Orefield Middle School Drama Club students have been rehearsing diligently for the past three months to present “The Little Mermaid Jr.” for the community March 8-10.

This two-act musical tells the story of Ariel, a 16-year-old mermaid who longs to become human and leave the ocean.

The musical is based on Disney’s 1989 animated feature film and Hans Christian Andersen’s Danish fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.”

Emily Bachl, who portrays Ariel, and Jacob Greening, who plays Sebastian, commented on their roles.

“Ariel is a royal mermaid who longs to be human,” Bachl said. “Ariel is so kindhearted and sweet. She has an amazing voice and is in love with a prince.”

“I love playing Ariel because I get to be a princess and it is fun to play her.”

Greening said Sebastian is a red Jamaican crab who is put in charge of Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter.

“My character has a cool accent and gets to work with most of the cast in different scenes,” Greening said. “Sebastian’s costume is created with a red sequin coat and hat. My mother created a lot of the costumes.”

This is not his first time performing in “The Little Mermaid Jr.”

“Years ago, I played one of the chef’s,” he said. “It was my first show.”

Jenna Stanski, who plays Ursula, and Andrew Sachse, who plays Prince Eric, discussed their characters.

Stanski said her character is the exact opposite of her.

“She is sassy, mean, manipulating, deceptive and she is extremely power hungry,” Stanski said. “She loves her eels, Flotsam and Jetsam.”

Stanski said it is really fun playing Ursula because she gets to be mean and rude, and she also gets to cackle and play around with her voice.

“The sets are absolutely amazing and so are all the costumes,” Stanski said. “Everyone is so supportive of each other in the musical, it’s just really great.”

Sachse said Prince Eric could not care less about being king and would rather be out in the ocean.

“I love playing this character because I get to have a lot of fun and not be so serious,” Sachse said. “I love this show because everyone is no nice and the songs are so fun.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” is being directed and choreographed by Jessica O’Brien, with music directed by Erich Joella.

“In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above,” O’Brien said. “But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, 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.”

O’Brien chose this musical because it’s family friendly with many parts available for the students.

The drama club will perform “The Little Mermaid Jr.” 7 p.m. on March 8, 9 and 10; and at 2 p.m. March 10 in the middle school auditorium.

There will be a special “Under the Sea” tea at 12:30 p.m. March 10 with fun activities for young children and a meet-and-greet with the main characters.

Tickets for the all performances will be available at the door for $5.