UNDER THE SEA – Drama Club presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

UNDER THE SEA – Drama Club presents ‘The Little Mermaid’ - A girl in a pink dress - The Little Mermaid

While spring break is in full swing at Coral Shores, March 15 was a music rehearsal day for students in this year’s CSHS Drama Club production of “The Little Mermaid.” On March 16, some were hard at work constructing sets. 

Set for March 29-31 and April 5-7, expect to witness a show unlike ever before. Spoiler: The talents of these 35 students are off the charts.

Michele Zofchak, teacher and play director, had a moment to step away from Friday’s rehearsal to sit down with the Weekly for a few minutes as Suzanne Gaglirdini, music director, headed up rehearsal. Zofchak said the show was picked a year ago, and in November, auditions began and participants began to learn music. In January, the actors and actresses took to the stage for rehearsals.

“The thing about theater kids is that we are a little quirky, and that we really come together despite our differences to put on something that is quality,” she said. “They have a passion for the arts and I think you’ll see that in the show.”

Playing Prince Eric is Junior Chris Hernandez. In the past, Zofchak said, Hernandez was always behind the scenes and in the light booth. For the first time this year, he told Zofchak he wanted to audition. Sure enough, Hernandez got the lead as Prince Eric.

“He opened his mouth and sang and I leaned over and whispered, ‘Christmas came early,’” she said. 

Junior Lina Coole is playing Ariel, and Zofchak said she has a strong passion for the arts. (Oh, and get prepared to be blown away by Coole’s vocals.) 

“She is one of the sweetest, kindest people and I think she can portray that in Ariel,” Zofchak said. “And her voice is amazing.”

Junior Eric Ericksen, who plays Grimsby, has a voice that should be on broadcast radio. “You want to listen to his voice,” Zofchak said. Senior Morgan Whittle, playing Sebastian, is set to pursue a career in theater. Zofchak said she’s an amazing dancer and a great character actor. 

What should you expect coming to this play? Zofchak said be prepared to have a lot of fun and see kids dressed in bright colors enjoying their time under the lights.

“They will see a different ‘Little Mermaid’ than the movie, but it will still be true to Disney,” Zofchak said. 

Show times are March 29-30 at 7 p.m.; March 31 at 2 p.m.; April 5-6 at 7 p.m. and April 7 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 in advance at the high school office and $10 at the door. 

Zofchak gave thanks for the help and support from Bob Auer, set designer; Brittany Polema, ensemble choreography; Stephanie Zlockie, of On Your Toes Dancing, feature dancing; Heather Marie Reynoso-Heaton, costumes; and Jennifer Jones and Charleen Gleason. 

Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.