Little Mermaid Jr performed by Bender Performing Arts

Bender Performing Arts marks the 10th anniversary of its musical theater program with a full-scale production of The Little Mermaid Jr. on April 18–19, 2026, at Madison Center for the Arts, 5601 N. 16th St. in Phoenix.

More than 300 students, ages 5 to 17, will take the stage in this milestone show, which brings the program full circle. The Little Mermaid Jr. was the first musical the North Phoenix studio produced when it launched its musical theater department a decade ago.

Performances are scheduled for Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 19 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets range from $18 to $22, plus fees.

The production features performers from kindergarten through high school, highlighting the strength of Bender’s training pipeline. For many younger students, this is their first time performing on a large stage, while older students return in leadership roles after years in the program.

Founded in 1974, Bender Performing Arts has served the Phoenix community for more than 50 years, offering classes in dance, music and theater for all ages. Tickets and details: benderperformingarts.com/events.