THE LITTLE MERMAID JR.
Green Cast · March 14-15
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.
Alessa Costa: Ursula
This is Alessa’s fourth performance with Penguin Project. She is 20 and a high school senior at Focus Academy. Alessa is a self-proclaimed foodie and loves pop music. She enjoys traveling and being with family. A very special thank you to all the volunteers of Penguin Project, especially to Nora, for her never-ending passion and dedication to the cast and the show. Alessa wants to give a special shout out to her mentor, Ocean, and to the rest of the cast... break a leg or fin!
Allaster Spivey: Chef Louis
This is Allaster's 6th year taking part in the Penguin Project. He loves to perform and is always dancing or singing! He attends CES Academy and enjoys learning. He loves hanging out with his little brother and teaching him his dance moves. He's excited for the opportunity to play Chef Louis!
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!
Andres Oquendo: Seagull
Andres is a kind and bright 13-year-old seventh grader who enjoys reading and playing video games. A dedicated student in a special needs classroom, he works hard and continues to grow academically. He loves spending time with his family, especially at the beach, and has a deep appreciation for nature.
Anthony Mastella: King Triton
Anthony Mastella is a Penguin Project OG, performing as Razoul in Aladdin during the inaugural year. He has enjoyed playing various characters in each year's performance, but performing as King Triton this year is his dream come true! He would like to thank his dedicated peer mentor, Tobias Paine for his theatrical assistance and friendship. Anthony would also like to thank the New Tampa Players and Penguin Project for this opportunity to shine on stage!
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.
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.
Corva Ryder: Peer Mentor
Corva is thrilled to be returning for her third year as a mentor with Penguin Project and is so excited to be part of The Little Mermaid! She is currently a junior in high school, where she serves as vice president of Science Club and treasurer of her school’s theatre program. This year, she is especially excited to be mentoring Hannah L, who has been working so hard and doing such a great job! She is looking forward to another amazing show!
Crystal Riley: Carlotta/Sea Horse
Crystal Riley is 22 years old and a 2022 graduate of Chamberlain High School. In August 2024, she was accepted into the REACH (Realizing Exceptional Achievements at a Community Hospital) program through Brewster Technical School. She is currently interning at St. Josephs Hospital. This is a 2-year program, and she hopes to get a permanent position at St. Josephs Hospital. She sometimes takes the Hartline bus to work and school in the mornings, and she really enjoys being more independent. Crystal is also very involved with Special Olympics. She started several years ago doing cheerleading for the Plant City Raiders. They are a very dedicated team and work hard. They have gone to the State Competition in Orlando and have won the gold medal for the last four years. She then began competing in swimming and gymnastics. She enjoys both sports and the workouts are great. Last year, she was one of the gymnasts selected to go to Orlando and compete in the Special Olympics State competition where she brought home gold. She was very excited about this opportunity. Crystal’s also loves being a part of the Penguin Project. This is her fourth year, and she is just as excited as her first year to be part of such a wonderful group. She loves to sing and dance and perform.
Daniel Fellerhoff: Sebastian
Daniel is excited to be part of the Penguin Project where he can share his love for music, performing, and making new friends. Daniel is a busy 11th grader who is a leader on his robotics team, sings with Lumina Youth Choir, and plays chess whenever he can. He thanks everyone for their support of his many pursuits.
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.
David López-Tamayo: Sailor/Chef Ensemble
I am 26 years old. I attend the Acosta Care Life Skills Development Center. I like to play softball, baseball, tennis and I love spend time with my best friends . I like to collect movies and hang out with my friends , also I love animals and I have 2 dogs.
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.
Ebubechukwu Okeke (Bube): Sea Creature
Ebubechukwu is a 22 year old young lady. She graduated high school from Pepin academies in May 2023 and is currently in the transitional program at Pepin Academies. This is her third time with penguin project. She loves it and has great experience.
