The Little Mermaid Cast

Adrienne Arnold is a student at COA currently working to get an Associate in Arts in Teacher Preparation, aiming to become an elementary school teacher. She is a NEAAAT alumni and was an original member of NEAAAT's drama department. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her and for driving her to rehearsals. She would also like to thank Jo Ellen Aspinwall for letting her be apart of NEAAAT's drama department and helping grow her love of theater.

Susie Ayres is a student at College of The Albemarle, as well as a Senior at J.P. Knapp Early College High School. They have dedicated their work and time towards theater and the fine arts, hoping to one day become a director and screenwriter. They are excited to be a part of this amazing production and can’t wait for the amazing career ahead of them.

Satyendra "Doni '' Banerjee is delighted to be making his return to the stage after a five year hiatus. He is also happy to be reprising the role of Scuttle, his first time being at ECPPS in 2016. Other notable roles of Banerjee's are Wilbur Turnblad in "Hairspray" in 2014, Buzz Adams in "South Pacific" in 2015 and Goodman "Goody" King in "Fame" in 2017. Banerjee also participated in a tribute production by Encore in 2019 called "Time Warp". After that, he stepped behind the camera, writing and directing two short films that were produced locally, one of which winning multiple awards. Banerjee would like to thank his family for their great support and to the COAST Players family for their wonderful warm welcome. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Trisha is originally born and raised in Alaska. She is a proud Coastie wife and has three amazing urchins. She currently serves as an Executive Board Member for AoA, and has been involved in all aspects of theatre for 45 years and hopes to build up more theatre opportunities in the Albemarle area. When not on stage performing you can find Trisha cooking, reading up on holistic health or spending time with adored friends and family.

Christy watched "The Little Mermaid" VHS 5,286 times in 1990 and is thrilled to fulfill her childhood dream of becoming a mermaid. This is her third show with COAST. Previous roles in Maryland include "Oklahoma" as Aunt Eller in high school and "Sound of Music" as the Nun/Baroness. She wants to send love to Dave for supporting her (despite her not being home for dinner 3 nights a week), and to Caitlyn and her parents for always encouraging her.

Malcolm is currently a student at College of The Albemarle pursuing an Associates in Fine Arts in Theatre. He has performed in many productions before, including "The Importance of Being Earnest" as John Worthing, "Mamma Mia" as Harry Bright, and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" as Charlie Brown. When he isn’t on stage, he enjoys creating original characters and writing stories. He would like to thank his fellow cast members, and Mary Elysse, for making him feel at home.

Kristen Conner is a graduate from COA, gaining her AFA in Theatre in 2018. Performing since 2015, she returns for her 16th show with the college. You may remember her in roles such as Laurey in "Oklahoma" in 2017, Fili in "The Hobbit" in 2018, or most recently as Buttercup the Horse in "Cinderella" in 2023! She dedicates this performance to her family and friends - she couldn't imagine doing this without their continued support!

Brooklynn Jordan Cowell is a 2021 graduate of Camden Early College and COA Associates in Arts program. Brooklynn first started doing theatre at COA in 2016 in "The Wizard of Oz", and has been in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Annie" and "Once on This Island" since then. She sends her love to her wonderful family who has supported her in her acting journey, and is r-eel-y excited for everyone to see the production.

Kimberly Dunlow is a music teacher with Edenton Chowan Schools. She is a graduate of East Carolina University (BM), a graduate of Elizabeth City State University (MSA) and has been teaching for 19 years. She has been in many different productions with COA and other companies including "Cinderella" as the Fairy Godmother, "Seussical" as Gen. Smitz and "Sound of Music" as Mother Superior. She has also served as assistant music director, light engineer and sound engineer in past productions. She is very excited to have the opportunity to be in this production with this wonderful cast. She would like to thank her family and her theater family for their love and support.

Megan is a full time paralegal and mom. Her previous shows include "Mary Poppins", "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", "Sing Down the Moon", "Matilda" and "Roger and Hammerstein’s Cinderella". She’s excited to be back on stage with her daughter, Taylor!

