LittleMermaid08

Audiences responded enthusiastically to the Players’ second production, "The Little Mermaid," a delightful musical adaptation of the classic children’s story by Hans Christian Anderson. Performances were held on December 5 and 12 at 7:30 pm and on December 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 2:00 pm.

This adaptation of "The Little Mermaid" follows the travails of a mermaid who, upon coming of age, visits the surface of the ocean for the first time and falls instantly in love with a human boy when rescuing him from the depths when the boy’s ship capsizes. She makes a terrible bargain with a sea witch that transforms her into a human that, much like Cinderella, has mucho strings attached. Along the way, our heroine begins to learn just what true love is.

With book by Eugene Jackson, music by Carl Alette and additional music by Music Director Jane Wood, the show introduced many comedic elements, colorful sets and costumes, plus, of course, a happy ending.

Director Kevin O’Toole and Music Director Jane Wood marshaled a large cast from nine surrounding towns in Vermont and New York, including Lauren Smilansky of Granville, New York, who made her debut at the Dorset Playhouse as the Little Mermaid, Anemone. Anna Foster, featured as the Clown in last season’s holiday production of "The Velveteen Rabbit," portrayed her wise-cracking sidekick, Clem Clam.

Playing the object of Anemone’s affections as Prince Theodore was Jesse Hansen, who captained the doomed vessel with a crew played by Lucas Cadete, Frances Yackel, Kya Davis and Pietr Sowulewski. Aboard the ship as the creator of fine French cuisine was Chef Pierre, portrayed by Ramsey Eyre.

Grace Insogna also made her debut with the Players as Georgina, a local girl who happened across the half-drowned monarch, gumming up Anemone’s plans to romance Prince Theodore. This reluctant golddigger was encouraged by her attendant, played by Elise Penge. Georgina’s love interest was portrayed by veteran Morgan Kelley, memorable as Ralph, one of the notorious Herdman brood in the Players’ 2004 production of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

Linda Crepeau, who starred as Mama Rose in last season’s production of "Gypsy," oozed evil as the conniving Sea Witch. Also lurking about were her henchman of sorts, two sharks played by James Reilly and Evan Crumb.

Anemone was joined onstage by her sister mermaids, played by Kaeli Entrup, Olivia McChesney, Bailey Ring, Emily Shaw, and Lili Himmelman. Also swimming about were an eel, a seahorse, and various fish, played by Tikko Freilich, Alison Leiter, Madison Oliva, Samantha Citron, Jenna D’Olivo and Emily Sullivan.

Rounding out the cast were Bill Eyre as King Neptune, Sherrie Rice as Anemone’s Grandmother, and Jennifer Lalli as a very confused Minister.