MIA Opens Rhine Stage to Standing Ovations with Disney's “The Little Mermaid”

Marco Island Academy’s performing arts instructor, Chris Dayett, was cool as a cucumber in the minutes leading up to the inaugural performance on the Rhine Stage in the school’s new gymnasium Friday night. His cool demeanor must have rubbed off on his students as they delivered a sparkling performance of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” in front of a sold-out audience.

“I’ll only be nervous when I introduce the play,” Dayett said just before taking the stage Friday night.

Dayett introduced the play perfectly, even taking a moment to snap a selfie with the sold-out audience behind him. There was a palpable feeling of excitement in the MIA gym as the music started and the curtain was about to open for the first time.

One couldn’t help but harken back to the young thespians' past performances in the spartan facilities of the temporary MIA campus that once stood to the east of the current state of the art building. The Rhine Stage, named in honor of Brenda and Scott Rhinehart, is an amazing upgrade for today’s MIA students. Event seating is cleverly stored out of site underneath the stage, located at the south end of the gym. The gym floor is protected with a dark blue floor covering.

“Sometimes,” said MIA principal Melissa Scott, “I can’t believe how far we’ve come.”

Impressively, there did not appear to be a single blown line in the entire two-and-a-half-hour production. The lead roles were all handled with aplomb.

Kira Swanson couldn’t have played the title character of Ariel any better. Her costume was spot on and she did a great job of sharing the spotlight with the rest of the cast.

Jacob Hibbard did a solid job as Prince Eric, the human prince rescued by Ariel when he almost drowns in a storm at sea. 

Rachel Weiner came across as extremely likable in her portrayal of Flounder, Ariel’s best friend, coming through for her whenever she was in trouble. Scenes with Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian were among the production’s best.

Cassie Letendre displayed a real knack for physical comedy in her theatrical debut as Sebastian, a red Trinidadian crab and servant of King Triton.

King Triton was played by dean of students Kevin Ray, who was also making his theatrical debut. You’d never know Ray was a rookie, though. His convincing performance as the ruler of Atlantica has to give MIA parents confidence that he is no pushover in his academic role. The fact that no students auditioned for the role of King Triton attests to Ray’s popularity with the student body. The Marco Players may want to recruit Ray for upcoming performances.

Bella Burgos nailed the role of Ursula, the main antagonist from the Disney film. She was memorable in all of her scenes.

Anthony Politi, a 2019 graduate of MIA, was a crowd favorite in the role of Scuttle, a seagull friend of Ariel. His costume was great and his delivery was reminiscent of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett’s voicing in the film versions of 1989 and 2000.

Another show stealer was fellow-alum Wesley John Hertgers, who played Chef Louis. Hertgers, a 2020 MIA grad, was hilarious as French chef in the castle kitchen.

Brendan “Mikey” White was convincing as Grimsby, Eric’s chief steward and confidant.

A cast of students from Tommie Barfield Elementary melted the hearts of audience members every time they appeared.

Scott was effusive in her praise of the students and Dayett, who was a one-man creative team.

'This weekend was just overwhelming,” Scott said, "with so much hard work and talent. Every time I am with students, I am in awe of their talents, and they always find a way to surpass my expectations. I am so lucky to be surrounded by all of this talent every day. The support of the entire school was amazing too. Mr. Dayett gives his all and then more. He pours himself into every aspect of his productions, and I couldn’t be more thankful for him and his ability to bring performing arts to life at MIA.”

And behind every great performance are the donors who help to make it all happen financially.

"The donors are truly part of our MIA family,” Scott said, "and have believed in us through every stage of every growth. Celebrating this momentous occasion with them on The Rhine stage was a perfect moment."