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The Academy at Palumbo High School
Production of
Disney's
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film
produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker
and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements
Originally Produced by
Disney Theatrical Productions
Orchestrations by Danny Troob
Incidental Music and Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin
Dance Arrangements by David Chase
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ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.
Disney's The Little Mermaid Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Disney's The Little Mermaid Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
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Director's Corner
Welcome to the Academy at Palumbo’s production of Disney's The Little Mermaid!
We are so excited to see these students performing tonight! For the majority, this is their first year gracing Palumbo’s stage! Please give them your loudest support!
While this might be your first time seeing the live production of The Little Mermaid, I’m willing to bet that the movie holds a special place in your childhood. If your inner child – or actual child sitting next to you – wants to sing along with the ensemble, that is very welcome!
We hope that you enjoy the wonder and whimsy of what you see tonight – from the glitter of the Merfolk, to the inky tentacles of Ursula, to the tapdancing seagulls, to the cleaver-wielding Chef trying to take out our dear crabby Sebastian. NONE of what you see could have happened without many, many, many unpaid hours of our team. I’d like to raise up the deepest praise to Ms. Angelica Jaszek and her family, the Stichter family, and Ms. Wendy Wolf for gathering and making all of the amazing costumes for us! They deserve to win a Barrymore!
Further, our team of Directors went above and beyond this year to make this a great show, and I hold the deepest for my colleagues. I’d like to recognize the work of Sheila Fisher, for her amazing choreography, Steven Hoffman for his musical direction, Alison Marzuoli for her artistry, Jim Jordan for his technical support, and everyone at the Academy at Palumbo for your love of our students and our program!
As the District faces massive budget cuts, the future of our program is not certain. We hope to build momentum and raise funds so that we can continue to make a space for our students to shine. If you’d like to help us in that effort, we gladly welcome your support.
Anissa Weinraub
March 2026
Song List
Overture
The World Above
Fathoms Below
Daughters of Triton
If Only (Triton's Lament)
Daddy's Little Angel
Part of Your World
Part of Your World (Reprise)
She's in Love
Her Voice
Under the Sea
If Only (Ariel's Lament)
Sweet Child
Poor Unfortunate Souls
Positoovity
Beyond My Wildest Dreams
Les Poisson
Les Poissons (Reprise)
One Step Closer
Daddy's Little Angel (Reprise)
Kiss the Girl
If Only (Quartet)
The Contest
Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)
Finale Ultimo
Cast and Crew
Ziri De Nicola
Ariel
Amarachika Alaribe
Prince Eric
Angel Okeke
Sebastian
Charice Gunawan
Flounder
Yarizett Jackson
Ursula
Richmond Au
King Triton
Sylvie Wright
Flotsam
Annabelle Chaing
Jetsam
Laylah Sumler
Scuttle
Dylan Nguon
Grimsby
Maia Lovett
Aquata/Dance Captain
Jaida Vazquez
Andrina
Kylee Sacksith
Arista
Isabella Yang
Atina
Lucy Semmel
Adella/Dance Captain
Kylie Christopher
Allana
Rosalina Simms-Rosario
Chef Louis
Case Dougherty
Pilot
Mickaela Carrington
Ensemble
Nazareth Chum
Ensemble
Ada Chung
Ensemble
Selah Doctry
Ensemble
Peyton Flowers
Ensemble
Yaqin Liu
Ensemble
Allison Lopez-Martinez
Ensemble
Solara Phromviha
Ensemble
Maya Ponce
Ensemble
Isabella Schmidt
Ensemble
Mila Chiu
Ensemble
Isaac Stichter
Ensemble
Grace Tapia
Ensemble
Angela Tran
Ensemble
Audrey Wongsonegoro
Ensemble
Gianne Apolinar
Tech Crew
River Barker
Lighting Designer
Genevieve Benson
Tech Crew
Franka Gerbec
Stage Manager / Tech Crew
Audrey Jaszek
Costume Crew
Helen Jaszek
Costume Crew
Jenny Li
Set/Prop Construction
Finley Morris
Stage Crew
Viana Nguyen
Stage Crew
Mearn Ouch
Stage Crew
Alessandra Ramunno
Music Technician
Jude Sanchez
Lighting Designer
Jimena Valencia-Gonzalez
Stage Crew
Creative Team
Anissa Weinraub
Director
Steven Hoffman
Music Director
Sheila Fisher
Choreographer
Allison Marzuoli
Costumes/Props/Set Designer
James Jordan
Technical Supervisor
Acknowledgements/Thank Yous
The directors, cast, and crew would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals and groups for their assistance in putting on this production, and for being "part of our world":
🎵 The administration, staff, and students of the Academy at Palumbo, especially...
