8-05-2023 1:18pm

Alamogordo Music Theater A Little Mermaid Opens (ATN Review)

Chris Edwards Editor

Loren Jackson and part of the cast of The Little Mermaid Alamogordo Music Theater

Alamogordo Music Theater has been producing entertainment for locals for over 50 years.

Friday August 4th marked the opening of their production of The Little Mermaid and WOW, what a performance. The Little Mermaid was one of the best Disney productions we’ve seen in quite some time.

Having sponsored and served on a theater board in California for over a decade, we’ve seen a variety of large productions and smaller community theater efforts. This AMT program in Alamogordo was entertaining and most enjoyable.

Alamogordo Music Theater has a 50 plus year history of presenting a full spectrum of musical theater, creating a bridge for all audiences from classic works to the present such as this more modern production.

From the book written by Hans Christian Andersen and Disney animated film, The Little Mermaid tells a fictional story of a teenage mermaid princess named Ariel, who dreams of becoming human. She defiles her father, King Triton, who wishes she would avoid going on land, and falls in love with a human prince named Eric. Ariel makes a magic deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human and be with Prince Eric, but she has to kiss him in three days or lose her voice and freedom forever.

Tabitha Plante and Noah Harris (Ariel and Prince Eric) captivated the audience with their young love that wins over the evil powers of Ursula played by Jeanette Borunda. The singing from Plant and Harris was terrific, and they truly seemed like Disney characters on stage.

Tabitha Plante who played the role of Ariel has a large portfolio of past performances which includes Truly Scrumptious in AMTs “CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG”, Inga in “YOUNNG FRANKENSTIEN”, and Marty in “GREASE.” Some of her memorable roles she has played throughout the years include Elle Woods in “LEGALLY BLONDE” and Beggar Woman in “SWEENEY TODD.” She is originally from Houston, TX, where she directed over 30 stage productions, specializing in children's theater. She lives in Ruidoso, NM but has been with AMT just a year. The Little Mermaid has been her number one favorite movie since she was a child, since she has always felt like "fish out of water.” Besides it being a huge part of her life, she is most excited and honored to be sharing the stage and this story with some of her favorite and most talented cast mates according to AMT.

Noah Harris who plays Prince Eric has played as Crutchie in “The Newsies” and Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz.” Other roles include Fredrick Frankenstein in AMTs production of “Young Frankenstein”. Noah is a WFSM technician in the Air Force. He has lived in Alamogordo for about a year now. Noah loves being around a cast of talented people. One of Noah’s favorite shows that he would love to be in is “The Producers,” per an AMT release.

Jeanette Borunda as Ursula was perfectly fitting for her role. She has been in “A Queer Carol” various monologues in “The Vagina Monologues” as well as ensemble in AMTs production of “Grease”. Jeanette runs the Mobile Crisis Response Team at the Alamogordo Police Department. She was born here and moved home in 2015. Jeanette absolutely loves the characters in AMTs current production. Especially the villains. One of her favorite shows is “Rent,” per an AMT release.

We loved everything about this production. It has it all from the fantastic stage, singing, and acting! It's hard to single out one person from the incredible cast. For example, the cast overall sang in great harmony. The choreography of symmetry movements was impeccable, and guided under the direction of Pricilla Weber.

Chris Medina who played the role of Scuttle and Rosie Daffern who played the role of Jetsam were magnificent. They all provide that mesmerizing Disney magic that brings the child out of us all.

We smiled and were delightfully entertained by Adrianna Sharp, who is playing the role of Flounder as well as by Bradley Oliver, in the role of Flotsam, Tina George, who is playing the role of Arista and Heather Bash, playing the role of Atina and Jordynn Marelich playing the role of Sebastian.

The talents of Loren Jackson who’s 40 plus years at AMT made the perfect Grimsby.

Kudos to the excellent directing who ensured the brilliant message of love over fear and finding the true meaning of self(Be in our own skin) could be seen in this production.

You also get to hear those famous Little Mermaid songs (Part of Your World, Poor Unfortunate Souls), Under The Sea, and Kiss The Girls, performed to perfection with a great orchestra led by Kasi Chew.

The beauty of this Disney's classical tale of The Little Mermaid was seeing the glimmering joy in the eyes of the children watching the play along with the smiles of their parents.

With several actors singing what seemed like directly to the kids, their youthful euphoria made you feel like a child again. It was a magical performance that the entire family would love and there is still time to see it!

The message of The Little Mermaid of never giving up on your goals and dreams is still a vital message we should continuously teach daily. The human world, feels at times, overwhelming and a mess. Escaping for just a short time via the efforts of the Alamogordo Music Theater to “a life under the sea” reminds us of our humanity and the importance of community theater.

The Alamogordo Music Theater production of The Little Mermaid is a must-see! And it is above the sea with tickets still available at the Flickinger Center Box office with performances tonight, and the 6th, 11th and 12th of August, 2023.

https://www.alamogordomusictheatre.org

Let’s continue to support the efforts of the Alamogordo Music Theater with its 50 plus year history and community theater in Alamogordo’s Cultural Arts and History District of New York Avenue. Cultural Arts inspire, educate and entertain. Go and see some art or a play this weekend!