CCORDSVILLE — The Mt. Vernon High School auditorium is under water. Or at least, that’s how it appears. An animated projection of the ocean — as if looking up from beneath the surface of the water — undulates on the back wall of the stage.
This under-the-sea impression is one of numerous special effects executed during Mt. Vernon High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid” — yes, the Disney version — opening tonight and playing through Sunday at Mt. Vernon High School, 8112 N. County Road 200W.
The musical, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, tells the story of the mermaid Ariel (Lauren Pilkington) who falls in love with a human, Prince Eric (Gabe Thomas). She visits the Sea Witch Ursula (Maggie Brown), and trades her beautiful singing voice for a pair of legs so she can walk on land and meet the Prince. The catch is that in three days, the prince will announce his bride to be, giving Ariel very little time to meet the prince and get him to fall in love with her.
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Mt. Vernon’s full-length production features more than 40 performers who sing, dance, act and operate puppets.
Orchestrating two projectors, more than 300 audio cues and twice as many light cues as any previous production, technical director Andrew Okerson manages a crew of 20 students spread out through the auditorium from the tech booth to backstage to the cat walk high above the seats.
“It’s the most complicated technical show we’ve ever done,” admits drama director Lindsay Davis.
The Indiana Department of Education recently designated Mt. Vernon High School, along with the entire district, as STEM-certified, meaning the district meets the state requirements for teaching science, technology, engineering and math.
Okerson’s tech crew uses their knowledge to combine artistry, technology and engineering to provide a variety of visual effects that dramatically enhance the audience’s theatrical experience. “The Little Mermaid” includes holographic projections, surround sound audio and projection mapping.
“Between set construction, show programming, lighting, video and audio, all of the tech crew students utilize at least one STEM principle every day,” Okerson said.
The visual effects take the audience deep into the ocean, on board a ship during a storm and to a sunny tropical beach.
But the use of technology doesn’t end there. Band director Derek Ellinger conducts a live orchestra– from a room 50 feet away — through the use of closed circuit video and audio. The orchestra — made up of both student and professional musicians — can watch the action of the stage on a screen.
At a recent rehearsal, Ava Lusby, a sixth-grader from Mt. Vernon Middle School, warmed up in front of the blue glowing screen. Adorned in a fuzzy blue wig and roller skates, she glided back and forth across the stage.
When a younger student was needed to play the part of Flounder, Ariel’s best friend in the show, Lusby answered the call.
She is not at all daunted by the rehearsal schedule or the thought of performing on stage.
“I knew it was going to be a big commitment,” Lusby said, “but I didn’t care because I love theater.”
Lusby is eventually joined on stage by a variety of singing and dancing sea life, clad in blue and green body suits and wearing gloves made to look like coral and clam shells.
Led by sophomore Kaylee Johnson-Bradley as Sebastian the Crab, the chorus sings one of the production’s most familiar songs, “Under the Sea.”
Being surrounded by high school students doesn’t intimidate Lusby.
“They’ve welcomed me since day one,” she said. “It’s really been fun. It’s the highlight of my day.”
Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m.; the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Reservations are recommended at mvhs.booktix.com.
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Mt. Vernon High School’ presents “The Little Mermaid” at Mt. Vernon High School, 8112 N. County Road 200W.
April 26, 27, 28 shows are at 7 p.m.; the April 29 matinee is at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. Reservations are recommended at mvhs.booktix.com.
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