May 6 – 10, 2025

The University of Winnipeg Asper Centre for Theatre & Film

Music by ALAN MENKEN

Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN & GLENN SLATER

Book by DOUG WRIGHT

Based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.

Originally Produced by DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS

Orchestrations by Danny Troob, Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin, Dance Arrangements by David Chase

The Winnipeg Youth Chorus acknowledges that we are gathered on ancestral lands, treaty 1 territory, traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples and on the National Homeland of the Red River Métis people. We respect the spirit and intent of Treaties and Treaty Making and remain committed to working in partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in the spirit of truth, reconciliation, and collaboration.

THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF THIS PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS OR STREAMS IN ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE AUTHOR(S)’S RIGHTS, AND ACTIONABLE UNDER UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW.

Artistic Director/Producer – Lisa Rempel

Music Director – Garth Rempel

Choreographer – Katherine Ybanez

Additional Choreography – Mary-Lynn Berti

Stage Manager – Melanie Spulnick

Assistant Stage Manager – Chelsea Hertzog

Lighting Director Extraordinaire! – Jorrel Camuyong

Message from the Artistic Director

In 2019, our eighth year as the directors of the WYC, Garth and I produced our first full-length production Seussical the Musical. We were so blessed to be surrounded with such an amazing group of young people who brought those amazing Seuss characters to life so beautifully.

It wasn’t until our twelfth year (due to a tiny pandemic that put many things on hold) that we were able to get back at it and produce our second full-length musical Footloose. Again, we had a fabulous group of young people who brought this story of grief, loss, community, family and standing up for one’s beliefs to life.

Here we are again, in 2025, our fourteenth year as the directors with our third musical The Little Mermaid. What is so cool about this one to me as the Artistic Director, is just how wide the range of experience is in this group and how much general learning happens each week. We have performers here who were leads in Seussical the Musical, Footloose, and now again in The Little Mermaid. They are pros at this and have so much to teach our younger singers. We have performers who have been in all three productions, but have moved up; they were ensemble in Seussical the Musical, a supporting role in Footloose, and now a lead in The Little Mermaid. We have performers who have never performed in a musical before and everything about this is brand new. They have never worn a costume, stage make-up, dance tights…Yet, they are ALL here to make life-long memories and gain amazing experiences, and I not only get to witness it, I get to be part of it!

I said it in my intro to Footloose and I will say it again here; the WYC family accepts people for who they are and is a safe place for our singers to be themselves. I speak for our entire music team when I say that we can’t think of a better way to spend our Wednesdays (and sometimes more…) watching these young people figure out who they are as individuals and help support each other figure it out; all without judgement.  It truly is a sight to behold and makes my heart full.  Music and community have that effect on people.

Lisa Rempel

Anah Rempel – Ariel (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE), Jetsam (T, R-MAT, F-EVE, S-MAT)

Anah is a lifelong music lover and performer. She was immersed in the world of music since before she could talk or walk. Currently, Anah is completing her final year of her Bachelor of Education degree, which followed a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies. She hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a high school music teacher.

Anah has been a part of the WYC since 2011 and performed lead roles in previous musicals, including Mayzie in Seussical the Musical and Ariel in Footloose. She teaches private voice lessons to students of various skill levels and ages. Anah spends her free time writing her own music, arranging, and performing/touring with her funk-rock band ‘Sunbreather’.

Livia Jones – Ariel (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT), Arista (Mersister) (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Livia has been singing for as long as she can remember. At 12, she joined the WYC, where she discovered a love for musical theatre that’s shaped her journey ever since. She’s performed in Seussical the Musical, Hairspray, Elf the Musical, Footloose (as Rusty), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and most recently starred as Regina in Mean Girls the Musical, helping secure the 2024 Rainbow Stage Award for the show. A proud alum of Garden City Collegiate’s music program, Livia also performed with the vocal jazz group Groove, earning gold at the Winnipeg Music Festival and touring to the Brandon Jazz Festival. Now a member of Upper Voices at the University of Manitoba, she continues to grow through music. Livia is deeply grateful for the support of mentors like Stacey Nattrass-Brown, Jessica Kos-Whicher, and the WYC directors who’ve inspired her every step of the way.

Brandon Spulnick – Prince Eric (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT), Pilot (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Brandon is 22 Years old and has been a part of the Winnipeg Youth Chorus for 14 years. He is currently studying history at the University of Manitoba, where he has completed his 5th year. Brandon played lead roles in WYC’s two previous musicals, portraying the Cat in the Hat in Seussical the Musical and Reverend Shaw in Footloose. He is excited to be playing Prince Eric and Pilot in The Little Mermaid. His other endeavours with the choir include many trips and performances all around Canada and the United States. During his downtime, Brandon enjoys running, which he was involved in competitively for 8 years (only semi-competitive now…. he’s getting old). Brandon also volunteers as a coach for the mid-distance students in track and field at Collège Miles McDonnell Collegiate.

