Dive deep into the vast underwater world of swift tides and shimmering coral reefs, discover a sunken shipwreck along the way, and find yourself immersed in the spirit of Disney's The Little Mermaid! Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School delivered a heartfelt rendition of the classic tale; a wistful young mermaid, a charming prince, and a love that shone both 'Under The Sea' and in the undiscovered 'World Above'.
A Whirlpool of Colour and Excitement
Inspired by the timeless original 1989 Disney film, Disney's The Little Mermaid follows the journey of Ariel, a curious and spirited young mermaid who dreams of being part of the world above, however distant and forbidden it may be. Fascinated by human artifacts and driven by an insatiable sense of wonder, Ariel ventures beyond the boundaries of her underwater kingdom and finds herself falling for the courageous and kind-hearted Prince Eric. This leads her towards a fateful bargain with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for life on land and a chance to explore a new world of possibilities. Ultimately, Ariel must navigate this unfamiliar world with only her heart, her love for Eric, and the help of her companions.
Julia Dorego-Rabor illuminated the stage as Ariel, enchanting the audience with her powerful vocals and dreamy facial expressions. In 'The World Above', she immediately established the character's wonder and desire to explore. Dorego-Rabor's performance invited audiences into Ariel's inner world, especially in the beloved 'Part of Your World', where fluid movement and powerful vocals captured Ariel's longing for a life beyond her own. Alongside her, Kevin Lopez portrayed Prince Eric with a charming and sincere stage presence. In 'Her Voice', Lopez earnestly conveyed Eric's deepening affection for Ariel. As the story progressed, the pair's connection continued to grow, culminating in a joyful wedding finale that beautifully united their two worlds.
Outstanding Supporting Performances
Sefunmi Asanbe delivered an outstanding performance as Sebastian, with exceptional line delivery, incredible energy, and a deep, soulful vocal performance that anchored many of the show's most memorable moments. Asanbe's dynamic presence was especially evident in 'Under the Sea,' with a special charisma that united the entire cast, transforming the stage into a vibrant, colourful celebration of life underwater. Working alongside the lively crustacean, Veronica McLean as Flounder and Talia Dayfallah as Scuttle demonstrated precise comedic timing and animated characterisation, bringing layers of warmth and humour to the production.
Adding a new dimension to the production, Melody Aigbe-Peter's portrayal of Ursula masterfully balanced menace and allure, creating a commanding stage presence that captivated the audience in every scene. Aigbe-Peter's performance of 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' was particularly memorable, delivered with powerful vocals that brought the sea witch's ominous presence to life. Alongside her, Althea Bosque and Yen Quimpo as Flotsam and Jetsam moved with sleek, synchronised precision, their fluidity enhancing the show's visual storytelling.
The production was directed by Sarah Davidson, whose vision brought together a talented cast and crew to create a memorable theatrical experience. The Cappies review praised the show's vibrant costumes, effective set design, and the overall energy that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. With a blend of beloved songs, strong performances, and creative staging, Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School's The Little Mermaid proved to be a standout production in the Cappies program.
