Ten years ago, Bender Performing Arts took a leap into musical theater with a splashy debut: “The Little Mermaid Jr.” Now, the North Phoenix studio is diving back under the sea, this time with more than 300 young performers and a full-circle moment that hits a little deeper.
Set for April 18–19 at the Madison Center for the Arts, the anniversary production marks a milestone for a program that has quietly grown into a powerhouse pipeline for young talent across the Valley. What began as a single show has evolved into a full-scale training ground where students, from kindergarten through high school, move from first-timers to leaders in the spotlight.
“This show represents how far our students and program have grown over the past decade,” says Kevin Bender, owner of Bender Performing Arts. “Ten years ago, we launched our musical theater department with this production. To bring it back now, with more than 300 students involved, is incredibly meaningful for our families and faculty.”
And it shows. The cast spans ages 5 to 17, creating a layered production where wide-eyed newcomers share the stage with seasoned seniors who’ve spent years honing their craft. For many of those older students, this isn’t just another performance. It’s a culmination.
“For our younger performers, this is often their first time on a large professional stage,” says Beth Uebelherr, Musical Theater Artistic Director at Bender Performing Arts. “For our seniors, it is a celebration of years of dedication. It is powerful to see them share the spotlight.”
That intergenerational energy is part of what defines Bender Performing Arts. The studio, which has been part of the Phoenix arts scene for more than 50 years, has built its reputation on more than technique. Yes, there’s ballet, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, tumbling, and voice, but the real focus is confidence, discipline, and community, all built through performance.
The result feels less like a recital and more like a true theatrical moment. Big-stage production, high-energy choreography, and a cast that reflects years of investment in both artistry and personal growth.
Insider Takeaways
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Bender Performing Arts is celebrating 10 years of its musical theater program by restaging “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” the first show it ever produced.
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The anniversary production features more than 300 student performers ranging in age from 5 to 17.
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Performances will take place April 18–19 at the Madison Center for the Arts in Phoenix.
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Bender Performing Arts has been part of the Phoenix arts community for more than 50 years, offering training across dance, voice, and theater.
To learn more, visit benderperformingarts.com/events.
