THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.
Blue Cast · March 6-7
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
Welcome to the New Tampa Performing Arts Center!
Please silence your cell phones.
This performance will have a 15 minute intermission.
Produced with the generous support of
Musical Selections
Act I
Fathoms Below — Pilot, Eric, Grimsby, and the Sailor/Chef Ensemble
Daughters of Triton — Mersister/Princess Ensemble
Human Stuff — Scuttle and the SeaGull/Sea Creature Ensemble
Part of Your World — Ariel
Under the Sea — Sebastian, Flounder, and the Sea Creature Ensemble
Prince Eric's Ship — Sailors
Part of Your World (Reprise 1) — Ariel
Part of Your World (Reprise 2) — Ariel
She's in Love — Flounder and Mersisters/Princess Ensemble
Poor Unfortunate Souls — Ursula, Flotsam, and Jetsam
Act II
Les Poissons — Chef Louis and Sailor/Chef Ensemble
One Step Closer — Prince Eric and Ariel
Kiss the Girl — Sebastian, Eric, Ariel, Flounder, Scuttle,
Carlotta, and Sea Creature Ensemble
The Contest — Grimsby and the Mersisters/Princess Ensemble
Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise) — Ursula, Jetsam, Flotsam, Ariel, Triton
Part of Your World (Finale) — Company
Under the Sea (Bows) — Company
Don’t Stop Believing — Company
Adalyn Gardner: Carlotta/Seahorse Mentor
Adalyn Gardner is 10 years old and has a passion for singing, dancing and performing. She has been taking dance classes since age 3. She has also taken vocal lessons and participated in her school play. When she is singing and dancing around the house, she is so happy! This is Adalyn's 2nd year as a mentor with Penguin Project - she cherishes the friendships and memories she has made!
Alana Hallums: Scuttle Mentor
Alana Hallums is a 14 year-old girl who is so excited to be joining the Penguin Project community in this production of The Little Mermaid Jr. helping the artists in all of their glory! She has been in around 20 musicals so far and recently played the role of Veruca in Willy Wonka Jr. and is going to play Joy in Cinderella Youth Edition! She is extremely greatful and overjoyed by this amazing opportunity, glad to be part of this world.
Ana Maria Rueda: Mersister/Princess
Ana María is a vibrant and creative performer who brings joy to every stage she steps on. She loves painting, dancing, and expressing herself through the arts. One of her favorite activities is participating in the Penguin Project, where she gets to spend time with friends, learn new skills, and shine in a supportive community.
She is incredibly strong and has overcome many challenges with determination and a bright spirit. Even though English is not her first language, she has always found ways to connect with others and make friends everywhere she goes. Her kindness, courage, and enthusiasm inspire everyone around her.
She is thrilled to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy the show!
Ava Johnson: Ursula
Ava is thrilled to bring the fabulously wicked Ursula to life in the production of Little Mermaid Jr. Through this process we have learned that Ava is a natural performer with a love for the stage and has tapped into the bold personality needed to portray a character with villainous charm.
This is her fourth production with Penguin Project and she has demonstrated such growth as an individual and actor. Ava is a student at Focus Academy's Transition program and an athlete with Special Olympics competing in Gymnastics, bowling, and swim.
Ava wants to thank her village of family and friends who have continued to support and encourage her in all her endeavors. Remember...life's full of tough choices, isn't it?
Bailey Winckler: Sailor/Chef Princess
Bailey appeared as a Bird Girl in last year's Suessical the Musical. She loves dance and music. She also loves sports. She has attended many including Auto racing, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse and more. Even was photographed in victory lane twice. She likes the Mets, Jets, Islanders, Lightning, USF, and UF teams.
Barbara Otis: Chef Louis Mentor
Barbara Otis is proud to serve as both mentor and mom in this year's production. She is a special education teacher in Hillsborough County and is passionate about supporting students in discovering their strengths and talents. Barbara loves spending time with her husband, James, sons, Miles and Jack, and their two goldendoodles. She enjoys supporting Miles in the Penguin Project and cheering on his brother from the baseball stands. Barbara is grateful to be part of such a meaningful and inclusive theater community.
Betty Grigoletto: Sailor Chef Mentor
Betty is Harvey Paniagua’s mother and so excited to be participating with him in Penguin Project!
