By Mike Barnhardt
Enterprise Record

Chad Edwards didn’t really like the stage production of “The Little Mermaid.”
The musical theater teacher at Davie High School, he liked the movie, but not the stage version.
Until now.
A group of 27 students changed his mind. They’ll be in the Davie High version May 8-10 at 7 p.m. and May 11 at 2 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, available at the door.
“I was a fan of the movie, but not the show,” Edwards said. “They’ve made me really like the show. They’ve been working really hard and are doing a great job.”
It helps that the students are familiar with the story. The department was looking for a family-friendly show for this year’s musical.
“We also looked at who had shown up in the class, and tried to highlight their talents. We also wanted to do something that was kid friendly but appealing to all ages,” he said.
Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World,” Edwards said.
Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs.
But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.
For the first time, this musical will feature a pit orchestra, conducted by the school’s band director, Matthew Brusseau. Brittany Darst is the musical director and Edwards is the director.
Student Kimber Holston is the costume designer and lighting design by student Mackenzie Fulwood.
“It makes me happy that the students have taken ownership of this and they really want to do it,” he said.