Theater Review: "The Little Mermaid" by Amity Creative Theater

Review by Nancy Sasso Janis

The Amity Theater Department has brought “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” to their stage as their spring musical. The Disney classic features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glen Slater and a book written by Doug Wright.

The story is based on the Hans Christian Anderson work and the beloved Disney film. Robert and Andrea Kennedy direct the dedicated high school students, with Mrs. Kennedy, assisted by Clare Collins, working as the show’s choreographer.

Kennedy notes that “At its heart, “The Little Mermaid” is a story about love, loss and identity…Her story resonates with all of us who have longed to find our place in the world, who have struggled to bridge the gap between generations, and who have learned that love–whether romantic, familial, or self-acceptance–is a force that can change everything.”

Nick Shamp worked as the tap coach. Marcia Rizzotti is the musical director and as always, Phil Dolan conducts the wonderful orchestra.

In this production, which could easily compete with a Disney Theatrical version, bubbles fall on the audience for “Under the Sea” and animals surround the prince’s boat for “Kiss the Girl.” Don’t miss the turtle-shell drums.

In her fourth show with ACT, Anna Edwards, a junior from Woodbridge, shines in the role of the brave Ariel. Before she makes a deal for her legs, the mermaid moves about on heelys roller shoes. Edwards played Cady Heron in “Mean Girls” and Mrs. Johnson in “The Minutes.”

Tommy Francese, a sophomore at Amity, plays the handsome Prince Eric. Junior Milki Ejara (Blake in “The Minutes”) is a delight in the role of the crab Sebastian. Young Shelby Winter, a sixth grade student at Bethany Community School also uses heelys and is adorable in the role of the fish Flounder (“She’s in Love.”) The up and coming performer has participated in Amity Creative Theater summer camp since kindergarten and sends out her thanks to Grace Kennedy for “building her confidence and being (her) own personal theater coach.” Liam van Tonder, a junior from Woodbridge who is an Eagle Scout, plays the role of Ariel’s father King Triton (“If Only.”)

The mersisters are played by Amity sophomore Alexandra Chimid as Aquata, freshman Carmella Brown as Andrina, senior Ava Copeland as Arista, senior Gabi Restrepo as Atina, sophomore Grace Millard as Adella, and junior Sarah Megyola as Allana.

Grace Saunders has wonderful stage presence in her role as the sea witch Ursula. How she manages to move amidst the long tentacles that circle her skirts while singing her signature songs ( “Daddy’s Little Angel” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls”) is a work of evil art. Saunders gets to top her corseted black gown with a fabulous wig in what will be her final show at Amity. She plans to continue her love of theater while pursuing a degree in nursing at Sacred Heart University.

The supporting roles are well-played by the Amity students in wonderful costumes. Sophomore Juliet Lachi and sophomore Navaeh Raya slither about with puppet heads and roller skates as Ursula’s hench creatures Flotsam and Jetsam. Sophomore David Tobin makes us smile as the befuddled seagull Scuttle (“Positoovity”) and junior Brayden Zhang (Mr. Assalone in “The Minutes”) plays the prince’s guardian Grimsby. Sophomore Ethan Nitkowski rules the royal kitchen as Chef Louis (the fun “Les Poissons.”)

Shout outs to the ensemble members that step up to play tap dancing gulls, singing princesses for “The Contest,” sea creatures, lagoon animals, sailors, chefs, servants and much more. They add a colorful touch to all of the scenes in which they appear.

The set designed by Ryan M. Howell includes some good projections designed by Matt Herman. Dan Hassenmayer contributes some wonderful lighting design. Sound design is by Tom “Ivan” Ivanovich of Horizon Sound. Kim Goclowski gets the credit for the design of the magical “under the sea” lobby.

Julie Chevan and Brenda Burt were in charge of the costume design. Some of the costumes are provided by Theatre By Design, designed by Justin Fields. Sebastian’s red ensemble is a unique take on a human playing a crab and the merfolk all have matching sparkly bottoms that look magical. Large undersea creatures enter through the aisles. Everything rivals costumes that can be seen at a Disney performance.

The performance features haze, flashing lights, and many soap bubbles. Amity Regional High School students are residents of Bethany, Orange and Woodbridge. There is a long list of parents that devote their time to make the show the best it can be, as well as alumni parents and families that return year after year without fail. The Jamie Hulley Arts Foundation is one of the presenting sponsors of the spring musical.

The production team and the students hope that this story, “filled with magic, music, and heart, reminds you of the power of dreams and the importance of staying true to yourself.” They succeed on all counts with visually stunning scenes and plenty of joy. Remaining performances are April 10 and 11 in the auditorium at Amity High School.

If you are attending the 2pm matinee with kids, join them before the show for a VIP Mermaid Party. As a fundraiser for the upcoming trip to Scotland they are offering a VIP 1pm admission to an under-the-sea pre-show event including a visit by cast members in costume welcoming them to the show, craft stations, a snack, and a special gift to carry into the show. ***This is a separate event from the show and you MUST purchase a ticket to the 2pm performance****. All proceeds going towards student travel to Scotland.

Coming this summer will be the return of “Broadway Toon” summer theater camp 2025 for ages seven and up. The camp runs July 29-July 25, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.