The Little Mermaid
at Northwood

Reviewed on February 1, 2018

Kaitlyn Kraack
Yorba Linda
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Northwood's stunning production of "The Little Mermaid"
written by Kaitlyn Kraack, a junior at Yorba Linda High School

Northwood High School's "The Little Mermaid" takes you "Under the Sea" to a magical place where crustaceans can sing!

When Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric, a human and prince of "The World Above", she goes against her father's wishes and pursues her undying love. With the help of her evil aunt Ursula, Ariel trades her beautiful singing voice for human legs, but Prince Eric must "Kiss the Girl" by sunset on the third day or else her soul belongs to Ursula forever.

Trinity Pham, who plays Ariel, brings a youthful energy to the well known character. Her vibrant smile and sweet, gentle voice enhance the innocent but exciting love Prince Eric and Ariel share. Pham brings an abundant amount of charisma to the stage that is irreplaceable. Her counter part Ian Gibson is the perfect balance to her child-like character by being a strong and mature male lead. Gibson's upright posture and smooth voice add to the illusion that he is a soon the be king.

In addition to Pham and Gibson's characters, one actor who really stands out is Ananta Ferrryanto who plays Chef Louis. His comedic timing paired with his big dopey smile and giant movements pay respect to the original cartoon. The second he comes out to the second he leaves, Ferryanto makes sure he gives it his all.

One amazing aspect of this show is the set which is brought to life by students. Ranging from the ship Prince Eric sails in on to the giant backdrops; the students create a masterpiece. Fifteen plus students worked on the set the make it seem as though the whole show was set in a storybook. By adding bright colors and many layers, the concept became a reality.

Stage Manager Crystal Webb never misses one of her five hundred plus cues and the show was utterly seamless. Even when the backdrop was bumped while in the air, Webb handled the situation with ease.

Overall, Northwood High School's annual musical was an immersive trip to the "Fathoms Below". Through many artistic and technical elements, the students of Northwood put on a delightful production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid".

Kaitlyn Kraack
Yorba Linda
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Northwood's stunning production of "The Little Mermaid"
written by Kaitlyn Kraack, a junior at Yorba Linda High School

Northwood High School's "The Little Mermaid" takes you "Under the Sea" to a magical place where crustaceans can sing!

When Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric, a human and prince of "The World Above", she goes against her father's wishes and pursues her undying love. With the help of her evil aunt Ursula, Ariel trades her beautiful singing voice for human legs, but Prince Eric must "Kiss the Girl" by sunset on the third day or else her soul belongs to Ursula forever.

Trinity Pham, who plays Ariel, brings a youthful energy to the well known character. Her vibrant smile and sweet, gentle voice enhance the innocent but exciting love Prince Eric and Ariel share. Pham brings an abundant amount of charisma to the stage that is irreplaceable. Her counter part Ian Gibson is the perfect balance to her child-like character by being a strong and mature male lead. Gibson's upright posture and smooth voice add to the illusion that he is a soon the be king.

In addition to Pham and Gibson's characters, one actor who really stands out is Ananta Ferrryanto who plays Chef Louis. His comedic timing paired with his big dopey smile and giant movements pay respect to the original cartoon. The second he comes out to the second he leaves, Ferryanto makes sure he gives it his all.

One amazing aspect of this show is the set which is brought to life by students. Ranging from the ship Prince Eric sails in on to the giant backdrops; the students create a masterpiece. Fifteen plus students worked on the set the make it seem as though the whole show was set in a storybook. By adding bright colors and many layers, the concept became a reality.

Stage Manager Crystal Webb never misses one of her five hundred plus cues and the show was utterly seamless. Even when the backdrop was bumped while in the air, Webb handled the situation with ease.

Overall, Northwood High School's annual musical was an immersive trip to the "Fathoms Below". Through many artistic and technical elements, the students of Northwood put on a delightful production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid".

Ian Dembek
Yorba Linda
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A trip under the sea at Northwood
written by Ian Dembek, a senior at Yorba Linda High School

Northwood's "The Little Mermaid" is a five starfish show, from well known animated characters being brought to life by the actors to extraordinary magic being revealed every moment by the technical designers.

