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The Luther College production of

Director’s Notes

It is a joy to welcome you under the sea, to our production of The Little Mermaid - a story filled with wonder, longing and the courage to imagine a life beyond the horizon. Bringing this musical to the stage has been a rich and rewarding journey, shaped by the creativity, commitment and generosity of our students, staff and wider community. From the first read-through to the final moments of production week, this show has been built through collaboration, curiosity and an enormous amount of heart. Productions like this are never the work of one person, but the result of thousands of decisions made by many hands. Every movement adjustment, lighting shift, costume detail, musical accent and pause contributes to the world you experience onstage. I am endlessly grateful to our production team and community members who give so willingly of their time, expertise and energy - often behind the scenes and always with the students’ experience, wellbeing and learning at the centre of their work.

At its core, The Little Mermaid is a story about finding your voice. Ariel’s journey asks big questions of us all: Who am I? What do I long for? What am I willing to risk in order to grow? These themes resonate deeply for all of us, but even more so within a school production, where young people are constantly learning, experimenting and discovering new versions of themselves. Watching students step into this imaginative world - taking risks, supporting one another and committing fully to the learning process - has been a powerful reminder of why co-curricular experiences like this matter so deeply, and why they must be genuinely valued through sustained time, resources and trust.

So, as the waves rise and the story unfolds, we invite you to suspend your disbelief, lean into the magic of live theatre, and celebrate the extraordinary effort of the young people onstage and the many contributors behind them. We hope you enjoy diving into our world of The Little Mermaid.

Katie-Jane Amey - Director

Synopsis

Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved tale and the classic animated film, The Little Mermaid tells the story of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, who yearns for life beyond the sea. Curious, spirited and determined, she is drawn to the human world and its endless possibilities.

Driven by this longing, Ariel makes a fateful bargain with the sea witch Ursula—one with far-reaching consequences for both land and sea. Her growing connection with Prince Eric becomes part of the future she is striving to claim. With the help of loyal friends Sebastian, Flounder and Scuttle, Ariel must find her voice, face the consequences of her choices, and discover where she truly belongs.

Orchestra

Musical Director

Keyboard 1 / RehearsalAccompanist

Keyboard 2

Keyboard 3

Reed 1

Reed 2

Reed 3

Trumpet

French Horn

Violin 1

Violin 2

Cello

Acoustic/Electric Bass

Drumkit/Untuned Percussion

Angus Williamson

Madeline Rice

Gracie Miles

Lisa Chen

David George

Angus Williamson

Gracie Miles

Erika Grande

Vivian Chen

Heather Smith

Jarrod Brereton

Adrian Perger

Madeline Rice

Tom Silvester

Lisa Chen

Lore Burns

Tom Mitchell

Cameron Newnham

Erika Grande

Tom Mitchell

Vivian Chen

Cameron Newnham

Musical Numbers

ACT 1

Overture

The World Above Fathoms Below Daughters of Triton

If Only (Trtion’s Lament)

Daddy’s Little Angel

Part of Your World

The Storm

Part of Your World (Reprise)

She’s in Love

Her Voice

Under the Sea

If Only (Ariel’s Lament)

Sweet Child

Poor Unfortunate Souls

Act One Finale

Orchestra

Ariel

Pilot, Grimsby, Prince Eric, Sailors

Mersisters

King Triton

Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam

Ariel

Ensemble

Ariel

Mersisters, Flounder, Sea Creatures

Prince Eric

Sebastian, Sea Creatures

Ariel

Flotsam, Jetsam

Ursula, Ariel, Flotsam, Jetsam, Souls

ACT 2

Entr’acte Positoovity

Beyond My Wildest Dreams

Les Poissons

Les Poissons (Reprise) & Mayhem

One Step Closer

Daddy’s Little Angel (Reprise)

Kiss the Girl

If Only (Quartet)

The Contest

Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)