Kiana Thompson, Principal and Charmelia Bond, Assistant Principal
Marina Isakowitz, Roster Chair
Paula Caffarella and Brooke Robinson, Secretaries
Custodial/Facilities Staff
🎵 The Palumbo Home and School Association
🎵 Angelica and Thaddeus Jaszek, Wendy Wolf, Alicia Wolf, Karen Holland, Connie Stichter, Marty Geiger, and Marisa Prefer for their assistance with costumes, props, and sets
🎵 Family and friends of the cast and crew
Donor Acknowledgement
The Directors and Students would also like to thank all those who donated to our fundraiser in January and February 2026. Your generous contributions helped support this production and future musical productions at the Academy at Palumbo.
Special thanks to the Philadelphia Independence Awards Give-a-Musical Grant.
Thank you again, and enjoy the show!
Meet the Company
Ziri De Nicola
Ariel
Ziri De Nicola (Ariel), a sophomore, is thrilled to star in this year’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” This is her third musical, previously performing in GAMP’s “Mean Girls” (Ensemble) and as Orphan July and Star To Be in “Annie.” She’s represented Palumbo in All City Choir and Concert Choir since freshman year. She wants to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the cast, crew and directors of TLM, and her friends and family for their endless support—and for putting up with her constant singing.
Amarachika Alaribe
Prince Eric
Amara Alaribe (10th grade). This is the first musical she's ever done. At first, it was a rocky journey to get out of the comfort zone. However, as time passed this progress of production has gotten more comfortable and the environment felt pressure-free. It's been an amazing experience to be apart of the show and even being a lead role!
Angel Okeke
Sebastian
Angel Chibuzor Okeke (11th grade) played lead role, Ms. Hannigan in Palumbo's 2024-25 musical production of Annie. This is her second time performing in Palumbo's production, and learning to love and display complex characters. She is very familiar with the spotlight as she has been performing as a vocalist and performer since the age of 7. Her home is the stage, and her voice—a weapon.
Charice Gunawan
Flounder
Charice Gunawan (9th grader). This is her first time ever being in a musical. She had stage fright at the start of the year, but with the support of her peers and family, she overcame it. She was inspired to join the musical after accompanying her sister to watch her perform in a play, and she decided that she wanted to be in the musical too.
Yarizett Jackson
Ursula
Yarizett Jackson (11th grade). Her whole childhood was shaped around wishes she created for her high school years. According to her research based on Disney, high school would be a place full of singing and dancing, the muscles this school produces allows her to live her childhood dream of singing and dancing in high school. She will like to thank everyone who came to watch this little girl who is all grown up doing what she does best, perform.
Richmond Au
King Triton
Richmond Duong Au (10th grade), known for his loud voice, is an enthusiast of the entertainment industry and arts. In his experience, he has played Pontius Pilate for a reenactment of the Stations of the Cross, played President Roosevelt in Annie during his freshman year at Palumbo, and has voice acted in a number of small indie series (10+ different ones!). He hopes his performance on stage as King Triton, in our current production, is satisfactory for the audience.
