Every year, the Pleasant Valley theater department coordinates to put together two shows: a play in the fall and a musical performance in the spring. This year, PV’s Spring Musical was chosen to be The Little Mermaid, a widely loved Disney Classic.
Rylee Gates is a multi-talented senior at Pleasant Valley High School who is starring in the April production as Ursula; no small task considering the level of vocal prowess the role requires. In her free time, Rylee is an officer of the creative writing club here on PV, and she brings her innovation to her portrayal of the main antagonist. Rylee says that her favorite part of her theater community is being able to “geek out about anything (she is) passionate about” knowing “someone will always listen”. The empowerment the role of Ursula gave her was something she described as her favorite part of portraying this character. Rylee says Ursula is “all about being herself no matter what”, even if it’s evil, and “she has such an awesome personality that you get to bring to the character”. Not only does Rylee love to put “her own spin on (Ursula’s) character”, but she also mentions her “fabulous makeup”.
River Wilkins, also a senior at Pleasant Valley High School, is bringing their extensive acting experience to the role of Sebastian, the lovably red crustacean many will remember from the Disney film. The last play in a high school career is often the most emotional for local actors in their senior year. As a graduating senior, River says that one thing she’s going to miss the most is the freedom of leadership roles and that she “really loved directing” because it just “makes sense” for her to direct as someone who loves being assertive. River says that their favorite part of playing Sebastian is how much they get to sing, and the fact that for this show they get to play an integral role the audience watches, instead of being an integral person behind the scenes, giving her a whole project that serves her team. Ultimately, River says that one of the most meaningful skills theater has helped her develop has been leadership, and the ability to take charge in planning and managing talent. However, acting is just one part of what makes a production come to life.
Pleasant Valley High School’s stagecraft department is also working on The Little Mermaid, ensuring success behind the scenes. A student in stagecraft, Cosmo Martin, discussed the joy he has when working with theater. Cosmo Martin says “[theater] bring[s] such energy to the environment,” further adding that he “can’t wait to see them on stage in front of an audience”. Cosmo has lots of admiration for this production of The Little Mermaid, and so does Jasmine Ponce, a stagecraft student. Jasmine creates various aspects of the play along with the rest of stagecraft. For example, Jasmine constructed the tentacles of Ursula, the play’s villain. Jasmine is also “looking forward to be doing makeup, which is pretty fun”. Both Jasmine and Cosmo are looking forward to working on The Little Mermaid, showing true dedication.
The Little Mermaid’s production is a joyful occasion for everyone involved. Students in theater memorize lines and practice their acting, and students in stagecraft maintain the stage, keeping the production running. Without stagecraft, students in theater would be acting on an empty stage. And without theater, students in stagecraft would have no one to prepare for. Both mutually work together and create harmony. This year’s PV Spring Musical will surely be a success due to all the support from students in theater, students in stagecraft, and people alike who want to watch this amazing musical.
