February 12, 2018: A talented cast of student performers from Branford's Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) is preparing to take audiences "Under the Sea" to tell the classic story of Disney's The Little Mermaid. Rehearsals have been underway since early January for the performances, which will take place during the first weekend of April.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film,　The Little Mermaid is a beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this show is sure to delight audiences of all ages.

More than 60 WIS students are involved in the production of this year's show, which tells the story of Ariel's desire to her escape her familiar undersea surroundings and experience life in the human world. Students between the ages of 10 and 14 make up the cast, stage crew, and technical crew. Student musicians are also featured members of the pit orchestra.

"The production is really coming together thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students," said WIS science teacher Jeffrey Rizzo, who is in his sixth year as Director of the WIS musical. "We can't wait to share The Little Mermaid with our families, friends, and the Branford community – we know they are going to love it!"

Joining Rizzo in guiding the students are Music Director Amy Buckley, Choreographer Paola Rarick, Pit Orchestra Conductor Gavin Hartney, and Rehearsal Accompanists  Cathyann Roding and Emily Philips. Set construction committee chairs are Quint Johnson and Pete Bocciarelli, Vladimir Shpitalnik has designed the backdrops, and this year's Costume Designer is Alison Nerone, Tracy Izzo is the show's Producer; she coordinates the many volunteer parent committees, which help support all aspects of the production.

There will be two performances of The Little Mermaid at WIS, 185 Damascus Road, Branford, on Friday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 7 at 3 p.m. Reserved seating is available on the auditorium floor; general admission seating is available in the lecture hall. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling (203) 418-PLAY (7529).