“The Little Mermaid Jr.” Swims Into The Park

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” is coming to Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) May 16–20 via Severna Park’s Theater in the Park performance company. The 60-minute musical is based on the 2008 Broadway production and the 1989 animated film. Theater in the Park’s casts consist of five age groups, each with their own performances.

On any given Saturday morning, more than 160 kids with Theater in the Park are rehearsing in every far-reaching corner of the Severna Park Community Center. A large directing staff of 20 talented folks work with approximately 40 children or teens in one of five age groups, which include:

• Broadway Teens, ages 12–16, directed by Atticus Boidy
• Broadway Mixteen, ages 9–13, directed by Matthew Walter
• Broadway Preteens, ages 9–11, directed by Kylie Sjolie
• Broadway Juniors, ages 6–9, directed by Phil Kittiver
• Broadway Babies, ages 3–6, directed by Kylie Sjolie and Andy Lawrie

This month, each of the age groups will take to the stage for unique performances. The preteen, mixteen and teen groups will each perform “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” while the two younger groups will perform “Tales of a Little Mermaid.” Each group has its own director, music director, choreographer and assistants to the director.

For the Broadway Juniors and Broadway Babies groups, directors write special scripts for the younger kids to ensure each child has lines and the story is more geared toward their age group. The massive undertaking unfolding at the same time is what makes Theater in the Park so unique.

Established in 2016, Theater in the Park is operated by Jennifer Kraus, the owner and artistic director, and daughters Kylie Sjolie and Alyssa Kraus. Theater in the Park draws participants from Severna Park and beyond, including Annapolis, Crofton, Pasadena, Arnold, Millersville, Severn and Baltimore, without losing any of the charm of a small-town community theater company.

“Parents tell me often that our program gives their kids confidence and positive self-esteem. For some kids, they find their ‘people,’ a place where they fit in and feel a sense of belonging,” Jennifer Kraus said. “Sports are not for everyone, and some kids find it hard to fit in at school. But at Theater in the Park, they find connections and, as a team, the kids produce something they are so proud of.”

Can’t decide which production to attend? The directors are happy to share details about the talents of their casts and invite audiences to their respective performances.

Broadway Teens director Atticus Boidy said, “The talent in the teen group is very strong, but what stands out even more is their willingness to take direction, make bold choices, and push themselves to try new things. There’s a real sense of accountability and collaboration that elevates the entire production. It’s exciting to watch them grow, not just as performers, but as thoughtful people and friends.”

Matthew Walter, mixteen group director, shared, “Our young performers bring remarkable enthusiasm and dedication to their work. Seeing their growing confidence and commitment to storytelling has been a highlight of doing a production with Theater in the Park. Theater has a really special way of bringing people together, regardless of age. In a group like mixteen, you see friendships form, confidence grow, and a true sense of family develop. Through the process of storytelling, they learn to listen, connect and support one another in meaningful ways. It’s not just about putting on a show. It’s about building relationships and a community that lasts long after the final curtain. Theater in the Park has built a safe place to foster these relationships and strengthen the theater community in the area.”

Broadway Babies and preteen director Kylie Sjolie said, “There is something so special about this class and watching these little ones fall in love with theater. Seeing that excitement in their eyes and getting to be a part of that journey means everything to me. Our Broadway Babies work so hard learning their lines, dances and songs. While they may not always remember every single step or word, it truly doesn’t matter; the audience is completely captivated by their joy, confidence and sheer adorableness.”

Performances will take place at AACC’s Robert E. Kauffman Theater in the Pascal Center for Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased at www.theaterintheparkboxoffice.net.