Shirland School's “The Little Mermaid Jr.” invited audiences to be part of her world

Shirland School's stage was transformed into the sea, where Ariel invited audiences to become “Part of Your World,” on May 2 and 3, 2025 in the production of "The Little Mermaid, Jr."

Under the direction Ms. Dawn Heavilin, the district’s music teacher and musical director, a cast and crew of around sixty students attracted audiences with fun songs, colorful costumes, catchy dance numbers, masterful use of the aisles, and an eye-catching set highlighting different ages and levels of talent.

The musical, designed for middle-school aged performers, was based on the 2008 Broadway production and the 1989 animated feature film.

The Little Mermaid, Jr. takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

But first, Ariel will have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch, and convince a prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice.
This classic Disney title contained all of the songs from the Academy Award® winning animated feature film as well as three new songs from the Broadway show.

The music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater came alive. The book was written by Doug Wright, based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film. Music was adapted and arranged by David Weinstein.

Audiences were instantly hooked on the Shirland creative flair.

The Pilot (Carter Fern)m Sailors, Prince Eric, (brilliantly played by Knox Beyer), Grimsby, (Peter Hoff) and Sea Creatures set out on a course of adventure in an energetic, heart pumping scene in "Fathoms Below." An extra large blue sheet gave the effect of a wavy sea.

“Daughters of Triton” was performed by the Mersisters, the seven daughters of King Triton and Queen Athena. Athena had tragically died in a collision with a pirate ship.

Emma Faherty captured the audience's heart with a nuanced performance as Ariel.

Scuttle (Billy Hoff), the Gulls, Ariel, and Flounder reviewed “Human Stuff.”

Ariel introduced the fact that she wondered what it would be like to be “Part of Your World.”

Sebastian, the lovable crab (cleverly played by Gus Stromberg), and Sea Creatures celebrated how things are "Under the Sea" with a enjoyable dance routine, done in skillful rhythm and timing.

The Mersisters and Flounder (Maggie Van) discover that Ariel has fallen for a human in “She's In Love.”

The highly-talented Kira Quillen gave a showstopping performance in the role of Ursula, Ariel's villainous aunt.

Ursula agreed to make Ariel human for three days, on the condition that she must get the prince to kiss her before the sun sets on the third day. If the kiss of true love occurred, Ariel could remain human permanently. Otherwise she would return to her mermaid form and belong to the evil Ursula.

Ursula was joined by Flotsam (Bayleigh Dewart) and Jetsam (Mackenzie Bragg) who were delighted in the fact they were about to set up “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

Urusla continued conveying her message to Ariel: "Beluga! Sevruga! [types of sturgeon, a fish] Come winds of the Caspian Sea! Amnesia, glossitis et max laryngitis" as she urged Ariel to turn her voice over to her.

A humorous and lighthearted scene opened Act Two as Chef Louis (Maddie Pals) and the other Chefs held cleavers as they expressed concerns about “Les Poissons.”

Prince Eric let everyone know that he was “One Step Closer” to finding the right girl.

Sebastian, and Sea Creatures encouraged Prince Eric to “Kiss the Girl.”

Grimsby and the Princesses set up a contest to help the Prince determine who he should be with.

Sawyer Usry made a memorable entrance as King Triton who was searching for his daughter, Ariel.

Song reprisals replayed favorite numbers.

In the end, Ariel's voice is restored and she gets her wish to become a human, with the help of her father King Triton made a sacrifice to allow her to be free. She married Prince Eric and together they live happily ever after in the human world.

But first, Ursula attempts to kill Ariel and Eric and dies after being impaled by the splintered bowsprit of a ship, which is then struck by lightning, electrocuting her.

Sailors & Chefs: Michael Pals, Colton Jobson, Daxton Hawkins, Logan Riihl, Gilberto Rodriguez, Tucker Potter, Easton Gunnink, and Jameson Doll.

Lively Merfolk and the Sea Chorus: Ashley Kempin, Jack Hall, Ann Hoff, Ava Ganrude, Aubrey Hurn, Savanha Meyers, London Serns, Jackson Taylor, Leah Serns, Amelia Williams,Selah Figueroa, Reyna Figueroa, Scarlet Allen, Sam Quirk, and Zac Sibigtroth.

Having fun as Gulls: Calvin Duran, Lucas Riihl, Drexel Michalsen, and Reed Miller.

Princesses: Nora Nygren, Annie Lange, Emma Sallinger, Layla Swanson, Grace Williams, Teagan Hawkins, and Vera Van.

In other roles: Aleena Lang portrayed the Seahorse. Kashvi Bhatt: Aquata. Lillian Crosby: Andrina. Isabelle Scott-Nimmer: Arista. Enslie Michalsen: Atina. Estelle Stromberg: Adella. Claire Evans: Allana. Jaylen Paul played the maid, Carlotta.

Working alongside director Heavilin were assistant directors & choreographers Mrs. Heather Dobnick, Mrs. Ciara Fischer-James, Mrs. Hannah Pals (who also coaches the school's award-winning robotics team), and Mrs. Rebecca Clinite

Behind the costume design were Mrs. Hannah Pals (again) and Mrs. Bev Velmers.

Scenery, props, and decorations were done by Miss Emily Buhck, Mrs. Clinite, Mrs. Dobnick, Mrs. Emilee Schwarbach, Mrs. James, Mrs. Pals, Mr. Nathan Vana, and many others.

Mr. Jamie Wilson served as the sound engineer.

Stage crew & lighting was covered by Alia Johnson, Emma Kempin, Jordan Paul, and Audrianna Serns.

Special thanks were sent to Superintendent-Principal Dr. Ryan Wlodek.

The cast and crew recognized administrative personnel for their support - Mrs. Lindsey Minkie and Mrs. Katie Wagoner - and sent gratitude to all parents, teachers and staff who made the production possible, as well as all who made donations of any kind.

Shirland School and Ariel made everyone aware that they were “Part of Your World!”