Disney's The Little Mermaid Set to Take the Turner Stage at LCC
By: Cailyn Kennedy
Elysian Players Production of Disney's The Little Mermaid is coming to the Turner Stage in Briley Auditorium at Lenoir Community College Sept. 22 – 24 and Sept. 29 – Oct. 1. The production is presented in partnership with the LCC.
Directed by Jordan Amburn, president of Elysian Players, the show will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 22 and 23 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. You can also catch another full weekend of the production at 7 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 and at 3 p.m. Oct. 1. Tickets are available at www.lenoircc.edu/thelittlemermaid. Ticket prices are $15 for accessible seating: $20 for orchestra seating and $15 for standard seating. Student standard seating (ages 4-17; 18+ student ID required) is $10.
The Little Mermaid is based around Ariel, the rebellious mermaid who is bored with her life under the sea and wishes to see the world above. In defiance of her father, King Triton, she finds a way to become human by striking a deal with the ruthless sea witch Ursula. She is determined to find a way to be with her prince charming, Eric, a human, and goes on the adventure of a lifetime during her time above water. This show is full of love, defiance, bravery, betrayal, and more magic than you could imagine.
Kinston native Holly Holder will be taking on the role of Ariel in this upcoming production. Holder is thrilled and honored to perform in her life-long dream role, Ariel, even though she said she unfortunately does not know how to swim. She studied theatre at Duke University and was an active member of the student-run musical theatre company Hoof-n-Horn. She performed with the group as well as directed the 2019 musical Cabaret. Previous roles include Alice in The Addams Family, Katherine in Taming of the Shrew, and Betty in White Christmas. Holder is currently getting her master's in psychology through Harvard University, teaching theater at Southeast Elementary School, and enjoying every second of rehearsing this magical show! She said she would love to thank Jordan (Amburn) and the rest of this kind and passionate crew and her incredibly talented cast!
Stepping into the shoes of Sebastian is Okisha Reneé Wells. Wells is a singer-songwriter, musician, and actress. She has over 25 years of experience in musical theatre with local and national players. She is a 2002 Goldsboro High graduate and a 2009 AMDA NYC graduate. She has been featured in productions such as A Christmas Carol-A New Musical, Show Boat, The Wiz, Joseph and the Amazing…Coat, Cinderella, and NC Theatre's The Color Purple Musical as JARENE, to name a few. Wells has graced theatre stages and has performed as lead vocalist for jazz, funk, and pop bands. Wells still dreams of performing on a Broadway stage and releasing an album composed of her own material. She said her biggest aspiration is to leave a platform for her daughter to stand on.
Playing the role of Prince Eric is Will Duval. Duval is honored to be working with Elysian Players again after being a part of the Little Shop of Horrors ensemble. He has previously done roles such as Chadwick in Elf, Pinocchio in Shrek, and most recently, Bobby Strong in Urinetown. Duvall hopes to bring out a side of Prince Eric that audiences have never seen before. He wants to thank everyone for all the love and support he's received over the years.
Ursula will be portrayed by Catherine Edwards. Edwards relishes the opportunity to restore the joyful charm of causing harm to everyone! Some of her previous stage roles include Cinderella in Disenchanted, Shelby in Steel Magnolias, and Laurey Williams in Oklahoma. Her most rewarding role is being a mother to her son Peyton and daughter Eleanor, who make every day worthy of a standing ovation. She wants to thank every poor, unfortunate soul who dares come under the sea for The Little Mermaid!
Taking on the sidekick role of Flounder is Nia-Simone Carter. Carter is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at Ben D. Quinn Elementary School in New Bern. She started her acting career as Charlie in Willy Wonka, Jr. with NBCT, followed by Blizzard Soloist in Honk, Jr. She also played Young Nala in The Lion King with Elysian Players. Carter is thrilled to perform again as Flounder in The Little Mermaid. She practices dance and enjoys cheerleading, art, acting and karaoke. Her goal is to showcase her talent locally and on Broadway eventually. Carter said she wants to thank Jordan (Amburn) for allowing her to showcase her talent once again and her family for their support!
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