Caiden Brockman: Seagull/Sea Creature
Caden is a fun-loving and gentle young man who cares deeply about his family and friends. He enjoys expressing himself through drawing, making short films and designing games. Caden works hard in school and discovered a love for performing last year when he made his stage debut in Seussical the Musical. He is excited to continue growing as a performer and being part of the Penguin Project.
Caden D Jones: Flounder
A 9th grader at Center Academy Riverview, this is Caden's 3rd year participating with the Penguin Project. He also enjoys music and sports. Caden has big dreams for his future; being on stage is only the beginning!
Caleb Sturtevant: King Triton/Chef
Caleb is a 21 year old sweet soul who loves to hug everyone he meets! He’s been called the mugger hugger at our church! Caleb enjoys riding his bike, playing buddy baseball and being a young artist with Penguin Project.
He loves his sister and brother and has a special place in his heart for our two cats.
He is enjoying his time as King Triton and having his mentor as a new friend!
Chase Averack: Sea Gull/Sea Creature
Chase Averack, 12 years old. Chase is in 7th grade and this is his first year with Penguin Project. He loves to sing, watch movies, and play soccer.
Chloe Tort: Peer Mentor
Chloe Tort is a junior, and loves participating in chorus, band, and theater at her high school! She is so excited to be doing her 3rd year of penguin project, and getting the privilege of being a mentor and friend to Christina and Elle! She hopes you enjoy our mer-mazing show!
Christian Blake Wright: Prince Eric
Christian is a student at Newsome High School, where he studies theater under the direction of Mr. Joseph Canessa. He has performed in several short skits at school, and this production marks only his second time appearing in a musical. His very first role was at just six months old, when he made his stage debut as Baby Jesus in the Bell Shoals Christmas Musical — proving he’s been in the spotlight since the very beginning.
Christian loves singing praise and worship music and is an active member of the choir at Bell Shoals Church under the leadership of Jason Millsaps.
Christian would like to dedicate this performance to his mother, who passed away from cancer 5½ years ago, for instilling in him a deep love and passion for music and theater. Her encouragement and faith continue to guide him every time he steps on stage. He is also incredibly grateful to the mentors who have taught, trained, and patiently supported him along the way.
He looks forward to continuing to grow as a performer and hopes to participate in many more musicals with the Penguin Project and Ampersand.
Christina Herrington: Mersister #6
Christina Herrington (Mersister #6) is thrilled to be in her 6th production with New Tampa Players’ Penguin Project. Past roles include Seussical the Musical, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, Peter Pan Jr., and Aladdin Jr.. She has also performed with Broadway Everyday Star Theater, Tampa Bay Family Theatre, and CuttingEdge Learning Academy. When not on stage, Christina enjoys horseback riding, cheerleading, dance, swimming, tennis and spending time with friends and her four Shih Tzu dogs. She thanks New Tampa Players and the Penguin Project for this wonderful opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show!
Daniela Silva-Cordova: Pilot Mentor
Daniela is a sweet and thoughtful young girl who loves to read and play the piano. In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis. She has a strong passion for languages: she is fluent in Spanish and English, and has studied French for nearly three years.
She is a dedicated student who approaches every activity with responsibility and a deep desire to learn and grow. She strives to give her best and improve each day.
For the past six years, she has served as a mentor in the project’s productions and also participated as a guest in another theatrical play, an experience she treasures. Being part of this project brings her joy and fulfillment, and allows her to share meaningful moments with people she considers truly special.
Darren Shaw:
Darren Shaw is 22-years-old and a graduate of Pepin Academy's Transition Program. Darren enjoys singing and dancing. Previously Darren has performed in Seussical the Musical Jr., Beauty and The Beast, Mary Poppins Jr., Peter Pan Jr. and Aladdin Jr. with The Penguin Project. Darren is thrilled to once again be a part of the NTP Penguin Project. He is very grateful to the New Tampa Players for sponsoring this program.
Diana Wilder: Sea Gull
Diana Wilder is in her first Penguin Project play. She loves to smile! She likes going to church and to the park. Diana loves being around people. And she is happy to be part of Little Mermaid, Jr.
Eden Luu: Mersister
Eden loves to “sing her heart out” and is super happy to be a part of it all! Thank you everyone!
