By Kelly Kandra Hughes

The Botelle Elementary School PTO had one goal in mind when they decided to stage a production of The Little Mermaid Jr. the first weekend in April – to provide positive experiences for the children. As an audience member opening night, I can unequivocally attest they not only met their goal, but they exceeded it. From the moment Prince Eric and his crew navigated the open sea on his royal ship to the thunderous applause that filled the gymnasium as the entire cast took their bows, every student on stage seemed to be enjoying themselves and having fun. 

When I spoke the following week with the director, Ann DeCerbo, fifth-grader Lorelai DeCerbo who played Ursula, and production team member Ginny DeCerbo, Ann shared her beliefs how theater can be a great experience for children. “Theater builds confidence. It teaches you how to speak clearly and gives you poise. It’s bravery and working with other people.” She selected The Little Mermaid Jr. specifically because she knew the school had several strong female performers who could sing well together. What surprised her, however, was how some of the boys stepped up come show time. “They were really focused – fun and into it. They did a great job.” 

The stellar cast was the result of auditions in front of a panel of four parents – Director Ann DeCerbo, Assistant Director Kailyn Nadeau, Musical Director Jordan Lee, and Acting Coach Marinell Crippen. Auditions were held the second week in February and the panel focused on a student’s reading, singing and how well they thought the student would handle rehearsal. “The dedication needed to learn lines and lyrics is pretty intense,” says DeCerbo. 

Lorelai, who wowed the audience with her comic timing and big personality, watched the animated movie a lot in preparation. “That gave me an idea of how [Ursula] speaks and what she does.” Lorelai practiced in her room with the door shut to craft her timing and movements. When asked how often she practiced, Lorelai replied. “Every single day.” Her older sister, Ginny, also helped her get into character with her costume and with choreographing her numbers. “I was a little tough,” admits Ginny, who is a sophomore at Northwestern Regional and active in their theater program. “But [Lorelai] executed very, very well.” 

It wasn’t just the students working hard to ensure the success of The Little Mermaid, Jr. In addition to receiving grants from The Battell Arts Foundation and The Norfolk Children’s Fund, many adults also played a role. “We’re super lucky to have so many talented adults who are willing and available to take part,” says DeCerbo. “Sarah Fiester and her husband were instrumental in the sets. Kailyn Nadeau’s vision for how everything should look added hugely to the performance. Kristin Mudge choreographed some of the dance numbers. She is spectacular, and it was generous of her to do that because she doesn’t have children in the performance. And I can’t say enough about John DeShazo. His ability to make the sounds and lights work for us gave a real theater feel. In addition, Peter and Marinell Crippen are professional actors. We have all these great resources and that meant a lot. I’m super grateful to the whole town. The kids, the parents, the school, and the community really pulled together and stepped up to make a beautiful thing.”