Elle Rawlings: Mermaid Sister/Princess
Elle loves a stage and being a mermaid! Elle is a 5th grader at Roosevelt Elementary. Elle is a Cheerleader with the GiGi's Playhouse Tampa Cheer Gems, swims year round on the GTSA swim team and plays Tennis with Tennis for Fun. Elle's favorite thing is spending time with her friends. Elle recently found a 2 week old kitten and named her Nala and is having fun learning to care for her fur sister. Elle loves to go snow skiing, hang out on the boat at the beaches and travel to see her family and friends. Elle has previously stared in Penguin Projects Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat and Seusical Jr. Much thanks to all of the volunteers and staff for this event, especially Chloe, her mentor. It's been a magical experience.
Hannah Grace Root: Sailor/Chef/Princess
Hannah is currently in the Transition Program at Pepin Academy in Pasco County. She interns at Bay Care Hospital in New Port Richey and helps at Volunteer Way. This is Hannah’s 6th Penguin Project show. Hannah enjoys Disney, music, cruising and playing with her Labradoodle Emerson. Hannah would like to thank her family, friends, Ms Nora and all the staff for their support.
Hannah Link: Sea Creature
I am 21 and in the Pepin Transition Program, and loving it! I enjoy being in the Penguin Project and getting on stage with my friends. I enjoy gymnastics, learning new cooking skills at Gigi's Playhouse, Adult Fit, socializing with my friends at Fantastic Friends. I also like to just chill at my house on the weekends!
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.
Jeremiah Bertic: Sailor/Chef Ensemble
This is Jeremiah’s sixth show with Penguin Project. He was a pirate in Peter Pan Jr., the baker in Beauty & the Beast, Jr., a banker and candy shop owner in Mary Poppins Jr., one of Joseph’s brothers in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and a Wickersham in Seussical the Musical. He is 24 years old and attends the Trident adult day training program. He loves to bowl with his Special Olympics teammates on the Plant City High School team, play baseball with A League of Their Own, go to the movies and Universal Studios, eat out, and watch Monster Jam. He is excited to have so many friends and family who support and encourage him by coming to and cheering him on at all of his activities and shows. Thank you for being his biggest fans!
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!
Kaia Henrickson: Mersister/Princess
Kaia Henrickson has enjoyed participating in three great penguin project shows so far. She really enjoys the music and the dancing. When she is not at Penguin Project, she’s busy at Livingstone Academy, wheres she’s wrapping up her last year of transition classes before graduating from school altogether. At home she loves playing with her dog, Boppi, and dancing/singing along to Taylor Swift music.
Karsen Stella Walker: Mermaid Sister/Princess
Karsen Walker is a joyful and determined performer with Xia-Gibbs syndrome who inspires many of her mom’s productions. She has wowed audiences as Tinker Bell in Peter Pan and as the adorable monkey in Aladdin with New Tampa Players’ Penguin Project. Her stage credits also include Sharky in The Little Mermaid, a featured dancer in A Christmas Carol the Musical, a movie star in Annie, the unicorn in Shrek, Jasmine’s tiger in Aladdin, and even the enchanted stool in Beauty and the Beast Jr., alongside her beloved service dog, Jasper.
Karsen is a passionate advocate and “spokesmodel” for children with special needs and chronic illnesses. A sought-after neurodiverse model, she has appeared in national and international campaigns, television and film projects, documentaries, and commercials, including work with the BBC, ABC, and WE tv. She is currently featured as the model for a new line of wheelchair costumes and has proudly appeared in multiple Disney campaigns. She is represented by Alexa Model and Talent and recently received a callback for another exciting campaign.
Karsen also loves walking the red carpet at film festivals with her parents, smiling brightly for the cameras and soaking in every magical moment.
Through every opportunity, Karsen hopes to show the world that no matter who you are, you can follow your dreams and shine. She is deeply grateful to the ProArts families, her music teacher Brooklyn, Love Learning Center, the New Tampa Players production team, and especially her Mommy for helping her share her light. After a few challenging medical years, she is overjoyed to be back on stage with her Penguin family.
Kevin Mitchell, II: Flounder
Kevin Mitchell, II is a seventh grader at Pepin Academies in Riverview, Florida. He enjoys singing, drawing, hanging with his family, and loves talking!
Khiram Bryan: Sea Creature Ensemble
Khiram is a Tampa native who loves Kung Fu Panda and various other Dream Works movies. He participates in art, gymnastics, and capoeira. Khiram is premiering in his first play in the Penguin Project!
