Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” brings the beloved fairy tale to life on stage with a limited, one-week engagement of eight performances at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Andrew Jackson Hall Tuesday, August 1 through Sunday, August 6. Audiences of all ages are falling in love with this Broadway’s ‘Under the Sea’ underwater spectacular.
In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, it’s a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time—or all over again with classics such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl, “Part of Your World” and more! Disney’s The Little Mermaid is produced by Pittsburgh CLO & Kansas City Starlight.
The stage production brings to life the half-dozen pivotal characters in the story: ARIEL – King Triton’s youngest and exceptionally curious daughter, who longs to experience life on land; KING TRITON –The King of the Sea and Ariel’s overprotective, but loving, father; SEBASTIAN – King Triton’s “crabby,” but loyal, advisor; FLOUNDER –Ariel’s best friend beneath the sea; SCUTTLE –A seagull who is also an expert in human artifacts; PRINCE ERIC –A human prince who seeks Ariel’s affection; and URSULA – King Triton’s estranged sister and terror of the sea.
Tickets to Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” are available now at TPAC.org, by phone at 615-782-4040, for group tickets, call 615-782-4060; and at the TPAC Box Office, 505 Deaderick St., downtown Nashville. Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes long, including intermission, it is recommended for children ages 5 years and older. It is not recommended that you bring children under 3 years of age; they are not allowed in some theaters where this show is performed; please check with the venue; I do not recommend bringing the babies and very young children.
TPAC is an accessible facility that provides a variety of services including wheelchair accommodations, accessible parking, and assistive listening devices. Open captioning, American Sign Language, audio description, and large print and Braille programs are offered at the Sunday matinee performance. For more information about accessible services, contact Lori Ward at LWard@TPAC.org or 615-782-4077. TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is TPAC.org.
Meet the men who play Sebastian:
MELVIN ABSTON has been featured in the Sister Act National Tour, Lion King, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Sister Act on Broadway. Regionally: ZACH Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, TUTS, The 5th Avenue Theatre and Goodman Theatre. You may have seen him on film or TV in: Chastity Bites, Solace, Gotham, Raising Hope, Chuck, recurred on Grey’s Anatomy, H+: The Digital Series and Weeds. He has been featured in Voice Overs for: Verizon Wireless, South Park Studios and The Prince of Peace. Melvin is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, and even prouder father to Jaron, Stevie and Krystina!
SHELDON HENRY (in the Ensemble and Sebastian Understudy) is a native New Yorker with a BFA from The Hartt School of Music. Some of his recent/ favorite credits include South Pacific national tour, 20th Anniversary Riverdance international tour, The Prom, Guys and Dolls, Dreamgirls, Central Ave Breakdown, Five Guys Named Moe, Buddy Holly, Tommy, Parade, A Christmas Carol and Show Boat. Henry is also a proud alum of Boys Choir of Harlem.
