By Amy Davis

This past week, the Buford Middle School’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. stole the hearts of the Buford Community. Directly following the plot of the 1989 animated classic, the musical follows a young mermaid (played by Mariana Borja)’s journey as she usurps societal standards and barriers through the power of love. Whimsical characters such as talking fish, cackling seagulls, and singing eels brought the Disney magic to the stage and by the curtain’s close, Prince Eric was not the only one captivated by Ariel’s charm.

The young performers’ hard work and dedication showed in their performances, namely through Borja as Ariel, Drew Avant as Prince Eric, and Ashton Persall and Keren Ray as King Triton and Ursula respectively. The musical numbers were populated by members of the middle school chorus, and their intricate choreography helped heighten the numbers’ impact. At the show’s close, though Ursula’s plan threatened to halt the kingdom’s happiness, Ariel and her friends were able to overcome the Sea Witch’s twisted plot and prove that love conquers all.

This production and its rehearsal process serve as a key stepping stone for those looking to join the High School’s reputable theatre department. For those simply seeking a fun experience, theatre assists students in finding themselves as they gain newfound confidence, which is especially important during such an influential time in their lives.