From now until opening night on Nov. 9, the Livingston Post will be profiling cast members of the Community Theatre of Howell’s production of “The Little Mermaid.”
In all her years on the stage, Alyssa Friday has never played a villain before.
Until now. And she’s loving every second of it.
Friday plays Ursula, the scheming sea witch out to make life miserable for Ariel in the Community Theatre of Howell’s new musical, “The Little Mermaid.” All of Disney’s villains are pretty juicy parts, but Ursula is an especially delicious villain. Friday has relished bringing the role to life.
“What’s not to love about this role?” Friday said. “In all of my years in the theater, I’ve never once played a villain. I love playing quirky side characters, but I knew that this was my opportunity to join the dark side! I love Ursula because she is a confident woman that knows she’s bad, and revels in it. She knows what she wants, and will go to incredible lengths to achieve her goals, even if that means collecting a few souls along the way. She is such a fun character to play, with a flair for the dramatic, and some of the most iconic songs in the show.”
“The Little Mermaid” tells the tale of a rebellious 16-year-old mermaid named Ariel who is fascinated with life on land. On one of her visits to the surface, which are forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton, she falls for a human prince. Determined to be with her new love, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days. But when plans go awry for the star-crossed lovers, King Triton is forced to make the ultimate decision. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful and crazy sea creatures.
A native of Oscoda, Friday moved to Howell five years ago, after earning a degree in acting at Michigan State University. She works as an Outdoor Environmental Educator and Health Officer at the Howell Nature Center, and volunteers in the children’s ministry at Venture Church. The oldest of three children, she has a brother, Nathan, and a sister, Brenna.
She sought out theatrical opportunities as she moved to Howell, and found them right away. She played Sister Mary Patrick in “Sister Act the Musical” and appeared as Alice Beineke in “The Addams Family Musical” with the Pinckney Players.
She also found a home with the Community Theatre of Howell, playing Kala in “Tarzan, the Musical.” All told, she’s appeared in more than 20 shows as an adult, and a bunch more as a child.
“I honestly have no idea how many shows I’ve been in,” Friday said. “I’ve been involved with theater since I was 6 years old, and it’s a major aspect of my life, for sure. I love being in roles that allow me to play around with comedy, and sing at the top of my lungs!”
Friday said she enjoys every moment of being involved with CTH.
“As an actor, you never know what kind of situation you are walking into in an audition,” she said. “You wonder if the show is pre-cast in someone’s mind already; if the theater is open to new people, or if it keeps a small circle of people. Coming into this community has been such a blessing. I immediately felt so welcome, and became not just part of a show, but part of a family. There is so much love in these walls, and I am thankful every day for the incredible group of people that I am lucky enough to share a stage with.”
With opening night of “The Little Mermaid” just a week away, Friday can’t wait for the curtain to rise.
“I love Disney, and ‘The Little Mermaid’ has always been one of my favorites,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed the music, the color, and the magic of this show, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. The costumes, set, and media are all of the above, and I can’t wait for people to see it.
“The best thing about being in this show is the cast and crew,” she added. “I could not ask for a more supportive and loving group of friends. I love knowing that I am a part of this experience, helping others to grow and flourish in their talents. Everyone here is so kind and dedicated to their craft, and I am thankful to have them in my life.”
The Community Theatre of Howell is presenting “The Little Mermaid” at the Howell High School Freshman Campus, 1400 W. Grand River Ave., Howell. Shows are Nov. 9-11 and 16-18, with showtimes at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with matinees at 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday each weekend.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for students and seniors, available at Finding Roots in Howell, Maria’s School of Dance in Fowlerville, Big Acre in Brighton, and Ed Bock Feed and Seed in Pinckney. Tickets are also available by calling 517-545-1290, or online at cththeatre.org. You can buy tickets by clicking here.