Sylvie Wright
Flotsam
Sylvie Wright (9th grade). This is her first Palumbo musical! She has always loved the performing arts and is excited to be a part of this show! Thanks to all her family and friends who came to see her as Flotsam, and thanks also to her fellow cast and crew for a whale of a good time! :)
Annabelle Chaing
Jetsam
Annabelle Chaing (12th grade), or more known as Anna, has been part of Palumbo's musical theatre since her freshman year. She was part of High School Musical, played Lily St. Regis in Annie, and is currently Jetsam in The Little Mermaid! As Anna's last show in high school, she is glad the show is a classic that she grew up watching and she hopes that everyone enjoys the performance!
Laylah Sumler
Scuttle
Laylah Sumler (9th grade). I am Scuttle in this year's, Little Mermaid. This is my very first time performing in a musical/play and I want to thank everyone who supported me through my journey and made me think that I could actually make it to the end. I want to give my mom a special thanks for never giving up on me and reaffirming me everyday, that I can do this. I love you Mom. Thank you all for your love, support and advice.
Dylan Nguon
Grimsby
Dylan Nguon (11th) is performing in a theatrical performance for the first time. As a lover of the creative arts and amateur singer, his interest led him to join the production and meet so many amazing artists in the process. He's excited to present what the team has accomplished and has great pleasure performing this amazing show that you get to see.
Maia Lovett
Aquata/Dance Captain
Maia Lovett (9th grade). This is her first production at Palumbo. She is very nice, smart, and kind-hearted. She would like to dedicate this performance to her friends and family.
Jaida Vazquez
Andrina
Jaida Vazquez (Andrina) is a sophomore. She’s excited to be performing in her third musical, following roles in Better Together and The Lion King at Independence Charter. The Little Mermaid will mark her first musical at Palumbo. She wants to thank her fellow cast mates for being a constant source of support, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Kylee Sacksith
Arista
Kylee Sacksith (10th grade). After many years of admiring the performing arts, this is her first time performing in a musical. Having the opportunity to contribute to the art others will watch is greatly appreciated. She strives to make sure all of her appearances on stage are memorable, for the audience and herself.
Isabella Yang
Atina
Isabella Yang (10th Grade). Isabella is excited to perform the role of Atina in this year's production. She was the orphan Kate in last year's production of Annie. Isabella is Secretary of the Palumbo Choir Council and served as a choir officer last year as well. She also represents Palumbo in All City Choir.
Lucy Semmel
Adella/Dance Captain
Lucy Semmel (9th grade) is enjoying her first musical at Academy at Palumbo with such a talented cast! She is so grateful for all the creative opportunities she has gotten and everything she has learned from this production. She wants to thank everyone who has put any effort into this production for helping making it one of the best shows she’s ever been in!
Kylie Christopher
Allana
Kylie Christopher (10th Grade). Kylie is excited to play the role of Allana in this year's production. She was one of the famed Boylan Sisters in last year's production of Annie. Kylie is part of our choir program and is also a member of the Black Student Joy club.
Rosalina Simms-Rosario
Chef Louis
Rosalina Simms-Rosario(10th grade). This is their second time doing a musical. Being in one of the musicals always feels like your all apart of a big community and the wonderful artist that participate each year made you feel like all the scary parts and the countless hours were just so worth it. At the end of the closing show you wish you could do it all over again, like you've discovered some sort of magic or something. I'm so grateful to be here with everyone and cant wait to see you next year.
Case Dougherty
Pilot
Case Dougherty (11th Grade). This is his first time preforming in a musical. You might already be familiar with his performances as a lead singer Palumbo's Rock Band club. He is grateful to all his bandmates, friends, and everyone else who has supported his preforming capabilities over the years, and hopes you enjoy the show.
Mickaela Carrington
Ensemble
Mickaela Carrington (9th grade) enjoys the bonding this musical as brought her and other people. She loves music and movies and musicals bring those to things together. Mickaela hopes you enjoy the show!
