GMS Presents The Little Mermaid

The young thespians of Glasgow Middle School are inviting everyone to come be a part of their world as they create an underwater oasis full of drama, humor, friendship, love, revenge and singing sea creatures as they present The Little Mermaid.

Under the direction of Maureen Leech, with assistant director Elizabeth Peters, students from Glasgow's sixth, seventh and eighth grades will share the story written by Hans Christian Anderson and as popularized by the Disney film this week.

Addison Jones, a nearly-15-years-old eighth grader, headlines the show as Ariel, daughter of King Triton. The mermaid falls in love with Prince Eric, played by eighth-grader Kyler Whitman, a representative of the human world Ariel longs to be a part of.

Caught between the sea and the land Ariel is tempted by Ursula, who convinces the young mermaid to trade her voice for human legs and a brief window of time to earn a kiss from the prince.

King Triton, played by eighth-grader Roman Fast, not knowing of the deal but keen to protect his daughter from the ills of the world, sets his loyal crab Sebastian, portrayed loyally by Annika Smith, to keep tabs on his daughter.

The actors of GMS make the most of their production, giving their all to their stage personas anxious to entertain a full house. Several of the students expressed their excitement about their upcoming shows.

"Singing for a full audience!" enthused Smith. "Last year we didn't get a full audience so I'm really excited for it!"

Jones and Whitman expressed similar sentiments. Jones said she is most excited about "getting to perform in front of an audience." Whitman said "getting able to be on stage a lot and being able to do an important role" are what he is anticipating most.

Jourdyn Fercho, who brings Scuttle to life is excited about "being able to pursue my passion in front of an audience." The eighth grader is just one member of the cast who has drawn praise from her fellow actors, and she in turn praises her stage mates. Fercho named Flotsam as her favorite character "because Brynn Donaldon, the actress who plays Flotsam, portrays her character very well." Donaldson returned the compliment.

Many of the actors said they had watched, and enjoyed, the Disney movie version of the story. Now with their chance to share the story, they have much to be excited about.

While there have been challenges, Glasgow's actors have forged ahead. Lacey White, the actor behind Jetsam, said her biggest challenge has been "getting a high pitched voice for Jetsam" while Fast pointed to the technical difficulties of a stage production. Though he has enjoyed helping Mrs. Leech with the mics, props and sets, he noted the issues with the mics and costumes have presented challenges.

Despite the road bumps, the enthusiasm of the actors can not be contained. Kolbi Ross, the talent behind Chef Louis – watch her chop up little fishes – as well as other characters said the most fun she has had with this play is "getting closer with the cast and crew! They are wonderful people and are so fun to be around!"

White said "getting to be with my close friends" has been the highlight for her. Jones also enjoyed "getting to perform with amazing kids."

So don't be a poor unfortunate soul who misses this show.

Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 4 & 5 and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 6. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.

The Little Mermaid

Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)

Pilot-Kolbi Ross

Prince Eric-Kyler Whitman

Grimsby-Aaron Mickelson

Sailors– Emily Cronmiller, Eva Hlad, Ash James, Braxton Potter. Romie Zumbuhl

Ariel-Addison Jones

Scuttle-Jourdyn Fercho

Flounder-Aspen Probert

Flotsam-Brynn Donaldson

Jetsam-Lacey White

Seahorse-Grace Reyes

King Triton-Roman Fast

Sebastian-Annika Smith

Aquata-Kaylly Turner

Andrina–Toni Williams

Arista– Amelia Gilchrist

Atina– Willow Sugg

Adella- Mylee Rasmusan

Allana-Emily Bell

Mersister-Cody Lacock

Gulls-Aaron Mickelson, Grace Reyes, Kolbi Ross, Annika Smith, Kyler Whitman

Ursula–Riley Clampitt

Shrimp-Emily Bell, Emily Cronmiller, Eva Hlad, Ash James, Braxton Potter, Grace Reyes, Kaylly Turner, Toni Williams

Sea Creatures-Emily Bell, Emi Cronmiller, Jourdyn Fercho, Amelia Gilchrist, Eva Hlad, Ash James, Cody Lacock. Aaron Mickelson, Braxton Potter, Mylee Rasmusan, Grace Reyes, Kolbi Ross, Willow Sugg, Kaylly Turner, Toni Williams, Romie Zumbuhl

Waves-Emily Bell, Amelia Gilchrist, Cody Lacock, Gracie Otten, Mylee Rasmusan, Willow Sugg, Kaylly Turner,

Chef Louis–Kolbi Ross

Chefs-Emily Bell, Amelia Gilchrist, Eva Hlad, Cody Lacock, Mylee Rasmusan, Willow Sugg, Kaylly Turner, Toni Williams

Lagoon Animals- Emily Cronmiller, Roman Fast, Eva Hlad, Ash James, Braxton Potter, Grace Reyes, Kolbi Ross

Princesses– Emily Bell, Jourdyn Fercho, Amelia Gilchrist, Cody Lacock, Mylee Rasmusan, Willow Sugg, Kaylly Turner, Toni Williams

Stage Crew-Aubrey Farrar, Emerson Gutow, Sarah Holt, Gracie Otten, Aedan Weber, Jason White, Romie Zumbuhl