Behind the Scenes Exclusive: Journey Theater’s The Little Mermaid Jr!

Is your son or daughter super funny? Or an artist? Or shy? We have friends who are too. And they all happen to be a part of the same after-school activity we are involved in: Journey Theater Arts Group. Throughout the year, we take classes in everything from basic voice, drama and dance to advanced classes like stage combat! (Yes, as in actual combat with swords and fighting and wrestling! It’s a blast!)

Journey is a community youth theater group that performs in Portland, Beaverton and Vancouver during Fall, Winter and Spring seasons. Journey is an amazing experience and it also provides a professional-level atmosphere.

Right now, we are also in a full-on musical theater performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. And when we say full-on, we mean it! There are more than 60 kids, ages 8-18, in the show with full makeup and costumes, doing all of your favorite songs from the movie. This is our tenth show with Journey and it just keeps getting better and better.

So, what it’s like to be in a musical run by kids? Michael, age 12, is playing a sailor and one of Ursula’s minions in the show. He calls Journey “a great learning experience” in singing, acting, dancing and even improv, and his favorite part is the friends he’s made in building a show together, learning new characters and performing. With less than eight weeks to rehearse the show before opening night, it’s a lot of work! In addition to song and dance routines and run-throughs of the show, the cast does a special rehearsal called “costume parade” where the directors and actors get to see all of the costumes. It really gets you excited for the show!

Josiah, age 14, calls Journey “an extended family that all have the same interest in theater as you do.” Being in a show is a big commitment as it takes up a day in your week and part of your weekend, but it brings a lot of joy to everyone and is well worth it. He loves learning all the cool dances – Little Mermaid in particular has some tough dances which are really tiring but definitely super fun! The “costume parade” rehearsal is his favorite part – that’s another thing Journey does really well. Most of the costumes have been used many times and are kept in great condition, helping the actors and actresses look their best!

So dive in and see us in Journey Theater’s magical tale of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. We know you’ll be amazed what kids ages 8-18 can do! Like all Journey shows, Mermaid is entertaining for all ages and full of dazzling dance numbers, upbeat singing and hilarious moments. And we’re sure this story will bring back childhood memories for you (like it does for our parents) – you may even make some new ones! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. opens Friday, Mar 10 and runs through Mar 19.
Performances at Alder Creek Middle School, 13801 SE Webster Rd, Milwaukie.
Tickets $10-14 in advance, $14-18 at the door. Senior and group rates available.
Purchase tickets online here!
Check out journeytheater.org for information on classes and shows.