Traniqua loves her work as an elementary music teacher. Her love of all things Disney, music, and Broadway has brought her to make the COAST Players her Family. This show is the first time that she will be on the stage. She dedicates this show to her beloved students, in hopes to be an example to them to follow their artistic dreams - don’t be afraid to try something new, and make waves like a Mermaid!

Jared Goodson is excited to return to the stage in this production of "The Little Mermaid". He stage managed "Rogers and Hammersteins’ Cinderella" last spring and "Seussical the Musical" in the fall with COAST Players. Jared was on stage over a year ago as Colonel Mustard in "Clue: On Stage". He is an avid Dungeons and Dragons enthusiast and wants to make a career out of the theatre. He wants to thank all of the fish in the sea for allowing this to happen. He has had a whale of a time!

Aven Hall is 16 years old and a 10th grade student. She has been in several productions since age 6 including "Peter Pan", "The Wizard of Oz", "Sing Down the Moon", "Cinderella", "Seussical", "Little Women", and many others. Aven enjoys dance, her animals, color guard, pet sitting, anime and of course theater! "The Little Mermaid" is her 16th show and she hopes to enjoy many more shows in the future with her theater family!

Ethan Hall is a seventh grader at Moyock Middle School. This is his debut with COAST Players, though he has been in other productions with CCS theater including "A Christmas Story" and "Spongebob the Musical". When he's not performing, Ethan can be found at the golf course with the Moyock Middle School golf team or spending time with his family. He wants to thank his family for their continued support and Ms. Santa for encouraging his love of theater.

Lacey is a theatre student at COA. This is her third show with COAST, but she has been involved with theatre for the last 3 years. She has played roles such as Snoopy in "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" with CCS, Squidward in "The SpongeBob Musical" with CCS and The Cat in the Hat in "Seussical" with COAST. She is so excited to take a dive under the sea to play such electrifying roles in this show.

Quinn is a student at COA and is studying theater. They have been in many COA shows, but their favorites include The Cook in "Clue" and Thing One in "Seussical". Quinn enjoys long walks on the beach, crawling on stage when given the chance and raspberry danishes. They are often asked questions like “Why are you like this?” and “How did you get in my house?” She hopes you enjoy this shell-rific performance (just stay out of the splash zone)!

Nelly Holdford Is a college student at College of The Albemarle pursuing his AFA in Theatre. He has been in a plethora of productions since highschool. He enjoys singing at any random moment, making people laugh, making friends and finding joy in the little things. He wants to thank God, Mom, Dad and all of his friends for being such huge supporters. He hopes you enjoy such an awesome show! P.S. If you hear some Ahhs, let him know he is trying to find Ariel's voice!

Essence Hunter is a student at Elizabeth City State University studying business with a concentration in entrepreneurship and management. She is also a 2022 graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a degree as a music major with a concentration in vocal performance. She has played multiple roles - some of her favorites include Alice in "Alice in Wonderland" and Mama Eurlie in "Once on This Island". Some of her hobbies include drawing, singing, learning different languages and watching movies. She would like to thank her family and friends for their support, and dedicates this performance to her uncle that passed last year.

Alena is a student at NEAAAT charter school and is currently in two productions such as this, "The Little Mermaid", and "Shrek the Musical". She would love to thank Krista for driving her to theatre when she needed help and she’d like to thank her parents for being supportive of her hobbies, some in which include art (mostly drawing) and cooking/baking. This is her first COA play she has been in, but she has played other roles at other places such as Pinocchio in “Shrek the Musical”, Felix Dalecy in “Frankenstein “ and Yorick in “Hamlet”. Don’t get your tail in a twist - Alena is having a great time with COA!

