The annual musical of the Greater Nanticoke Area drama club is quickly approaching, and the cast members are putting all of their efforts into making sure the musical is enjoyable for everyone who comes to see it. With practices moving along each week, members are growing into their character more and more each day.

The Little Mermaid is the latest production of the club. Like previous years, the cast members are very excited to make this production fun, making sure everything is perfect in the months leading up to the performance.

The GNA Insider had the opportunity to sit with several of the performers and ask them a variety of questions about the upcoming show:

Kendal Grimm:

What is the most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid?

The most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid is the strong bond you build with the other cast members and getting to see the production grow.

What are some of the main differences between the musical this year and ones from past years?

We never really had younger kids involved in the plays in recent years, and that is definitely a big difference from the other plays we’ve put on.

Can you explain your character or role in the musical?

I play the role of Ariel in the musical. She is a young girl who longs to explore the land above the sea.

What is your favorite part about your particular role? Or, what do you enjoy most about playing your character?

My favorite part about my role is the songs that I get to sing! The role is very natural and comfortable for me to play, which makes it even more enjoyable.

What is the most challenging aspect of being in the musical?

The most challenging aspect of being in the musical is when I lose my voice, because I have to be very exaggerated in my facial expressions and movements. Also, being on Heelys is harder than you think.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being in the musical?

Getting to see the production grow and finally performing opening night is definitely the most rewarding aspect because we get to see all of our hard work pay off.

Issac Ali:

What is the most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid?

Having the opportunity to hang out and work with very talented people.

What are some of the main differences between the musical this year and ones from past years?

The main difference for me between the past musicals and the musical we are putting on this year is that I am directly participating in the production this year.

Can you explain your character or role in the musical?

I play the role of Prince Eric in the musical.

What is your favorite part about your particular role? Or, what do you enjoy most about playing your character?

My favorite part about playing Prince Eric is that I don’t have to wear a mermaid outfit for the show.

What is the most challenging aspect of being in the musical?

The most challenging aspect of being in the musical is the switches in octaves while I am singing.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being in the musical?

The most rewarding aspect is the feeling of accomplishment. I have finally pushed myself to do something out of my comfort zone.

Emalie Rowles:

What is the most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid?

Every year the most exciting thing about the musical is seeing the show evolve from lines on a paper to something physical with songs and dances. It never fails to impress me how well things turn out.

What are some of the main differences between the musical this year and ones from past years?

In the show this year, there is less death. There is a more youthful feeling to the show this year. In years past, characters have died off throughout the show, and that does not happen this year in The Little Mermaid. Along with less death, this year we are also including younger students in the production.

Can you explain your character or role in the musical?

I play Flounder, Ariel’s best friend. I am a fish who is nowhere near as adventurous as Ariel, but still tries to impress her due to a small crush I have on her.

What is your favorite part about your particular role? Or, what do you enjoy most about playing your character?

My favorite part is that it is more childlike and that I get to use Heelys during the show.

What is the most challenging aspect of being in the musical?

One challenge is that we have to use Heelys, which will definitely be a challenge. Also, stage fright has always been a challenge for me, but the adrenaline rush I get definitely makes everything worth it.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being in the musical?

Seeing something go from lines on a paper to a huge production. Along with that, the shows always entertain people, which is very enjoyable.

Kaylee Simmons:

What is the most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid?

I love the cast this year, it is so diverse. We have little kids playing the sea creatures, and the roles go all the way up to the high school seniors playing some lead roles, which makes us have a wide range of actors this year.

What are some of the main differences between the musical this year and ones from past years?

The musical this year is extremely fun and lively, whereas in the past years we have done musicals that had a very dark theme.

Can you explain your character or role in the musical?

The character I play is Ursula. She is the villain in the show who manipulates Ariel into making a deal with her, and that deal is all part of the big plan that Ursula has.

What is your favorite part about your particular role? Or, what do you enjoy most about playing your character?

My favorite part about playing a villain is being able to get pushed out of my comfort zone for the play. Ursula’s personality is opposite of mine, and it is interesting to play this character.

What is the most challenging aspect of being in the musical?

The most challenging aspect of being in the musical is learning how to use Heelys. It isn’t as easy as it seems!

What is the most rewarding aspect of being in the musical?

The most rewarding aspect is being able to end my GNA players run performing an amazing musical with an amazing director. I can’t thank Mrs. Rutkowski enough for giving me these kinds of opportunities throughout the years.

Gabe Jenceleski:

What is the most exciting aspect of being involved in The Little Mermaid?

Definitely the popularity of the show, seeing as most people know it incredibly well, but the last few years have been shows that aren’t as mainstream. I am definitely excited to see a bigger audience on show night this year.

What are some of the main differences between the musical this year and ones from past years?

It’s a much bigger show from a production standpoint, and this musical is more elaborate and special than other musicals we have done.

Can you explain your character or role in the musical?

I don’t really know how to say “I’m a crab” any more prominently, but people know the character of Sebastian really well to begin with.

What is your favorite part about your particular role? Or, what do you enjoy most about playing your character?

Definitely the accent, it’s stupidly fun to finally have a role that’s not too intimidating and mostly very fun.

What is the most challenging aspect of being in the musical?

The music by far. I have a lot of vocal work to do in order to optimize my role in the musical this year.

What is the most rewarding aspect of being in the musical?

Finally seeing the finished product after long months of hard work and dedication, that’s the best part.