Disney's The Little Mermaid is one of the most beloved tales of all time, and the Rose Center Theater's musical theater production of the classic fairytale is just around the corner. But first, we want to introduce the actors who plays the most mischievous characters in the show - Flotsam and Jetsam.
Garrett Brown and Rylie Herbel, who play Flotsam, and Jessie Reitz and Jillian Matthews, who play Jetsam, are bringing their A-game to the stage, and they're here to give us a sneak peek into the world of Flotsam and Jetsam. "To be half of such an iconic duo of ne'er-do-wells as Flotsam and Jetsam means the opportunity to explore empathy for broken, rejected outcasts," says Garrett. "Bringing that kind of character to life forces an actor like myself to connect justified motivation to dastardly deeds done in the name of a skewed greater good."
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's sidekicks and play a crucial role in the story. But these two villains are not your average bad guys. As Jessie explains, "Well… Flotsam and Jetsam really only have one goal, right? To make Ursula happy and help her plans take shape; they don’t really know or think they’re villains. I hope that people can relate to blindly wanting to make someone happy, and feeling like they’re doing the right thing even if they’re not, and can empathize with their reasoning behind their actions."
It's not just the characters that these actors have to bring to life, but also the iconic music and moves of the show. "The most challenging aspect of unpacking the life-force of an underwater henchman has been finding the balance between being intimidating, yet seductive and comedic," Garrett explains. "Oh man. HEELYING! It’s definitely a new skill to heely, dance, and sing all at the same time!" adds Jessie.
Garrett and Jessie are also bringing their own unique spin to their characters, and they're both thrilled to see what their co-actors bring to the stage. "I think one of the most memorable things is getting to watch the amazing people we’re double-cast with," Jessie says. "I love seeing the different ideas we all have."
"Playing Jetsam is always a fun time," says Rylie who also plays Flotsam. "I always love taking on iconic characters like these and putting my own spin on them." Rylie on how she faces the challenge of finding the balance between making strong character choices and staying true to the original movie characters that everyone loves. "It's a fine line that actors have to walk," says Rylie.
Jillian, on the other hand, is excited about bringing her love for Halloween to the stage as she takes on the role of Flotsam. "I am a Halloween girl, and getting to portray a villain character is truly an honor," says Jillian. The hardest thing for her has been learning how to "heely," the skating shoes used to create a swimming effect on stage. "I am a dancer, but my natural balance is not kicking in quick enough," says Jillian. Despite this, she is looking forward to exploring the comedic side of the character. "Thankfully for the eels, they are very comedic, so I can take away some of the darkness with my comedy," adds Jillian.
Both Rylie and Jillian are also looking forward to working with their fellow actors- Garrett and Jessie- and watching their unique ideas come to life on stage. "I hope people walk away from the theater with bruised knees from all the knee-slapping jokes," says Jillian. Rylie, on the other hand, hopes that the audience will come out of the theater with a new appreciation for the characters of Flotsam and Jetsam. "I hope they can make the audience root for the villains," says Rylie. "You always know that a villain is doing a good job when you think, “I kind of want them to win."
At the end of the day, all of the actors hope that the audience will come out of the theater with a new appreciation for the characters of Flotsam and Jetsam. As Garrett says, "I hope audiences can reflect on Flotsam and realize that even the bottom-feeders, the outcasts, the recluses of the world have feelings, and deserve to be shown love and charity." So, get ready to be swept away by the mischievous duo Flotsam and Jetsam in Disney's The Little Mermaid, playing at the Rose Center Theater. Don't miss out on this magical production, and book your tickets today!
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's The Little Mermaid is a beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."
Music by ALAN MENKEN
Lyrics by HOWARD ASHMAN & GLENN SLATER
Book by DOUG WRIGHT
Director & Musical Director: TIM NELSON
Choreographers: JENNIFER MATTHEWS & DIANE MAKAS
Technical Director: CHRIS CAPUTO
Rose Center Theater
14140 All American Way
Westminster, Ca 92683
February 18 to March 5
*Opening Night & Gala Performance: Saturday February 18 at 7:30 PM
Closing Performance: Sunday March 5 at 2:00 PM
7:30 PM - Evening Performances: February 18, 24, 25, March 3, 4
2:00 PM - Matinee Performances: February 19, 26, March 5
*Opening Gala; Join us on Saturday February 18 at 7:30 PM for a magical gala under the sea with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and a meet and greet with the cast after the show!
Tickets: $19 - $45
Group rates and discounts for military personnel available. For more information contact our box office at RoseCTBoxOffice@gmail.com or leave a message at 714-793-1150 ext. 1.
Promotional Resources & Press Contact
For more information, and press tickets, please contact Ryan Salazar at RoseCTBoxOffice@gmail.com.
Tags: theater events, orange county performing arts, live theater productions near me, OC Performing Arts, Performing Arts Venue, Rose Center Theater, Broadway, Musical Theater.