LITTLETON — Superintendent of Schools Kelly Clenchy would like to share that Littleton Middle School students demonstrated their exemplary theater skills during a successful three-day showing of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”
A cast of 51 LMS students performed the stage adaptation of the Disney classic for the Littleton community on Jan. 19-21. But this was no ordinary middle school musical.
For the first time in LMS’ history, the production sold a total of 1,400 tickets, setting a record for the highest number of tickets sold for a middle school show. The Sunday matinee, which is usually the least attended show of the three, ended up being the most attended.
The success of the production can be attributed to the enthusiasm of the theater students and their peers, who spread the word throughout the community to generate interest in the show.
Many students and members of the community stayed after Saturday’s performance to take photos with the cast.
LMS Drama Director Tracey O’Neill, who grew up doing theater and watched her daughters perform throughout middle and high school, noted how productions like this foster an environment for community building.
“The middle school shows allow for high school students to return to their former stomping grounds to help out with the production. I’ve had students help with stage management, choreographing, rehearsal, and auditions,” she said. “I really couldn’t do it without them. They are a huge support system for me, and I am thrilled to support their goals and provide them with opportunities for involvement.”
O’Neill added, “This is my seventh show, and the casts just keep getting better. They work so hard, and it is my main goal to make sure they have fun. Thank you to all the parents, who provided immense support. A huge thank you to our Music Director Ashley Sheldon for all of her hard work, as well as the Fine Arts Boosters of Littleton, which helps to make our students’ theatrical goals possible. ”
LMS theater students will take to the stage again in May for their production of Lucky Hudson and the 12th Street Gang. Tickets will be available at a later date at littletonmiddleschooldrama.com.