The Rye Neck Middle School production of “Little Mermaid Jr.” rocked the house at the Performing Arts Center May 30. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders brought the beloved Disney animated film about a mermaid, who dreams of life on land among humans, to life.

By Janice Llanes Fabry

 

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The Rye Neck Middle School production of “Little Mermaid Jr.” rocked the house at the Performing Arts Center May 30. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders brought the beloved Disney animated film about a mermaid, who dreams of life on land among humans, to life.

Middle School Theater teacher Yvette Post Goldman directed the production; it was the 11th school musical for the longtime Rye resident. Musical Director Craig Peterson reprised the Academy Award-winning fantasy’s familiar tunes, “Kiss The Girl” and “Under The Sea,” where “nobody beat us, fry us and eat us in fricassee.” Rye Neck alumna Samantha Gerhardt returned as stage manager, while Middle and High school students acted as stage crew, executing the lighting and sound.

“Each year I try to determine how the theme of our story applies to the middle school experience. This year, it was easy,” said Goldman. “Just as Ariel yearns to explore the world above and wants to grow up, Middle School students stand on the cusp between childhood and their teenage years. They’re growing up.”

During the finale, Goldman had all the students sing a poignant rendition of “Part of Your World” for their parents.