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The young performers of W.O. Parmer and Greenville Elementary will be taking audiences “under the sea” this weekend with their production of “The Little Mermaid Jr.” at Greenville’s legendary Ritz Theatre downtown. The show is set for 2 p.m. this Saturday, March 14.

The 43 students involved in the musical started weekly rehearsals back in September and show director Sonia Crigger says they’ve been eager to move their practices from the school cafetorium to the “real” stage at the Ritz.

“The students have been asking since October, ‘When do we get to walk to the Ritz?’ It is so exciting for them to be able to perform on a big, professional stage for their family, friends and teachers,” Crigger said.

According to Crigger, in order to give more students the chance to perform, the major roles for the musical have been cast with multiple performers.

Kaidence Davis, Raelee Gibson, Marianna Jordan and Adalyn Lett will be alternating in the role of Ariel, with Brody Coker and Clay Powell sharing the role of Prince Eric.

Clay, a veteran of WOP/GES Drama Club productions, is looking forward to returning to the stage.

“Performing on stage at the Ritz Theatre is always exciting,” Clay said. “It really gets into your blood. I can’t wait to perform this weekend.”

Other performers in this weekend’s show will include Tyrese Jackson/DeMauri McDonald as King Triton; Kensley Hartley/Kirey Scott as Scuttle; Bradleigh Hickman/Blakelyn Crowley/Laken Reynolds as Flounder and Landon Houston/Kalera Mose/Lowery Queen as Sebastian.

The cast will give two “dress rehearsal” performances for fellow students at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Friday, March 13, at the Ritz to perfect their performances for Saturday’s big show.

Doors for the Saturday performance will open at 1:30 p.m. Ticket prices will be $10 for adults and $5 for students K-12.