Holly Profeta – Sebastian (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Holly began her journey with the Winnipeg Youth Chorus when she was in grade 5. She is now in her senior year at Collège Miles Macdonell Collegiate and participating in her 3rd musical with the choir! Her other musical involvements include performing in the Winnipeg Music Festival, traveling to Brandon University’s Jazz Festival with Miles Mac’s vocal and instrumental group Compass, and having the opportunity to be a part of the vocal ensemble Prodigy, directed by Dr. Zane Zalis in her freshman year. Beyond singing and performing, Holly has formed long-lasting friendships and has found a sense of belonging in the community that the WYC has created, for which she could not be more thankful.

Niamh Leonard – Ursula (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE), Flotsam (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT)

Niamh can’t wait to play her dream role as Ursula in The Little Mermaid! She graduated from the University of Winnipeg in June 2024 with a degree in theatre performance and is now at Red River College Polytechnic working toward her Early Childhood Education classification. This is Niamh’s third musical, having played a bird girl in Seussical the Musical, followed by Rusty in Footloose. This is her eighth year singing with WYC.

Rebecca Pratt – Ursula (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT), Jetsam (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Rebecca is a composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist. She has been a musician her whole life and has just completed her second year studying music composition and education at the University of Manitoba. This is her fifth year with WYC and her second musical, having portrayed Vi in Footloose in 2023. Rebecca has also written a handful of arrangements and original material for the WYC, all of which can be found on the choir’s YouTube channel.

Daniel Loughren – Triton (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT), Chef Louis (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Daniel is making waves in The Little Mermaid as both the mighty King Triton and the flavourful Chef Louis! This is his sixth year singing tenor with the choir, where he’s loved being part of the WYC family. He previously made his mark as Chuck in Footloose, and he’s excited to be back in another WYC production. When he’s not cooking up some chaos or wielding a trident, Daniel is working toward his master’s degree in psychology at the University of Winnipeg. He’s thrilled to be part of this musical and hopes you enjoy the journey under the sea as much as he’s enjoyed being a part of it!

Sadie Miniely – Grimsby (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE), Chef Louis (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT)

Sadie has been singing for as long as she can remember. After first joining Pembina Trails Voices at six years old, she later moved to WYC. This is her eighth year in the choir. Sadie is currently completing her last year in high school at Institut Collégial Vincent Massey. This will be her third musical with the WYC and seventh overall. Her most recent musical was Ride the Cyclone (2024) with her school, in which she played one of the leads, Noel Gruber. Sadie is excited to be performing The Little Mermaid with such a talented community.

Cadence Bults – Flounder (T, R-Mat)

Cadence is a Grade 7 student at École Henri-Bergeron who’s always up for a challenge whether it’s on stage, on the court, or at the piano. This is her fourth year with WYC, and she’s so excited to be part of this year’s show! Outside of the musical, Cadence keeps busy with a wide range of extracurriculars, including volleyball, basketball, badminton, and Festival Théâtre Jeunesse. A passionate musician, Cadence sings with the band Parrot Parachute, plays piano, and is also a proud member of the LRSD honour choir. Cadence’s goal is to keep extending her vocal range and to push herself to the next level as a singer and performer.

Alayah Alby – Flounder (F-EVE, S-MAT)

Alayah is a talented 13-year-old performer with a deep passion for music, art, and storytelling. She joined the WYC three years ago and has appreciated every moment of this musical journey. After her debut performance in Footloose, she’s thrilled to return to the stage for her second production, excited to showcase her growth as a performer. When she’s not singing or playing the flute, Alayah enjoys drawing, writing stories, and letting her imagination run wild through art and words. She also loves spending time with her friends, family, and her loyal dog, Kato. Alayah is eager to share her creative talents with you in this upcoming performance!

Sophia Cannon – Scuttle (T, R-Mat, F-EVE, S-MAT)

Sophia is excited to be performing as her first lead role in a WYC production. She has been a member of WYC for seven years, and this is her third musical with the group! On top of performing, she enjoys being involved with the technical side of theatre, including being the stage manager for Collège Churchill High School’s 2024 production of Mean Girls. Outside of choir, Sophia has just completed her first year at the University of Manitoba where she is studying biological sciences. Sophia is forever grateful for her friends in the WYC and how the choir has helped expand her vocal, musical, and even dance skills. Fun fact: before this show, she had never even touched a pair of tap shoes! She hopes that the performance today puts a wiggle in your waddle!

Emily Klassen – Flotsam (W, R-EVE, F-MAT, S-EVE)

Emily is thrilled to be part of The Little Mermaid playing the role of Flotsam! A proud member of the Winnipeg Youth Chorus for 14 years, her favorite roles include Ethel in Footloose (2023) and a Wickersham Brother in Seussical the Musical (2019). Past productions also include Willy Wonka (2017) and Oliver! (2019) with MBCI, both Rainbow Stage Award winners.

