Dreams came true for little girls who came to the Royals Tea Party at Lathrop High School on Saturday.
The enchanting afternoon was a fundraiser for the Lathrop and West Valley High School Choirs. If the success of this afternoon gathering was any indication, it may become an annual event.
The little ones who attended, with their royal adult escorts, were transported to a magical place, right outside the Hering Auditorium at Lathrop High School.
Each little girl and boy got to dress up like their favorite princess or prince, enjoy tea and sweets at a fancy table and listen to King Triton, Arial and others read a story. Royal face painting was available. There was a table for making tiaras. A highlight of the afternoon was when princesses invited all the littles to sing and dance with them.
All the characters who helped make the Royal Tea Party happen were members of Lathrop High School’s upcoming production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” But they also made sure princesses like Snow White and Rapunzel and Belle were there.
Oakleigh, 4, was quite enamored of Rapunzel’s very long braid and lingered by her side, with the braid in hand, helping to keep it off the floor.
One thing was very clear — all the cast members love to sing. No one instructed them to join forces and all sing together. They just did.
The melodies were like magnets for the little princesses who rushed over to hold hands and sing along. Little princesses twirled with big princesses as their partners. Others formed a big circle. Some littles preferred passionate freeform dancing.
Everyone sang, particularly songs from “The Little Mermaid.” There was even a group rendition of the famous song “Let It Go” from Frozen.
The upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid” is a family friendly show that will premiere Jan. 22 through Jan. 31 at Hering Auditorium.
“We really wanted to do a family show,” said Gwendolyn Brazier, who is the choir director for Lathrop and West Valley High Schools. “There wasn’t a family friendly musical being done by anybody else this year.”
“The Little Mermaid” had lots of roles for kids.
“It was a way for us to get a lot of younger singers involved, some who maybe have never done a show,” she added.
Cast members painted all the sets and the production has also collaborated for props, etc, with West Valley High School, Fairbanks Light Opera Theatre ad Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre.
“It’s all come together pretty quickly,” Brazier said.
The Saturday shows will feature some kid-size costume contests, Brazier noted. Those little audience members love to dress up.
It appeared that the cast members were having just as much fun as the little princesses who showed up. An estimated 50 families attended.
Brazier noted that this particular group of musical high schoolers is kind and super supportive of each other, and of this Royal Tea Party event.
“Your kids are so good,” remarked one parent when she walked by the information desk. “They are very involved.”
“I’m so proud of them,” Brazier said. “They are good humans.”
“The Little Mermaid” performs at 6 p.m. on Jan. 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 and at 1 p.m. on Jan. 24 and 31 at Hering Auditorium.
General admission is $20; seniors/military is $15; K-12 students is $12; and children under 5 years old are free.
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