The Goffstown High School (GHS) Theater Department has been non-stop with performances of The Little Mermaid: The Musical for the past two weeks. This production has been in the works since the middle of December with shows beginning on the weekend of February 13th and ending on the weekend of February 19th.
Dan Filer, a senior at GHS, plays a crucial role in the behind-the-scenes aspects of these performances. Dan is the technical director, describing that there is “a lot going on that people don’t realize.” While audience members watch scenes–many with sound and light effects–the tech crew must make these effects come to life. The tech crew is divided between crew duties, which typically tackle props and the set, and tech duties who handle sound and lighting. During the show, it’s all hands on deck with members of the tech crew on lights, projections, sound, and both stage left and right–moving props between scenes and assisting with quick changes. Dan says that the “show doesn’t come together without [the tech crew] and ultimately, it’s a question of how well the cast and crew can work together…to execute the vision” of each show.
A contrasting perspective is one of an actor or actress in the show. Andrew Tanuma, who played Prince Eric describes that “being in the show is not easy. It’s strenuous and has become what [he] enjoy[s].” Andrew’s first performance was The Nutcracker at GHS, where he was one of the littles. Starting from an early age allowed Andrew to progress into where he is today. The audition process for the Little Mermaid included “four different audition songs, not for a specific role, [but instead] split up by soprano, alto, tenor, and bass”–the four primary vocal ranges in choral music. When auditioning, Andrew sang the tenor piece along with sides, which are short scenes from the show. Soon after, the cast list came out, with Andrew cast as Prince Eric. While in this role, Andrew faced a challenge, as “Prince Eric is a tenor role…and I am definitely not a tenor.” This required him to work one-on-one with Mr. Desrochers and a voice coach to hit notes without altering anything.
Andrew describes his favorite part of the show making process as tech week. Tech week is “when everything starts to come together” says Andrew. Dan’s three words to describe tech week are “chaotic, engaging, and busy.” Besides tech week, there are many moments that make the show making process magical. Charlotte Small, a GHS junior who plays Windward, a chef, and a sailor, describes her favorite part of the show as “getting closer to people [she] didn’t think [she] would talk to beyond theater.”
Charlotte began her theatrical career in fifth grade. When auditioning, Charlotte tries “out for whatever” and is grateful for every role she takes on. A challenge she faces is fully getting into character, specifically when the role requires sayings or movements that make her feel judged. Ultimately, Charlotte is learning to “work up the courage to commit to the bit” and fully indulge in her characters.
The musical itself was perfectly executed with exciting group numbers and impactful solo songs. Many ensemble pieces involved actors going into the audience, expanding the scene beyond the stage. The theater department at GHS is like no other, yet again performing another fantastic show for all ages to enjoy.
