Cappies Review: 'The Little Mermaid' At Stuart High School

FALLS CHURCH, VA—By Emma Shacochis of Oakton High School

There are no troubles - life is the bubbles at J.E.B. Stuart High School's radiant production of "Disney's The Little Mermaid", where the cast's infectious joy will have you on sandbar nine!

Based on the 1989 Disney film, which was in turn inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's classic fable, "Disney's The Little Mermaid" features book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. After its Broadway debut in 2008, the show collected a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Show Album and two Tony nominations, and has prompted numerous regional and international productions.

The fairytale follows the young mermaid Ariel who, after falling in love with a prince who lives on land, deals away her voice for legs. Confusing human culture, a plotting sea witch, and a deadline of only three days to convince Prince Eric to fall in love with her, Ariel must let her heart decide which life she wishes to live - land or sea?

Mary Harrell brings Ariel to life with an abundance of spunk and innocence. With a luminous voice, Harrell manages to capture both heartfelt longing in "Part of Your World" and giddiness at new experience in "Beyond My Wildest Dreams." Even when performing in Ariel's voiceless state, Harrell's animated facial expressions and mannerisms add an extra dash of bubbliness to her already delightful performance. Her sweet chemistry with Prince Eric (Sam Wells, with earnest charm to spare) shines through especially in their adorably awkward first-date number "Kiss the Girl."

As Ariel adventures through life in the sea and on land, she has a high-spirited gang of animal friends to help her, as any good princess should. Flounder, played by Naomi Bertha, is an endearingly chipper guppy, while Bella Lanoue-Chapman's seagull Scuttle is a gloriously goofy proprietor of "positoovity." As crustacean conductor Sebastian, Elijah Williams - whether crooning in the iconic "Under the Sea," providing touching paternal counseling to Ariel, or hilariously giving chase on land while trying to avoid the lobster pot - never loses energy for a minute.

Scheming against Ariel is her estranged and evil aunt, the sea witch Ursula, played wonderfully by Andrea Pedemonte. Strutting across the stage and snarling one-liners, Pedemonte nails "Poor Unfortunate Souls" with a fabulous voice and commanding presence. Hissing along with Ursula's plans are the dynamic duo of Darien Roby and Deema Alharthi, who are pitch-perfect as the eerie electric eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, respectively.

The sprawling ensemble are entertaining in each of their roles, from frolicking fowl in "Positoovity," swaying sailors in "Fathoms Below," and mischievous mer-sisters in "Daughters of Triton." The entire company delivers not only with beautiful harmonies, but with their witty delivery, a boatload of nautical puns.

The incredibly creative and fun choreography (Andrea Pedemonte) is exceptional - from the sea creatures grooving in "Under the Sea"; the swoon-worthy waltz between Ariel and Eric in "One Step Closer"; and the doo-wop number "She's In Love," featuring synchronized shimmying from Ariel's six sisters. The cast executed every move swimmingly, with many impressively performing in roller-soled shoes.

With its charming cast and fantastic choreography, it's clear as H2O not a poor, unfortunate soul will be found in the audience of J.E.B. Stuart High School's magical production of "Disney's The Little Mermaid"!

From left to right: Max Belmar, Humza Shikah, Jeremiah Lanoue-Chapman, Elijah Williams, and Naomi Bertha. Image by David Mosher