Ethan White: Scuttle
Ethan White is excited to be part of Penguin Project again this year. He is enjoying his job at Publix because he gets to make people smile. Ethan likes doing Volunteer work at Feeding Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries in his free time. Some of Ethan’s favorite things are attending concerts, playing his guitar, listening to music, and going to Disney World. Ethan appreciates Valerie Daniels and her Assure Solutions staff, especially Ms. Bettie Hicks, that made his participation in the Penguin Project possible.
Hannah Schmidt: Ariel
Hannah has had a passion for musical theater for as long as she can remember. She has performed in numerous productions, including Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid (as Grimsby), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Seussical the Musical, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, and Shrek. When she’s not on stage, Hannah loves spending time with her friends, visiting Disney parks, riding roller coasters, swimming, and traveling. She’s thrilled to be part of this production and thanks her family and friends for their love and support!
Harvey E Paniagua: Sailor Chef
Harvey is so excited to be in the show!
Jaden Figueroa: Peer Mentor
Jaden Figueroa is a senior at Center Academy Lutz. In 2025, Jaden performed in New Tampa Players' productions of The Music Man and Oklahoma. Last month he played Lt. Buzz Adams in Centerstage Community Theatre's production of South Pacific. Jaden works part time as a children's party entertainer. After graduation in May, Jaden has a summer internship with the Tampa City Council and plans double major in political science and musical theatre this fall.
Jill Wright: Mentor/Mersister/Princess
Jill is a theatre arts enthusiast! It’s wonderful to get to connect-create with fellow fans of live theatre! 🎭
Jocelyn McLean: Mentor Mersister
Jocelyn McLean is excited to be returning to the stage through the penguin project! Jocelyn graduated from FGCU in 2023 with a degree in Psych as well as a theatre minor and has greatly enjoyed the opportunity to perform while working on her Masters of Gerontology. She also enjoys working with Busch Gardens Entertainment and in her free time can be found with her cat Dr Pepper. She’d like to thank her fellow theatre kid friends for keeping the love alive and most of all Lidia for making this so much fun!
Jonathan Saffold: Sebastian the Crab
Jonathan, age 21, is thrilled to be making his debut with The Penguin Project as Sebastian the Crab in The Little Mermaid. Taking on the role of the lively, music-loving crab has been an exciting opportunity for Jonathan to combine his passion for acting, singing, and dancing all in one unforgettable production. He loves bringing energy, humor, and heart to the stage — and Sebastian’s big personality is a perfect match.
Jonathan has previously performed in school productions, including his memorable role as Baby Simba in The Lion King. That experience sparked his enthusiasm for theater and helped him discover how much he enjoys performing in front of an audience. Whether he’s rehearsing lines, learning choreography, or practicing songs, Jonathan brings dedication and joy to every rehearsal.
Outside of theater, Jonathan stays active and energized through sports. He enjoys playing basketball and swimming, both of which keep him strong and focused. The teamwork he’s learned through sports carries over to the stage, where he values working together with castmates to create something special. For Jonathan, performing isn’t just about being in the spotlight — it’s about being part of a team and sharing something meaningful with others.
Jonathan hopes audiences feel the fun and excitement he feels every time he steps on stage. Being part of this production has inspired him to keep growing, trying new things, and believing in himself. He is grateful for the support of his family, directors, peer mentor, Emily, and fellow cast members who have encouraged him along the way. Jonathan is proud to be part of this production and hopes you enjoy diving under the sea with him!
Joseph Sumpter: Sailor/Chef Ensemble
Joseph is a proud graduate of Pepin Academies, and is currently in the Transition Program at Focus Academy. He loves to go to Buddy Baseball and see all of his friends, as well as exploring his passion for karate! He is incredibly excited to be making his debut with the Penguin Projects: Little Mermaid Jr., and would like to thank everyone for their support!
Lidia Odom: Mersister
Lidia Odom is 21 years old and thrilled to be performing in this production. She has always had a deep love for singing, dancing, and the magic of theater. Music and performing bring her so much joy, and she shines brightest on stage.
Lidia attends Focus Academy’s Transition Program, where she continues to grow in confidence and independence while pursuing her passions. She is the youngest sibling to her sister, Lauren Odom, and her brother, Jonathan Odom. Lidia is incredibly grateful for the love and support of her parents, Jason and Linda Odom, who cheer her on in everything she does.
