The Little Mermaid makes a splash onto TWHS stage

The Woodlands, Texas -- “The Little Mermaid” is being presented by The Woodlands High School this week. If you are expecting a colorful, humorous musical inspired by Disney’s very own classic, you won’t be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.

The plot stays right in line with the movie, so there’s no need to be an angry audience because they left out anything important. Like any play, it must be altered, but the production ended up adding to it as a whole. The extra songs were perfect for each scene and sung by talented voices. Trying to achieve the goal of making a Disney movie come to life on stage seems unreachable, but with such a fantastic cast, they did so with flying colors. Even the smaller things that make a production just a little more magical came together beautifully, like the quick transitions and the lights.

But let’s be honest, what really makes a production aren’t the backdrops, the costumes, or the even the spray-colored hair, it’s the actors themselves. This cast lit up the auditorium not only with their voices but also their personalities.

“Obviously it’s very hard to project something that’s animated onto stage and make it just as good, just as animated,” said Daniela Garrett, playing Sebastian. However, it didn’t seem to be a problem for any of them. I enjoyed the enthusiasm Garrett was able to express. Anytime she was on stage, the scene always seemed to come alive.

The cosmetic aspect of the production was spectacular. Katie Stobbe, who played Ursula, was completely transformed into a sea witch. Her makeup was elaborate, especially with those false lashes. From her wig to the tips of her tentacles, it was one gorgeous showpiece.

It’s clear why the students got their part. Every one of them fit into their role as if it was who they were.

“I am hoping to go to Chicago. I want to try new things that my peers have never done before that I am not afraid to do,” said Shelby Steele, playing Ariel. Doesn’t that sound like the red-haired, mermaid princess we have all come to adore?

It was a nice surprise to find that it wasn’t only high school students playing these roles. Flounder is played by a 12-year-old McCullough student, named Wiley Sadlier. He brings an innocence onto the stage, just like Disney does in its films.

“I would like to try to be an actor,” Sadlier said. “It’s lots of fun getting to hang out with all these people, getting to act with them. And I really enjoy singing all the time.” This kid has some skills and isn’t afraid to show it.

Like any other aspect of life, though, it takes a lot of time and practice to get as good as these students are. The director, Matthew Peters, sheds some light on how much time is devoted to putting on a show like “The Little Mermaid”.

“I joke around that I see my students more than my wife,” director Peters said, “Those kids spend 8-15 hours per week rehearsing. I tell my students that we’re in this together. We’re going to get on each other’s nerves, but we’re also going to put an amazing show on together. We are one big family.” Those hours really have paid off.

Being a classic, this production includes wonderful acting but also dancing and singing. It has posed a unique challenge to juggle all three.

“There’s a big note while we’re dancing, and it’s right after a big lift that we do, and I am always out of breath everytime we get to the note. It’s difficult. And Ariel can’t speak then, so that’s where the acting comes in,” Peter McPoland, playing Prince Eric, said.

The production is truly in Disney spirit and makes me feel similar to director Peter’s sentiments towards the Disney movie, “I would want to watch it on VHS, like we did back then, and rewind the tape and watch it again.”

“The Little Mermaid” is showing at The Woodlands High School at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24 and Friday, Jan. 25. Showtimes for Saturday, Jan. 26 are 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and $20 for adults at www.twhstheater.com or at the door. Available tickets are limited.