In a kingdom beneath the sea, King Triton’s youngest daughter Ariel yearns to have her questions answered about the human world. When she saves the handsome Prince Eric from drowning, Ariel begins to discover her own voice with the help of her friends – even after the tricky sea witch silences her. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved fairy tales, this classic will be given its own dose of Nashville Children’s Theatre magic, performed with a live orchestra.
This is a Theatre for Young Audiences regional premiere adaptation of the classic tale (tail?), with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright. Disney’s The Little Mermaid opens Thursday, November 8 and runs through Sunday, December 23, 2018.
“If only I could make my father understand. I don’t see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be so bad,” bemoans Ariel. Ariel is played by Catherine Birdsong, Ursula by Piper Jones, Sebastian by James Rudolph, Flounder by Abbey Rhyne, Prince Eric by Corbin Williams, King Triton by Galen Fott, Grimsby by Richard Daniel, Scuttle by Isaac Brotzman, Flotsam by Jack Tanzi, and Jetsam by C. James Bare. Sarah Bailey, Jonah M. Jackson, Taylor Kelly, Lexie McEntire, David Torres-Fuentes, Meggan Utech, and Darci Wantiez complete the ensemble cast.
The Nashville Children’s Theatre Orchestra consists of: David Weinstein, Conductor & Keyboards; Kelsi Fulton, Keyboards; Ben Andrews, Drums & Percussion; Tom D’Angelo, Bass; and Robby Shankel, Woodwinds.
The creative team behind the production includes: Director and Choreographer Ernie Nolan, Musical Director David Weinstein, Scenic Designer Court Watson, Sound Designer Joanna Lynne Staub, Costume Designer Robin McGee, Lighting Designer Scott Leathers, Puppet Designer and Builder Brian Hull, Company Stage Manager Daniel C. Brewer, and Assistant Stage Manager Teresa Driver.
NCT builds all of their productions in Nashville; from concept to construction, their artisans create original designs for each production. Many of the school of fish puppets were built by students through the Opportunity Now program.
Enjoy time with Ariel at an NCT Shellebration party prior to the performances on Thanksgiving weekend. Each family will enjoy a photo with Ariel, a delicious treat from Five Daughters Bakery, and a special take-away. Shellebration admission is only $10/person, and reservations are required for Shellebration attendees. Space is limited. Shellebration admission must be purchased in combination with a ticket to see NCT’s performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Shellebration time is 12:45 – 1:45 pm.
NCT Box Office Hours: Tuesday – Friday 8:30 am to 4 pm; Saturdays 10 am to 2 pm. The box office also opens one hour before show time. Nashville Children’s Theatre is located in The Martin Center at 25 Middleton Street, Nashville, TN 37210. 615-252-4675 Box Office | 615-254-9103 Main Office. Ticket prices for general admission – Youth (age 2-17): $16; Adults: $21; Senior, Military, Educator: $17; Group Discounts available. Many weekdays (Tuesday – Friday) offer 10 am and 11:45 am performances.
