The Peru Gazette

Thanks to Tom Lavin of the Adirondack Regional Theater for a great story and photos 

Once upon a time, in the small town of Peru, NY, there lived a young boy named Mason Barber. Mason was an eighth grader with an extraordinary passion for musical theater. While most kids his age were busy playing sports or video games, Mason spent his afternoons belting out show tunes and choreographing impromptu dance routines in his bedroom.

His current favorite musical? Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” The enchanting tale of Ariel, the curious mermaid who longed to explore the human world, captured Mason’s heart. He knew every lyric, every dance step, and every behind-the-scenes fact about the Broadway production. But there was one problem: Mason had never directed or been a part of a production team yet.

Determined to change that, Mason approached Pam and Tom Lavin of Adirondack Regional Theatre, to put on a production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” Armed with cardboard props, borrowed costumes, and sheer enthusiasm, they transformed four stages and parks in the North Country into an underwater wonderland. Mason directed, helped choreograph, design the sets and even played the role of Scuttle at one performance.

The show was a hit! Parents wiped away tears as their children sang “Part of Your World,” and Mason beamed with pride. But he knew this was just the beginning. He dreamed of someday directing the grand Broadway version—the real deal with the best local actors, dazzling sets, and an orchestra pit.

Fast forward ten years. Mason had graduated from Plattsburgh State with a degree in Theater Arts. His résumé boasted various plays and musicals as an actor, director, set designer and even recitals with dance companies. But something tugged at his heart—the memory of that makeshift “Little Mermaid” production in Peru.

He returned to Adirondack Regional Theatre, now a seasoned director with a vision. He gathered a team of passionate artists, including his childhood friend Gabby Dion, who had always been his biggest supporter. Together, they set out to create magic.

Auditions were held, and Mason found his Ariel—a talented young actress named Bryn Walsh. The cast rehearsed tirelessly, and Mason poured his heart into every detail. The set designer, Roscoe Duquette, joined the group to build an awe-inspiring underwater kingdom. The costumes, designed by LeAnn Yelton, sparkle, and the orchestra, led by Cam Lincoln, learn their parts as the breathtaking choreography, created by Carlee Carrier and Jamie Roberts, took shape.

As opening night approaches, the Strand Center Theatre is buzzing with anticipation. Mason is waiting for the overture to begin and for the curtain to rise, revealing a breathtaking seascape. He will hear Bryn’s voice soar as Ariel sings of her dreams, and Mason will know he is witnessing something special.

Mason’s vision will be on display for all to see June 13-15 at Plattsburgh’s Strand Center Theatre. ART will present two evening shows at 7:30pm (June 14 & 15) and two matinees at 2pm (June 15 & 16). Tickets are available from the Strand Center for the Arts by calling the box office at 518-563-1604, online at  www.strandcenter.org/theater-events  or at the door the night of the show

Audiences are sure to be praising the innovative staging, the emotional performances, and the sheer joy radiating from the stage. Mason’s dream will come true—he directed Disney’s full-scale “The Little Mermaid.” The boy who once wielded cardboard swords now commands a crew of the North Country’s best.

When the final notes of “Under the Sea” echo through the theater, Mason will take a bow alongside his cast. Undoubtably tears will well up in his eyes. The North Country will have been transformed, and so will he. The little boy who loved musical theater had become a maestro of storytelling.

And so, Mason Barber’s journey—from junior director to Broadway luminary—reminds everyone that dreams, no matter how small or improbable, could lead to something magical. As the curtain fell at a recent rehearsal, Mason whispered to Gabby, “This is just the beginning.”