Based on the classic Disney animated film, “The Little Mermaid, Jr.,” is set in a magical underwater kingdom, where the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind to live in the world above as she defies her father, King Triton, to make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.

“We were looking at several shows over the summer. We looked at who we had and really felt that this show would fit the students we had right now,” said director Marie Karbacka, Washington’s general music and choral director. “As a ’90s child, I grew up with this movie and I know it very, very well. However, many of our younger students had never seen it. Part of their homework was to go home and watch the movie. A lot of them also went home and found many of the stage productions online that had been performed as well.”

The drama club also is the first recipient of a grant from the Jason M. Williams Fund for the Performing Arts at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The fund, dedicated in memory of the late Washington Middle School English teacher and musical director by his parents Carl and Diane, aims to support performing arts programs at Jamestown Public Schools. A beloved member of the JPS family, Williams dedicated his entire professional life to helping children at Washington have artistic outlets through which they could channel their talents. A noted area performer outside of school and beloved friend to many, he passed away suddenly in 2019 at the age of 40.

“It has been a privilege to work with the Williams Family to find the right way to remember Jason,” said Tory Irgang, CRCF Executive Director. “This Fund to benefit the musical productions in Jamestown Public Schools, and this year at Washington Middle School, accomplished that goal. It takes a village to help bring a musical to life and this fund will help cover the expenses necessary to make them happen, just like Jason and his family did when he was involved with the productions.”

The cast of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” at Washington Middle School pose with the family of late Washington English teacher Jason Williams — Carl Williams and Stephanie Cardone. The school received a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation in Williams’ memory. Submitted photo

“It’s such an honor receiving the grant this year and I’m so grateful to Carl, Diane, and Jason’s family for making this possible for us,” Karbacka said. “It’s a great opportunity and I really appreciate the family wanting the money to go to us first.”

Tickets for the production are $5 and can be purchased at the door or by calling 716-483-4413 ext 4403.