While Ariel dreams about being part of this world, the Oklahoma Christian University music department will present The Little Mermaid as the homecoming musical this year.
Originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, The Little Mermaid musical integrates the homecoming theme of childhood classics. The opening night is tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 31, at 7:30 p.m. in Baugh Auditorium. Productions will also happen on Nov. 1 and 2 at the same time and location. Tickets are on sale at the Oklahoma Christian University website.
Music Director Kyle Pullen said the choice for the Little Mermaid musical was collective between the music department and administration. Pullen said the play is beneficial in many ways to students involved with the production, as well to students watching the play.
“The students who are involved learn all of the ways of musical theater including various styles of acting, singing and dancing, the management of costuming and stage setting, the timing of lights, sound and orchestration,” Pullen said. “The students who come to see the show will see a professional-quality show, and the cool thing is, they will know some of the cast. It is a fun show with great talent, awesome costumes and awesome digital backgrounds.”
Playing Prince Eric, freshman Kelan Owen said his favorite part so far has been the dress rehearsals. He said being part of the musical has been an amazing experience.
“Opening nights are always nerve-wracking,” said Owen. “However, I am very excited to show our hard work to everyone. I recommend that everyone tries out. It takes a lot of time, but it is so much fun. You also make lots of new friends.”
Playing Sebastian, freshman Kaden Begay said he thought he would be more nervous for the big night.
“I am actually just really excited,” Begay said. “Everyone has been working so hard to pull this together, and I think the audience is going to get a really great show.”
Pullen said the hardest part of planning the musical together was the set.
“The set for The Little Mermaid is typically twice as large as our stage will accommodate,” Pullen said. “We went with a digital background system to create the vast ocean scenes.”
According to Begay, even though the production was hard, he enjoyed the experience.
“I have never been part of a production of this kind of magnitude before,” Begay said. “I do not think I have quite grasped just how big this is yet. It was definitely strenuous at times. But outside of trying to balance schoolwork, a job and rehearsals, it was very enjoyable to work with the cast, the stage crew and the production team.”
Begay said the musical has opened his eyes to the many experiences college can provide.
“It has definitely helped me open up a bit more and has pushed me to be more OK with spontaneity,” said Begay. “Not only that, it has also exposed me to a higher production level than what I am used to.”
Owen said the story has important messages to the students.
“It shows the importance of taking on responsibility and making good choices,” Owen said. “It is also something that we all grew up with and fun to watch.”
Begay said the production also has a Christian approach to its story.
“I would say that Ariel’s rebellion to her father could be comparable to that of our occasional rebellion to God,” Begay said. “In the end though, we see that no matter what mistakes we make, our Father is always going to be there to pick us back up and help us reach the end goal.”
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