After four months of preparation, the Pirate Players performed a production of The Little Mermaid on February 17, 18, 19, and 20.

Although the opening night was scheduled for February 17, the Thursday show got postponed to February 19 due to winter weather. The true opening night ended up being February 18.

As the cast and pit members were preparing each week leading up to the performances, some of the crew didn’t begin coming to rehearsals until late January or early February.

Props, box office, and costumes started meeting in the first two months, while set, stage crew, and lights and sound didn’t meet until the latter half.

Working mostly individually, the whole company didn’t meet altogether until the second week of February, a week before the show. They had to work quickly to bring the show together, and the gallery below shows a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to bring everything together.

Gallery – 10 Photos

Abigail Evers

In the weeks leading up to opening night, the technical crews worked to bring the show to life and to create a stunning atmosphere. Mia Gallagher, a freshman in stage crew, explained why the crew is an important role in the musical. “The things that the different crews do definitely add more atmosphere to the show. I mean, the actors did a great job, but it wouldn’t bring you to the world without lighting," she said. "Lighting in general is just kind of the main point for a stage, having to see and display emotion and mood with it. Props help give the audience something to look at and the actors to interact with. Everything ties in together so nicely to make something great.”