Little Mermaid makes a splash

Tickets for children’s camp production sell out at Performing Arts Center

  • Little Mermaid cast from left: Kitty Kelly, Gracie Miller, Kaylee Hamilton, Lilly Martin, Gemma Lawrence, Violet Faulk, Eli George, Arlen Myers, Olivia Petty, Natalie George, Logan Kelly, Gracey Rodriquez, Darby Lawrence, Emma Rhodes, Lucy Hopple, Isla Hatfield, Maddy Goddard, Miles Collum, Pella Fuerch and Lincoln Carpenter.
    Little Mermaid cast from left: Kitty Kelly, Gracie Miller, Kaylee Hamilton, Lilly Martin, Gemma Lawrence, Violet Faulk, Eli George, Arlen Myers, Olivia Petty, Natalie George, Logan Kelly, Gracey Rodriquez, Darby Lawrence, Emma Rhodes, Lucy Hopple, Isla Hatfield, Maddy Goddard, Miles Collum, Pella Fuerch and Lincoln Carpenter.
    Director of Our Little Mermaid, Robbie Dernehl and Lilly Moody played Ms. Torta.

    Director of Our Little Mermaid, Robbie Dernehl and Lilly Moody played Ms. Torta.

    By Terrie Kelly

    Guest Writer

     

    June 17 and 18, the annual children’s theater camp at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville culminated in the production, “Our Little Mermaid” to sold out audiences.

    There were 52 children from Clay, Cherokee, Towns and Union counties and children from Atlanta, Ga. and Cary, N.C. participating.

    “This was the first year that our daughter, Gracy, 7 years old, has participated and I have seen her grow and develop so much during this experience. I would recommend this child’s theater camp to any family,” said Brandy Roquemore, of Towns County.

    “The whole staff worked together so well to produce this play in only two weeks. The director, Robbie Dernehl planned the camp and play so well and with so much heart.”

    Dernehl is an actress with more than 40 years experience, including 15 years of directing children’s theater and serving over 600 children. When asked about her goals for the camp, she said, “My goal is that these children will grow in self-confidence and have precious memories that they will never forget.”

    Other parents have praised this children’s theater camp. Jennifer and George Hatfield reported, “We are so thankful that Robbie Dernehl and her production staff are able to bring such a wonderful production to the Peacock Theater in our hometown of Hayesville. It was an exciting and inspiring experience.”

    Kimberly Dixon lives in Towns County and teaches at Hayesville Primary School. She said, “The production was highly professional and entertaining, show-casing the talents of so many young people. These children are lucky to have such an amazing opportunity right in their backyards.”

    For more information call the Peacock Performing Arts Center at (828) 389-2787 or Robbie Dernehl at (706) 8971041.