Finale Ultimo

Orchestra

Scuttle, Chip, Dip, Gulls

Ariel, Bettie, Hattie, Lottie, Grimsby, Maids

Chef Louis, Sebastian, Chefs

Chef Louis, Sebastian, Waiters

Prince Eric, Ariel, Ensemble

Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam

Sebastian, Scuttle, Ensemble

Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, King Triton

Princesses, Grimsby, Ensemble

Ursula

Ariel, Prince Eric, King Triton, Grimsby, Ensemble

Lottie

Hattie

Bettie

Cast List

Ariel

Prince Eric

King Triton

Sebastian

Ursula

Flounder

Scuttle

Grimsby

Flotsam

Jetsam

Chef Louis/Pilot

Aquata

Andrina Arista Atina

Adella Allana

Anika Choudhury

Hannah Bolonghe

Isla Creemers

Abby Maxa

Abby Vander Jagt

Abigail Brown

Alexandra Atkinson

Alexis Rosler

Amelia Kaberry

Amelia Trent

Anna Langelaan

Annika Brown

Arli Arnott

Arwen Johns

Bronwyn Newnham

Kiara Grant / Sienna Keane

Asher Larratt / Hudson Malone

Samuel Vass

Hamish Williamson

Ivy Guardiani / Issy Neilson

Lexie Fitzsimons / Nikita Gordon

Ruby Endall / Noah Geoghegan

Mitchell Gorry / Mitchell Thomas

Sarah Hudson / Grace Kaberry

Lena Miller / Mia Morgante

Ashton Harris

Maddie Tavenor

Emily Boer

Summer Miles

Emily Mulder

Mia Foster

Alycia Rolfe

Chip Windward Leeward

Ensemble

Charlotte Kennedy

Chelsea Jesman

Daisy Chen

Daisy Taylor

Emily Janson

Emma Leake

Estella Higgins

Esther Kollmorgen

Eva Eustice

Evey Taylor

Gabrielle Miguel

Georgia Trent

Harrison Pepper

Lily Fletcher

Milla Creemers

Zara Foster

Imogen Lange

Justine Geddes

Kiara Adams

Kuda Takawira

Lara Schipper

Lucy Martin

Maya Stefanac

Samuel Hopkins

Scarlett Horwood

Sophie McLean

Xavier Higgins

Zara Williams

Production Credits

Creative Director / Producer

Musical Director / Orchestra

Assistant Musical Director Vocal Coaches

Choreography

Direction Assistance

Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Floor Manager

Stage Crew

Production Admin

Set & Costume Design

Set Construction

Set Painting & Scenic Art

Projection Content

Costume Coordination

Costume Team

Wig Styling

Make-up Design

Lighting Design & Operation

Lighting Assistant

Sound Design & Operation

Sound Assistant

Mic Technician

Keyboard Programming

Backstage Supervision

Publicity Coordination

Photography

Videography

Front of House Program

Production Cheerleaders

Katie-Jane Amey

David George

Zac Annal

Michaela Marshall, Jade Biezen

Kessia Bowen, Lauren Futcher, Lauren Newnham, Sophie Rozinsky

Jessica Lowman, Sharyn Taylor

Riley Bell

Abbey Stone

Charlotte Burns

Tom Stone, Mia Raftis, Callan Lynch, Tobey Mitchell,

Zac Allen

Rachel De Iulio

Katie-Jane Amey

Doug Amey

Kerry O’Gara, Katie-Jane Amey, Samantha Lange, Riley Bell, Xander Allen, Lara Schipper, Abby Maxa, Zac Allen, Samuel Vass

Chris Anderson

Samantha Lange

Maria Smedes, Asher Larratt, Mia Foster, Emily Mulder, Leyla Reid, Hamish Williamson, Sharyn Taylor

Abby Harris

Leyla Reid, Anderson Lynch

David Brown

Stephanie Blyberg

Jack Champion - Impress AV

Xander Allen

Lucas Kent

Nathan Firmin - Patched Keyboards

Susan Sharkey, Staff of Luther College

Lisa Trent

Sean Callinan - A Touch of Flash Photography

Michael Hollis, Leigh Schilling - Midnight Toast

Staff of Luther College

Hamish Williamson, Katie-Jane Amey

Sharyn Taylor, Lorraine Millar, Manuela Kitanovic, Susan Sharkey, Will Scoble, Daniel Croft

Kiara Grant - Ariel

Kiara is thrilled to take on the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid, an opportunity beyond her wildest dreams, as this marks her third whole school musical at Luther College. She has been involved in singing/music and theatre for over 5 years, and trains in a variety of dance styles at Kix Studio. Her previous roles include ensemble in Shrek: The Musical, a diva in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Miss Honey in Matilda JR. Kiara has loved bringing Ariel’s curiosity, determination and dramatic flair to life, and hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed being part of it.

