Conner West, ‘27, lands a lead role as Sebastian the Crab in this year’s musical, ‘The Little Mermaid’. He discusses what steps he is taking in order to perform this role.
By: Ella Chan
West has been doing musical theater since 7th grade, and has been doing drama with Redwood since his freshman year.
“He’s a very egotistical crab,” West says, “He’s a music director and he just wants everything to be about himself for his career. He’s in cahoots with his loyalty to the king, and his love for this girl that obviously has a passion and he wants what’s best for her and what’s best for King Triton.”
Throughout the show on Ariel’s journey, Sebastian learns more about himself.
Upon taking this role, West has faced a handful of challenges. But these experiences have only improved his confidence on the stage. He finds that this can help him for future experiences.
“Learning how to balance the Jamaican accent with my accent [was difficult]. It’s been kind of hard, but I’m finding a way.”
Even though this was a slight obstacle for him he found ways he could relate to. The Sebastian he portrays is very energetic and fills his time with lots of music and non musical related activities. West sees himself in those characteristics of his character.
With his character, “I break the fourth wall a lot, and I make it that part of his whole thing,” says West.
West finds that, “Sebastian’s the whole core composer, he’s like a big ringmaster. He conducts things and points at them, he’s like a performer. Making everything a big show.”
West’s time taking part in this musical has been nothing but an enjoyable experience for him. He’s found that, “I thought that band was going to be my thing, but then I did the musical and I was like ‘I kind of like this’, cause I like to act and I love to sing so I might just make that kind of my thing.
To see West perform as Sebastian, come see the musical at the LJ William Theater on January 23, 24, and 25 at 7 pm. January 25, also has a 2 pm showing. Tickets can be purchased here.
Isabella Chan
Isabella (Ella) Chan ('26) is a second year arts and entertainment journalist for the Redwood Gigantea. You can reach out to her by emailing at isabe.ch5254@vusd.us
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