That is just one impressive scene that you will see in LaGrange Senior High's production of The Little Mermaid, Jr.. However, not only LaGrange students were involved in the production. Students from high schools across Lake Charles, Louisiana joined together in joint theatre classes and joint rehearsals to make this production happen.
While the main characters, Ariel (Leslie Israel), Flounder (Yasmine Fontentot), Sebastian (Jakylyn Bowers), Ursula (Jaini Turner), Prince Eric (Caleb Tullos), King Triton (Kalen Brown), and Scuttle (Jaylin Williams) are important the stars of the show, if you are able to spot them always sneaking about, are Flotsam (Caitlyn Wilson) and Jetsam (Jamyriah Trahan). The two of them are constantly sneaking around and watching and listening to Ariel. It can be fun to wonder where they are and then to spot them.
Israel's performance of Ariel is also great. She shines from the stage whenever she is on it and she does so without letting her ego be too big. Tullos has the perfect looks for Prince Eric.
The one weak spot in the performance was that Brown never actually sounded angry or really showed any emotion as King Triton. His performance was flat. However, this was the 11th show he had performed this week, so his voice may have been too tired to truly scream and he may have been exhausted.
Of course the show would not be complete without the others Aquata (India Turner), Andrina (Haylee Clophus), Arista (Nihya Fairley), Atina (Leah Orphey), Adella (Lisa Rious), Alanna (Bella Schannette), Chef Louis (Jaylin Williams), Grimsby (Alarick Lewis), Carolotta (Kim Nguyen), Pilot (Marcus Ross), Windward Seahorse (Trinity Dugas), and the Leeward Seahorse (Samantha Wiley).
There are also all of the people who played sailors, seagulls, various sea creatures, and chefs. They are Alexis Braxter, Anya Humphrey, Ashantae Arceneaux, Blair McManus, Bree Dculus, Enissa Edwards, HayLeigh Gatewood, Hayleigh Henderson, Jamarion Yancy, Jerard Wilridge, Juztyce Lewis, Kaelani Carter, Kaitlyn Savoy, Kamryn Antoine, Kayla Ryals, Makenzie Clophus, Marquis Ross, Matilyn Schafer, Sylvia Leger, Trinidy Savoy, Tristen Collins, and Yahara Chambers.
Dancers consist of Brynlee Wiliams, Haleigh Malveaux, Isabelle Adams, Jirah Carter, Joiya Melancon, Kamiyah Carter, Leyah Prejean, Shania Bradley, Skylar Hall, Zaria Citizen, Dinaiya Prevost, Maleah Harrison, and Derrionna Glodd.
Props are handled by Raemani McClelland, Zoria DeVille, K'Leigh Guillory, Audriana Obey, Braylin Davis, Chiara Guillory, D'Airra Joseph, Davionne Preot, Derrica Moncriette, Jada Allen, Jailyah James, Jessica Walls, Jonae Vital, Judith Dariste, Kadon Hawkins, Makaela Easton, and Tashianna Deville.
The technical aspects provided by Porche Advanced Systems are outstanding. However, if you want to make sure that you see more of the actors than the lighting equipment, make sure that you sit far enough back as the lighting equipment is on the front of the stage.
Warning: For those with epilepsy, autism, Asperger's, and other sensory issues, there are many flashing lights, loud music, and occasional use of fog machines.
You can catch the performance two more times. Once today,Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm and tomorrow, Sunday, March 31, 2019 at 3pm. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door. Make sure to bring cash in order to buy your tickets, any concessions, and any items from the gift shop.
LaGrange Senior High is located at 3420 Louisiana Ave, Lake Charles, LA 70607. The play is held in the auditorium.
