Bishop Druitt College's "The Little Mermaid" Musical Makes a Splash with Community

Wednesday, 15 May 2024

Bishop Druitt College is thrilled to announce the triumphant conclusion of its captivating musical production, "The Little Mermaid," which not only showcased the remarkable talent of its students and faculty but also brought the community together in celebration of the performing arts.

Under the visionary leadership of Rachel Caesar, the K-12 Performing Arts Manager at Bishop Druitt College, "The Little Mermaid" came to life through months of dedicated effort and meticulous planning. Rachel shared, "I am so incredibly proud of our BDC Students and the show they wowed audiences with. I am so proud of our staff, parents and community that worked together to produce a high-quality and entertaining production of The Little Mermaid. The musical was a wonderful experience for all involved."

"The Little Mermaid" narrates the enchanting story of Ariel, a mermaid with an insatiable curiosity for the world beyond the sea. Against the backdrop of Ursula's sinister plans, Ariel embarks on a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and romance, captivating audiences of all ages.

Nanette Backhouse, leading the costume design team, brought unparalleled creativity to the production. Nanette, from local creative agency saso.creative, emphasised her commitment to sustainability, stating, "With over 300 hours of glueing and sewing, our goal was to repurpose materials and minimise waste. The vibrant collection of costumes we crafted truly brought the characters to life."

The dedication of the students, aged 12 to 17, was evident in every scene, song, and dance number. Their passion and hard work, coupled with expert choreography led by Hannah Johnson and Rachel Caesar, made "The Little Mermaid" an 

Hannah Johnson the dance choreographer of the musical said “From Broadway high kicking chefs to comedic ‘fake’ tapping seagulls to Fosse-inspired seaweed, our dancers did it all for this musical. I was inspired to do this musical due to the potential to explore a variety of different dance genres. Our dancers enjoyed the challenge, committed to their characters, and survived the multitude of quick changes, an unforgettable experience for all involved”.

Rachel Caesar expressed her hopes for the students, saying, "I wanted this production to be a cherished highlight of their school journey, something they fondly remember for years to come."

"The Little Mermaid" drew audiences from near and far, with sold-out shows and attendees traveling from Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane to witness the magic firsthand. The combination of talented performers, stunning costumes, and expertly executed production elements left a lasting impression on all who attended.

For those who missed the opportunity to experience "The Little Mermaid" live, updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses can be found on the Bishop Druitt College Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bdccoffs.