Lily Beavis is having fun playing Ursula, the villain in the Mankato Figure Skating Club’s annual show, “Little Mermaid on Ice,” playing this weekend at All Seasons Arena.
“I like to say I have the evil character,” she said. “But I tried to make her really fun. I have my two pet eels and they always follow me around and do my bidding.”
More than 40 skaters take part in the local club’s 49th show, which often finds a favorite Disney movie and puts it on ice, according to the club’s Emily Christensen.
Show ideas are suggested by members and narrowed down to three by coaches. Skaters make the final decision.
Skaters range in age from 4 to high school senior with Beavis being the eldest of the group.
Beavis earned her role through successful completion of American Figure Skating Association testing, Christensen said. So, in a way, larger roles are the reward for hard work. But once they hit the ice, having fun in portraying popular characters is the goal.
Maddy Nicholson enjoys the characteristics of the lead, Ariel, whose voice is stolen by Ursula. Voices in the show are recorded by folks from the Mankato Playhouse so skaters are voicing their lines, but losing her voice takes that to the next level, she said.
“She’s outgoing, and she’s very, like, emotional,” Nicholson said. “So, it’s been fun playing around with that a little bit.”
Still, learning the lines so they can effectively mouth them has been difficult, she added, especially when words include silly ones like “dinglehopper.”
Throughout the show, skaters get to perform with many club members. That brings everyone together, said Payten Otto, who plays Sebastian. More than 50 skaters — including parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and cousins — participate in the family number.
When asked what is the best part, Otto said, “It’s just the friendships. We’re all a big family, basically.”
Skaters aren’t the only ones putting in the time, especially during show week, Christensen said.
“Each parent has quite a few volunteer hours that they have to fulfill throughout the show week or the weeks leading up to that. It’s all hands on deck.”
The club utilizes all corners of the rink at All Seasons Arena to construct scenic backdrops, and the bang boards are covered with painted designs to continue the feel. This way, no matter where you sit to watch, you’ll have something nearby to watch.
As the show approaches, costumes and costume changes are added to the skating and line memorization.
“It’s a little challenging at first, but it gets put together,” Otto said. “I have the mermaid tail, and I have to wear her wig,” Nicholson added.
When the show is done on Sunday, the club needs to move items they have stored at the arena so scheduled construction work can begin right away, Christensen said. Although that tight turnaround makes it a bit challenging now, she said they know the improved arena will be worth it.
But first, there’s the show, which is great for people of all ages, she said. Doors will open one hour before showtime with tickets available then.
“It’s seriously great for all, so if there’s anyone that’s interested in joining skating or thinking about joining skating, this would be a great opportunity to come see what it’s all about,” Christensen said.