She’s received several music honors, including the Ken Epp Character Award, the Sherry Plett Memorial Scholarship, and MBCI Music Awards. While at MBCI (2013–2020), Emily played in Concert and Jazz Band, sang in Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, and even taught music lessons after school. She now works as a coordinating assistant and instrumental coach at Elmwood Summer Band Camp.

Currently in her 5th year of post-secondary studies, Emily is pursuing a Theatre & Film degree in Acting at the University of Winnipeg. She’s incredibly thankful for her supportive family, mentors, and friends at WYC.

Lorilei Lage – Andrina (Mersister)

Lorilei has been singing with WYC for 6 cumulative years since 2015. The Little Mermaid will be her second musical, following Seussical the Musical in 2019. Other accomplishments and experiences include completion of Grade 8 piano and being a background actor in many movies. In 2024, she graduated from the University of Winnipeg with her Bachelor of Science with a major in Biology on the Deans Honour Role. Her goal is to practice as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. She enjoys curling, camping, skiing, taking her dog on hikes, and working way too much.

Elise Luczak – Atina (Mersister)

Elise has been performing since the age of 5, beginning with the Iskry Polish Folk Dance School and school musicals at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, where she’s taken on soloist and ensemble roles in 13 productions. She danced in The Nutcracker with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and performed in a musical theatre recital at the Centennial Concert Hall. Elise currently dances with the Polish School of Dance, Sokol, and has performed in Folklorama for the past three years.

This is her second year with the WYC and her first musical—she’s thrilled to be playing Atina! Outside of performing, Elise enjoys playing guitar and staying active through school sports. In 2024, she placed 2nd in girls’ singles and 3rd in mixed doubles at the MCSAA badminton provincials. An honour roll student in grade 8 at IHMS, Elise is excited to attend St. Mary’s Academy in the fall.

Chelsea Rowan – Allana (Mersister)

Chelsea is excited to be playing the role of Allana in this year’s production of The Little Mermaid. This is Chelsea’s 12th season with the WYC and her third musical with the organization, following Seussical the Musical (2019) and Footloose (2023). Chelsea has just completed her third year at l’Université de Saint Boniface, where she is pursuing an arts degree. Outside of school and choir, Chelsea enjoys reading, video games, and spending time with friends and family. She is grateful for the growth and friendships she’s gained through the WYC and is excited for this next adventure on stage.

Sailors, Chefs, and Ensemble

Back Row: Mylène Friesen, Hailey Rowan, Tatiana Briones, Taylor Mondor, Mac Pratt, Brady Zaluski

Middle Row: Mehreen Padda, Joanna Basanta, Kinley Acorn, Xiu Zhen, Roxanna Jones, Julia Rushworth, Libby Giesbrecht, Ethan Ellis

Front Row: Evie Pongracz, Katja Briones, Taras Petrunko, Blaine Sanchez, Haniel Sanchez, Sophia Darzi, Morgan Sanchez

Missing: Kya Michie

Song List

ACT I

Overture

The World Above – Ariel

Fathoms Below – Pilot, Sailors, Prince Eric, Grimsby

Daughters of Triton – Mersisters

If Only (Triton’s Lament) – King Triton

Daddy’s Little Angel – Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam

Part of Your World – Ariel

The Storm – Sailors

Part of Your World (Reprise) – Ariel

She’s In Love – Mersisters, Flounder

Her Voice – Eric

Under the Sea – Sebastian, Sea Creatures

If Only (Ariel’s Lament) – Ariel

Sweet Child – Flotsam, Jetsam

Poor Unfortunate Souls – Ursula

Act One Finale – Ursula, Ariel

Special Thanks to…

Our Live Band!

Keyboard I – Jonathan Alexiuk

Keyboard II – Samson Romaniuk

Keyboard IV – Hudson Thiessen

Reed I – Julie Husband

Reed II – Meredith Klassen

Reed III – Lauren Teterenko

Trumpet – Jordan Oulette

Bass – Matt Kozicki

Drums – Jaime Briones

Percussion – Paul Klassen

Costumes

Corallee Steinhilber – for making many, many, many of the costumes on the stage today – you are amazing!

John Taylor Collegiate – for allowing us to borrow so many of your costumes

Leila North – for lending us your wonderful sea creatures

Collège Jeanne-Sauvé – for lending us additional sea creatures

Transcona Collegiate Institute – for lending us some perfect princess dresses

Lauris Spulnick – for creating our Waves and our maids’ aprons

Jenny Briones, Pamela Bowles and Laurie Hildebrandt – for hemming up many of our costumes, it was a huge help.