Come along for a seaside adventure with this spring’s Perkins High School production of “The Little Mermaid.” The PHS musical production of the story made famous by Disney opens Thursday, April 7, and continues Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, in the high school auditorium.
PHS senior Mackenzie Wright plays the lead role of Ariel, a young mermaid full of excitement and wonder about the world above the water. Smitten with Prince Eric (played by junior Drew Peiffer), Ariel seeks out the help of the evil sea witch Ursula (played by freshmen Chloe Carr) to find a way to land.
After an argument with her father, King Triton (played by sophomore Aaron Welch), Ariel sets out on a journey accompanied by her dear friend Flounder (played by junior Ben Parnell) and loveable advisor Sebastian (played by PHS senior Brett Phenicie).
The musical is directed by PHS teachers Shana DeRose Smith and Chris Zanella, and choreographed by Furry Elementary School teacher Pamela Shirtz. The vocals are directed by PHS teacher Randy Gernovich.
The production is accompanied by the pit orchestra of PHS Band members and directed by Chris Zanella.
The musical will be performed three nights – at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.
Cast
Ariel: Mackenzie Wright
Prince Eric: Drew Peiffer
Sebastian: Brett Phenicie
Grimsby: Franklin Whipple
Flounder: Ben Parnell
Scuttle: Brooke McClusky
Ursula: Chloe Carr
Flotsam: Jordyn Risk
Jetsam: Alison Risk
Aquata: Bailey Garrett
Andrina: Noelle Showalter
Arista: Katelyn Showalter
Atina: Cadence Bryant
Adella: Isabel Roberts
Allana: Jasmine King
Winward: Carly Grathwol
Chef Louis: Kaydee Streng
King Triton/ Pilot: Aaron Welch
Sailors, Sea Creatures, Maids, Gulls, Chefs, Animals: Emily Terry, Addison Stradtman, Alysa Williams, Tyler Davis, Madison Johnson, Kaydee Streng, Conner Zytkowicz, Samuel West, Marianna Bollini, Carly
Pit Orchestra and Crew
Pit Director: Mr. Christopher Zanella
Piano: Mr. Randall Gernovich
Piano: Mrs. Karen Rude
Flute: Lauren Eakes
Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute: Emma Troyer
Clarinet: Alex Lipinski
Clarinet: Aaron Geise
Euphonium: Gabe Cummings
Bass Guitar: Evan Pearston
Percussion: Anthony Douglas
Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone: Matt Chandran
Trumpet: Savannah Willis
Trumpet: Maggie Mehling
Horn: Ms. Jacqueline Schroeder
Horn: Kaden Canfield
Drum Set: Caroline Gast
Sound: Mr. Josh Eastlake
Spot Light #1: Sang Bui
Spot Light #2: Michael Uher
Lightboard: Richard Cottrill
Stage Crew: Kailey Hirshman, Ashritha Kota, Keira Geiger 
Paint Crew: Emma Walton, James Wolford, Aedon Gibson, Jasmine King, Katelyn Showalter, Mackenzie Wright, Noelle Showalter, Kaydee Streng, Bailey Garrett, Emily Terry, Addison Stradman, Conner Zytkowicz, Sam West, Drew Peiffer, Tyler Davis, Angie Leckrone, Alysa Williams