The Repertory brings The Little Mermaid to Little Rock

Arkansas Repertory Theatre brings The Little Mermaid, a musical adapted from Disney’s film by the same name, to Little Rock, December 4 through January 3. From the creators of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and Little Shop of Horrors, this enchanting musical features an infectious score that includes the popular songs Part of Your World, Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl.

Adapted from the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson into one of Disney’s most popular animated films of all time, The Little Mermaid is now a lavish theatrical spectacle you won’t want to miss. Plunge into the colorful depths of an undersea wonderland as The Rep’s stage is transformed into an aquatic playground underscored by a funky Calypso beat.

The Little Mermaid is a stage musical produced by Disney Theatrical, based on the animated 1989 Disney film, about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. The musical's book is by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman (written for the film), with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. The musical's underwater setting and story about aquatic characters requires unusual technical designs and strategies to create gliding movements for the actors.

The musical opened on Broadway, January 10, 2008 and closed on August 30, 2009 after 685 performances. Subsequent productions have been seen in US regional theatres and internationally. A modified version of the musical with a new book and direction by Glenn Casale was developed in 2012, and this version is the basis for subsequent productions of the musical.

Changes from the film to the current production of the musical include new songs. In a new introductory song, Ariel admires a fork from The World Above. Other new songs are Human Stuff, I Want the Good Times Back, She's in Love, Her Voice, Sweet Child, Positoovity, Beyond My Wildest Dreams, One Step Closer, If Only and The Contest, and some songs from the film are extended, such as Fathoms Below.

“A heart warming musical for the entire family,” said Bob Hupp. “From Hans Christian Anderson to Disney to The Rep, generations have fallen in love with the young mermaid who dreams of love and life on land. This musical has it all: a great story, lush designs and all the songs you sang with your kids. You’ll certainly want to make The Little Mermaid part of your world this holiday season.”

Fall in love with The Little Mermaid’s bubbly sense of wonder, romance and rollicking fun all over again.

Tickets for The Rep’s production are available by calling (501) 378-0405.
 

The Gayly - 12/12/2015 @ 8:54 a.m. CST