Sienna Keane - Ariel

Sienna has greatly enjoyed her experience in Luther musicals. Now in Year 11, she has embraced a range of opportunities to grow and develop on stage, taking on a variety of lead roles along the way. Her performances include Young Fiona in Shrek: The Musical, Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and now Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She is also a Triple Threat with the Young Australian Broadway Chorus. Sienna is thankful for the opportunities she has been given and the supportive community at Luther that continues to encourage her love of performance.

Asher Larratt - Prince Eric

Asher is thrilled to be returning to the Luther stage as Prince Eric, following his previous role as Mike Teevee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A former member of the National Boys Choir of Australia and a cellist for seven years, Asher has a long history of performing in a range of community and schoolbased theatre and musical productions, including Into the Woods JR., Aladdin JR., Chitty Chitty Bang Bang JR., and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He extends his sincere thanks to the staff, teachers, and family whose support has made these opportunities possible.

Hudson Malone - Prince Eric

Hudson has been involved in theatre for six years, performing with community companies including Diamond Valley Singers and Eltham Little Theatre, as well as at Luther College. His previous roles include Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Lord Farquaad in Shrek: The Musical, Prince Hans in Frozen JR., The Cat in the Hat in Seussical JR., Peter in The Diary of Anne Frank and Lucas Beineke in The Addams Family. This is Hudson’s third and final musical at Luther, and he is thrilled to be playing Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid.

Hamish Williamson - sebastian

After playing Mr Beauregarde in Luther’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Hamish is thrilled to return to the stage as Sebastian. He trains weekly at May Downs Performing Arts in a range of dance styles and does singing with Bernard Dana. Hamish has appeared in productions of Les Misérables (MDMS), Frozen JR. (Diamond Valley Singers), and received a Lyrebird Award for Most Outstanding Dancer in a Musical for his performance as Neleus/Valentine in Mary Poppins (MDMS). Hamish thanks his family and friends for their constant support and hopes you enjoy the show.

Samuel Vass - king triton

Performing in the Luther musical for the second time has been a wonderful way for Sam to connect with both new and familiar friends through music and performance. He has especially loved taking on the role of the King of the Sea, Triton - not only because he escapes the dance numbers, but because he feels a strong connection to the character and enjoys performing with heart and intensity. Performing has been a significant part of Sam’s life, from his time with the Australian Boys Choir and YABC to his involvement in various ensembles at Luther College. Sam hopes you enjoy the performance and promises to try not to make you cry too much!

Ivy Guardiani - ursula

Ivy is loving the opportunity to perform alongside her friends once again in her second and final Luther musical. A former YABC performer, Ivy plays piano at Seventh Grade level and enjoys tinkering on the guitar - though most of her singing still happens in the shower. She encourages everyone at Luther to be brave, step outside their comfort zone, and give musical theatre a go, as it has been one of the highlights of her time at the College. Ivy would also like to thank her mum for coaching her through the audition process, as she wouldn’t be here without her - and has promised her the role of understudy should Ivy mysteriously slip on a banana skin!

Issy Neilson - ursula

Issy is excited to be performing in her third and final Luther musical. She has loved theatre from a young age, much to the delight of her family and friends, who are very familiar with her spontaneous karaoke sessions. Issy performed with both YABC and The Australian Youth Choir. She played the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland JR. during primary school, and at Luther has had the privilege of performing as The Ugly Duckling in Shrek: The Musical, Sharpay Evans in High School Musical 2 JR. and Mrs Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She can’t wait to bring the hilarious and slightly unhinged Ursula to life.

