Thespians dive into the ocean of theater in summer showcase of `The Little Mermaid’
July 26, 2023 at 10:31 p.m.
Middle and elementary school aged actors immersed themselves into the world of theater with a production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
Harrison 10-year-old Natalie Budde struts as Scuttle with the ensemble performing as a flock of seagulls.By Jeffrey Cullen Dean
The children were dressed up in colorful costumes and were surrounded by elaborate sets designed to look like they belonged “Under the Sea” and aboard seafaring vessels. The musical was performed twice outdoors at Crawford Park as the Port Chester Council for the Arts’ summer children’s theater production on Thursday, July 27. 
Sophia Berlingo, a soon-to-be eighth-grader at Port Chester Middle School, delivers comedic dialogue as Sebastian the crab.
By Jeffrey Cullen Dean
“The kids worked really hard,” said Annamarie Mastroberardino, who co-directed the show with her daughter Halle. “We were just talking about what we liked doing and how we loved watching them in the beginning going all the way through the process and ending with everything coming together. It was fun and a lot of work … They rose to the occasion. They really exceeded our expectations.”
Halle, who lives in Larchmont along with her mother, said she had pride in the work the young thespians put in to make the show great.
“These kids all dove into the different characters that they play, and I love seeing them make big choices and be brave,” she said. “Everyone is individually their own part and character and it’s come together with the set and music and costumes to create something that I’m really proud of and I think they’re really proud of, too.” 
Port Chester Middle School rising sixth-grader Alexander Tamucci portrays King Triton in the musical.
By Jeffrey Cullen Dean
Samantha Beadle, a rising seventh-grader at Blind Brook Middle School, leads the production as Ariel. She said she’s been involved with the summer camp her whole life and has been performing consistently for essentially just as long.
“There’s a lot of cool set pieces and a lot of moving objects so it was fun to play around,” she said.
Because much of the show takes place underwater, the actors were given special homework assignments appropriate for summer—to go to a pool and practice moving to help inform how they would move on stage.
Blind Brook High School rising freshman Holly O’Neil (left) and Louis M. Klein Middle School in Harrison rising seventh-grader Lexi Budde portray the eels Jetsam and Flotsam, respectively, as they bow to Ursula.By Jeffrey Cullen Dean
“I put goggles around my feet and swam with my feet together using my arms,” Beadle said.
“I walked like a little crab,” said Sophia Berlingo, who plays Sebastian the crab and is a rising eighth-grader at Port Chester Middle School, on her underwater practice.
Berlingo has participated in theater since she was 5 years old. She said she enjoys it because she can express herself and be goofy on stage.
Fellow Port Chester Middle Schooler Olivia Klauck, who will be entering the sixth grade this Fall, said she found the camp to be a great experience to learn about theater. She plays Adella, one of Ariel’s sisters.
“It’s a really good experience for the real world. It’s like a real job that you’re doing,” Klauck said. “I want to be an actor so it’s going to be a lot easier for auditions, callbacks, rehearsals, tech week and the actual show. I feel like it’s really good to do.”
Prince Eric is played by Connor McCreath, a Blind Brook Middle School rising seventh-grader.
McCreath has also participated in the summer theatre production many times before. This is his eighth year.
“The sets are amazing, and the costumes are amazing. It’s really fun and it’s really nice to put on a show and to see it come together,” he said. “I get to fall off a boat and it’s an experience.”
Before heading into her freshman year at Blind Brook High School, Cass Brunetti dabbles in villainy as Ursula.By Jeffrey Cullen Dean
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