Thursday, March 26, at four in the afternoon, the curtain of Highland’s Little Theater opened on a stage of ready actors. Wheelchairs, reading prompts, and voice recordings helped relay the story, as the Highland special needs department put on a spectacular show. Singing and dancing their way into the hearts of every audience member, they told the story of “The Little Mermaid”.

This rare opportunity was made possible by the generosity and hard work of many parents, volunteers, and the Highland theater department. Every special needs student in the cast was paired with an actor from Highland’s advanced theater class.  The two students shared a role, and performed on stage with each other. The theater students wore “The Little Mermaid” T-shirts, held the mic, assisted with lines, and rolled wheel chairs on and off the stage. They truly made their friends from the special needs department shine onstage.

Parents and friends of special needs students filled the theater, and simply beamed as they watched their kids preform. It was a chance that most of them won’t get to experience again. Through song, dance, and very enthusiastic acting, the show brought tears, smiles, and much laugher to the audience. There were proud parents and weepy mothers in every direction.

“The kids got really into it. They loved putting on the costumed and getting makeup done. Our leads even took the time outside of rehearsal to practice and memorize their lines, which showed that they were excited about having the opportunity to perform.” Harrison Lind said.

Lind has been an important part of the theater program at Highland for three years now, and is a talented actor himself.

“The thing I love about theater and preforming is that anyone can do it… Performing just requires the bravery that it takes to stand onstage. It was amazing to watch the kids get so passionate about the play… overall it was humbling and really cool for students, teacher, and parents alike.” Lind said.

Tanner Looser was the special needs student who landed the lead role of Eric. He threw himself into his character, shouting lines and stomping across the stage. His bright personality shone through in his acting, and warmed the hearts of every audience member.

“I love plays! Yay!” Looser exclaimed after being congratulated on a wonderful performance. Both the theater and special needs program did a wonderful job, and it was an evening that no one will be soon to forget.