The Howitt Players Proudly Present The Little Mermaid
The Howitt Players made waves with their enchanting rendition of The Little Mermaid. On March 7 and 8, the Howitt Middle School auditorium was transformed into an underwater kingdom where dreams and reality intertwine. The vibrant costumes shimmered like the ocean itself, and the set design captured the whimsical beauty of life beneath the waves. The musical numbers, rich with emotion and energy, from both the 1989 Walt Disney Studios animated version and Broadway musical, bring a sense of nostalgia and magic to the production. Combining these beloved melodies and the players' exceptional talent created an unforgettable experience celebrating The Little Mermaid's enduring legacy and message of hope and transformation.
Making their directorial debuts with The Little Mermaid are educators Ms. Amanda Whorlow and Mr. Eric Hulse. This dynamic duo has previously held the roles of Choreographer and Vocal Director, respectively. Their collaborative effort is further enhanced by the support of Production Manager Ms. Katherine Shields.
“Working as a director of this show has truly been the experience of a lifetime,” said Director and Choreographer Ms. Amanda Whorlow. “The Little Mermaid was always my favorite movie as a kid, and performing, dancing, and choreographing have always been my greatest passions. I am honored to have been given this opportunity and to work with the most dedicated, talented, compassionate, and wonderful people. I cannot wait to watch my students shine on the stage.”
The talented young cast impressed the audience with their performance, highlighting the incredible talent within the Farmingdale School District. Eighth-grade student Mary Cohen shone as Ariel, capturing the curious and adventurous spirit of the young mermaid longing to explore the human world. Prince Eric was portrayed by seventh-grader Liam Rosenthal, who embodied the charm and determination of the gallant prince. Adding a touch of villainous intrigue, eighth-grader Natalie Calderon delivered a showstopping performance as Ursula, the cunning sea witch with a penchant for making deals. The regal King Triton was played by eighth-grader Rey Negron, whose commanding presence and deep voice added gravitas to the role of Ariel's protective father.
Seventh-grader Gabriel Haas delighted the audience as Sebastian, the loyal and often exasperated crab, brought humor and heart to his role. Victoria Carbone, also in seventh grade, is charmed as Flounder, Ariel’s loyal and nervous fish friend. Sixth-grader Ethan Maniscalco took on the role of Scuttle, the quirky seagull with a flair for misinterpretation, adding comedic relief to the story. Nilah Nicolas and George Guadagnino, both seventh-graders, impressed as Flotsam and Jetsam, Ursula's sneaky and sinister eel minions. Eighth-grader John Denecke portrayed Grimsby, Prince Eric's loyal confidant, with a perfect blend of wisdom and patience. Rounding out the cast, seventh-grader Ella Cook brought Chef Louis to life with exuberance, capturing the chef's culinary passion and comedic flair.
The talented young actresses Stella Levenson, Hayden Schneider, Devin Shaw, Alexandria Romano, Hayleigh Rommel, and Sabrina Montalbano brought Ariel's sisters to life. Their performances highlighted the diverse personalities present within a family. Joseph Battaglia and Benjamin Sinisi shone as the trumpet fish, Windward, and Leeward, the heralds in King Triton's court. The entire cast, accompanied by a talented ensemble, created an enchanting theatrical experience that captivated the audience. It genuinely felt as though we were all part of Ariel's world.
“As a child, I watched The Little Mermaid endlessly, captivated by its songs, big musical numbers, and magic,” shared Director and Vocal Director Mr. Eric Hulse. “It was the first time I saw anything like that, and I was hooked! In those moments, I first discovered my love for music and theater, a passion that ultimately shaped my career as a music educator.”
The enchanting soundtrack of The Little Mermaid was brought to life on our stage by an outstanding orchestra expertly conducted by Mr. Samuel Gelfer. This talented ensemble featured Farmingdale High School musicians and dedicated Farmingdale Music teachers. Mr. Eric Hulse managed the vocal performances, while Ms. Amanda Whorlow expertly choreographed the dances. Ms. Elizabeth Panzica and Mr. Daniel Bilello skillfully led the scenery and set design. Committed Crew Supervisors, Ms. Katherine Shields, Mr. Eric Perles, and Ms. Rene Bonilla, worked diligently backstage alongside numerous middle and high school students.
“The students we get to work with for our productions are inspiring and embody both the theater and Daler spirit,” said Production Manager Ms. Katherine Shields. “The Little Mermaid was the perfect fit for this year's show as it has so many dynamic characters that our students brought to life and opportunities to be creative with the sets, props, and costumes.”
Congratulations to The Little Mermaid's cast, crew, pit orchestra, and production staff. Each performance was a mystical dive into an enchanting underwater realm, where sea and shore meet and dreams transform into reality. The audience was swept away by the melodies of the ocean and the timeless tale of Ariel's quest for love and self-discovery. Here's to more successful productions and countless stories that capture the imagination and touch the heart!