FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JUNE 12, 2014 • THE QUEENS COURIER 21 Bayside elementary students dive ‘Under the Sea’ for their musical BY PAULINA TAM Bayside’s P.S. 31 is mounting an ambitious stage production of “The Little Mermaid,” an adaptation of the 1989 Disney animated musical classic. In the school’s production, huge movable sets of underwater caves and boulders grace the stage alongside the sea — long, blue, fl owing drapes that are fl anked by student crew members on each side. Costumes consist of colorful wigs, feathers and sequins. Director and music teacher Will Coppola and producer and art teacher Ashley Ciccotelli were nervous when initially approaching the design and construction of the set. “How were we going to make one tiny little elementary school stage both the beach and the underwater scenes?” Coppola said. “We found out that we can use fabric to create the waves and the lighting to create the underwater scenery.” Stage fright and keeping the students focused through many rehearsals were some of the challenges that Coppola and Ciccotelli faced since the cast’s fi rst rehearsal in January. “We have to constantly remind ourselves that the students are only 9 or 10 years old but they perform — in my opinion — so professional in quality that when I see them outside of class I think ‘Oh, they’re still kids,’” he said. Student Grace Wansor plays Princess Ariel. Coppola remembers having her for a class during her fi rst year teaching at P.S. 31. “She barely spoke in my class,” he said. “I can defi nitely say that I was completely fl oored when she auditioned for the part. She was not even on my radar and then she tried out and blew us all out of the water.” Emilia Salazar did not get a leading part last year but Cast of P.S. 31’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” she listened to and watched the fi lm on repeat while continuously practicing her singing and acting skills until she landed the role of Ursula. “I’m just a little nervous for the show but I’m going to fi ght through it,” she said. “I want to give it all I got THE COURIER/Photo by Paulina Tam so people would think that this is the best musical that P.S. 31 has ever put on.” “The Little Mermaid” will take place in P.S. 31’s auditorium on Thursday, June 12, and Saturday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 each. CUTLER’S LIGHTING 2013 THE QUEENS st of the QueensCourier.com Place Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES LAMP SHADE SALE 12 years from now, this LED bulb will still be saving you money. 10% OFF OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 YELLOW TAG SALE GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 Excludes Repairs, Refinishing, Rewiring. Exp. 6/30/2014 Up to 50% OFF on Select Models CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING
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