Theater lovers can be regaled with the tale of the famous mermaid who turns human.
Franklin Community High School will present “The Little Mermaid,” in November at the performing arts center, 2600 Cumberland Drive.
Choral director Michael Hummel tells you what you need to know about the show.
When is it?
7 p.m. Nov. 3, 4 and 5 and 2 p.m. Nov. 5 and 6.
How many students are involved in the production?
Over 90 students involved with the show from cast to orchestra and technical.
Why did you choose this show?
We chose “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” because we wanted to put on a show which would involve a large cast and be something which would hopefully gain us a lot of community support. In addition, we wanted to put on a show that would be identifiable to younger audiences and would contrast last year’s production of “Into the Woods.”
What is your favorite scene?
My personal favorite scene is “Under the Sea.” Hezekiah Johnson plays Sebastian. He is a senior and is as close to Tituss Burgess as you are going to get. He is is just fantastic! It showcases the entire cast. It is going to be quite a spectacle.
Why should audiences see the show?
This show is for all ages and is fun! The characters are larger than life and with the capabilities of our performing arts center, under the direction of Doug Corliss, we truly will be under the sea! We grew up with the characters and music of this show. What little girl hasn’t wanted or pretended to be Ariel at some point!
How are students preparing for their roles?
We have challenged students to bring their character to life and be as believable as possible. I want every little boy and girl to not see our students but to see Ariel, Triton, Flounder and Sebastian. I want our student’s performance to be so compelling that they don’t see a high school production but that they believe they are part of the real story of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. In addition, our staff has expanded to adding Ian Marshall who has previously worked for Disney.
How are you marketing the show?
We are doing quite a bit to market this show.
We recently marched in the Franklin Fall Festival parade as well as were part of the Franklin Community Performing Arts booth and handed out over 2,500 flyers and information ticket sheets.
We have sent almost every school in Johnson County flyers in hopes that theater and choir teachers would make their students aware of the show.
We have a senior living coordinator who has coordinated group ticket sales with all of the local community senior living communities as well as had announcements made at the Artcraft theater to full houses! In addition there are other events which are catered to peak interest.
How much are tickets?
$12, $10 and $8. Tickets can be reserved online at franklinPAC.org.
What do you want audiences to get from the show?
I would hope that audiences would leave excited about the future potential of their young student participating in the arts and or being part of a Franklin Community High School musical production in the future. I also hope that parents and visitors will be inspired to make coming to a Franklin Community High School musical, choir, band or other (performing arts center) related production a routine. We offer so many great opportunities here at Franklin, and so few in our community are aware or take advantage of the great productions which are put on here at the high school.
Many, if not most, who come to our shows leave saying that they are well above a typical high school production; even better than some professional productions. I hope that our shows will help transform the greater Franklin community and instill and even greater appreciation and support for the arts because they are having a huge impact on our students; providing opportunity for real and evident individual student growth and dynamic life change that enables future interest and opportunity in the arts. Isn’t that what quality education is about? For us, the answer is yes!
