The upcoming spring musical caps the Wilton High School (WHS) theater season, and this year’s production brings the beloved story of a mermaid in love — and a world of underwater magic — to the Clune Center stage with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Based on the 1989 film, the stage production of The Little Mermaid offers additional songs and exposition for these famous characters, including Ariel, Scuttle, Prince Eric, Flounder and Ursula the Sea Witch. It also includes iconic song favorites such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and “Kiss the Girl.”
The production includes a 65-student cast, a 16-member orchestra made up primarily of student musicians, and an entire student crew to execute all of the technical elements of the performance. Wilton is once again partnering with ZFX Flying Effects, bringing professional theatrical flying to the production to create some of the show’s most magical moments.
The theater department is supported by the Wilton High School Theatre Arts Association (TAA) booster club, which leads fundraising efforts to cover the significant costs of staging productions throughout the school year. All funds raised go directly toward production expenses, including rights and licensing, lighting, sound, set materials, costumes, props and special effects.
The Wilton High School Theatre program involves more than 125 students each year across acting, music, and technical theater. Neither the school nor the booster club charges families for students to participate, making fundraising essential to sustain the program’s annual lineup of performances, including the fall play, improv comedy, the senior show musical and the spring musical.
“It’s easy to forget how many little things add up to a lot. My jaw still drops when I’m reminded how much a gallon of paint costs,” WHS Theatre Artistic Director Kathryn Luckstone said. “If it wasn’t for the support from this community, we would not be able to produce these shows at the caliber that we do. Professional theatrical flying isn’t an option for most high school theater programs.”
Earlier this year, the TAA learned that Wilton-based ASML will provide a $10,000 contribution through its 2026–2027 community grant program. The company has supported the TAA for the past three years and is increasing its funding this year.
“Wilton High School Theatre’s production of The Little Mermaid is a wonderful showcase of the creativity, dedication and talent of our local students. Live theatre brings our community together, inspires imagination and reminds us all of the magic that happens when we support and celebrate the arts,” ASML Community and Employee Engagement Specialist Brian Amero said. “ASML is thrilled to see the cast and crew bring this beloved story to life, and for audiences to experience the enchantment firsthand.”
Tickets are on sale now for the four upcoming performances of The Little Mermaid: Friday, May 15 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 16 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, May 17 at 1 p.m. There will be a character meet-and-greet event for kids before the Sunday matinee.
The Little Mermaid will run approximately 2 hours 15 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. To purchase tickets and find out show information, visit the Wilton High School Theatre website.
