By Jenny Rehkugler, Communications Specialist 

This year Crane Lake went under the sea as campers put on the Little Mermaid on the rec hall stage last night. Spirits were high as familiar tunes were sung and proud smiles were shining as friends performed in front of the community.

Auditions were held for the play at the beginning of the session and the cast rehearsed every day, except for Shabbat, for the last three weeks. The director, Brick and musical director, Stella worked hard to make sure that no one left the theater feeling like a poor unfortunate soul.

“Rehearsals were intense,” Brick said. “Especially since many of the lead roles were double cast.”

Due to the popularity of participating in the play, Brick and Stella wanted to give more campers the opportunity to perform so they double casted some of the lead roles. The cast performed the play twice for both upper and lower camp.

“I was pleasantly surprised with the wealth of talent here at Crane Lake,” Brick said. “We were able to cast lead roles from every unit, Nitzanim to Olim.”

The diversity of age within the cast allowed for everyone to be excited about seeing the play as their friends worked the stage. Highlights included when Trevor and Clara sang “Under the Sea”, Noa and Maya performed “Part of your World”, and when Maddie rocked the house as Ursula as she sang “Poor Unfortunate Souls”.

“Watching the cast bond was truly joyful,” Brick said smiling. “Seeing campers support each other and overcome their stage fright and nerves to give amazing performances reminded once again what makes directing a play all worth it.”

The Little Mermaid was certainly at hit this year. The singing, dancing and acting were expressive of the Crane Lake spirit. Now the Little Mermaid will forever be a part of our Crane Lake world.

Stay tuned for full video performances of both casts coming shortly.