The show follows the Disney movie very closely, bringing the human and aquatic worlds together. Ariel, youngest daughter of King Triton, falls in love with Prince Eric, a human. Despite several missteps and woes with Ariel's aunt Ursula, Ariel ends up in the arms of her prince.

Trinity Pham as Ariel and Ian Gibson as Prince Eric complement each other harmoniously. Each portrays a youthful version of this duo, allowing for an entertaining twist on what has become a stereotype. Pham and Gibson waltz perfectly in time around stage, weaving through pillars and radiating an air of charm and charisma. Their swoon worthy kiss successfully fulfills the most anticipated moment of the show.

Akash Seeramreddi as Sebastian, a Jamaican crustacean, is the life of the party. He maintains the posture and physicality that a crab possesses, with a hunched back and connected fingers to signify a claw. This is complemented by a consistent Jamaican accent and high level of energy as he scurries across the stage.

Jonah Meyer as Grimsby, Prince Eric's guardian, maintains a convincing British accent throughout the show. He conveys a fatherly bond with Prince Eric, flashing a slight smile of pride when Eric discovers love.

A show would never be complete without a technical crew. The set design by Khai Hoang, Nino Chen, Calvin Lin, and Kirstin Ng is representative of a pop-up book, utilizing two-dimensional backdrops. The use of multiple backdrops at a time creates depth, clearly separating the ocean from the shore. A large, made from scratch boat glides between the backdrops as Ariel watches from a beautifully crafted rock.

Stage managers Emily Kim, Crystal Webb, Hazar Eldick, and Sangya Gupta call over five hundred cues seamlessly. Light, sound, and scene transition cues go unnoticed, as to not disrupt any moments of the show.

The Northwood Orchestra with student leaders Jay Kim, Claire Li, Lauren Miller, and Genie Yae flawlessly recreate this magical score. Every ebb and flow of the music corresponds impeccably with the emotions expressed on stage.

Northwood's "The Little Mermaid" is a catch of a show, focusing on the themes of love, both romantic and familial, and a lust for power.

Ian Dembek
Yorba Linda
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A trip under the sea at Northwood
written by Ian Dembek, a senior at Yorba Linda High School

Northwood's "The Little Mermaid" is a five starfish show, from well known animated characters being brought to life by the actors to extraordinary magic being revealed every moment by the technical designers.

The show follows the Disney movie very closely, bringing the human and aquatic worlds together. Ariel, youngest daughter of King Triton, falls in love with Prince Eric, a human. Despite several missteps and woes with Ariel's aunt Ursula, Ariel ends up in the arms of her prince.

Trinity Pham as Ariel and Ian Gibson as Prince Eric complement each other harmoniously. Each portrays a youthful version of this duo, allowing for an entertaining twist on what has become a stereotype. Pham and Gibson waltz perfectly in time around stage, weaving through pillars and radiating an air of charm and charisma. Their swoon worthy kiss successfully fulfills the most anticipated moment of the show.

Akash Seeramreddi as Sebastian, a Jamaican crustacean, is the life of the party. He maintains the posture and physicality that a crab possesses, with a hunched back and connected fingers to signify a claw. This is complemented by a consistent Jamaican accent and high level of energy as he scurries across the stage.

Jonah Meyer as Grimsby, Prince Eric's guardian, maintains a convincing British accent throughout the show. He conveys a fatherly bond with Prince Eric, flashing a slight smile of pride when Eric discovers love.

A show would never be complete without a technical crew. The set design by Khai Hoang, Nino Chen, Calvin Lin, and Kirstin Ng is representative of a pop-up book, utilizing two-dimensional backdrops. The use of multiple backdrops at a time creates depth, clearly separating the ocean from the shore. A large, made from scratch boat glides between the backdrops as Ariel watches from a beautifully crafted rock.

Stage managers Emily Kim, Crystal Webb, Hazar Eldick, and Sangya Gupta call over five hundred cues seamlessly. Light, sound, and scene transition cues go unnoticed, as to not disrupt any moments of the show.

The Northwood Orchestra with student leaders Jay Kim, Claire Li, Lauren Miller, and Genie Yae flawlessly recreate this magical score. Every ebb and flow of the music corresponds impeccably with the emotions expressed on stage.

Northwood's "The Little Mermaid" is a catch of a show, focusing on the themes of love, both romantic and familial, and a lust for power.

