Trinity Christian School’s The Little Mermaid Makes Waves with Four Sold-Out Performances
By Samantha DePriest
It is no secret that Roaring Dramatics is a dynamic and thriving arts program at Trinity Christian School. Under the leadership of director Lizzie Perez and supported by a team of exceptionally talented instructors, students with a passion for the arts have numerous opportunities to share their God given gifts and talents. Our high school production of The Little Mermaid was nothing short of magical. The entire cast shone brightly as they brought to life the story of Ariel’s quest for something beyond the world she knows. Through their God given talents, hard work, and heartfelt performances, the students made this story truly unforgettable.
Theatre Director Mrs. Lizzie Perez co-directed the production along with Dr. Nicholas Yeakley. Mrs. Perez shared, “Ariel’s story is driven by a deep desire for something beyond the world she knows. Her longing reflects a truth about all of us - we are create with hearts that reach for more, longing itself is not wrong, it can be a gift that points us towards growth, purpose, and transformation. Yet the story also invites us to reflect on how we respond to that longing, when desire is rushed or misunderstood, it can lead us to seek fulfillment in ways that cost us our voice, our wisdom, or our trust. When do our longings become idols rather than callings?
In this production, we see Ariel not simply as a character chasing a dream, but as a reflection of ourselves - learning that becoming who we are meant to be does not require losing our voise, but discovering how and when to use it. It is our hope that his story encourages each of us to ask, what do I long for and how might that longing lead me closer to who God is calling me to be?”
Along side Mrs. Perez was a team of talented staff and parent volunteers. Dr. Nicholas Yeakley lead the charge while Mrs. Perez was on maternity leave with her first born. Dr. Yeakley worked all elements of the show together, provided excellent leadership and cared for all of the students. Mrs. Ann Marie Rhodes assisted in filling in the gaps logistically and creatively, supporting the team, and bringing excellence to all she did. Lastly Mrs. Kara Joy (Bragg) Gregory assisted with choreography and encouraged of our cast members. It wasn’t that long ago when Mrs. Gregory was a student at TCS and graced the stage as Ariel in The Little Mermaid in 2018.
After months of preparing, our talented cast and crew performed four sold out shows over the weekend. Parent volunteers gave hundreds of hours assisting in so many ways. Mrs. Patty Brezina, mom of four TCS lions, helped our students discover their creative gifts in costume design. Mrs. Audrey Robin, mom of a TCS senior, gave of her time to create s smooth ticketing process and lead the VIP experience along with Mrs. Sara Cola, mom of two TCS lions. Mrs. Rachel Wozniak, mom of two lions and two alumni, alongside Mrs. Lea Selleck, mom of three lions, discipled our students costumes in various ways including hemming their costumes. And last Mr. Mark Cannon, father of one lion and one alumni - notably our Class of 2025 Valedictorian, created the most incredible set pieces as he does every year with every musical.
Senior student performers with their legacy rose recipients.
Image by Addison Davis
A treasured tradition each year after the final show of the high school musical, the senior cast members select an underclassman to give their Legacy Rose to. This year 18 seniors graced the stage for the last time including Greg Brezina, Brady Burnett, Anna Craven, Shelby Dunckel, Kennedy Goodall, Kasara Haynes, Sarah Hutchison, Sophia Hurt, Savannah Jackson, Isabelle Johnson, Autumn Mankus, Ann Marelle Maples, Charlotte Osterhage, MJ Poling, Payton Robinson, Brett Rogers, Kate Williamson, and Hank Woody.
The Little Mermaid is an official participant of the Shuler Hensley Awards, an Artsbridge Program through the Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards. The 18th Annual Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards will be held on Thursday, April 16 at 8pm at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The awards show will be aired live at 8pm on Georgia Publix Broadcasting so be sure to tune in.