Colton Hayes, ‘25, explains how he’s been portraying King Triton, a complex and confused character in Redwood’s musical ‘The Little Mermaid’.
By: Aiden Lupian
Colton Hayes, ‘25, has been a part of Redwood’s Drama Program since his freshman year, being in its classes as well as its plays and muscials.
“I’ve been involved with drama all four years of high school and then I also did it a little bit in middle school.”
In last year’s musical, ‘Mean Girls’, Hayes played Principal Duvall and now in this musical Hayes is portraying King Triton. The tough and stoic father of Ariel who tries to navigate through his own struggles while taking care of her.
“I play King Triton, he’s an emotional father, he is grieving his wife after passing and he’s still trying to figure out how to govern a kingdom and manage his daughter since Ariel is going through stuff.”
One thing that Hayes can relate with the most with Triton is that he longs for understanding and a way to figure things out.
Hayes does want the audience to walk away knowing and understanding his character after the performance.
“I want the audience to know that he’s the king and has the power but he also has a soft side and he’s not always just full anger. He’s got levels to him,” says Hayes.
Figuring out King Triton and all of his complexities has been a little bit challenging to Hayes.
“I think the most challenging part, getting the parental thing because I’ve never gone through being a parent or the struggles of a parent. Trying to figure that out and put it on stage was a bit challenging.”
This will be Hayes’ last musical with Redwood and he wants to finish it on a high note.
“Definitely want to finish it by going out strong and showing everyone on stage the acting and the world of the little mermaid.”
While Hayes isn’t too sure if he’ll continue with drama after high school he still wants to do his best at his final one at Redwood.
Come see Hayes’ performance at the LJ Williams Theater on January 23rd and 24th at 7 pm. There are two showings at the 25th, one at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets can be purchased here.
Aiden Lupian
Aiden Lupian (´25) is a second year writer for the Gigantea who loves to tell a good arts story and really looks forward to all the stories he can write, and people to connect with
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