Students dive in for spring play

WHEATFIELD | Life is the bubbles under the sea at Kankakee Valley High School this month.

All the favorite characters from Disney's "The Little Mermaid" come to life onstage to tell the tale of mermaid Princess Ariel and her dream to be human.

KV Theater Kompany performances are set for 7 p.m. March 8, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 9 in the KVHS Auditorium, 3923 W. Ind. 10.

Tickets are $6, and the family-friendly show is appropriate for all ages.

To make reservations, email kvtheatrekompany@gmail.com or leave a message for director Jill Steiner at (219) 554-9411.

With her buddy Flounder by her side, and Scuttle the gull's help, Ariel gathers as much information and objects related to to the human world as she possibly can. In a bold move, she visits the Ursula the sea witch and is given a chance to be human forever if she can get Prince Eric to seal the deal with true love's kiss.

Featuring the beloved songs from the movie and more, this production will delight audiences of all ages.

Director Jill Steiner has created a drama program at KVHS that heavily involves students in production elements.

Stage Manager Casey Voight is a senior and has been part of the program during all of her high school career. "I have enjoyed working with Casey, watching her grow and become a vital part of the program,"  Steiner said.

Another example is Nicole Wisneski as costume mistress. This is her third production serving in this position, helping the director design and create costumes for the show. Wisneski is also well-known onstage, and portrays Chef Louis in "The Little Mermaid."

Her involvement with KV theater adds a great deal to her busy senior year, but Wisneski wouldn't have it any other way, calling it her "most beloved priority."

She added that her work in drama has taught her to "not be afraid of anything."

Steiner, in her 12-year tenure, has been fueled by her committment to teaching and demonstrating that theater is a collaborate process. Year after year, the seniors inspire underclassmen to take on more responsibility in the productions, reaching down all the way to sixth-graders.