The Little Mermaid Jr follows the story of a mermaid Ariel who longs to live in the human world, but faces many challenges, like making a deal with a sea witch and trying to get Prince Eric to fall in love with her before it is too late. This classic story is being brought to life this April by Fantasia Showstoppers. We chatted with a few of their cast members to find out a bit more about the production.
Names: Zion Lallana (Sebastian The Crab), Alana Kenn (Ursula), Sarah Owens (Ariel), Cam Clarke (King Triton, Chef Louie), Tyrese Arriaga (Prince Eric)
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Zion: I’ve done one musical previously and I mostly just love to play basketball. The thing I love most about musicals are the ensemble dances and dancers in general, I feel like they’re most talented in any production. Alana: I have been doing shows for about 12 years. Outside of theatre, I put my focus on my Musical Theatre study at University. I love how you can combine dance, singing and acting into one whole combination of performance magic. As a triple threat, I enjoy being able to do all three while providing enjoyment to those who watch.
Sarah: I have been doing theatre since the age of 8 and have been involved in many local, community and school productions. I love theatre because I have made so many amazing friends and memories and I get to express myself on stage.
Cam: I have been doing shows for three years and one of my favourite aspects of a performance is the chance to make new friends and then be able to work together to make a story and share that story with others.
Tyrese: I’m relatively new to theatre, having only been involved for about a year and a bit. There’s something about theatre that calls to me—the way we, as actors, can completely become a character on stage and tell a story. It’s amazing how we can create a world on stage that makes the audience feel real emotions. Outside of theatre, I enjoy scriptwriting and creative writing. I find great beauty in the ability to create worlds and characters, each unique and often reflecting society in the real world.
What can audiences look forward to when they come to see the show?
Zion: A very talented cast with great comedic timing and vocals.
Alana: They can look forward to seeing an iconic Disney movie come to life through an incredibly talented group of actors.
Sarah: Audiences can look forward to a fun and energetic show filled with amazing vocals and characters. Cam: People can look forward to a wonderful experience for all ages full of laughter and fun all while watching a beautiful story unfold.
Tyrese: They can look forward to an explosive show of colour and fun. Whether under the sea or aboard Prince Eric’s ship, our beautiful cast never fails to bring each scene to life. With stunning vocals and vibrant choreography, you’ll never be able to look away."
How has the rehearsal process been?
Zion: It’s been a steady process, with a cast of this size it’s sure to be a challenge. But the production team has handled it with grace and the cast is spectacular
Alana: They have been an incredible opportunity to grow as an actor. Through the very helpful directional guide of Jake Elston, I have been able to enhance my range to portray a villain that is way out of my comfort zone.
Sarah: The rehearsals have been super productive and fun and I have made so many amazing memories so far.
Cam: The rehearsal process has been very engaging yet very draining. But in every new skill I pick up along the way I feel reinvigorated to rehearse again and again.
Tyrese: The rehearsal process has been exceptional. The Fantasia family is beautiful, and supportive, and encourages young actors to give their best. I've worked with a variety of companies, but none have come close to Fantasia’s welcoming and nurturing environment. The blocking and choreography challenge us, pushing us to our limits and beyond, taking us further out of our comfort zones.
What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?
Zion: I loved The Little Mermaid since I was a kid and I just found the role of Sebastian such a funny character. The songs drew me in and are the most memorable part
Alana: I've always loved the Little Mermaid, and always dreamed to be apart of the show. Ursula is a dream role of mine, and a difficult role to play.
Sarah: Growing up I really loved watching The Little Mermaid and it has been a dream show of mine for a while so I decided to audition. Cam: The reason I wanted to be involved within this show was due to just how dear this story is to people, and knowing that I have the opportunity to make someone happy while also telling such a fascinating tale and being around the community that helps uplift me, it just feels me with so much joy and makes me feel like I’m giving something out to others.
Tyrese: I absolutely adore the show. It tells a beautiful story with compelling music, rich in storytelling and emotion. It has been a privilege to tell the story of The Little Mermaid Jr., especially with a company that prides itself on creating a unique world on stage while staying true to the original book. I chose to be a part of this production because it tells such a beautiful story about love, magic, and how words aren't the only way of communicating—something that fits perfectly with musical theatre that is built upon physical storytelling.
Other than yourself, which cast member do you think audiences should keep an eye out for? Who is really bringing it?
Zion: Sarah Owens has the most phenomenal voice I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to live. The fact that she’s my castmate and friend is such an honour and a privilege. Deserving of the role of Ariel
Alana: There are so many talented people to shout out. Sarah Owens is a newcomer at Fantasia but surely shines bright as Ariel. Zion Lallana is incredibly funny and CRAB-ulous as Sebastian. Tyrese Arriaga portrays Prince Eric with charm and charisma. Cam Clarke is fabulously regal as Trition and hilarious as Chef Louis. As well as the rest of the cast and crew are incredible to work with.
Sarah: Some cast members that stand out to me are Alana Kenn who plays Ursula because of her incredible character, Zion Lallana because he is super energetic as Sebastian, Tyrese Arriaga because of his amazing acting as Prince Eric, Jack Smith as Understudy Scuttle because he is super funny and Sophie Owens as Understudy Ariel because of her beautiful singing. Cam: There are so many people that stand out whenever I see them perform that I wish I could just list out all of them, because trust me, there is a list. But if I could choose one person it would have to be our Prince Eric, Tyrese. I first did a show with him two years ago and every time I see him perform I am just blown away by how much he keeps improving every single time. He started as a really shy performer and these days you would never have guessed it. He inspires me so much to keep improving by just looking at his journey and what he has accomplished in such a short time. Tyrese: Sarah Owens, playing Ariel. Sarah has such a beautiful, expressive voice that captivates anyone who listens. She has a remarkable ability to tell a story with her eyes and voice, drawing you in with every word, and every tone. There’s a unique magic in the way she brings even the most difficult or seemingly silly moments to life. No matter the challenge, Sarah takes on anything and makes it real. What others might dismiss as ridiculous or trivial, she embraces fully, infusing it with authenticity and depth.
What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?
Zion: Don’t sell your soul to creepy Octopus Witches.
Alana: The message of the show is to dream big to get what you want.
Sarah: I think that the show teaches the audience resilience and to be grateful with what you have. Ariel is resilient because she pushes through the challenges she is faced with but also learns to be grateful for her life under the sea as well as on land. Cam: I really want to emphasise to people the amount of character you can have and how much story can be told just through acting and with no lines of dialogue just like Ariel does in the second half of the show (which our Ariel does wonderfully by the way). I’d also like children to take the message of not giving your voice away to a sea witch without asking their parents first. Tyrese: Though I’m admittedly biased since, well, I’m Prince Eric, I want the audience to think about the fact that sometimes, words aren’t necessary to communicate. While you should never make a decision as drastic as Ariel’s, it’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes, you can whisper, sing, or shout without so much as a word.
Catch The Little Mermaid Jr presented by Fantasia Showstoppers from 4th-12th of April in Richmond. For ticketing and other information please click this link
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