Rosedell Elementary Drama Club will present The Little Mermaid Junior from late May through the beginning of June.

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More than 40 students from fourth grade to sixth grade will participate in the play inspired by the Broadway musical and Disney animated film adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale.

The play will feature all the classic sing-along songs from the beloved Disney animated film. Additional songs will also be featured from the Broadway musical.

“The students rehearsed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for an hour. Right after spring break, they rehearsed  for an hour and a half.  In May, we increased it to two hours. It is a huge commitment. It’s a two hour show so there’s a lot to memorize,” said director Marian Urdank who also choreographed and casted the entire show.

However, Bailey Earheart, the student who played the lead role of Ariel claims, that even though it was a lot of hard work and a time commitment, “I loved playing Ariel even though I was a little nervous and it was a lot of memorization. I put a lot of silliness into it when I was acting. I made the part fun.”  

William Ross, who played the lead role of Eric also said, “It was not hard memorizing all the lines. I really like the role I played in this play. It was a role that I’ve wanted so I felt lucky to get the chance to actually be able to get the role.”

In this production, Robert Read and his wife constructed all the high-quality backdrops.

Additionally, Tonya Nelson from the costume company No Strings Attached sponsored costume design. Nelson has worked with notable directors Steven Speilberg and Jim Henson.

“In the beginning, we were doing sc
enery on butcher paper, so this has been an evolution from the basics of finding costumes in thrift stores to what you see today,” Director Marian Urdank said. “We are lucky to have the support from all the parents and people who contribute to the
play.”

There will be three public performances: Thursday May 30 at 6 p.m., Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 1 at noon.

The admission cost is $5 for Adults and $3 for children and doors open one hour prior to performances.

 For a sneak peak of the play and interview with cast, click here.