BROADALBIN - Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High Drama Club takes the stage in "The Little Mermaid" later this week.
The drama club’s spring production will have shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. in the Margaret Robin Blowers Auditorium.
Tickets are available online or by cash or check at the door. Online reserved seating is $10 for ages 13 and up, $9 for seniors and children under 12, and general admission tickets are $9 for adults and $8 for seniors and children under 12.
“These kids are dedicated, and that’s what makes our show so special,” said the show’s co-director Mike Ott.
Broadalbin-Perth students perform during a rehearsal for this weekend's performances of "The Little Mermaid," Monday, March 18, 2024.
Students began working on “The Little Mermaid” in December, Ott said. They have taken time after school for rehearsals, on weekends, during school break, on half-days and more to make the production what it is, he said.
The show is also unique in that it is student-run, Ott said. Students run the sound, the lights, they create and design the sets, work on vocals and choreography with each other and give each other feedback..
“They do it because they care, and it’s their passion,” Ott said. “That shines through with all the time that they’ve put in.”
The show is true to the Disney musical, but also expands on it with additional songs, Ott said.
Broadalbin-Perth students perform during a rehearsal for this weekend's performances of "The Little Mermaid," Monday, March 18, 2024.
“This is such a fun show,” he said. “It's a great Disney movie, the music is so much fun. I think it’s just great to come out and support these kids who have put in so much work, and to support the arts, which is just so important to us, and it means a lot to the kids.”
Freshman Jacob Orapello plays Sebastian in the musical. He says he has had a lot of fun getting into character, and to talk with an accent, playing the role of Sebastian the crab, who throughout the show tries to be a mentor to Ariel.
“Everyone, not even just the actors, but everyone around us, the stage crew, everyone behind the scenes, it’s just incredible, the sound, the set design,” Orapello said. “You can just tell how hard everyone’s been working. We’ve been working tirelessly, especially the past week.”
Broadalbin-Perth Jr./Sr. High Drama Club preforms "The Little Mermaid" this week.
Senior Alexandra Brown is part of the stage crew, and has a lead role in set design for “The Little Mermaid.” She says a lot of hard work has gone into making the show great. She says the show offers something for everyone, and has been a lot of fun to be a part of.
“This show is so cool, because there’s so much color, and bright stuff, so it’s been a lot of fun,” Brown said. “There’s awesome music, there’s fun sets, there’s amazing actors and actresses.”