Now is the perfect time to head under the sea –without leaving Lower Moreland.
The Lower Moreland High School Drama Club is diving into a vibrant, high-energy production of The Little Mermaid, running for four performances from Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18.
With a 15-piece live professional orchestra, for the first time in seven years, the show delivers far more than your typical high school musical. Audience members can expect standout acting, powerhouse vocals, innovative choreography (including tap dancing seagulls), and a lively hot crustacean band. In short: a show with something for everyone!
Known for its ambitious productions, the Lower Moreland High School (LMHS) Drama Club once again raises the bar with great heart, soul, and sweat equity. There are polished sets, detailed costumes, and striking makeup, which will delight all attendees. And with beloved songs, including Under the Sea, Part of Your World, and Kiss the Girl, the magic of Ariel’s world feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Junior Ash Archibald, who plays Ursula, calls this “one of our best shows—if not the best.” A veteran of four LMHS productions, Archibald is tackling her first true villain role.
“This show has made me grow creatively,” she said, noting it also inspired her to apply to college as a musical theater major. “I’ve been diving deeper into theater, and it’s such an inspiring, supportive community. I love my actor and non-actor friends — they’re the best.”
As Ariel, senior Adrienne Nicastro brings both experience and heart to her dream role. Having appeared in six LMHS productions and numerous community theater performances, she plans to attend Slipper Rock University to pursue a BFA in acting with a concentration in Musical Theater.
“It’s such a great experience to come to the theater,” Nicastro said, praising Dram Club Director Leah Abramson for creating a true community event — especially with the return of a live pit orchestra. “Audiences can expect new songs, classic favorites, and an overall magical production!”
Senior Sam Bond, who plays King Triton, is appearing in his seventh LMHS show, continuing a family tradition of Drama Club involvement. Though he plans to study secondary education and become a history teacher, theater remains close to his heart.
He sees King Triton as a great leader who cares a lot about his kingdom and loved ones. “This show involved a lot more effort from the actors and directors than some of the others. “It is clear every time we step on the stage how much everyone cares.
Sophomore Yalee Bergerin, who is new to LMHS, makes a memorable debut as Sebastian the Crab. A transfer from Bensalem High School, he quickly found his place in the production.
“Sebastian was my first choice because of the comedic relief,” he said. “This experience is so enriching. Even though I want to pursue science and engineering, I want to keep music and theater in my life, forever.”
He also emphasized the importance of community support. “The arts are often undervalued. With live music and an amazing cast, this feels like a real Broadway experience.
Sophomore Viv McGarrigle, who plays Flounder, is enjoying her fourth LMHS show. “My favorite part of this show is watching my friend Viv when she is tap dancing, and my friends Ash and Adrienne perform their roles.”
She also enjoys having her make-up done by her friend, Ria. “I’ve always been a theater kid.”
Jennie Kelly, LMHS Assistant Director and Choreographer, says that one aspect of the current production she is enjoying the most is that there are a lot of smaller ensemble numbers, which means that she has had the opportunity to choreograph dances with a variety of styles, including a tap number, which is her favorite style of choreography.
“I think that the entire community should come out to see our production of The Little Mermaid because it is a fun and recognizable show for the entire family,” Kelly said.
In addition to all of the memorable performances, she feels honored to get to be a part of a production that fosters such strong friendships among cast members.
“The rehearsal process for a show like this requires our students to spend countless hours with one another, and some very strong bonds form as a result of that process,” Kelly added. “These friendships can often support students long past the rehearsal process and guide them into the future.”
Vocal Director and Orchestra Director Cora Castor says that she has enjoyed working on the vocals with smaller groups. “The Little Mermaid is a show that features several small ensembles, and the vocal parts for the small groups have been a fun challenge. It has been rewarding to hear them bring their harmonies to life,” she said.
The production team has been hoping to bring back a pit with live musicians for several years, and they decided it was time to take on the challenge with The Little Mermaid.
“I believe having live music adds to the authenticity of live theater,” Castor said, “because it requires flexibility from the conductor to follow the action on stage as well as from the actors to follow any dynamic variations that naturally occur with live musicians.”
“We have thirteen hired professional musicians and two high school students playing in the pit. They will be playing in all of our dress rehearsals leading up to the show in tech week.”
Castor said that putting on a production requires a level of teamwork that I think is rare and special. “While individual roles are of course important, the special truth of theater is that a show cannot be put on without every single person involved,” she revealed. “The real magic of theater happens when everyone recognizes the vitality of their role, appreciates the value of others’ roles, and commits to working together. In an environment such as this, where teamwork is vital to the success of the group, I believe and hope that the bonds and friendships that form are irreplaceable.”
Director Leah Abramson takes particular pride in the Drama Club’s inclusive, welcoming environment.
“We create a safe space for students to try something new, challenge themselves, and shine—whether on stage or behind the scenes,” said Abramson, who also teaches kindergarten at Pine Road Elementary.
“We’re a group of misfits who may not fit in elsewhere, but here, we’re a family,” she added. “We spend so much time together that lifelong friendships are formed. Sure, we drive each other crazy sometimes—but in the end, the show must go on, and these kids always deliver.”
Abramson and her team chose The Little Mermaid in part for its timeless appeal.
“These songs are classics,” she said. “I still find myself singing Part of Your World in the car or in my shower. It’s been so much fun bringing one of my childhood favorites to life with these talented students.”
The production also includes special touches for younger audience members. Kids are encouraged to dress up, and during intermission, they can “swim” across the stage with cast members for a photo opportunity. The lobby will feature a digital photo wall and “Ariel’s Grotto,” offering under-the-sea-themed trinkets.
“Audiences of all ages will love the sets, music, and dancing,” Abramson said. “It’s nostalgic, it’s kid-friendly — and really — who doesn’t love a story about mermaids and sea creatures?”
For Abramson, the dedicated production team, cast, and crew, the goal is simple: “bring the entire community together for a joyful, memorable experience.” And with this spirited, full-scale production, LMHS is ready to make waves.
Performances are on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 18, at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
