The Little Mermaid @ Overbrook High School

Dive "Under the Sea" and into a world of wonder, as Overbrook High School brought shimmering life to the stage with their production of "The Little Mermaid!" Filled with humor, creativity, and ocean-deep imagination, the show carried audiences on a journey where love, courage, and identity ripple far beyond the sea.

Based upon the classic "The Little Mermaid," with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, "The Little Mermaid" made its Broadway debut in 2008. The story follows Ariel, a curious young mermaid who dreams of life on land, and Prince Eric, whose world collides with hers in unexpected ways. Together, their story unfolds through music, teamwork, and the risks they take to follow their hearts.

Overbrook High School's production embraced both the spectacle and sincerity of the musical, creating a performance that felt lively and cohesive from start to finish. While the show began with a slightly reserved energy, it quickly found its rhythm, building confidence as the story progressed. By the second act, the cast fully stepped into their roles, delivering a performance that felt assured, connected, and full of life!

At the heart of the story were Sophia Burgos as Ariel and Keith Hall as Prince Eric, who brought a gentle and evolving dynamic to the stage. Burgos conveyed Ariel's emotions with expressive physicality, using facial expressions and movement to communicate even in moments without dialogue. Hall's portrayal of Eric grew steadily in confidence, with vocals that added warmth and charisma to the character. Their standout moment came in "One Step Closer," where their chemistry blossomed. As they moved together across the stage, Hall's vocals carried a sense of sincere admiration while Burgos's acting grounded the moment in genuine emotion, creating a scene that was magically captivating and rich in chemistry.

The ensemble contributed to the show's charm, particularly through its strong comedic moments. Jimmy Kosar's Chef Louis stood out as a highlight of the production, delivering "Les Poissons" with sharp comedic timing and exaggerated character choices that kept the audience laughing all throughout. Supported by a lively group of chefs, the number became a burst of energy that showcased the cast's ability to work together seamlessly. Across the show, the ensemble maintained a consistent sense of unity, moving fluidly between scenes and keeping the story engaging with both humor and spark.

Technically, the production made effective use of lighting to enhance the underwater world and its shifting moods. From flashes of a stormy sea to the eerie purples surrounding Ursula's lair, the lighting design added depth and atmosphere to key moments. These visual choices helped guide the audience through the story's emotional highs and lows, reinforcing both the magic and tension of Ariel's journey.

Overall, Overbrook High School's production of "The Little Mermaid" shined through its humor, authenticity, and strong sense of togetherness, capturing the spirit of a story about finding one's voice—and trusting it. By final curtain, the cast made it known they had discovered something just as powerful as Ariel's dream: the magic of unity on stage.