Madison Gould: Flotsam
Hi my name is Madison Gould. I am 13 years old, my hobbies are writing and taking part in plays. I love spending time with my mom and dad, I also enjoy hanging out with my friend Senade. I am very focused on my school work and study very hard to get good grades. My goal is to be a writer, get good grades always, and strive to be the best I can and always make my family proud.
Miles Otis: Chef Louie
Miles Otis is an energetic 14 year old and is excited to be participating in his fifth season with The Penguin Project. He loves reading, drawing, and learning about animals. Miles and his family are incredibly grateful to The Penguin Poject for providing him with the opportunity to explore and grow his creative abilities. Many thanks to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and supporters who make this experience so meaningful.
Naomi Berger: Ariel Mentor
Naomi has been helping as a mentor for Penguin Project ever since our first show of Aladdin for the Tampa chapter! She also previously was just in Spongebob the Musical and The Music Man with New Tampa Players!! This is one of Naomi’s favorite thing to do, as there’s so many amazing people to meet and work with! Hope you have fun UNDER THE SEA with us!!
Noah Canaday: Grimsby
Noah is thrilled to be taking the stage as Grimsby in this year's Penguin Project production of The Little Mermaid. Noah is excited to share this story with the audience. He is nervous but has been practicing with great enthusiasm. When not on stage, Noah enjoys riding his bike around the neighborhood, going bowling with the Alley Gators, playing bocce for the Special Olympics, and being around his family and friends. A huge thank you to his mentor Blaine,for being an amazing partner!" And heartfelt thank you to the Penguin Project for providing this opportunity and for their hard work and dedication!
Noel Willson: Sailor/Chef
Noel Willson is 19 years old and excited to be returning for his 7th year performing as an artist with The Penguin Project. Noel is a senior this year at Focus Academy and he is an aficionado of horror movies and the paranormal. Noel loves being onstage and enjoys the audience interaction. He has been performing with The Penguin Project since their first show, Aladdin Jr where he performed as Jafar.
Patrick Smith: Sea Creature
I will be turning 28 on March 5th right before the Blue Cast Performs.
I have been in previous Penguin Project Productions including the Musicals:
Mary Poppins, Aladdin. and Peter Pan.
I attend Focus Forward day program in Temple Terrace. I play Soccer , Tennis for Fun and ALOTO baseball. I enjoy bicycling and swimming. You can often find me taking a cooking class at Gigi’s Playhouse in Tampa. I am a first time Uncle to Grace who is a toddler and lives in California with my sister, Kate & my brother-in-law, Kevin.
Rex Knuckles: Eric Mentor
Rex is super excited to perform and has had so much fun in his first year of Penguin! You could have most recently seen him in Spongebob with New Tampa Players. Other credits include, Music Man (NTP) and Shrek The Musical (Freedom High School).
Rodrigo Silva-Cordova: Sea Creature
Rodrigo is a young adult full of life. His joy, tenderness, and creativity are felt immediately, and his extroverted and generous nature helps others feel comfortable and welcomed around him. At times, a bit of disorder and impatience shows up, but his big heart and steady energy keep him moving forward with purpose.
He loves building Legos, drawing and painting the ideas he imagines, and playing the piano with feeling. He also enjoys horseback riding as part of a therapeutic activity that helps him connect with his body, his balance, and his emotions.
The Penguin Project has played a meaningful role in his journey. It offers a supportive space where children and young people can grow socially, interact with confidence, and strengthen their communication skills. Now in his sixth year, Rodrigo continues to advance with hope and dedication toward his dream of becoming a Great Actor.
Senad AbuOleim: Jetsam
Senad is 15 years old and in the 8th grade. This is his 2nd time with New Tampa Players and he is ecstatic to be playing the role of Jetsam. His hobbies include riding his bike, Legos, and spending time with his best friend and cast member, Madison.
Sharlee Scotland: Sea Gull/Sea Creature Mentor
My name is Sharlee and I am 14 years old. I attend school online and enjoy musical theatre and drama productions. My favorite musical is The Sound of Music!
Sophia Sepulveda: Sea Creature
Sophia is a life-loving 25 year old! She is currently attending Focus Forward Day Program. She looks forward to spending time with her friends and can't wait to participate in rehearsals. Sophia has been attending Penguin Project since it's inception. She also enjoys the work that goes into the plays. Sophia has gained more confidence this year and is already talking about doing the show again next year. Sophia thanks her Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Sister, Brother and all her family and friends for all the love and support.
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