A Night Under the Sea: Proctor Drama Club Dazzles with "The Little Mermaid"

The curtains rose this past weekend on the Proctor Drama Club’s production of The Little Mermaid, and to say the audience was "part of that world" would be an understatement. From the moment the lights dimmed, it was clear that the cast and crew had crafted a professional grade spectacle that left the community in awe.

The magic began before a single note was sung, thanks to the stunning environment created by the stage crew. Anna Zemanek deserves a standing ovation of her own for her artistic expertise. The sets were nothing short of magical, blending vibrant colors and intricate textures that transformed a high school stage into a shimmering, bioluminescent kingdom.

In the titular role of Ariel, Evelyn Campbell delivered a truly beautiful performance. She captured the wide eyed wonder and longing of the mermaid princess with a grace that felt effortless. Opposite her, Nasir Durham brought a deep sincerity to Prince Eric. His performance was moving, grounding the fantasy in a very human emotional journey that had the audience rooting for him from his first scene.

The royal family was rounded out by Isaac Woo, who showed incredible range. As King Triton, he was powerful and emotional, providing the show’s gravitas. Then, in a brilliant comedic pivot, he doubled as Chef Louis, delivering a hilarious performance that had the theater shaking with laughter.

If you heard a roar coming from the theater, it was likely during one of the high-octane musical numbers. Nephretiri Hill was a revelation as the sea witch Ursula. Hill delivered a true powerhouse performance, commanding the stage with every tentacle twitch. She quite literally brought the house down every night and the crowd went wild after her numbers! Everyone was captivated by her vocal prowess and sinister charisma. Syncere Rumph proved to be another massive crowd favorite as Sebastian. His performance was dynamic and electric. Every time he took center stage for a vocal number, the vibe in the room was electric. The energy stayed high thanks to Raph Sulaipwo (Flounder) and Aviana Ward (Scuttle), who both provided infectious spirit and comedic timing that kept the audience hanging on every word.

While the stage was packed with standout talent, the seamless cohesion of the show is a testament to the leadership of Lacey Stevens. As director, Stevens managed to balance the whimsical humor of the script with the genuine heart of the story. Her vision brought students together into a polished, breathtaking production that the Proctor Drama Club will be remembered for for years to come. It was a weekend of standing ovations, and rightfully so. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on a production that was, quite simply, incredible.