Brian is a native of Wilson, NC, but has lived in Edenton for nearly 25 years. For the same amount of years, he has been married to MaryKathryn and worked at Jimbo Jumbos (Hampton Farms). He made his debut on the COA stage this past December as Santa, and he feels blessed to be able to share the stage in "The Little Mermaid" with his daughter, Makayla, and his wife. Brian sends a big ‘ole hug and a huge thank you to everyone who has encouraged him in this new adventure.

This is Makayla’s eighth show on the COA stage and she is very happy to present this magical show to you! Her previous shows include: "Clue", "Seussical" and "Cinderella" to name a few. Makayla forms a unique attachment to every show she does, but this one holds a very special place in her heart - this time the Jones’s take the stage as a family! She can’t wait to be on stage alongside her parents, Brian and MaryKathryn Jones. She states “special love and thanks to my biggest fans: Kristy Jack, Elizabeth Bunch, Alaina and Brantley Hayes - Lala love y’all!”

This is MaryKathryn’s first time on any stage for theater and she is beyond excited to be sharing it with her husband, Brian, and her daughter, Makayla. She would like to thank her family and her friends for their encouragement. Also, she wishes a special thanks to Sandra Krueger and Mary Elysse Santa for their continued support of The Jones Family.

Lisa Lowry has performed in concerts, operas, and musicals in both Canada and the United States. Roles have included Lucy in "The Telephone", Ms. Pennywise in "Urinetown", Berthe in "Pippin", Alice Ford in Verdi’s "Falstaff" and Fire in "L’Enfant et les Sortileges" by Ravel. Concert works have included Haydn’s "The Creation (Gabriel)", Orff’s "Carmina Burana" and Vivaldi’s "Gloria". She has been music director for "Sweet Charity" with Little Theatre of Norfolk and "Cinderella" with COA. She is excited to perform as Ursula and a princess in "The Little Mermaid".

Jennifer Merrick finished her AA degree at COA. Besides working at Carolina Chrysler, she has been a scenic artist here and in Virginia. Some of her favorite roles she has played were Sister Mary Leo from "Nunsense", Veta Louise Simmons from "Harvey" (both performed COA) and Annie Twilloil from "The Play that Goes Wrong" (performed at LTVB). Jennifer gives her thanks and a reminder, "big things are made of little things, so don't forget to feed the little things cookies."

Richard Merrick is a graduate of Florida State University and has been acting in shows since he was six years old. Among his favorites include "Spamalot!", "The Play That Goes Wrong", "Cinderella" and "Beauty and the Beast". He would like to thank his coworkers, family and friends for their support.

Sarah is having a lot of fun performing different parts in "The Little Mermaid". She has enjoyed being in many shows. Sarah started performing with her Mom, and now with her kids. Sarah graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communication in Design. She thinks it is magical to watch all the hard work happening back stage to make everything happen. Sarah enjoys painting and making props. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Brandon Moore is an ECPEC student who also goes to COA taking college courses. He is getting his Associate in Arts hoping to become a future Anesthesiologist. This is his second play, with his first one being “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. He would like to thank his family for supporting him this far and further on.

Laura “Ash” Mulch is a current student at COA getting their AA in Teacher Preparation. This is their second COAST production, as you may recognize them as the Blue Bird Girl from the last fall production of "Seussical". This marks their 10th show they’ve done and they’d like to thank their friends and family for their years of support.

Faith Phelps is a sophomore in high school and has been doing plays since 2021. Her first performance at COA was "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" and she played the role of Imogene Herdmen. You may have seen her in "Seussical" as the Orange Bird Girl last fall. She would like to thank COA for allowing these shows to be open to everyone, and Mary Elysse for being an amazing director. She is so excited to be apart of this production and she hopes you guys enjoy!

Alyssa is from Grandy, NC and loves all things music. She wants to thank her parents for taking her to her rehearsals and singing lessons, her singing teacher, and Ms. Santa for giving her this opportunity. Alyssa loves playing with her multiple pets including her two birds Martha and Jasmine. She also loves other hobbies such as crocheting and sewing. Alyssa is super excited to be in "The Little Mermaid", and she would like to thank everyone in the audience.

