This year’s annual musical, “The Little Mermaid,” sets sail on March 9-11 at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse. With days until the premier, students rush to make the final rehearsals before the big show.
With approximately 150 onstage performers, this year’s production is as big as ever.
The cast is made up of students from all different grades and ages, and while some have had years of experience performing with Brighter Side Singers or drama, others joined the cast to break out of their shell and experience life under the sea.
“I’ve done one summer play before, which coincidentally was ‘The Little Mermaid,’ but I’ve never done anything that’s this big of a production,” Freshman Lia Wang said. “The theme first intrigued me but I always wanted to join the musical so I could experience something fun.”
As the musical approaches, the performers’ practice schedules become more demanding.
Students have been preparing since January, and while early rehearsals consisted of memorizing dances and songs, current practices are full of scene by scene run throughs.
With only a few days left of preparation, students are attending four hour rehearsals during the week, with Saturday rehearsals that can reach up to six hours.
Along with their colorful costumes, the performers’ stage makeup is just as eleborate.
Background characters and dances are responsible for their own makeup, while principle roles receive assistance.
Former Brighterside parent, Ms. Suzy Takeda, returns to help with cast makeup year after year.
“‘The Little Mermaid’ itself has a very fun story,” Junior Kevin Betts said. “The costumes, sets, and general feel of the show are all very fun and unique.”
Aside from on-stage performers, band and orchestra are working equally hard for the musical.
Pit Orchestra is made up of students from band and Honors Orchestra, and were selected based on merit in their class.
Along with musical cast members, band and orchestra members have also devoted countless hours into learning many new songs and new dance routines.
“Practices are extremely intense,” Sophomore Ashley Mok said. “After every rehearsal there is a mad scramble to try and learn more music before the next rehearsal comes.”
Tickets to “The Little Mermaid” are $15.00 for general admission, $18.00 for reserved and $20.00 for premium seating, a small price to pay to escape the “mess of our human world”.
Tickets can be purchased in the Activities Office or online by clicking on the link posted on templecitybrighterside.org.
TCHS School Newspaper