Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma casts actors hailing from all over the nation, and also includes many local performers. This combination makes for phenomenal shows. A few leads from DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID answered a few questions for us- get to know them below!
Amanda Lea Lavergne- Ariel
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
There is something so exciting and challenging about playing a role that so many people are already familiar with. The inner child in me feels like I am living a dream playing a Disney Princess and the adult actor in me sees the responsibility that has been given. I am excited to play and visit a world that is so sweet and full of adventure!
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
Luckily I had a few roles to choose from, but I think the most memorable was taking over for the lead role as Campbell in the world premier of BRING IT ON. It was less than a week before we began previews when the lead broke her ankle and without a single rehearsal, I was put on stage, in costume, singing in front of the composers and being challenged more than I had ever been. I definitely found out what I was made of.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
I think staying true to what everyone knows about Ariel and still bringing a little bit of myself into the role will be a challenge. The stage version has new music and scenes that aren’t in the movie and I want the audience to walk away from the show feeling that they got what they expected with hopefully a little more.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
I have a pretty strict vocal warm-up routine that I do before every show. And I always say a little prayer before the curtain goes up along with a “here goes nothing!”
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
Live theatre, especially musical theatre, is a living and breathing entity that begs the audience to come into a space and suspend disbelief for a few hours. It is an escape art that can enrich you in ways you didn’t know possible. Whether I am performing or an audience member, there is nothing better than the feeling I get when the overture begins just before the curtain goes up.
Emily Skinner- Ursula
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
I’m excited about the challenge of playing two polar-opposite roles back to back this summer! I start with Ursula in THE LITTLE MERMAID who is an archetypal evil comic villianess a la classic musical theater…and morph to a something much more internal and nuanced as the character of Charlotte in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC. They are only similar in that both of these women are always the smartest gals in the room.
If you’ve worked for Lyric before, why did you decide to come back?
I had an absolutely wonderful time playing Mrs Lovett in Lyric’s production of SWEENEY TODD back in 2009. I’m thrilled to be back—this time, in summer shows and the big space. Sonic burger, here I come!
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
Way too difficult to answer! I’ve been performing for such a long time…but some of my favorites in the last couple of years have definitely been Mae West in DIRTY BLONDE and Mrs. Wilkinson in BILLY ELLIOT. Both roles were written with great humor and intelligence, and were a strong fit for my skills as an actress. And were just a whole lot of fun to do.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
The challenge will be in going from playing a character who is basically an over-the-top, larger than life lunatic cartoon (!!!) to someone who keeps everything hidden, revealing very little outwardly but who has a great deal going on inside.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
Nope.
I’m old school.
I pretty much put my make-up and costume on, do a few scales, and hit the stage.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
Telling a great story with music is a very very powerful thing!
Storm Lineberger- Prince Eric
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
I am immensely excited to have the special opportunity to play Prince Eric in DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID. It affords me the chance to be a part of a story that captivated me as a child. Even now, when I hear and sing the music, I am transported to those blissful days as a young boy. Playing this role not only allows me to perform one of my favorite Disney stories, but lets me show the children and adults the wonder and excitement I felt when I first saw THE LITTLE MERMAID.
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
My most memorable role was Benny in RENT. What made it so memorable was not the role itself but the show in its entirety. For the first time I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself. The show’s message transcends any individual performance which allowed me to think less about myself and more about what we, the company, were sharing with the world.
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
The biggest challenge that I foresee for myself that is unique to this show, is portraying the inherent differences between being on land and being underwater. Obviously this isn’t a movie so a lot of the illusion falls to the actors. While trying to show this difference, I have to show why both Ariel and I are very similar. Both of us have been suppressed by our fathers, Kings in their own right. Yet, we both long for adventure and distance from our homes.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
Admittedly, I still get very nervous. One of the ways I have found to expend my nervous energy is by putting some earphones in, flipping on Justin Timberlake, and dancing. Embarrassingly, I might add.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
My favorite thing about musical theatre is the collaboration. Musical Theatre is the culmination of three exquisite art forms, singing, dancing, and acting. In no other art form do you see such unity with the three forms. I still am left in awe when it all comes together.
Matthew Alvin Brown- Scuttle
Why are you excited about portraying your role in the show?
Scuttle is a part I look forward to because I have so many nieces and nephews and friends with kids. I look forward to being super silly for them.
If you’ve worked for Lyric before, why did you decide to come back?
This summer marks my 20th year working with Lyric Theatre. It’s always a pleasure to work with this company and I hope to work here for many more years.
What is the most memorable role you have ever played and why?
My most memorable role at Lyric has to be Caractacus Potts in CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG…mostly because I got to fly in car!!!
Are there any special challenges you foresee about playing your character?
Keeping up with the different characters and costume changes at a lightening pace will be a fun challenge. Also…dancing. That’s AWLAYS my challenge.
Do you have any wacky rituals you do before each show?
From show to show, my rituals change. I guess the wackiest and most constant ritual I have is getting to the theatre SUPER early. I just like being in the space. It’s good to clear out the “real” world and live quietly in the theatre before I walk on stage. Redbull and Sour Patch Kids are also involved.
What is your favorite thing about musical theatre?
I guess I love everything about it. You get a live orchestra. You get to sing. You get to act. There’s dancing. Beautiful sets. Incredible costumes. Pretty much every art form is involved. It’s a wonderful collaboration of skills and artists.
