Musical takes Aurora audience on delightful trip under the sea

Emotions soared for the cast and crew of AHS’s presentation of “The Little Mermaid” this week, with three months of tireless rehearsal culminating in four exhilarating performances.
The bar of musical expectations is incredibly high here in Aurora, based on past performances by instrumental and vocal groups alike, and this year’s show hit the mark, earning a two thumbs-up review.
There were unique differences with this year’s musical which made it especially fun for the audience. Every parent in the crowd likely has a VHS, CD or digital version of “The Little Mermaid” at home, depending on their age, well watched and memorized when the kids were (or are now) growing up. So we all knew the story of Ariel, King Triton, Sebastian, Ursula and Co., which created a sense of anticipation right from the opening song.
Director Jason Frew said that can be a challenge in itself, though not surprisingly this hometown presentation created its own unique connection. Watching little girls dressed up as Ariel share their excitement with AHS students after the show is a memory both will likely long remember. High schoolers don’t often get that sense of stardom, so it was fun to see such genuine emotion unfold on and off the stage.
It’s also something special to watch local youth shine in such a public way. We’ve watched many of these kids grow up over the years, but we saw and heard a difference in “The Little Mermaid.” I found myself feeling goose bumps, almost tearing up a few times, as teenagers I thought I knew fairly well had me transfixed as they threw themselves into character through song and script. Those are the types of moments that can inspire those on stage to push themselves down the road with a new-found confidence, as well as light a fire in youngsters in the crowd who decide in that moment that they want to take the stage when it’s their time to shine.
The directors and everyone involved behind the scenes deserve a bow as well for the extra effort and detail that went into this year’s production. Not only were cast members hoisted into the air with a  lift system, they took flight on cue, with choreographed moves synced to the music, requiring a landing on a spot sometimes only inches wide. That, combined with a video backdrop and professional orchestra, created a terrific theater experience one might expect on a much larger stage.
The fact that we were right here in Aurora, knowing many of the cast and crew as part of our own community, made it a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Thank you, AHS music, for another musical night to remember.
Kurt Johnson