FOREST HILLS, Mich. — Forest Hills Eastern will be premiering its production of The Little Mermaid this weekend. Missing from the cast, however, is the original actor playing Ursula.
17-year-old Tessa Stanley tragically died in December. She was hit by a vehicle while walking to her mailbox.
Tessa was a big fan of the theater. Her friends say she was born to be on the stage.
"It’s mind-blowing," said Trey Butka, Tessa's friend and playing Sebastian in the musical. "You’d watch her and your jaw would just be on the floor. She was amazing."
The musical director, Annie Hebel, and the staff at Forest Hills Eastern wanted to continue the production after Tessa's passing. However, that left a big role to fill.
Hebel stepped up to both direct the production and play the villain in the show.
"I was happy to do it," said Hebel, "It's been a lot, but I've been happy to stand in so the show could continue."
Hebel said Tessa would want them to continue the show, as she was instrumental in choosing the program for this year's show.
"I just want to get it right for her," said Hebel, "I just want to be all I can be so this role still shines in her honor."
Her vocal director said Tessa was a natural at playing Ursula.
"Usula has a deep rich alto sound and Tessa could nail that," said Emily Blink, Forest Hills Eastern choir director and vocal director for the musical. "Her facial expressions were hilarious. She had the role right away she was just perfect for it from the beginning."
Her friend, Trey Butka who also plays Sebastian, said Tessa "would be in all types of roles and she would embody it."
He encourages everyone to go out and see plays in her honor. Also, he said she went out of her way to make sure no one was left out, and he hopes others take up that quality Tessa shined at doing.
"Not having her next to me to see it is kinda hard," said Butka, "but I know she’s looking down on it and she’s in awe of what we’ve created."
Hebel said the entire cast and crew of the production stepped in and filled in the holes as she took on dual roles.
"It was devastating. Not only were we grieving, but we were trying to help kids grieve and trying to put on a show," said Hebel. "Everybody just kind of jumped on board and was able to fill in the pieces. The kids, their sense of leadership and their sense of care for one another, has been amazing."
On stage left, a castmate put a small figurine of Ursula on a production box. Hebel said that represents Tessa watching over their every performance.
"Every time I come off stage, everyone high fives me and I just think she’d do the same thing," said Hebel. "She would have been back there high fiving everyone. I just see her every time I come off stage."
Forest Hills Eastern is putting on the Little Mermaid February 8 through 10. You can purchase tickets by going to this website.
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