Presley Rabel is an 8th grader at Moyock Middle School, and is very grateful to be in this show. She enjoys singing, skating and reading. Presley’s past shows include "Mamma Mia" and "Seussical". This is her second show with COA, and is very grateful for that. She would like to thank her family, friends and Ms. Mary Elysse for supporting her and making her dreams come true. She wishes you a wonderful time while watching the show!

The Little Mermaid is Ashley’s first show with COAST and she is so happy to perform alongside such amazing individuals. Ashley has been performing for eight years in roles such as Belle in "Beauty and the Beast", Anna in "Frozen" and Rosie "Mamma Mia". Ashley is a J.P. Knapp Early College senior studying for her Associate in Arts at COA. She plans to double major in Musical Theater and Broadcasting at a four-year university.

Lover of all things musical, aspiring author and wearer of beanies, Adelaide is 13 and in 7th grade at Logos Online School. Previously Matilda in "Matilda the Musical" and Gladys Herdman in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", Adelaide is not new to the COA stage. She would like to thank Taylor Torres for being her good luck charm and pushing her to try out for Flounder in the first place. In her spare time, Adelaide plays soccer, reads (constantly), draws, plays piano, and annoys her family and friends by singing non-stop. She leaves you with these words: Aim for the stars, or you'll never reach the ceiling. P.S. Don't forget to brush your teeth!!

Beckett the Brave and Bold, Boy of Destiny, Conqueror of the Universe, Hero to All (BBBBDCUHA), is a part time celebrity (in some circles). Homeschooled since kindergarten, Beckett is 11 and in 6th grade. You may have seen him as Eric in "Matilda the Musical", or Ollie Herdman in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", both here at COA. He would like to thank all the random dudes in the back row for coming. In his sparingly free time, BBBBDCUHA enjoys playing soccer, reading and shooting rubber bands at his siblings. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Jenna Simmons is currently studying theatre at College of The Albemarle. She is in the ensemble and plays one of the princesses. Jenna loves to sew and make costumes, as she is the Costume Captain of the Sea. Jenna has been in COA’s productions of "Seussical" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Jenna would like to thank God for his many blessings, and her family and pets for always being there for her.

Clementine is 11 years old. She has a passion for history and wants to be an Archeologist when she’s older. She has been in many plays, including "Alice In Wonderland", "Hamlet", etc. She loves to read, draw, write, hang out with friends and a lot more!

Darcie is a sophomore in high-school. She loves acting, drawing, writing, singing, skateboarding and playing her ukulele. Darcie has been in many plays, including Shakespeare’s "Hamlet" (as Horatio), and "As You Like It" (as Celia “Aliena”). She hopes to duel enroll at COA her junior year, and has an interest in studying Marine Biology and Theater. She’d like to thank her mother, who taught her to let her dreams become her reality, Christina Robart - for growing her love of drama, and Mary Elysse for being both an understanding and fun director. Finally, as Darcie likes to say, “Stay salty!”

Keziah is 13 and in 8th grade. She loves being in plays, singing, riding skateboards, training her dog, hanging out with friends, and drinking coffee! She wants to be an actress when she is older, and often writes her own plays, makes short skits and ads with her friends. She has been in many plays and is excited to be in this production. She leaves you with this quote, "sup" - Keziah S. Smith

Phillip Smith is an up-and-coming actor and is currently working towards getting his GED at COA. After that, he plans to pursue an AFA in theater at COA. Phillip has performed in three musicals and one play, including two COA productions. He is excited to see where his future acting endeavors take him. He is also an expiring film maker. Enjoy the show and many more!

Teagan is a gracefully rugged 8 year old who loves to climb trees, skateboard, and anything active that will put her skills to the test. She also likes to spend her time doing archery and making chocolate. She’s a little bit spicy but also very sweet, and always ready to conquer any challenge presented.

