March 12, 2025
By River Scofield
Photos by Amy Todd
Ever wanted to set sail on a high-seas adventure or delve into the mysterious blue? Be part of that world this weekend as Liberty Union High School presents The Little Mermaid.
In this Disney classic, a young mermaid named Ariel falls in love with a human prince named Eric. To join him, she signs away her voice to the sea witch Ursula in exchange for human legs. Ariel has three days to win the prince’s love or become Ursula’s prisoner forever.
According to Ben Chabot, the freshman playing Prince Eric, the stage production tells the same well-loved story as the movie, but audiences will experience a stronger attachment to the characters.
“There are a bunch of different songs and scenes, and I feel that you get more connected to the show,” Chabot said.
The stage version includes all the iconic music from the movie along with “some different songs and elements that make it more fun,” said senior Bailey Shy, who plays Sebastian the crab. “It’s The Little Mermaid, so who doesn’t love that?”
Ranging from kindergarten through high school, the production features 98 student actors.
“We have fewer than 15 high school actors in the production,” said director Jill Henwood. “Getting kids involved earlier is helping us build the program.”
Henwood said the production also relies heavily on younger crew members this year after graduating most of the stage crew. Middle school students are helping in several roles, including a first-time middle school light operator, while the stage manager is an eighth grader.
Rachel Sponseller, who plays Ariel, said high school cast members mentor the youngest performers.
“One of our leads, Flounder (Rory Gaskill), is a third grader, so we guide her and the ensemble members through the process and make sure they have a great time,” Sponseller said. “We give them high fives and tell them they are doing a great job.”
Sponseller knows firsthand how powerful that experience can be.
“This is my tenth year — I started in first grade in Annie,” she said. “That really sparked my love of theatre, and now I’m one of the leads at our school.”
The set and costumes glisten like scales on a fish plus the musical features several special effects, including flight.
“There are times when it just makes more sense to fly the actor, like when Ariel gets her legs,” Henwood said. “Some stage directions can be tricky — one says, ‘Ursula has grown to gargantuan size.’ Sometimes the audience has to use their imagination, but it’s fun figuring out how to show those moments on stage.”
“Everyone in the cast and crew has dedicated many hours,” said senior Elizabeth Conn, who plays Scuttle the seagull. “We look great and sound great — it’s a Disney show, so everyone is going to love it.”
Tickets are going quickly, with some shows already sold out. Performances are March 12–14 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at LUtheater.LUDUS.com for $12 plus a processing fee of $1.35.
Liberty Union Theatre is part of the CAPA Marquee Awards and will host multiple CAPA judges during the four-show run.
“Come to the show — it is amazing,” said Cienna Lodge, who plays Ursula. “Come see it for Ursula. If you don’t, I’ll put a nasty spell on you!”
Behind the Scenes photos by Liz Henwood:
