Beloved Stories in Middle School Drama

: By Dan Veaner; Entertainment; | May 18, 2006 |

Lansing Middle School presented "Timeless Tales," four of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories last weekend. Directed by 7th Grade English Teacher Judy Hinderliter, students enacted "The Princess and the Pea," "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," and "The Ugly Duckling."

Another princess rejected

Standout moments included Emperor Nicolo Gentile's hearts designed boxers, and Empress Mairi Cardone's line, "I must be stupid!" as she tried to decide why she couldn't see the Emperor's new clothes. Kate Schuttenberg was a fierce sea witch as she took Little Mermaid Hannah McKinney's voice in payment for making her human. Emily Kaplan's Queen in The Princess and the Pea was daunting as she rejected one princess after another, while Robin Presthus's understated King had his moment when she was foiled by Princess Tara Miller, who passed every test.

One of the real stars of the show was Bobbi Wasenko's costumes, from the beautiful mermaids to the ugly duckling. Catie Coursey narrated as the master himself.