By Grace McCarthy
Blaine High School’s theater arts department is ready to make its pandemic comeback with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” musical. The show starts at 7 p.m. from Thursday, November 17 to Saturday, November 19 and begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 20.
Led by new BHS drama teacher Olivia Theilemann, the hour-long performance will bring the 1989 Disney classic to life as the protagonist mermaid, Ariel, falls in love and becomes human. The Disney version is adapted from the 19th century fairy tale by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
“They’re all super thrilled,” Theilemann said of the students. “They have worked very hard and have wanted it for many years. It came out in their excitement. They’re super jazzed about it.
With the exception of a small play last spring, Theilemann said it will be the students’ first in-person performance since the pandemic. More than 20 BHS actors and eight technicians have worked most weekdays since mid-September to prepare for the show. The musical will include singing, dancing, fun costumes and puppets.
Andy Marshall is the musical and technical director of the show and Renee Scheib is the assistant director and choreographer. Theilemann said she plans to put on two large-scale performances a year as well as small performances.
Theilemann said she wanted audiences to understand the importance of theater in school and to observe the joy of students as they perform.
“I really hope the community comes out and supports. These students have worked very hard and the more community engagement we can get the better.”
The show is suitable for all ages. General admission tickets are $10 and student and child tickets are $5. Tickets will be sold at the door of the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street.
“This group of students is extremely talented,” said Theilemann. “Their jaws will be on the ground for what they see.”
