A high school musical version of “The Little Mermaid” just sounds like a lot of fun.
Colorful costumes. Catchy show tunes. Dramatic fight scenes. Glitter.
Quirky sidekicks. A love story for the ages.
And one of the greatest Disney villains of all time.
Yes, please.
A delightful cast of Iola High School drama students brings the classic story to life at 7 o’clock tonight and Friday at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $5; IHS students get in free.
The story stays more or less true to the Disney movie version, with most of your favorite songs — just add a few new songs and a Cinderella-esque “Whose voice is it?” contest.
The highlight of this version, though, is the perfectly cast characters.
Macie Hoag enchants as Ariel, with her sweet but powerful vocal chops. Hoag lends an endearing earnestness to the role of a girl who longs to be on land, and delights in simple human pleasures.
She’s even more charming when she loses her voice, and has to use her wit and charm to entice Prince Eric, played with precision by Kendall Glaze. He hits just the right notes of boyish charm and serious sailor.
And just as with the movie, the supporting cast brings the fun.
Keira Fawson will “quack” you up as the befuddled Scuttle, the seagull.
Jenna Morrison is adorable as best friend Flounder, with an infectious smile, childish enthusiasm and unswerving loyalty.
A cantankerous Austin Morris gets cracking with the jokes as the crabby Sebastian. He’s tasked with keeping a watchful eye on Ariel on behalf of her father, King Triton, played by a commanding Wyatt Westervelt.
And, oh, the boss is on a roll with Hannah Andersen, who is absolutely bewitching as Ursula. Andersen is stunning in a glittery black octopus dress, and clearly relishes the role as the complex and misunderstood evil sea witch.
