Cast and crew members for the Wawasee High School spring production of “The Little Mermaid” include Taylor Cripe, Devin Van Lue, Ethan Dennis, Gwen Frank, Leina Helfers, Windsor Bonner, Dylan Minear, Clay Coblentz, Aidan Stewart, Serena Lesko, Vanessa Lantz, Colten Edgar, Karissa Boesenberg, Amelia Dement, McKenna Clay, Brooke Aleman, Sophia Rush, Samantha Rose, Jackson Charles, Erik Esqueda, Gage Knox, Josh Lesko, Alex Martinez, Brady McDonald, Kai Miller, Abraham Sanchez, Allison Barrett, Izabelle Espinoza, Sydni Ewing, Lauren Fox, Cyanna Leon, McKenzie Long, Molly McDonald, Auna-Lee Meerzo, Gianna Parrett, Allyssa Perkins, Lola Rodriguez, Ayla Torres, Desi Vetor, Mya Washington, Ana Wolferman, Elizabeth Anderson, Alicea Miller, Lyndan Tenney and Brynn Jamora. Also included are Laura Arford, Caden Edgar, Lynk Klinefelter, Arrington Krull, Christina Morrow, Kaylie Nunemaker, Gavin Rose, Alex Shock and Wesley Wirebaugh. Photo by Tim Ashley.

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — A wide range of age groups will likely find something to enjoy about Wawasee High School’s spring musical “The Little Mermaid.” Music, costumes, sets, colors, acting and more will stand out during show times 7 p.m. March 18-19 and 3 p.m. March 20, in the high school auditorium.

Mindy Coblentz, a member of the production team, said Wawasee’s version of “The Little Mermaid” is based more on Disney’s Broadway show than the movie.

She noted a major reason the musical was chosen is because the COVID pandemic shut down the 2020 spring production planned of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” It was cancelled literally the week before the production was to go live on stage.

“We wanted to do something Disney,” Coblentz said.

COVID certainly caused disappointments and “it’s time for a big show” that can potentially draw in big crowds. Coblentz noted online ticket sales for “The Little Mermaid” have exceeded online sales for any production in the past.

For the first time a new projection screen will be used and “give us special effects we’ve not had before.” There are 55 students — 45 actors and 10 crew members — involved in this show, making it one of the biggest productions in recent memory.

Other members of the production team include director Kristin Bonner, Chris Dykhuisen, Jordan Fredericks, Shannon Rose and Jeremy Van Lue.

Online ticket prices for adults are $12 ($10 for seniors) and $8 for student tickets. Patrons can also choose the “adopt an actor” option for $15 to help offset the cost for students who may have financial needs.

Seating is reserved and online purchasing is recommended at wawaseeperformingarts.ludus.com/index.php or at the door if not sold out prior to show night.