Working together for many hours during rehearsals, the cast of Indian Valley Middle School’s spring musical “The Little Mermaid Jr.” showed off their efforts while creating a community atmosphere March 5-7.
According to director Emily Morris, the students work on the production for multiple hours during the week.
“We work for about 10 hours a week outside of school, and then they are at home practicing,” Morris said. “They are practicing and going over lines and songs.”
Eighth grader Fionn Shelly, who plays Prince Eric, said he believes that all of this effort will bring good results in the long run.
“It makes it easier for all of us to perform together and in front of people, because it’s easier if you know what you’re doing,” Shelly said.
Seventh grader Tessa Nelson, who plays Ariel, said that she thinks the cast helps to create the show’s atmosphere.
“I believe we all really put our own personality into the rehearsals and music, and that really makes the show so much more memorable for everyone who has worked on the show,” Nelson said.
According to sixth grader Logan Holler, who plays a sailor and a chef, he hopes the audience realizes that “we worked really hard and we tried our best to do [the show].”
Morris agrees she wants the audience to take away all of the work the cast has done.
“I want them to feel the passion that the kids put through, and all the effort that they put through on the stage,” Morris said.
In addition to all the effort the students put in, they have formed a sense of community among themselves.
According to eighth grader Charlee Maylie, who plays Ursula, she feels that the musical is somewhere where people can be comfortable.
“I think there are a lot of spaces in this school where people don’t feel accepted,” Maylie said. “We are so kind to each other and we just care about each other so much.”