Annie Chapman
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood brings audiences ‘Under the Sea'
written by Annie Chapman, a junior at Aliso Niguel High School

With a stunning set, colorful costumes, stellar vocals, and many sea shells, Northwood's production of "The Little Mermaid" brings audiences back to a classic from their childhood, with the feeling of reading a pop up book. The story follows a young mermaid who embarks on an adventure in the world above, finding true love, and the place in which she truly belongs.

Trinity Pham is exceptional as the young Ariel. She brings a youthful touch to her character, which is evident in her facial expressions and the bright tone of her voice. Pham's bubbliness and zeal throughout the production connect the audience to the immense love she feels for Prince Eric and ‘The World Above.' Alongside Ariel is the dashing Eric, played by Ian Gibson. Gibson displays a large amount of passion in the tone of his voice and his body posture. His voice is powerful, yet sweet, as exhibited brilliantly in his solo, ‘Her Voice.'

Though Ariel is wonderful, she would be nowhere without her three best friends, Scuttle, Flounder, and Sebastian. Caroline Candy, as Scuttle, brings a high level of energy to the stage as she flies into each scene. Throughout the entire show, Candy keeps the rigid movements of a seagull. Flounder, portrayed by Cameron Arcand, follows Ariel with a youthful and silly personality. Akash Seeramreddi is brilliant as Sebastian, through his unwavering accent and incredible energy. He uses body posture to show that he is a crustacean, even down to his hands, which remain in a claw position throughout the entire production.

Chloe Boulard is powerful and unforgettable as the sea witch, Ursula. She has a strong stage presence, displaying her wickedness. Her impeccable comedic timing brings an element of humor to her character, while retaining Ursula's evil nature. Her vocals are stunning and powerful, showing her dominance over other characters.

With many 2D drops and set pieces, the set crew brings a huge, very extravagant set that shows the image of a pop up book. The stage is illuminated with colorful and shaped lights that truly bring audiences under the sea.

With an amazing, hard working crew and an incredibly talented cast, Northwood High School tells a powerful story of love and passion between a mermaid, a sailor, and many lively characters under the sea.

Annie Chapman
Aliso Niguel
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Northwood brings audiences ‘Under the Sea'
written by Annie Chapman, a junior at Aliso Niguel High School

With a stunning set, colorful costumes, stellar vocals, and many sea shells, Northwood's production of "The Little Mermaid" brings audiences back to a classic from their childhood, with the feeling of reading a pop up book. The story follows a young mermaid who embarks on an adventure in the world above, finding true love, and the place in which she truly belongs.

Trinity Pham is exceptional as the young Ariel. She brings a youthful touch to her character, which is evident in her facial expressions and the bright tone of her voice. Pham's bubbliness and zeal throughout the production connect the audience to the immense love she feels for Prince Eric and ‘The World Above.' Alongside Ariel is the dashing Eric, played by Ian Gibson. Gibson displays a large amount of passion in the tone of his voice and his body posture. His voice is powerful, yet sweet, as exhibited brilliantly in his solo, ‘Her Voice.'

Though Ariel is wonderful, she would be nowhere without her three best friends, Scuttle, Flounder, and Sebastian. Caroline Candy, as Scuttle, brings a high level of energy to the stage as she flies into each scene. Throughout the entire show, Candy keeps the rigid movements of a seagull. Flounder, portrayed by Cameron Arcand, follows Ariel with a youthful and silly personality. Akash Seeramreddi is brilliant as Sebastian, through his unwavering accent and incredible energy. He uses body posture to show that he is a crustacean, even down to his hands, which remain in a claw position throughout the entire production.

Chloe Boulard is powerful and unforgettable as the sea witch, Ursula. She has a strong stage presence, displaying her wickedness. Her impeccable comedic timing brings an element of humor to her character, while retaining Ursula's evil nature. Her vocals are stunning and powerful, showing her dominance over other characters.

With many 2D drops and set pieces, the set crew brings a huge, very extravagant set that shows the image of a pop up book. The stage is illuminated with colorful and shaped lights that truly bring audiences under the sea.

With an amazing, hard working crew and an incredibly talented cast, Northwood High School tells a powerful story of love and passion between a mermaid, a sailor, and many lively characters under the sea.