I was one of the lucky people who got to see today’s 12:30 pm performance of the ALT Academy’s The Little Mermaid. This was the fourth special daytime performance staged for area school children. Around 2,000 were in attendance during the two days. Public performances begin Friday evening and continue through Sunday. Sadly for any of you who don’t have a ticket, all public performances are sold out!!
Even for someone prone to hyperbole, I don’t have enough adjectives to describe this show!! Astounding! Stupendous! Breathtaking! Divine! All of those words fit, as do any others one can come up with. ALT’s Academy shows have been making this organization proud for many years, however this one may be the best yet. Director Jason Crespin and Music Director, Brandon Bellar (who must be mentioned for his unbelievable work in this show) have taken 80 kids and molded them into a remarkable theatrical unit that creates pure theatre magic for 90 minutes. I guarantee you it is 90 minutes that sail by very, very quickly. In fact, one of the most breathtaking moments in the show takes place right at the end of the first act and I didn’t want the show to stop for intermission.
The costumes, many rented from a professional costume house and many others created by Alexandra Bennett, are incredible. The set, created by ALT’s Technical Team, transports the audience to a magical world below the sea. The vocals are stunning and powerful and are augmented by wireless microphones – just like any major ALT production on the mainstage. ALT Sound Engineer, Gary Graham, is expertly running 28 microphones for this show. We used only 6 more (34) in Les Mis. There cannot be many, if any, youth programs in the country that enjoy such first rate technical resources. And believe me the show benefits greatly from all of it.
I mentioned in my last Director’s Notes article that I felt “overwhelmed,” “tired” and “old” due to the hectic schedule this season at ALT. A show like The Little Mermaid goes a long way toward reinvigorating my mind and my spirit. I told the cast and crew after the show that today I was very proud to be a part of ALT………very proud. I promise you that I will go to my God of Carnage rehearsal tonight with a renewed enthusiasm and energy. We have a lot to live up to.
My advice to you is to get yourself on the waiting list for a precious ticket to this show. You won’t be disappointed……….unless you can’t get in.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Little Mermaid!! You have created a masterpiece.
Allen Shankles