By WILL PERKINS
Glasgow News 1
With her black and purple tentacles dragging across the stage, Madyson Coots clenched a seashell and wore an evil smile as she laughed like a Disney villain Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium.
She and other drama students were rehearsing for their upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid,” which they will perform at 6 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday.
Madyson Coots, a senior who is playing the role of Ursula, performs during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Coots is playing the role of Ursula, and she said one of her biggest moments is when she gets to sing “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
“It’s when she steals Ariel’s voice,” the senior thespian told WCLU Radio earlier this week. “It’s a pretty big moment.”
Coots said portraying this particular villain is pretty easy because it’s a fun role.
“You get to just be loud and out there and expressive,” she said.
Caleb Longo, a senior who is playing the role of Prince Eric, performs during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
During Wednesday’s dress rehearsal, Caleb Longo wore a white, puffy shirt and stood on a ship as he gazed out into the sea.
“I’ve wanted to do this show for a long time,” said Longo, a senior who is playing the role of Prince Eric.
“He’s just a normal guy. He doesn’t really want to be a prince. He just wants to be a sailor,” Longo said in an interview with WCLU Radio. “He just wants to be his own person, but everyone wants him to fit in these boxes, and that’s what makes him a really cool character.”
The two seniors said performing their final Barren County production is a bittersweet feeling, but they cherish every moment they get to spend with the cast and crew.
“It’s nonstop,” Longo said. “We’re constantly in that auditorium just working hard on our lines and our music and everything to make it great.”
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Longo said Glenna Gardner’s direction drives the production.
“She’s got the vision,” he said. “She’s amazing. She tells us what she wants to see, and then we deliver.”
Community members should bring their children to the show, Longo said, since they will be offering face-painting, glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos and photo ops.
“We’ll take photos with all the kids,” he said. “Fun activities for the little ones.
“It’s a whole experience.”
Madyson Coots, a senior who is playing the role of Ursula, performs during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Abby Carter, a senior who is playing the role of Ariel, performs during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Abby Carter, a senior who is playing the role of Ariel, performs during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the Barren County High School auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
Barren County High School drama students perform during a dress rehearsal of “The Little Mermaid” Wednesday afternoon in the school’s auditorium. Will Perkins/Glasgow News 1
For tickets: bchsdrama.ludus.com
