The enchanting sea journey that brought everyone along

It was truly a team effort for both the staff and students involved. Staging the musical was a profound and emotional journey. The cast delivered outstanding performances, including Emily Dries shining as Ariel with her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. William Bootes portrayed Prince Eric with a resonant baritone that captivated the audience, while Jessica Langley brought Ursula to life as the dark and mischievous sea witch with astounding characterisation and vocal strength.

Andrew Medellin imbued hilarity to the production in spades with his portrayal of Sebastian and who could forget Tim Box as the energetic and effervescent Scuttle. The student-only orchestra was also a highlight, delivering professional level performances over the six performances, as noted by audiences and theatre staff alike.

The Director of Performing Arts, Dr Christian Watson, says students took risks to make the performance as good as it was, digging deep into their characters’ personas as they donned their costumes and make-up, learning the lines, choreography, and music – and continued to smile, laugh, and cry as they honed their craft and shared their talents with audiences across multiple performances.

“Musical theatre of the highest quality brings music, drama and dance together and mingles them in moments of breathtaking creativity,” he says.

“To achieve this successfully in schools and beyond, the separate faculties of performing arts must come together as one. At St Andrew’s Cathedral School, the collective energy necessary for this to occur was facilitated by superb teachers who inspired students to believe in their own ability for transformation as performers.

“Our School’s inclusive culture also breathes confidence into students as they tread the stage: singing, acting, playing musical instruments, and dancing as a united force.”

The rousing voices and rollicking tale regularly brought cheers, applause – and tears – from the audience and brought students to new heights in performance.

“Students entered an amazing threshold where we as performing artists experienced God’s gifts firsthand, re-creating beauty, humour and drama with materials first authored by our Creator,” Dr Watson says.

“The resilience they showed throughout the course of the production inspired teachers to continue to share their deep love of performing arts with them.”

Director, Ben Milis, says students and staff went on a profound journey with the musical and showed their character all the way.

“At the end of 2023, we made the difficult yet necessary decision to change the show we had started rehearsing in order to better serve our St Andrew’s Cathedral School community,” he says. “Amidst the grief and various other emotions experienced by the student cast and staff team at the time, they rallied together with humility and determination.

“We knew we needed to find a show with themes that would uplift our cast and our audiences, a show that students all the way from Kindy to Year 12 could enjoy. So, we turned to Disney (and big kids born in the 80/90’s said ‘Amen’)!

“It has been extraordinary to witness the adaptability of our students, particularly the seniors, who courageously embraced new roles they were initially unsure about. I am immensely proud of their open-minded, servant-hearted attitudes and grateful for their positoovity!”

Producer Dominique Haynes worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the vision to fruition.

“Every student and staff member – on, below or at the side of the stage – played an integral part in making this musical come to life,” she says.

She reflects that she learned so much through the production.

“The students taught me to be patient, act with kindness, walk in another’s shoes, and listen wholeheartedly. Above all, they showed me that we can do anything (as long as it’s clear in the rehearsal schedule!).”

Little Mermaid album