SNEAK PREVIEW | Catch the tide of excitement coming on pening night, November 13 – a see how David Douglas High School transforms their stage into an ocean realm, in their Fall Musical …
As seen in this rehearsal for The Little Mermaid – opening on Friday, November 13th at David Douglas High School – Prince Eric (played by Caleb Conklin) argues with his guardian, Grimsby (played by John Downs), resisting royal pressure to choose a bride and claim the throne…while a mysterious voice from the sea keeps calling him back to the ocean.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Inside the Horner Performing Arts Center, preparations for Disney’s The Little Mermaid were in full swing in the first week of November, as stage technicians dialed in sound, lighting, and scenery shifts, while student performers perfected the song and dance numbers.
East Portland News was invited to take in the action during a technical rehearsal with the David Douglas High School (DDHS) Theater Department, ahead of their run performing for the public, November 13th through the 22nd.
About the story
Based on the 1989 animated film by Walt Disney, and the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the production tells the hauntingly beautiful love story of Ariel – a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea, and risks everything to find true love.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions with iconic music, the show features beloved musical numbers – including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World”.
Offering “blocking” advice during the technical rehearsal, DDHS Theater Instructor Michael Givler coaches student actors as they polish their stage movement for the upcoming production.
How this classic show was chosen
“Every year my staff and I look for a show that will provide the most opportunities for the actors, musicians, and our technicians/designers,” DDHS Theater Instructor Michael Givler explained to East Portland News. “Little Mermaid is a classic, so it could be the right fit any year – and, this year, we had the right talent for it.”
Gazing out across the water’s surface, Ariel (played in alternate performances by Lucy Stokes and Isabella Pahomky) watches in fascination as a passing ship catches her attention, igniting her desire to explore the human world above the waves.
Prince Eric (played by Caleb Conklin) discovers a speechless Ariel (here played by Lucy Stokes) washed up on the beach – after her dangerous bargain with Ursula the sea witch gave her human legs in exchange for her voice.
Creating an underwater world on stage
Bringing an ocean realm to the auditorium stage presented unique production opportunities. “One of the best parts of the show is its challenges!” Givler exclaimed. “How do we show the underwater world of Ariel and her friends? It forces us to be very creative in how we interpret and build that world.”
Scolding the young mermaid for wandering off and getting into trouble, royal court chaperone Sebastian (played by Bailey Deale) tries to keep a rebellious Ariel (here played by Isabella Pahomsky) safe underwater.
Givler highlighted the collaborative craft behind the scenes, remarking that the production features handcrafted attire for a wide array of marine characters.
“This year we aren’t just creating costumes for people but many different underwater sea creatures,” Givler commented. “I can’t wait for audiences to see what our costumer, Neil Koch, has sewn – and what our Technical Director, Chanell Magee, and her design students have built – to create this unique and beloved world.”
Flanked by her “eel henchmen” Flotsam (played by Kaylan Caputo) and Jetsam (played by Coltrane Routly), the villainous Ursula the Sea Witch (played by Josephine Pair, center) plots to bring down Ariel, and usurp King Triton’s underwater kingdom.
Music for all ages
In addition to the visual staging, the production places a strong emphasis on live musical performance. “The other best part of this world is the music,” observed Givler .
“Alan Menken composed a beautiful and moving score for the original animated movie that is adapted for the stage and excellently showcased by our fine music department, under the direction of Jennifer Brooks, our conductor, and Erika Lockwood – our Vocal Director and new choir teacher,” he noted.
On the verge of breaking the sea witch’s dark spell, Prince Eric (played by Caleb Conklin) leans in to kiss Ariel (here played by Isabella Pahomsky) and confirm their newfound love.
As the story unfolds on stage, audience members will follow Ariel’s journey to find the answers to several key questions:
Will Ariel risk everything – including her life under the sea, and her own voice – to pursue true love in the world above?
Can Prince Eric realize that the silent young woman brought into his palace is the very savior whose voice he has been searching for?
Will King Triton overcome his deep distrust of humans before his strict anger pushes Ariel directly into Ursula’s trap?
Can Ariel win “true love’s kiss” within three days, or will Ursula take her soul and steal the trident to rule the ocean?
How will Ariel and her friends outsmart Flotsam, Jetsam, and Ursula’s dark magic to restore Triton to his throne, and unite land and sea?
The full student cast fills the Horner Performing Arts Center stage during technical rehearsal, striking a final pose at the climax of one of the show’s vibrant production numbers, such as the iconic “Under the Sea”.
Performance schedule and ticket details
Opening night is set for Friday, November 13th, at 7:30 p.m. at the Horner Performing Arts Center.
Evening performances at 7:30 p.m. continue on Saturday, November 14, as well as Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21. Afternoon matinees are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, and Sunday, November 22.
TICKETS: $16.55 Adults | $13.40 Seniors/Students. Tickets can be purchased online: CLICK HERE. All performances take place at the DDHS Horner Performing Arts Center, located at 1400 SE 130th Avenue, Portland, 97233 (between SE Stark and Division Streets).
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
