Stagemakers at the J will present “The Little Mermaid Jr. Feb. 16, 18 and 19 at the Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley, Allentown.

The two-act musical, which follows the story of Ariel who dreams of a world above the sea, is based on Doug Wright’s book and the 1989 Disney film of the same name.

Music is by Alan Menken. Lyrics are by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Megan Brenkert of Upper Macungie portrays Ariel. Max Wetherhold of Northampton plays her father, King Triton.

Brenkert said Ariel is an ambitious young mermaid who wants to fall in love and be a human.

“I’ve always loved Ariel,” Brenkert said.

“She is my favorite Disney princess and I can’t wait to play her.”

Wetherhold said King Triton is a powerful figure with many responsibilities including his troublesome and adventurous daughter Ariel.

“He is very protective and cares very much about his daughters,” Wetherhold said. “He also has one mission, to get revenge on his worst enemy, Ursula.”

Ursula killed Triton’s wife. Now he needs to take Ursula’s life.

“I love having a large stage presence and the fact the merfolk bow down to him,” he said.

Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts student Maggie Fajardo portrays Ursula. Eyer Middle School student Jonas Hausman plays Prince Eric.

Fajardo said Ursula is the antagonist in the play who tries to rob King Triton of his ocean power.

“I enjoy playing a big and bold character,” she said. “I love being able to work with great people and the music in the show.”

Hausman said Prince Eric loves to sail the seemingly endless sea.

“It is awesome to sail the ocean,” he said. “I love how fun the play is and hanging out with all of these accepting awesome people.”

Maci Pollitt of Whitehall who plays Flounder, and Anna Edwards of Allentown, who portrays Scuttle, commented on their roles and the play.

Pollitt said Flounder is considered a guppy but overcomes his fear.

“Flounder is Ariel’s best friend and follows her everywhere,” Pollitt said. “The play is a great show for anyone who likes a little romance and action.”

Edwards said Scuttle is a crazy seagull that pretends he knows everything.

“The play is a lot of fun,” Edwards said.

“Even though it is a classic love story, there are some crazy characters.”

Eyer Middle School student Pandora Schoen, who portrays Sebastian, and Trexler Middle School student Elijah Albert-Stein, who plays Grimsby, also spoke with The Press.

Schoen said her character, an anxious crab, is friends with Ariel.

“There is a lot of life in this role and many choices to make,” she said. “The accent is challenging but fun.

“This play is a beautiful story with a happy ending.”

Albert-Stein said Grimsby is Prince Eric’s valet who insists on him finding a bride.

“I love being an older man and walking around arrogantly,” he said.

He loves being in the play because he loves theater and he has so many good friends in the play.

“I love the lighting and sets in the play as well as being able to be loud and wild,” Albert-Stein stated.

Parkland School District students Jada Pinsley plays Jetsam, and Brianna Hoysan portrays Flotsam.

Pinsley said Jetsam is a sly eel that creeps around trying to run everything for Ariel.

“Jetsam and his brother Flotsam work for Ursula, the sea witch who wants King Triton’s throne,” she said.

“I love being able to slither around with Flotsam,” Pinsley said. “I’ve always wanted to do this show since I started shows in third grade,” she said.

Hoysan said Flotsam is the creepy, sly and devious eel henchman of Ursula.

“Flotsam is always trying to ruin everything for Ariel,” she said. “I love playing a villain. Being creepy and devious is so much fun.

“I love all the music and the character’s personalities.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” is directed by Nicholas Conti. Choreography is by Cheryl Moritz.

“This musical is based on the 1989 iconic film of the same name,” Conti said.

It was adapted for Broadway in 2008; the musical brought all of the wonderful characters to life on stage.”

“You’ll see Ariel, Sebastian, Flounder plus all of the other famous characters from the movie in a live colorful setting and with all of your favorite songs plus new music written for the Broadway stage show,” he said.

Conti said they choose “The Little Mermaid Jr.” because it allows many opportunities for the students to both enjoy the material they are working on and also learn and grow through the strong moral that the show represents.

“It is OK to dare and dream big even though the world may seem at odds with your aspirations at times,” Conti said. “It’s a concept that many of us struggle with everyday and I think all of us can identify and empathize with Ariel as she dares to dream of a life beyond the sea.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” will be performed at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 and 18; and 2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the JCC of the Lehigh Valley, 702 N. 22 St., Allentown.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 610-435-3571 or stopping by the JCC welcome desk.