TheaterWorks Journeys “Under the Sea” with Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID

TheaterWorks heads under the sea with their Summer Production, "Disney's The Little Mermaid" Directed by Chris Hamby, the production runs July 13-22. Led by Amanda Glenn, Nathan Sheppard, Shandi Ilyse and Anson Romney, the production features a cast of the Valley's most talented adult and youth performers.

The musical tells the story of Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, who wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

A beloved classic for over two decades, the musical premiered at the Denver Performing Arts Complex followed by a Broadway premiere November 3, 2007 and featured a score by the song writing team of the eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and the renowned Howard Ashman with a book by Tony Award-winning Doug Wright.

"This isn't just The Little Mermaid, It's DISNEY'S The Little Mermaid and staging such a classic presents certain unique challenges," says Hamby. "Our team has put a great deal of thought into how we might be able to put our own stamp in places while keeping the iconic and beloved elements present."

A staple at TheaterWorks, puppetry has also been incorporated into the production to enhance the underwater sequences.

As part of TheaterWorks commitment to increasing access and inclusion to those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory and social cognitive disabilities, The Little Mermaid will also feature a Sensory Friendly performance on Saturday, July 21 at 2pm. Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families with children with autism or with disabilities that create sensory sensitivities. More information regarding the accommodations included in these performances is available on the TheaterWorks website.

The Little Mermaid will play in the Gyder Theater at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts (10580 N. 83rd Drive Peoria, AZ 85345) July 13-22, 2018. Show times are 7:00pm July 13, 14, 20, and 21 and 2:00pm July 14, 15, 21 and 22. $38/Adult, $16/Student & Youth and $33/Senior. To purchase tickets or to find out more about the upcoming 2018/2019 TheaterWorks season, contact the Box Office at (623) 815-7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.

Theater Works at the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts is entering its 32nd season of providing exceptional theater to the West Valley. Theater Works is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide opportunities for children, patrons and artists to experience theater that inspires, enriches and enlightens through the experience of the performing arts. Theater Works acts as the managing tenant for the Peoria Center for the Performing Arts which features more than 200 events a year including: live theater, classical concerts, jazz, popular music, dance, comedy, cultural events, festivals, youth and adult education classes and much more. For more information, call 623.815.7930 or visit www.theaterworks.org.