Mermaid Sighting at S.A. Cawker Public School With her exotic wig of white hair, purple cake make- up illuminating her skin, giant seashell necklace and flowing gown adorned with miniature lights, Melissa Thornton was born to play the role of Ursula the Sea Witch in S. A. Cawker school’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. “Villains are fun to portray,” comment- ed the grade 8 student, who has her sights set on a professional career in singing and acting one day. Her solo in the play is one of her favourite songs from the original movie, “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” The hour long theatrical production in- volves a cast of 60 students in grades six to eight, plus 90 singers in the chorus. There was no shortage of talent to choose from at the auditions last year, with so many of the S. A. Cawker kids involved in the drama club and the choral society. The star of the show, Grace MacCoomb, loved the The Little Mermaid movie as a child. When she dons the shimmery mermaid costume and the voluminous red wig, she says that her shyness disappears, and she transforms into the lead character of Ariel. ...................... Please turn to page 4 Mermaid Sighting at Josh McQuaig as Prince Eric. Grace MacCoomb as Ariel. FOCUS - MAY 2017 3