Lexie Fitzsimons - flounder

This is Lexie’s first Luther College musical, and she has loved every moment of the experience. She has been part of Stage School Australia’s YABC for five years and has been in musicals such as Matilda JR. and Mary Poppins JR., in which she performed several solos. This production marks Lexie’s first lead role, and she can’t wait to share it with audiences. She has thoroughly enjoyed the many performance opportunities at Luther and is extremely grateful for the chance to be part of this production.

Nikita Gordon - flounder

Nikita has loved being on stage since she first began performing and feels most at home exploring characters alongside her friends. She is excited to bring the role of Flounder to life in her second musical at Luther College. After previously playing Violet Beauregarde in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Nikita is thrilled to dive under the sea and continue sharing her growing passion for performance and entertaining others.

Ruby Endall - scuttle

Ruby is thrilled to be spreading her wings as Scuttle in this year’s production. She has been involved in the Co-curricular Performing Arts program since Year 7 and has previously performed in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland JR. Outside of school, Ruby trains in singing and piano, writes and performs her own original music, and is involved with Australian Youth Theatre. She hopes you enjoy the show and have a dinglehopper of a great time!

Noah Geoghegan - scuttle

Noah has always loved being on stage, from his early involvement with Stage School Australia’s YABC to his previous roles as Mike Teevee in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Baby Shrek in Shrek: The Musical. Outside of school, he is a regular and active member of Fresh Youth Theatre. Noah is thrilled to be playing Scuttle in his final school musical at Luther, The Little Mermaid.

Mitchell Gorry - grimsby

Mitch is looking forward to performing in his third and final musical at Luther College. He previously appeared in Shrek: The Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and has participated in House Drama and Performing Arts from Years 7 to 11. Mitch loves playing guitar and his interest in music and musical theatre has grown throughout his time at Luther. He would like to thank everyone who has supported him and is excited to make many lasting memories in The Little Mermaid as Grimsby.

Mitchell Thomas - grimsby

Mitchell is currently enjoying his role in his second musical at Luther, having previously played Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. During primary school, Mitchell participated in a range of co-curricular performing arts activities, including playing the Peach Boy in Tachiagaru! and competing in Wakakirri performances. He has been involved in numerous school plays, musicals, and hip-hop dance groups. During his time at Luther, Mitchell has also performed in the House Performing Arts Festival and House Drama.

Sarah Hudson - flotsam

Sarah is excited to be performing in her third Luther musical as Flotsam. She previously featured as Veruca Salt in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and has undertaken singing lessons alongside gaining extensive dance experience. Sarah has performed in ballet productions with both Ringwood Ballet Group and Victorian State Ballet. She has recently completed her SFD Jazz and RAD Higher Grades syllabuses, is continuing her training with RAD Advanced 2, and has begun the SFD Teacher Training Course.

Grace Kaberry - flotsam

Grace is thrilled to be taking on her first principal role in this year’s school musical. She has previously performed in the ensemble for Shrek: The Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Grace has also performed in Year 11 and Year 12 Theatre Studies productions and played Mrs Wormwood in Matilda JR. Outside of school, she is a member of the Young Australian Broadway Chorus and has performed in the show Mulan JR.

Lena Miller - jetsam

Lena is absolutely thrilled to be performing in her third musical at Luther. She has previously played Young Fiona in Shrek: The Musical and Augustus Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Lena is loving the opportunity to perform with such a talented cast and is extremely grateful for the many wonderful opportunities made possible by the Performing Arts department at Luther.

Mia Morgante - jetsam

Mia is thrilled to be performing in her final musical at Luther. She has previously appeared in Shrek: The Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as Mary Poppins and Singing in the Rain during primary school. Mia has been taking singing lessons for five years and has been involved in many Luther ensembles. She is proud to be a Theatre Arts Captain this year and can’t wait to take on the role of Jetsam.

Ashton Harris - chef louis/pilot

Ashton has enjoyed piloting Prince Eric’s ship and singing as the eccentric Chef Louis throughout countless rehearsals and is excited to bring both roles to the stage. A creative at heart, he has embraced the rich Performing Arts program at Luther, participating in several Performing Arts Festivals and ensembles over the years, with this being his first Luther musical. Ashton is deeply grateful for this valuable opportunity and for the dedication of everyone involved in bringing such a wonderful show to life.