Cole Middle School Presents "The Little Mermaid"

Any parent of youngsters these days probably knows the words to “Let it Go” thanks to ”Frozen” mania.

In 1989, parents were likely humming another tune under their breath thanks to a blockbuster Disney animated film. The song was “Under the Sea” and the film was “The Little Mermaid,” a movie that defined Disney’s next wave of smash animated hits and propelled the company forward after a period of relative stagnation.

After the release of the story of the redhead mermaid Ariel, who watches her fins become feet and her heart swell with love for Eric, Disney followed up with films like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and The Lion King” -- classics that define what Disney means to the current generation of fans and are a primary reason the company is such a dynamic and global force today.

And it has been argued that “The Little Mermaid” is what paved the way for the subsequent successes for Disney.

More than 100 Archie R. Cole Middle school students are working to create their own version of Disney Magic. The award-winning Cole Drama Club has 54 students acting, singing and dancing in the cast and 54 students participating in the crew to assist with the design of props, sets, make-up, costumes and various aspects of stage management for their upcoming production of “The Little Mermaid.”

This Junior version of “The Little Mermaid” runs just over an hour, a perfect length for young theatre goers. Performances are Friday, November 21 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, November 22 at 4:00 pm at East Greenwich High School. Tickets are available for $10 at the door.

Tickets may be purchased in advance by contacting Julie D’Amico at jtdamico@yahoo.com. Please include the number of tickets and performance date. Tickets will be held at the door.