The company had brought costumes and props... the cast needed to commit to one full week of rehearsals and then a Saturday performance. Evelyn knew going into the process that she would most certainly not be cast a leading role.... seeing as the auditions were for kids age 8 to 18. we joked she would probably be cast as sea weed or a crab... ha! But that it would be fun to be a part of this play, regardless.
As it turned out, Evelyn was given the role of "seasider." This rendition of "the little mermaid" was not the Disney one we know so well. A seasider dwells on land; they are the townsfolk who interact here and there with the mermaids who come to visit on their 16th birthdays. Evelyn was cast alongside 12 other seasiders and she was excited about it. Excited until she read the script and realized that she was to play a Granny who needed to wobble out, speak in old timer, and even (gasp) pinch the cheek of the prince! She was embarrassed and devastated!!! She wanted to be the princess or even just the regular joe... but not the Granny. Thankfully, my mom (in town for the week) and I were able to talk her down and she came to the conclusion that playing a crazy part is actually extremely cool! It stretches your acting skills and allows you to grow and show your stuff! I was so proud of the way Evelyn turned it all around and made it such a positive experience in the end. She loved her role and did a marvelous job. The director even told her that she stole the show with her acting skills. Evelyn enjoyed the cast and show and was very happy with the experience in general. It was a fun week:)
