Vermillion Community Theatre (VCT) invites audiences to dive "Under the Sea" as Disney's “The Little Mermaid” takes the Thomas H. Craig Center for Performing Arts at Vermillion High School stage July 10–13. Performances will be held Friday, July 10, Saturday, July 11 and Monday, July 13 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now, with reserved seating available at vermillioncommunitytheatre.org. They may also be purchased at the door.
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved story and the classic animated film, “The Little Mermaid” features music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright. The production includes iconic songs such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World,” promising a visually stunning and musically captivating summer theatrical event.
VCT's 2026 summer production is led by Artistic Producer Matthew Nesmith, associate professor in the University of South Dakota Department of Theatre. The production is directed by Syara Villarreal, a University of South Dakota graduate student pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in directing, with Anthony Burbach serving as musical director. Together with a dedicated cast, orchestra, crew, designers and volunteers, they have created a production that showcases the talent and collaborative spirit of the Vermillion community and America’s Best Small Town Arts Scene.
The production is made possible through the generosity of local individuals, families and businesses. VCT extends special thanks to its 2026 Tony Award-Winning Sponsors: First Bank & Trust, Vermillion Eagles Club/Sunshine Aerie and Ladies Auxiliary 2421, Walmart, the Jacob and Shelby Quail Family, and Rich, Kendra, Kelly and Kacie Hall.
VCT remains committed to making live theatre accessible to everyone. Thanks to a generous grant from Dakota Hospital Foundation, all performances will feature closed captioning. Seats with optimal views of the captioning screens are designated with an "S" during ticket selection, and wheelchair-accessible seating is also available.
"On behalf of our incredible cast, orchestra, crew, designers, volunteers and everyone at Vermillion Community Theatre, thank you for being part of our world," said Director Syara Villarreal. "All are invited to relax, dive in and join us 'Under the Sea' as Vermillion Community Theatre proudly presents Disney's “The Little Mermaid!"
About Vermillion Community Theatre
The mission of the Vermillion Community Theatre (VCT) is to encourage community participation in all aspects of the theatre and to develop and promote theatre arts in Southeast South Dakota. With the wonderful cooperation of the Vermillion school district, VCT offers technically ambitious productions in a first-class performing arts center. VCT strives to develop shows with broad community interest that can actively involve a wide spectrum of the community in age, background and interest.
