‘Little Mermaid Jr.’

Perkiomen Valley Middle School West students will take audience members “under the sea” with their production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” to be performed March 17, 18 and 19 in the school auditorium. The school is located at 220 Big Road.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 17; 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 18; and 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 19. Tickets are $8 each and can be purchased in advance by emailing director Krista Yerkes at kyerkes@pvsd.org, and they will also be available at the door.

Children who attend this performance are encouraged to dress up as their favorite prince or princess and will have a chance to go up on stage at the end of the show to have their pictures taken with Ariel and the entire cast. Tiaras, wands, bubbles, candy necklaces and swords will be on sale at the performance.

Approximately 50 West students are involved in this production, which will include many of the beloved songs from the classic Disney animated feature, such as “Under the Sea,” “Les Poissons,” “Part of Your World,” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

One hundred percent of net proceeds from ticket sales and donations will be donated to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (orthopedics department). This donation is made in keeping with the theme of the show, in which a mermaid named Ariel wishes for legs and feet to walk. Over the last 12 years, West’s Drama Club has donated $55,600 to local charities through the annual spring musical and has even begun a $500 scholarship program for Perkiomen Valley High School seniors.

“Since 2005, I have been directing the musicals at West and early on decided that I wanted it to be a learning experience for all involved. Most importantly, I wanted the students to recognize that theatre is not just a place for themselves to shine as stars, but also that theatre can be used to help others in the community,” said Yerkes.

“I wanted the students to recognize that theatre is not just a place for themselves to shine as stars, but also that theatre can be used to help others in the community.” — Director Krista Yerkes

SUBMITTED PHOTO From left to right are Martina Moffo, Kaylee Colombo, Aubrey Kilgore (back), Maya Williams, Hannah Ebyson and Emma Vigiolto.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Ariel (Emma Vigiolto) sings “Part of Your World” during a recent rehearsal.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Chef Louis (Connor Dare) sings about his love for “Les Poissons” while Sebastian (Amelia Harris) tries to stay out of sight.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Ursula (Isabella Yackanicz) performs “Poor Unfortunate Souls” while surrounded by members of the ensemble during a recent “Little Mermaid Jr.” rehearsal.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Prince Eric (Matt Meyering) and Ariel (Emma Vigiolto) dance together in Perkiomen Valley Middle School West’s production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.”