General News
4 July, 2024
Mortlake’s little superstar
MORTLAKE’S Clancey Greene has wowed sold out crowds at the Lighthouse Theatre after being cast in a leading role in Primary Performers’ production of The Little Mermaid Jr.
Primary Performers provides an opportunity for students from grades one to six to participate in theatre at Warrnambool’s premier venue for stage events, the Lighthouse Theatre.
This season the Primary Performers put their own twist on The Little Mermaid, among Disney’s classics since being released in 1989.
Clancey was cast in the leading role of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to leave the underwater kingdom of Atlantica in search of a new life among humans.
Speaking with Western District Newspapers following her blockbuster final performance on Saturday, Clancey said she had loved every minute of her time playing the iconic role.
“I liked everything about it,” she said.
“It’s been amazing.
“Each performance has been really fun.”
The 10-year-old has been acting for around five years, however had missed out on the opportunity to gain more experience on the stage due to the cancellation of productions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It was a nervous wait after the audition process, with roles among the Primary Performers being hotly contested before the directors Kerry and Richard Zeigler were left with the unenviable task of narrowing down the list among the region’s burgeoning talent.
“We practiced audition songs every Wednesday and Sunday and then when the audition came we would sing which song we wanted so they can cast us,” Clancey said.
“A couple of weeks later we were cast, and I found out I was going to be Ariel.
“I felt really good, and excited.”
Despite her young age and inexperience, taking the stage in the sold-out 584-seat theatre in four performances over the past week was no match for the confident youngster.
“It doesn’t bother me much,” she said.
“They’re just people there.”
While the moment was not at all daunting for Clancey, her mother Catherine Fitzgerald admitted she had been far more nervous.
“I was terrified the first shows, but she’s just nailed it,” she said.
“She knew exactly what she was doing.
“Everyone has been amazing – from the orchestra to everyone building the sets, Richard and Kerry Zeigler, and all the volunteers.
“All the parents have to commit to helping out, we’re building sets and painting every Sunday, so it’s been all the more special to be part of that.”
Mrs Fitzgerald said she had been proud to see her daughter taking to the stage, despite having to make changes to ensure the show would run smoothly.
Primary Performers practice each Wednesday afternoon and Sunday morning, with a minimum of eighty per cent of rehearsals needing to be attended.
“I work in Warrnambool so I go to pick her up early every Wednesday to get her back to Warrnambool for practice, so I’m leaving early,” Mrs Fitzgerald said.
“It’s a big commitment because we live in Mortlake, but it’s amazing.”
