I was in my senior year at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School when The Little Mermaid was released. I remember how popular it was - such a great story and incredible music. Eighteen years later, I was fortunate enough to see that magic recreated on Broadway. The sets were incredible and new songs were added to the story. Now, sixteen years after that, I find myself directing this iconic piece of entertainment history early in my third decade of directing the musicals back at my alma mater.
This is my fourth Disney show at PW and I am always so intimidated by them. The stories and characters are so legendary, and Disney is a pioneer in technology, storytelling and effects. To try and recreate those elements for an audience is overwhelming. Our production team has taken great care in trying to make our version of the show special and unique, while staying true to the story that everyone knows and loves.
Our journey to this point has been long, but enjoyable. Special thanks to the staff - Maria, Julianna, Jordan, Val, Jen, Melissa, Kevin, John, Cooper, Lindsey and Maggie. Their continued dedication and inspirational creativity are cornerstones of the Colonial Players. Daily, they live up to the long line of previous directors and creatives that made CP what it is today. Their knowledge and support are keys to our success.
New to the creative team this year are four of our seniors: Leena Krayyem, Chloe Markus, Paige Sarro and Avery Wrobel. These four young women have served in student leadership roles within our program and have done an outstanding job. Additional thanks to Kate Quirus, Anna Quirus, and Carmelena Smith for spearheading a variety of other initiatives. In all, we are graduating over 25 seniors from our program in all facets of the production. They all will be greatly missed, and we wish them well in their future endeavors.
Thanks also to Dr. Bacani and the PW Administration, Dr. Christian and the CSD Administration, the school board, Eric Webb and the PW Custodial staff, Curtis Taylor and food services, and Joe Lally, Nate Barone, and the CSD Facilities staff for their continued support of the performing arts. The Colonial School District’s commitment to the creative and performing arts provides our students with an outlet to express themselves artistically through music, acting, song, dance, painting, and construction.
Finally, special thanks to my family (Carrie, Luke, Lance, and Bryce) for their continued support of my passion for theater. I spend a great deal of time in the theater in these early months of each year, and they are always there at the end of the day with nothing but love and encouragement. Each day, I am thankful to have them all in my life.
Enjoy the show.
M. Engel
