The Lingo Lin Performing Arts Theatre at Ormiston College was transformed into a magical underwater world as students took to the stage earlier this month to present a spectacular production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
With auditions held in September 2022 the cast of 75 immediately engaged in rehearsals. By the time the curtain rose on opening night, Thursday 11 May, the cast and production team had clocked over 130 hours of on-stage rehearsal. This does not include the many personal hours of learning music and lines, rehearsing choreography and practising to ‘swim’ and dance in mermaid tails.
Students Olivia Ralph, Year 12 and Ava Ryan, Year 10 and were dual cast in the principal lead role, the beautiful mermaid Ariel. Living in an enchanted under sea world, her father the King (Krish Vihol, Year 12), Ariel, a passionate teenager wants what she cannot have – to live on land. When she falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric (Remy Hare, Year 11), Ariel must bargain with Ursula the Sea Witch (dual cast, Rebekah Lynch, Year 12 and Chloe Richter, Year 12). With her voice surrendered and her soul in jeopardy Ariel is helped by enchanting sea creatures in her quest to gain the affections of the prince.
The magical score was brought to life superbly by a 14-piece orchestra under the tutelage of Music Director Jason Taggart. Unique characterisations arose through the creative vision and energy from Theatrical Director, Julianne Clinch. Through expert choreography by Astin Hammermeister, teenagers were transformed into crabs, turtles and even jellyfish. The hundreds of colourful and dazzling costumes were exquisitely crafted under the creative vision of professional costume designer, Justin Jubb-Hearne with a host of volunteers spending countless hours sticking, gluing and beading. The Ormiston College Art Department, led by Julianne de Lange, mobilised a creative team comprising Art Club students plus staff and parent volunteers to create glorious ocean paradise scenes.
Ormiston College Teacher and Musical Producer, Peta Raftery said, “To have such an incredible team of student performers, staff, parents, and alumni dedicating themselves to this beautiful show is truly a blessing. We have dipped our toes in the waters, shared much positoovity and, indeed, created a magical underwater world for all to enjoy.”
The Ormiston College production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid saw four shows presented from 11 May to 13 May 2023 – each was met with rapturous applause from the delighted audience.
Compliments on the Ormiston College Facebook page include:
Just amazing! Everyone left with a smile.
Bravo to the whole team, teachers, students, musicians, sound, costumes everyone! I'm so impressed.
An incredible production … Congratulations to everyone who contributed their time and skills to this event. You should be very proud!
Brilliant show!!! Well done OC, you've done it again. Loved every minute.
Fantastic show, well done to everyone - front & back of stage.
Absolutely amazing!!! Well done everyone.
An amazing show! Such talent - singers, dancers, performers, musicians, costumes, sets, lighting - and brought together so beautifully in an entertaining and professional production.
Awesome!! Congratulations to all! What an amazing amount of talent at Ormiston!
It was brilliant, congratulations on a wonderful show.
Would pay double to see it again!
