Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Opens at Pittsburgh CLO Tonight

Disney's The Little Mermaid will bring the beloved fairy tale to life onstage in its Pittsburgh premiere at the Benedum Center, tonight, July 9-21. Audiences of all ages are sure to fall in love with this underwater spectacular. Jessica Grové and Nick Adams star as Ariel and Prince Eric and are accompanied by a dazzling cast to make this enchanted "Under the Sea" love story a hit.

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!

The Little Mermaid stars Nick Adams (Prince Eric), Matt Allen (Scuttle), Sean Patrick Doyle (Jetsam), Jessica Grové (Ariel), Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam), Liz McCartney (Ursula), Alan Mingo, Jr. (Sebastian), Christian Probst (Flounder), Timothy Shew (Chef Louis/Ensemble), Edward Watts (King Triton), and Ron Wisniski (Grimsby).

Disney's The Little Mermaid is complete with a talented ensemble including Kristine Bennett, Ward Billeisen, Lauryn Ciardullo, Thay Floyd,KC Fredericks, Rod Harrelson, Nicole JavAnna Johnson, Lisa Karlin, Morgan Kirner, Erica Mansfield, Dennis O'Bannion, Robbie Roby,James Shackelford, Katie Ulrich and Jessica Wockenfuss.

Audiences around the world first read the story of Ariel, a mermaid longing to be part of the human world, in Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid. In 1989, fans of the classic story saw it re-imagined on the silver screen in Disney's animated movie. The uplifting score and memorable characters made a lasting impact that led the way for a Broadway musical version of the magical fairy tale. With timeless music from Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the musical was a hit on the Great White Way when audiences saw the Disney classic come to life onstage.

Disney's The Little Mermaid made its Broadway debut at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on January 8, 2010. It made a splash in New York City, garnering two Tony Award nominations for Best Original Score and Best Lighting Design of a Musical. In addition, the production's soundtrack was nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

This summer, Disney's The Little Mermaid is swimming its way to Pittsburgh. This re-imagined production is also being performed at partner theaters Paper Mill Playhouse and Kansas City Starlight. Pittsburgh CLO is honored to be one of a handful of regional theaters selected to premiere this underwater sensation.

Performance Schedule for Disney's The Little Mermaid

Tuesday	July 9	8:00 p.m.
Wednesday	July 10	8:00 p.m.
Thursday	July 11	8:00 p.m.
Friday	July 12	8:00 p.m.
Saturday	July 13	2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday	July 14	2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday	July 16	8:00 p.m.
Wednesday	July 17	8:00 p.m.
Thursday	July 18	1:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Friday	July 19	8:00 p.m.
Saturday	July 20	2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Sunday	July 21	2:00 p.m.

Tickets are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Half-price tickets are available for children ages 3-14 for weekday performances in Section C, sponsored by Giant Eagle. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call the Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for further information.

Photo Credit: Billy Bustamante and Jerry Dalia