Nazareth Chum
Ensemble
Nazareth Chum (10th grade) has a passion for arts and aspires to be an entertainer in many fields. This is the second year he has performed in the musical, coming out of Palumbo's Annie musical, and it most certainly won't be his last. One of his favorite things are dinosaurs and he loves to collect knick-knacks. He is very proud of what he has done in musical theatre and very grateful to have the opportunity to act.
Ada Chung
Ensemble
Ada Chung (12th grade) is in her third musical (having previously played in both High School Musical and Annie), and is excited to close her senior year with yet another musical.
Selah Doctry
Ensemble
Selah "Say" Doctry (9th grade). This is my first year at Palumbo and my first time performing in a musical. I had a lot of fun with these amazing singers and directors and hope to do this again next year. I hope you all enjoy this experience!!
Peyton Flowers
Ensemble
Peyton Flowers (9th grade) This is her first time performing in a musical. She’s always enjoyed performing and it has always been her dream to perform in a musical. She’s very happy to be performing with her amazing cast, and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Yaqin Liu
Ensemble
Yaqin Liu (10th grade) is very thrilled to be a part of Palumbo's The Little Mermaid! This is her first ever musical and it's been an amazing experience learning and performing with everyone. She's excited for future opportunities to keep growing and performing in more shows.
Allison Lopez-Martinez
Ensemble
Allison Lopez-Martinez (11th grade). This is her 2nd time performing in a Palumbo musical. She was also ensemble in last years performance of Annie. She loves working as a team and supporting her cast mates through her work as ensemble. She hopes that you enjoy the performance her and her cast mates have put together for you!!!
Solara Phromviha
Ensemble
Solara Phromviha (9th grade) played many different roles as an ensemble, and enjoyed it so much. It was very fun to work with a group, especially dancing. It was her first musical ever and she always dreamed of being in a musical or play. She has very deep passion for singing, acting, and etc!!
Maya Ponce
Ensemble
Maya Ponce (9th grade). She loves musical theatre and acting and she’s excited to apart of her first high school production.
Isabella Schmidt
Ensemble
Isabella Schmidt (9th Grade). Hey guys, I’m Bella, a 9th grader in the ensemble. I’m super excited to be performing and so proud of everyone in this production. Enjoy the show!!
Mila Chiu
Ensemble
Mila Chiu (11th Grade). This is her first musical experience ever, and it has inspired her to keep performing. She has always wanted to be in a play since her first dance competition as a child. Initially, commiting to the musical was nerve-wrecking, but she soon found comfort and fun throughout each rehearsal. Today, she can't imagine who'd she be now if she never auditioned, and she's immensely grateful for the staff's support and enthusiasm.
Isaac Stichter
Ensemble
Isaac Stichter (9th grade) enjoys all kinds of art! This is their first time ever being in a musical, and has loved every single second of it. They’ve made some amazing friends and is so happy they had the chance to meet them all!
Grace Tapia
Ensemble
Grace Tapia (9th grade) enjoys every part of the performing arts, from choreographed dances to imaginative monologues. She loves the opportunity to expand her creativity while working with so many talented people. Although she is new to the program at Palumbo, she has felt incredibly welcomed. Grace is very grateful for her teachers and excited to continue growing as a performer.
Angela Tran
Ensemble
Myngoc, or Angela Tran (9th grade). It’s her first ever musical production. She’s someone who’s loved singing alone and in Palumbo Voices, started acting in an offered theater class at Palumbo, and enjoys a few musicals! Although it took a long and bumpy way to get there, she’s striving to always improve and embrace the stage.
Audrey Wongsonegoro
Ensemble
Audrey Wongsonegoro (9th grade). Being in the ensemble taught me that the stage isn’t about one person shining alone. It’s about everyone working together, moving as one, and creating a story that the audience believes in. Even if we’re not in the spotlight, we’re still part of the magic that makes the show come alive.
