A New Underwater Adventure Premieres in Simpsonville
In May 2025, World Upside Down Arts Studio debuted a bold and original production at the Simpsonville Arts Center: Under the Sea: King Eric Edition. Written and directed by Joanna Puello, the founder of World Upside Down, this imaginative show reworked a classic story and flipped it on its head — diving deep into themes of bravery, fatherhood, and friendship.
Unlike traditional retellings that focus on mermaids and romance, this new script gave audiences something refreshingly different: the undersea adventure of King Eric, a devoted father determined to rescue his son, Delmar, from the wicked sea witch Morgana. The story was brought to life by a vibrant cast of young performers from across the Upstate, showcasing the creative and educational mission that defines World Upside Down’s approach to youth theater.
Show Dates and Synopsis
May 2, 3, 10 | $15/person
Simpsonville Arts Center
110 Academy St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
In this original twist on the classic tale, Under the Sea: King Eric Edition reimagines the familiar story from Prince Eric’s perspective. When King Triton mysteriously vanishes, young Eric embarks on an unexpected journey into the ocean world. Along the way, he encounters whimsical sea creatures, clashes with the mischievous sea witch Ursula, and uncovers truths about identity, family, and courage. With humor, heart, and original songs, this adventurous underwater tale turns the tides of tradition and empowers kids to write their own stories.
TLM_Playbill by wudhub
Written and Directed with Heart
As both the playwright and director, Joanna Puello infused Under the Sea: King Eric Edition with humor, imagination, and heartfelt messaging. The production was full of lively characters, clever dialogue, and surprising plot twists that delighted children and parents alike.
Standout characters included Sally Swordfish, a plucky sidekick who directly invited the audience to help her solve problems and encourage the king along his journey. This interactive format kept kids fully engaged from start to finish — clapping, laughing, and even shouting encouragement from their seats.
TLM_Opener by wudhub
A Cast of Young Stars Shine Onstage
The production featured students from grades K-12, many of whom had worked for weeks in rehearsal to bring their characters to life. Each child had a moment to shine, whether delivering lines, singing, dancing, or interacting with the audience.
Performances were age-appropriate yet polished, reflecting the studio’s dedication to nurturing student talent in a fun and safe environment. Audiences were especially moved by the chemistry between the actors playing King Eric and Delmar, which highlighted the emotional core of the story — a father’s love and a family’s bond.
Imaginative Costumes and a Creative Set
The production design echoed the whimsy of the story, with colorful costumes and handmade props that gave the sea creatures distinct personalities. From jellyfish and dolphins to stingrays and starfish, the costumes showcased student creativity and teamwork.
The set, while minimal, used bright colors, fabric, and lighting to evoke the feel of being under the sea. Bubbles floated through the air, lights shifted to mimic ocean waves, and creative sound design helped immerse the audience in the magical underwater world.
Join our amazing theater program!
Audience Participation and Family Fun
Adding to the festive spirit, attendees were encouraged to come dressed as their favorite underwater character, which created a sea of mermaids, sharks, and octopuses in the audience. After the show, families had the chance to meet the cast, take photos, and celebrate the hard work of the young actors.
Arts Access for All: A Mission-Driven Show
As part of World Upside Down’s commitment to inclusive, affordable arts education, Under the Sea: King Eric Edition was offered free of charge to the public. The studio’s long-running “Gift-a-Ticket” initiative made it possible for children in foster care, children with special needs, and families facing economic hardship to attend the show at no cost.
This approach reflects the studio’s core belief: theater should be for everyone — not just those who can afford a ticket. Many parents shared that it was their child’s first time on stage — or their first time seeing live theater — and that the experience was both memorable and empowering.
A Bright Future for Youth Theater in the Upstate
With each production, World Upside Down continues to redefine what’s possible in youth arts programming. Under the Sea: King Eric Edition wasn’t just a play — it was an invitation to imagine, to laugh, to learn, and to believe in the power of storytelling.
As the applause faded and families exited the Simpsonville Arts Center, one thing was clear: this original production left a ripple effect of inspiration in its wake.
Want to learn more or support World Upside Down? Visit worldupsidedown.org for information on upcoming shows, camps, classes, and how you can help bring creativity and compassion to the next generation of young artists.
Productions
