The cast and crew of The Little Mermaid braved the cold weather over the weekend to get the show ready for its premiere night.

The show will run from January 18 to 20 at 7 p.m. There is also a matinee performance on January 21 at 2 p.m. 

Estevan Comprehensive School has been working tirelessly since the fall to bring back the decade-long tradition of school musicals which temporarily ended due to COVID-19. The last production was Footloose in 2018-2019.  

Rehearsals have been held daily after school, initially for an hour and a half to two hours. Closer to opening night they have been doing 3 hours after school and put 10-12 hours on both days over the weekend.  

“We came back early from Christmas; we were back on January 2 up until the end of the break we put 40 hours in,” said Kyle Whitehead, a director of the production.  

“They’ve been working very hard for the last couple of months, and it’s come a long way,” said Whitehead.  

The cast is also proud of all the hard work they have put into the production.  

“It’s awesome and everyone worked really hard for it,” said Iona Ramonsa, who plays the lead role of Ariel.  

Timothy Briz, who is playing Prince Eric, said he is excited about the premiere, but also nervous about the quick wardrobe changes in the play. 

The pair have also been putting extra time into practicing their dance scene, which is a key plot point in the play.  

Casting was open to students in Grades 7 and 8, and Flounder Ariel’s trusted sidekick is played by Spruce Ridge student Aaliyah McLennan.  

“You get to know so many people and you get to have the experience of make-up and how to do things professionally,” said McLennan.  

Even though learning the dancing and singing parts is no small task, Teigha Lesy, who plays Ursula said that for her, learning the confidence for this role was the most difficult task she faced.  

“It doesn’t matter how you feel, you kind of just have to do it.”

The show brings the nostalgia and energy of the animated film, with some guidance from vocal coach Megan Casemore, and Maria Walter working on the choreography to bring the story to life. 

“We always put out a good product, and we need support,” said Whitehead.  “The money earned from this show is what goes to make the next show happen.” 

“If we can’t keep the funds going then the program is not going to survive. It would be a shame to see something like this, that has been a big part of the school for decades.”  

All the posters around town for the show contain a QR code, which takes you to the website where you can purchase tickets. Tickets are available at the school and will be also available at the door on show night.