Kirsten Stiff-Walker: Mersister/Princess Mentor
Kirsten Stiff-Walker has been a professional singer, dancer, and actor for more than 40 years, performing nationally and internationally in theater, television, film, and commercial work. She is a working commercial actor and has appeared in multiple films on the festival circuit and on major streaming platforms. She is also the female lead in an upcoming independent film that she holds especially close to her heart. Kirsten is represented by Alexa Model and Talent.
Today, she is an award-winning choreographer, director, musical director, and vocal and acting coach for both stage and on-camera performers.
Kirsten is the proud director of Progressive Arts Theater, a nonprofit training center dedicated to inclusion, community outreach, and giving back. Under her leadership, Progressive Arts performs at major Dunedin events and produces everything from Shakespeare to large-scale musicals. Favorite productions she has directed include The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Alladin Jr., Matilda, and Heathers.
She recently closed Rapunzel, Rapunzel and is thrilled to direct Willy Wonka Jr. and Mean Girls Jr. this summer.
As a performer, some of her favorite roles include Velma Kelly in Chicago and Shulie in Schoolhouse Rock Live! She is a familiar face on the red carpet and on the microphone at the Dunedin International Film Festival, where she leads Q and A sessions and recently served as co-MC for the awards show.
Kirsten is deeply committed to inclusive storytelling and is incredibly proud of her daughter, Karsen, who continues to inspire her work and her heart. She is endlessly grateful for the Progressive Arts families and the community that makes it all possible. She would also like to thank the NTP production team for all that they do and the joy they bring to so many lives, and she is absolutely thrilled to be back onstage with the Penguins.
Lea Tort: Peer Mentor
Lea is a Junior in High school and loves all things music. She stage manages for theater at her school and plays drums in the marching band and in an all girl rock band! This is Lea’s 3rd year mentoring for penguin project, and is so excited to be doing The Little Mermaid! She had thoroughly enjoyed working with her artist Khiram and thinks he is doing an amazing job, and can’t wait for opening night!
Leah Dunlap: Scuttle
Little Mermaid is Leah’s third Penguin Project performance. She loves everything about being a part of the productions. Her favorite things to do are singing and dancing!
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 focuse 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.
Michaela Bertic: Sea Gull/Sea Creature Ensemble Mentor
Hi there! I’m Michaela! This is the third year I’ve had the absolute privilege and pleasure to be a peer mentor in Penguin Project. From Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to Seussical Jr., and now heading, “Under the Sea,” for The Little Mermaid Jr., these penguins put in so much heart and hard work. I’m so proud of the kiddos that I got to be a peer mentor to for this show. Chase and Zander - you two are rockstars. I am so excited to watch you guys shine in your performances! I have loved every second of getting to peer mentor for you both! From being in vet med since 2018, to being in theater growing up and then getting to join Penguin Project, I am forever thankful that I get to do the things I love with people I will forever cherish. Friends and family - thank you for coming to see the show and for all of the love and support!!
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.
Oceane Young: Ursula Mentor
Oceane is a theatre major at Blake High School of the Arts and has been doing commercials and modeling since she was eight. She was recently accepted into the NYU Screen Acting Summer Program for high school students and is excited to continue growing as a performer. Outside of acting, she loves baking, going to the beach with friends, and has truly enjoyed working with the actors in the Penguin Project.
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).
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!
Zander Cook: Seagull/Sea Creature
Zander Cook is excited to perform in his third Penguin Project production in his dual role of seagull and sea creature.
Zander is a senior at Focus Academy, graduating in May.
He is active in Special Olympics with bowling and swimming, and loves listening to music.
Zander and his family are thankful for the opportunity the Penguin Project is giving him to creatively express himself, try things that are a little out of his comfort zone, and build new friendships along the way. This theater community has become so special over the past few years.
Special thanks to Michaela, who has done a fantastic job guiding Zander while still letting him lead.
Much gratitude for the amazing team that is making this production possible once more: Nora, Connie, Carol, Rick, Shelley, Alicia, and the many volunteers who have invested their time and their hearts.
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