Oakville High Schools theater program dove “under the sea” this year as students performed their musical, “The Little Mermaid,” drawing more crowds than ever before. With over 1,500 tickets sold, seats were more than filled. Some cast members even mentioned that folding chairs were brought in to create extra room. 

“We definitely have a lot more excitement, a lot more energy, just because we were doing a Disney show,” theater director Isabelle Zurcher said.

The production featured elaborate sets, vibrant costumes and well thought out details. With interest growing in the theater program, many hope that varieties of students will come to love it. 

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Claire Goodman

OHS theater performs at Nottelmann Auditorium. "This has been one of the best experience of my life. I loved every second of it," Corin White (11) said. Having a supportive community helped White feel comfortable performing.

“I would love for others to know that theater is for everyone,” Corin White (11) said. “I used to be incredibly nervous, but once I tried out, I realized how kind and supportive everyone was. With some hard work and a lot of encouragement — I went from a small role my freshman year to having a lead in ‘The Little Mermaid.’” 

Performing can be nerve-racking for many, but it can be worth it for some. While some may describe the production as rewarding, it can still be a lot of work. With this being the biggest show OHS has put on, it was bound to have challenges. 

“This show overall was just a challenge. Disney shows are just really big. So we just had a lot in terms of a lot of set elements and locations that we had to figure out, a lot of costumes, a lot of really challenging music,” Zurcher said. “There was nothing that was easy about the show. Every element required like 100% attention to detail, which can be really overwhelming. But yeah, we made it happen. It was successful.”

Being able to look at the final product and be proud of it is an unmatched feeling for many in the production. Having to work hard for it contributes to the rewarding feeling after. 

“I was really proud of our costume design and overall our work ethic as a whole. Everyone worked super hard even with the sound system having issues and the dances and choreography being changed,” Teagan Crecelius (12).

Having to change details to make everything work together fluidly is a crucial moment of the production process. The more people that know the story, the more likely they will be to want to see the show. 

“Disney tends to get a lot of excitement and just a lot of involvement right out the gate because everyone’s familiar with the show. It spans generations,” Zurcher said. 

Many different generations are drawn to this due to different connections to the original story. For adults, it may be nostalgic, and for younger kids or siblings, it is something fun to watch. 

“Just making it kind of a community event was something that I was really hoping to don…” Zurcher said “And I’m really glad that we succeeded in that area for sure.” 

The spring play will be “Fahrenheit 451,” and auditions begin Jan. 21. See director Isabelle Zurcher for more information.