 7 p.m. March 18-19 and 3 p.m. March 20, in the high school auditorium.
Mindy Coblentz, a member of the production team, said Wawasee’s version of “The Little Mermaid” is based more on Disney’s Broadway show than the movie.
She noted a major reason the musical was chosen is because the COVID pandemic shut down the 2020 spring production planned of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” It was cancelled literally the week before the production was to go live on stage.
“We wanted to do something Disney,” Coblentz said.
COVID certainly caused disappointments and “it’s time for a big show” that can potentially draw in big crowds. Coblentz noted online ticket sales for “The Little Mermaid” have exceeded online sales for any production in the past.
For the first time a new projection screen will be used and “give us special effects we’ve not had before.” There are 55 students — 45 actors and 10 crew members — involved in this show, making it one of the biggest productions in recent memory.
Other members of the production team include director Kristin Bonner, Chris Dykhuisen, Jordan Fredericks, Shannon Rose and Jeremy Van Lue.
Online ticket prices for adults are $12 ($10 for seniors) and $8 for student tickets. Patrons can also choose the “adopt an actor” option for $15 to help offset the cost for students who may have financial needs.
Seating is reserved and online purchasing is recommended at wawaseeperformingarts.ludus.com/index.php or at the door if not sold out prior to show night.