McPherson High School’s winter musical for this year is Disney’s The Little Mermaid. The students involved in the musical have been practicing for its debut on February the 9th. The show will run until the 11th of February.

This year’s lead role was given to senior Kiley Delaney who will play Ariel. Delaney has been involved in the McPherson Theater Troupe for all four years of high school. She has been in numerous plays, and this will be her fourth musical.

Her counterpart in this play will be performed by Sean Reynolds, who will be portraying Prince Eric.

“I always get nervous for these things. It is a lot of pressure to memorize all your lines, songs, and acting. I’ve been in multiple productions such as Beauty and The Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and The Wizard of Oz. It was a big surprise to get Prince Eric because I have not gotten a big role before this one which doesn’t help my nerves. I’ve always watched Disney Movies since I was young and it has been a lot of fun, but I’ve never really dreamed of getting a lead role until the audition for the musical. I was super excited when I got it though,” said Sean Reynolds.

The cast of The Little Mermaid has put in several hours the past weeks to get the production ready for stage.

“We usually start ten to fifteen minutes after school ends and start running either act one or two. This usually takes until 6:00 or 6:30 p.m. Then I usually go home and practice lines or spend some much needed time on homework. It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun as well,” said Reynolds. “We spend over 100 hours just getting it ready and will be changing things up until the very last performance. We are constantly tweaking how things run trying to make a better show.”

Although the show is not until another few weeks, McPherson High School is building up their excitement for this much anticipated Disney musical.