Alexander Staples is a COA graduate who has been a part of many COA productions. Some of those being Wickersham 1 in "Seussical" and Jean-Michel in "Cinderella". He is very excited for the show because this is the first show he will acting in along side his mother, Pamela Staples. He would also love to thank the wonderful director Mary Elysse Santa for letting them be a part of this world!

Pamela Staples has always loved to sing. She always thinks back to when she was camping, singing “Fly like an eagle to the sea,” and keeping everyone up most of the night. She is glad to be a part of this production. She would like to thank her son Alexander Staples for urging her to audition. She would also like to thank Mary Elysse and Sandra for letting her be a part of this show. She dedicates this performance to her family, friends and co-workers for all their support. She hopes everyone will enjoy the show!!

Austin is in fifth grade at Grace Montessori. He gathered up all of his courage and joined his sister at COA's Pirates and Parrots Theater Camp. Ever since he has enjoyed taking classes, performing at Arts of the Albemarle and All About Improv. He dedicates this performance to his mom and family, thanking them for their support.

Hollie is in fourth grade at Grace Montessori. Her first theater experience was Drama Camp with Ms. Mary Elysse and has been hooked ever since. She has enjoyed taking classes, performing at Arts of the Albemarle and All About Improv. Hollie would like to thank her mom and family for their support.

Micah Stone - a dancer, dance teacher, choreographer, and cheerleading coach, has been dancing since age three. Micah attended Arts Academy In The Woods, a performing arts school, majoring in dance and participating in dance intensives with Marygrove College and Alvin Ailey Dance Theater of Harlem. He is fluent in dance styles such as Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern, Contemporary, Majorette and Afro Beats. Micah loves theatre and has been cast in many musicals, including "Hairspray the Musical" in 2014 and 2018 as Seaweed, "Fame the Musical" in 2018 as Tyrone, and "Shrek The Musical in 2017 as The Pied Piper" to name a few. He aspires to be a Broadway performer and hopes to bring something fresh to Sebastian's character alongside this star-studded cast. Micah thanks his parents, siblings, and friends for their continued support.

Eden Noelle Sutton is a native of Elizabeth City, NC and the daughter of proud parents, Abel and Ganelle Sutton. At the tender age of two, Eden captured the hearts of America with her viral video and signature dance in the family's driveway that millions now call "the 'Go Eden"" video. Eden was streamed on almost every social media outlet imaginable - from Facebook to Instagram to Twitter - with some of America's most popular networks sharing it, such as MTV and BET. For the past nine years, she's graced the Sutton household, her church and all of Elizabeth City with her vibrant personality. Just as life is her stage, she lives it uninhibited and has shown those who know her well how to cherish even the smallest moments unapologetically and unreservedly. Eden has won awards such as academic excellence in reading, math and science, the Amazing Artist Award, and the Bark Award at the school she attends. She is currently a 4th grader at Weeksville Elementary School.

Taylor is currently a sophomore at Perquimans County High School. She has been involved in many shows before; some of her previous roles include ensemble in "Mary Poppins", Duffy in "Annie", Alice in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", Hortensia in "Matilda", Farkus in "A Christmas Story", Cheerleader in "High School Musical", Ensemble in "R&H Cinderella", the Pink Bird Girl in "Seussical" and Ensemble in " A Charlie Brown Christmas". She sea-riously hopes you enjoy the show!

Josh Turner is a 8th grader at Moyock Middle School. He has been in six other shows and is happy to be in his seventh in this production of "The Little Mermaid". When Josh isn't on the stage, he likes playing Wheelchair Basketball. Josh is also in some after school clubs, such as FBLA and Science Olympiad. He is excited to be in this show!

Tabitha Vanscoy, aka Turbo the Sea Cucumber, is 15 years old, and a student at Perquimans County High School. Turbo’s “current” hobbies include randomly break out into song and dance, and hanging out Under the Sea. Turbo has a secret skill of playing the flute and hopes to one day be brave enough to come out from behind her coral and play for all the world to hear!

