Three Rivers High School students to bring the world of “The Little Mermaid” to life onstage

Starting March 13 at 7 p.m., Three Rivers High School will present its production of the Disney classic “The Little Mermaid” at the Three Rivers High School Performing Arts Center. Director Jennifer Miller said the show was selected with help from students.

“This group of students has such big imaginations and such kind hearts, and ‘The Little Mermaid’ gives them a world where they can really play, explore and express themselves,” Miller told Watershed Voice. “They deserve a show that lets them shine and have fun, and this story does exactly that.”

The show runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased online or at the door.

About 35 students are involved in the production this year, Miller said, filling roles both onstage and behind the scenes. Some students perform as actors, singers and dancers, while others manage technical elements such as sound, lighting and props.

“What I love is how diverse their contributions are,” Miller wrote. “It’s a whole ecosystem of student talent, and everybody has found a place where they belong.”

Miller said that sense of belonging is one of the reasons theater can play an important role in the high school experience.

“Some of our kids don’t always fit neatly into other spaces, and here they get to be creative, expressive and valued for who they are,” Miller said.

She added that theater also helps students develop empathy and collaboration — lessons that extend beyond the stage into school and everyday life.

Bringing the world of “The Little Mermaid” to life has presented both creative opportunities and technical challenges, Miller said. The production includes underwater scenes, large musical numbers and vibrant colors designed to capture the spirit of the original story.

“Figuring out how to create that magic has definitely stretched us,” Miller wrote. “But the challenge has been such a good thing. It’s pushed us to be creative, resourceful and open to trying new things.”

One area audiences may notice in particular is how the production portrays the underwater environment.

“We’ve played with movement, lighting and fabric in ways that give everything a gentle, flowing feel,” Miller wrote.

Miller said she is especially excited for audiences to experience one of the show’s most recognizable musical numbers, “Under the Sea.”

“There’s a moment in ‘Under the Sea’ when everything just clicks — the music, the colors, the energy — and Sebastian absolutely shines,” Miller said. “It’s such a joyful, show-stopping moment, and you can feel the whole cast lift around him.”

A quieter moment later in the show also stands out to her.

“Ariel’s reprise always gets me,” Miller said. “It’s such an honest, vulnerable moment, and it reminds me how much heart these students pour into their storytelling.”

Throughout rehearsals, Miller said the students have shown strong support for one another.

“They support one another in a way that feels rare — cheering after someone finally nails a note, helping fix a costume, stepping in to run lines with someone who’s having a long day,” Miller said. “They’re goofy and energetic, but also incredibly dedicated. I’ve loved watching them grow not just as performers, but as a little family.”

Miller also expressed gratitude for the students, families, volunteers and sponsors who have supported the production, along with the Three Rivers High School administration.

“Every set piece, every stitch, every late-night rehearsal — it has all been built with so much care and heart,” Miller said. “We can’t wait to share it with you.”

Performances are March 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., with matinees March 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the door. The box office opens 45 minutes before showtime, and the house opens 30 minutes before the performance.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.