Middle Schoolers Make a Splash in The Little Mermaid

Whimsical costumes, unforgettable songs, and a sea of talent brought the story to life.

The Middle School transported audiences under the sea with a magical and exuberant performance of The Little Mermaid. Bursting with energy, the cast of young performers lit up the stage with their enthusiasm, talent, and infectious joy.

At the heart of the production was Camila Conti ’29 as Ariel, whose stunning rendition of “Part of Your World” showcased not only her vocal power but her ability to tap into the emotional core of the song—a feat even seasoned singers find challenging. Her performance left no doubt: this mermaid could truly carry a tune.

The show featured standout moments across the board. Sebastian the crab, played with comic timing and charm by Gabe Chapman ’29, stole scenes with a pitch-perfect Caribbean patois that delighted the audience and anchored musical numbers like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” Ursula, the sea witch, was brought to life by a Coraline Picard ’29 who relished every sinister note and sly glare, delivering a deliciously devious performance that struck just the right balance of menace and fun as her evil eels slithered around her.

Adding to the delight was a surprise casting twist—Middle School English teacher Kyle Chapman stepped into the role of King Triton. His presence on stage, complete with his natural gray beard worthy of a sea god, his signature Vans sneakers, and tall stature, was a crowd favorite. Students beamed at seeing a familiar face in such an unfamiliar—and majestic—role, a reminder that teachers, too, can break out of their shells and shine.

Some other memorable numbers include the chorus of mermaids singing the catchy and poppy “She’s in Love,” reminiscent of the ‘60s girl groups, and “Les Poissons,” sung by chefs preparing a delicious dish of fish, featuring a flavorful note of crab, as Sebastian cowers in the corner.

From the costumes, including an ingenious use of umbrellas strung with streamers to mimic jellyfish and a violent storm enhanced by strobe lights, to the heartfelt performances, the entire production was a testament to the creativity and camaraderie of the KO Middle School community. It wasn’t just a show—it was a celebration of student spirit, hard work, and a shared love for storytelling.

The charming tale holds more than meets the eye. As Director Maathew Wiggin wrote in the Playbill, “Stay curious. Learn about things you don’t know about. Listen to other people’s stories – experience their cultures and their identities. “

Bravo to the entire cast and crew for diving deep and surfacing with a hit!