Jacoby is an 8th grader at MMS and will be continuing his theatrical studies next year at the Virginia Governor's School of the Arts. Some of his hobbies include singing, hanging out with friends and reading. His favorite role to date is Ralphie in "A Christmas Story". He would like to thank his friends, family and everyone at COA for all their support!!

Kennedy Whaley is a junior in high school, and this is her 7th play that she has been in. Her favorite role that she has played is Beth Bradley in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Kennedy also participates in figure skating, and in her free time she likes to listen to music. She wants to thank her friends and family for always supporting her.

Addi Whidbee is a 9th grader at NEAAAT. Her theatre debut was in 2018 where she played the title role, “Annie”, with COA Coast Players. While a Center Player, she played Gingy in "Shrek, Jr." and Sebastian in "The Little Mermaid, Jr." Other Coast Player shows include "Once on This Island", "Elf" and other Christmas shows. She’s currently in rehearsal as Donkey in "Shrek" at her school. Fun Fact: King Triton is her real dad!

Sean Whidbee is a current student here at College of The Albemarle. He is a double major in Fine Arts and Information Technology. He has previously played roles in “Once on This Island” (Agwa), “Clue” (Unexpected Cop), “Sing Down the Moon” (Giant’s Voice and Mama Pig), “Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever” (Revered Thompson), "Cinderella" (Guard, Townsman), “Seussical” (Wickersham #3) and “Charlie Brown Christmas“ (Pigpen). His hobbies are singing and leading worship at his church. He would like to thank his family for always giving him support in all of his shows - he couldn’t do it without them!

Jenny is a graduate of Longwood College and recently obtained her AFA in Theatre at College of The Albemarle. She enjoys every aspect of theatre, including stage management, script writing, costuming and set painting. She recently directed the PAC production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” She also enjoys pottery, crochet, gardening, butterflies and glitter. She wishes to thank all of the everyday creators of magic that keep us dreaming and imagining.

Marti is thrilled to be part of the COAST family. Recently retired after many years in choral music and church ministry, she is happy to contribute her sewing talents and acting chops to community theater. Many thanks to Mary Elysse, Sandra and all the wonderful young actors for making her feel so welcome. Creating costumes for the cast is such a privilege, and it’s a thrill to see the characters come alive!

Tom Windram is a retired CPA who moved to Elizabeth City in 2021. He and his wife Marti have been choral singers and musicians for many years. After moving from Baltimore in 2010, they decided to take up musical theatre as a hobby. Tom has played many roles in Musical Artists Theatre productions of "A Christmas Carol" and "Amahl and the Night Visitors". More recently, Tom played Sebastian in the COAST production of "Cinderella". Tom also plays drums and piano in the praise band at his church, as well as drums and sings in a local rock band. Tom would like to thank his wife, Marti, for her support He also thanks Sandra Krueger and Mary Elysse Santa.

Frazier plays the keytar in his band. He wants to give a shoutout to all of his nieces and nephews, who he loves dearly. In his free time, Frazier enjoys reading, drinking matcha and being in his band. This is Frazier’s theatre debut.

Jason Seagull has been the manager of "Flock of Seagulls" for seven years now; he’s excited for the band to make their musical theater debut. Contrary to popular belief, this is not Jason's first time performing with the band. He jumps in to play tambourine every third Friday of the month. Jason enjoys skateboarding, watching 'How I Meet Your Mother', long flights over the beach. Jason would like to thank his fellow Gulls!

Sir Quailington is not the sharpest dinglehopper in the sea, but he is definitely the wildest. His favorite word is Mine and loves saying it all the time. His favorite hobby is sticking stuff in his mouth even when he’s been told not to. His second favorite thing to do is tap dancing. His signature move is the stanky leg.

Bingus is the drummer for the seagull band, "Flock of Seagulls". He's excited to flap around and cause chaos. He dedicates his performance to Mike Score, the Lead Singer of the "Flock of Seagulls". *squawk*