Under the Sea in Watertown: High School Set to Debut “The Little Mermaid”
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The halls of Watertown High School are buzzing with more than just the usual end-of-semester nerves. This week, the drama department is trading its sneakers for fins as it prepares to bring the Broadway version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to the DD Miller Auditorium.
Starting Thursday, April 16, the community is invited to dive into a production that promises high-flying energy, elaborate costumes, and a few technological surprises.
A “Wheely” Unique Approach to Swimming
One of the most talked-about aspects of this production isn’t just the singing, but how the actors navigate the “ocean floor.” Sonny Rader, who plays the lovable fish Flounder, revealed that he utilizes Heelys (wheeled sneakers) to create a smooth, gliding motion that mimics swimming.
The trend has apparently become a “club-wide craze,” with several cast members adopting the footwear to move across the stage with aquatic grace. “It’s a lot different than just walking,” Rader noted. “It’s similar to ice skating with the gliding”.
Broadway Scale on a High School Stage
While many are familiar with the 1989 animated film, Director Stacy Anderson-June explains that this production is based on the Broadway musical, which features significantly more music—29 songs in total.
“In musicals, there’s lots of times where there’s a song playing as we are reciting dialogue,” explained Olivia Strandell, who stars as Ariel. “There’s really only sparse moments where there’s no music playing”.
The production highlights include:
· Live Orchestra: Unlike many school productions that use backing tracks, Watertown will feature a full live pit orchestra, including students who have performed with the All-State Orchestra.
· Handmade Spectacle: The costumes are a labor of love from the community. Taryn Koehn (Ursula) wears a repurposed prom dress stitched by her mother, while Christina Jongebloed (Scuttle) sports a complex feathered ensemble crafted by Jean Flaherty.
· Community Construction: The massive stage structures were built by school janitor Mr. Scott Davis, then painted by the student cast.
A Homecoming for the Director
For Director Anderson-June, this show is a personal milestone. Though it is her first year as the high school choir and drama director, she has spent nine years teaching at Jefferson Elementary, meaning she has watched many of these seniors grow up from childhood.
“They’re like my family, they’re my other set of kids,” Anderson-June said. “It’s been a fun transition... they all have it together, and they all know their lines”.
Cast Highlights
The show features a deep roster of local talent, including:
· Tysen Canfield as Sebastian, leading the iconic “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” numbers.
· Josh Thorson as Prince Eric, providing the romantic anchor for Ariel’s journey.
· Silas Masar as Chef Louis, who promises a memorable (and vocal) performance despite his limited time on stage.
· Caleb Clark as King Triton, described by his castmates as a freshman with a “booming presence” and a “very deep voice”.
Showtimes & Tickets
Performances will run for three nights only at the DD Miller Auditorium:
· Thursday, April 16 @ 7:00 PM
· Friday, April 17 @ 7:00 PM
· Saturday, April 18 @ 7:00 PM
Tickets are affordably priced at $8 for adults and $5 for students, with children ages five and under admitted for free. Given the buzz surrounding the Heelys-powered choreography and the live orchestra, local theater fans are encouraged to arrive early to secure their seats for this “splash hit”.
