HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Horseheads Greenroom Players are inviting the Twin Tiers to be part of their world with their upcoming production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Based on the 1837 Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale and Disney's 1989 film of the same name, "The Little Mermaid" tells the story of Ariel, a teenage mermaid princess who longs to be a part of the human world. When she falls in love with human prince Eric, she makes a magic deal with the sea witch, Ursula, to become human and attempt to be with him.   

"For me, the story is really about finding who you are, through someone else," said leading lady Elise Cleary, who plays Ariel in Horseheads Greenroom Players' production. "Ariel is a mermaid, but she feels like she doesn't belong there. So, she goes up to the surface and figures out who she is. [Meanwhile], Eric is a prince, but would much rather be a sailor. So, it's about figuring out who you are and who you want to be."

For Cleary, playing the iconic red-headed princess is a dream come true.

"It's so surreal," she said. "I never thought that I wouldn't ever have this role, and I'm so honored to be able to do it to play this iconic princess."

Playing opposite Cleary is Connor Carpenter, whose portrayal of Prince Eric has allowed him to push boundaries as an actor.

"I feel like this role has...pushed me to do more difficult things with my acting and performing," he said.

Helping the two stars bring audiences under the sea is a cast and crew of approximately 80 students combined, who have all come together to make the school's "most high-tech production to date" unforgettable.

"We're all so close, and we're each other's best friends," said Carpenter. "[W]e're like a big family. It's really fun."

The Horseheads Greenroom Players will present Disney's "The Little Mermaid" Thursday through Saturday at Horseheads High School. Each day has a 7 p.m. performance, with an additional matinee happening Saturday at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased either at the door the night of the performance or online here.