Director Emily Mulligan-Ferry’s production is an enchanting one with several laughs and beautiful visuals highlighted by Daniel Davisson’s gorgeous lighting effects, Thomas Gilseth’s scenic work, and Cheryl Gerle’s fanciful costumes. Those costumes feature the mermaid fins that are connected to the wrist, giving a gentle swimming motion with the smooth movements of the performers as they tread water or dance to Jennifer Duxbury’s choreography.

The talented cast is led by Rachel Grimes as Anemone, the little mermaid. Rachel gets a lot out of the role with an easy sense of humor and lovely vocals, bringing both to bear in The Songs I Sing as she flirts with the statue of a human being, and later with a real human being – the easygoing and likeable Prince Theodore (Warren Lewis).

She’s surrounded with several other colorful characters. Clams, always known for their outrageous personalities, have found the most outrageous of all with the vain and flamboyant Clem Clam, with physical comedian Andrew Gatti going all out for the laughs as he provides much comic relief for the audience and loyal, if nervous, support for his best friend Anemone. But not all are friends to Anemone. Most notably, the evil Sea Witch (Colleen O’Connor) and her minions Rip Tide (Alexis Roberge) and Zip Tide (Hannah Singleton) who shine together in their entertaining A Very Modest Fee number featuring the diva Sea Witch and her backup singing minions.

The show includes several other featured roles that add comedy to the production. Many of the best lines go to Georgina, a young woman mistaken for the one who saves the prince, and who isn’t too interested in the guy until she realizes he’s a prince. Karissa Anderson is a riot with great personality and timing as she deals with the prince, her poor boyfriend Borgy (Noah Gallego), and her clever friend Clara (Sarah Kleppe). Other memorable performances are delivered by grandma (Layna Lawson), an obsessed chef (Ricky Mason) who protects his cake over his life, Anemone’s amusing sisters, and a vibrant ensemble of sea creatures that bring the underwater realm to life.

Performed June 18 - 28, 2009

Rob Hopper
Executive Director
National Youth Theatre