As the autumn leaves fell outside, a different kind of weather unfolded inside Cathedral Prep. From Oct. 19-22, the H. David Bowes Auditorium transformed into an aquatic wonderland, bringing the timeless tale of The Little Mermaid to life. Led by Fr. Mike DeMartinis, the director of Prep’s theatre program, the curtains rose, revealing a world where dreams became reality and where mermaids, talking crabs, and underwater adventures took center stage.

“I could not have been happier with how the musical turned out,” Fr. Mike said. “Everyone did their very best, and the show was amazing. They told the story very well, and the audiences loved it.” 

Under a tight schedule and grueling hours, Fr. Mike was impressed with how the cast managed the time crunch.

“A show of this magnitude usually takes at least eight weeks of rehearsing, but we did this show in under seven weeks,” he said. “The cast worked really hard, and it paid off. The work of putting the show on actually takes place months in advance by the directors and producers.”

Senior Sammie Ellwell, who played Ursula, gave some insight into The Legend and how intense the preparation was for the production. 

“During production week, we typically spend around 12-14 hours at school every day,” Sammie said. “We go to school until three and stay after school until about 9:30. Although our practice doesn’t technically start until 6, the cast would use that extra three or so hours to get ready into our makeup, hair, costumes, and practice over lines.”

Through all the trials and tribulations, once the final curtain closed, all members were ecstatic with their multiple performances.

“I think that our hard work did pay off,” Sammie said. It was definitely stressful in all aspects, but it was worth it in the end. I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew members to put on this amazing show.”