Standing-room-only crowds, standout student performances, and a powerful display of ROAR bring a vibrant three-night production to a triumphant finish
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ --
The curtain has fallen. The echoes remain. What unfolded on the Linden High School stage was more than a musical. It was Linden in motion.
Over three unforgettable nights, Linden High School’s Fine and Performing Arts Department brought Disney’s The Little Mermaid to life, closing Saturday, March 29, to packed houses, standing ovations, and a wave of pride that filled the auditorium.
Under the direction of Howard Whitmore, the production stood as a powerful example of impactful teaching and learning in action. This was Resilience in rehearsal, Opportunity on stage, Achievement in performance, and Relationships in every moment. This was ROAR, fully realized.
A Cast That Carried the Current
At the center, students rose to the moment and beyond.
Julianne Panganiban delivered a radiant Ariel, her voice soaring with confidence and clarity. Pipelewaoluwa Olanrewaju commanded the stage as Ursula, bold and magnetic, embracing the role with fearless intensity.
Christopher Joyner brought warmth and poise to Prince Eric, while Kai Rivera grounded the story with a steady and thoughtful Grimsby. Energy and joy surged through Nuran Elbadawi as Flounder and Justin Cabral as Scuttle, whose performances lit up the stage.
Stephan Sidibe brought strength and presence as King Triton, while Danna Soriano-Torrez as Sebastian infused rhythm, culture, and spirit into every scene.
Supporting performances by Arianna Elvin, Samantha Dieudonne, Kenny Vidanos, Julie Slagle, Harley Diaz, and Shukran Elbadawi reflected the depth of talent across the program, reinforcing a culture where every student has a place and a voice.
Ensemble That Brought the Ocean to Life
This production thrived on collective excellence. Every role mattered. Every student contributed.
The Mersisters and Princesses, Nyla Hilton, Brianna Xaltepec, Alexa Pereira, Victoria Giraldo, Emily Ortiz, and Amaia Luna, moved with unity and grace, shaping the royal court with elegance.
The Sailors, Cody Flechas, Jasen Julien Jean, and Jayden Quintero, grounded the human world, while the Gulls and Storm ensemble, Aliyana Davis, Chiara Marino, Malaya McRae, and Valentina Navarro, powered some of the most dynamic moments on stage.
The Maids, Zahmya Baker, Daniela Granada, Maryyam Malik, and Layla Safner, alongside the Chefs, Bianca Charles, Marcelina Domradzka, Samantha Pelaez, Rylee Sims, and Janie Sully, added humor, movement, and texture throughout.
Together, they reflected the power of Relationships, students supporting one another, growing together, and performing in a safe and welcoming environment where creativity thrives.
Opportunity in Action
Guided by Whitmore’s vision, students were not only performing. They were collaborating, creating, and stepping into opportunity.
Each rehearsal demanded resilience. Each performance reflected achievement. Each moment aligned with the district’s mission to empower every student through diversity, access, and instructional excellence.
A Community That Showed Up
Families filled the auditorium. Staff showed up. The Linden community leaned in.
This production highlighted the strength of family and community partnerships, reinforcing that the arts are essential spaces where students are supported, challenged, and celebrated.
Every rehearsal mattered. Every performance mattered. Because Every Day Counts.
Linden Pride, On Full Display
What unfolded on that stage was identity, purpose, and pride.
Linden High School did not simply present The Little Mermaid. They created a space where students discovered their voice, embraced their potential, and brought a shared vision to life.
This is Opportunity in action.
This is Achievement earned. This is Resilience built over time.
This is Relationships that uplift and sustain.
This is Linden. And this is what it means to Show Up and ROAR.