Gianne Apolinar
Tech Crew
Gianne Apolinar (11th grade) dabbled in theater tech last year and became more involved this year, helping out when needed. She likes crafting things and bringing creative ideas to life. Although she wasn't part of stage crew, she enjoyed contributing to the production and getting a closer look at how everything comes together.
River Barker
Lighting Designer
River Barker (9th Grade). This is his first time doing tech theater. He loves to watch musicals and plays and hopes that he can help improve the audience’s experience. He wants to thank all of the teachers involved with the musical for providing him with this opportunity as well as his friends and family for all of their support.
Genevieve Benson
Tech Crew
Genevieve Benson (9th grade) is participating in Tech Theater for the first time. She's been painting for years, and was happy to contribute to the set design. She wishes the cast and crew a wonderful performance, and eagerly awaits years in tech to come.
Franka Gerbec
Stage Manager / Tech Crew
Franka Gerbec (11th Grade) has loved musical theatre since she was a wee lad, and over time felt more drawn to the design and production aspects of the show. She has done set production for shows such as Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Annie, and now The Little Mermaid, and has been head of stage crew both years that Palumbo has offered a musical! She has worked really hard and is excited to see everything come together.
Audrey Jaszek
Costume Crew
Audrey Jaszek (10th Grade). Audrey is a member of our Costumes/Props Crew. They hope you enjoy the show!
Helen Jaszek
Costume Crew
Helen Jaszek (10th Grade). Helen is a member of our Costumes/Props Crew. They hope you enjoy the show!
Jenny Li
Set/Prop Construction
Jenny Li (9th Grade). Jenny is a member of our Set/Prop Construction Crew. They hope you enjoy the show!
Finley Morris
Stage Crew
Finley Morris (11th Grade). Finley is a member of our Stage Crew. She played the role of Bert Healy in last year's production of Annie. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Viana Nguyen
Stage Crew
Viana Nguyen (11th Grade). Viana is a member of our Stage Crew. They hope you enjoy the show!
Mearn Ouch
Stage Crew
Mearn Ouch (11th Grade). Mearn is a member of our Stage Crew. They hope you enjoy the show!
Alessandra Ramunno
Music Technician
Alessandra Ramunno (10th grade) is helping with the musical for the second year. She is a music technician, meaning she plays all the music! She is looking forward to seeing the finished play and hope you all are too!!
Jude Sanchez
Lighting Designer
Jude Kira Sanchez (12th Grade) has been doing musical theater for half their lifetime, and is thrilled to be trying out theater tech for the first time with such a talented cast! Past Palumbo credits include High School Musical (Jack Scott) and Annie (Warbucks).
Jimena Valencia-Gonzalez
Stage Crew
Jimena Valencia-Gonzalez (11th Grade) has always been interested in art, so joining theatre tech and stage crew was inevitable. She has been in tech and stage crew for the two years Palumbo has offered a musical and has loved learning and growing with her peers. She is looking forward to seeing everyone shine on stage.
Anissa Weinraub
Director
Ms. Anissa Weinraub teaches Theater and English at Palumbo. She is also active in the Philly theater scene. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Steven Hoffman
Music Director
Mr. Steven Hoffman teaches Choir and Introduction to Music at Palumbo. He is also active as a choral singer and conductor in the region. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Sheila Fisher
Choreographer
Mrs. Sheila Fisher teaches Dance at Palumbo. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Allison Marzuoli
Costumes/Props/Set Designer
Ms. Allison Marzuoli teaches Visual Arts, Ceramics, and AP Studio Art at Palumbo. She hopes you enjoy the show!
James Jordan
Technical Supervisor
Mr. James Jordan teaches Orchestra, AP Music Theory, and Introduction to Music at Palumbo. He is also the Fine Arts department chair. He hopes you enjoy the show!
