By Cassie Lennox

Many Portage County residents will travel during the holiday season, and Pacelli Catholic Middle School is providing the opportunity to travel as far as Under the Sea with them during their winter musical of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.”

Fish float during “Little Mermaid Jr.” rehearsal.
(Portage County Gazette photo)

The students put on a fantastic show, featuring classic Disney-movie music and singing, elaborate homemade costumes and stellar acting to ensure audiences of all ages are in for a good time.

The show begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, and Friday, Dec. 8, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Pacelli High School auditorium, all under the direction of Michelle Nerren.

“Michelle is incredible,” said Carrie Gruman, Music Director and Set Designer for the production. “She stepped in a couple of years ago when she realized the middle schoolers didn’t have a theater program. There was no funding at that point and it took a lot of time and dedication on her part, and she’s still here and still doing great things. That really says a lot about who she is and what she’s done for this program.

“And the kids love her.”

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