Ballenas Secondary School students are hard at work preparing for their upcoming musical production of The Little Mermaid at the school’s Whalebone Theatre starting Feb. 14.
The musical, which will include familiar songs such as “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” will run Feb. 14 to Feb. 16, and Feb. 21 to Feb. 23, with shows starting at 6 p.m.
Sabrina Blaase, who plays Ariel, said she enjoys the role because Ariel is a relatable character for young women who want to get out and explore the world.
“She’s also just such a fun, happy character to be able to play because she’s always optimistic,” Blaase said. “She always tries to see the best in things.”
Blaase has been in multiple musicals, including her role as Wednesday Addams in a Ballenas Secondary production of The Addams Family and Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady with the Qualicum Beach School of Dance.
The story’s main villain, Ursula, will be played by Hannah Liedl.
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“Ursula’s just a really fun and powerful character,” said Liedl, who has done musical theatre since Grade 8. “It’s kind of fun being the bad guy and everyone loves the bad guy.”
Ursula and Ariel have a complicated dynamic, she added.
“She’s very manipulative, I guess you could say,” Liedl said. “Ursula thinks she’s doing something good by helping Ariel, but in reality she’s not doing something good and she’s taking over Ariel.”
Rounding out the cast are James Miguel (the Prince) and Matthew Lawler (King Triton). The musical is directed by Doug Campbell.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and $25 for a family, and are available at Ballenas Secondary’s online store.
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Ethan Liedl plays Sebastian in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical production by Ballenas Secondary Students. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Sixtine Moens as Chef Louis in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical production by Ballenas Secondary Students. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Hannah Liedl (left) plays Usula and Sabrina Blaase (right) plays Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical production by Ballenas Secondary Students. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
Sabrina Blaase (left) plays Ariel and Matthew Lawler (right) plays King Triton in ‘The Little Mermaid’ musical production by Ballenas Secondary Students. (Kevin Forsyth photo)
