Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, with Klea Blackhurst and Bernard Dotson, Opens Tonight at Sharon Playhouse

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above, inTriArts Sharon Playhouse's production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, running today, August 13-24.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, Sharon Playhouse's The Little Mermaid stars Klea Blackhurst(Goodspeed's Hello, Dolly!) as Ursula, Bernard Dotson (Finian's Rainbow, Chicago, Ragtime) as Sebastian and Melody Madarasz as Ariel. Jennifer Werner (The Book of Mormon) directs and choreographs, with music direction by Eric Kang.

Additional cast features David Fanning (King Triton), Stephen Eckelmann (Prince Eric), Kenny Francouer (Scuttle/Chef Louis), Christopher Kennan(Grimsby), Tyler Altomari and Elijah Stone (Flounder), Nikhil Saboo (Flotsam), Josh Zacher (Jetsam); along with ensemble members Gabbie Fried,Taylor Johnson, Alan J. Kelly, Peter Kiewra, Lauren Krauss, Delaney Parker, AnnMarie Powers, Ian Shain and Sarah Treanor. The Youth Ensemble features Dominique Altomari, Ellis Bristow, Serafina Fauci, Anna Goldstein, Noah Goldstein, Harrison Humphrey, Alexa Lamberti, Nick Lamberti, Mackenzie Ongley, Elizabeth Barnes Schwartz, Anna Spendley and Daniel Warman.

Based on the beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale Disney's The Little Mermaid features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She's in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea." Adapted for the stage from Disney's 1989 film with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater; Music by Alan Menken; Book by Doug Wright; and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.

The Sharon Playhouse production has scenic design by Caleb Levengood, costume design by Michelle Eden Humphrey, lighting design by Chris Dallosand sound design by Brad Berridge. Geoff Josselson is casting director. Thomas J. Coppola is production stage manager.

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID is based on one of the most celebrated animated films of all time - and winner of two Academy Awards (Best Music, Original Score; Best Music, Original Song, "Under The Sea," 1989). The musical opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on January 10, 2008 and ran 685 performances and 50 previews.

Performances of Sharon Playhouse's THE LITTLE MERMAID are Wednesday, August 13 at 7pm; Thursday, August 14 at 2pm & 7pm; Friday, August 15 at 8pm; Saturday, August 16 at 3pm & 8pm; Sunday, August 17 at 1pm & 5:30pm; Wednesday, August 20 at 2pm; Thursday, August 21 at 2pm & 7pm; Friday, August 22 at 8pm; Saturday, August 23 at 3pm & 8pm; and Sunday, August 24 at 1pm & 5:30pm.

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