Broadway in Branson Abruptly Closes THE LITTLE MERMAID Due to Statements of Racism and Inequality

Producer with Broadway in Branson, Justin Tranchita, announced that Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, has been cancelled abruptly. It was scheduled to run through the end of September at The Whitehouse Theatre.

According to their Facebook page, they said:

"It is with a heavy heart that I have to bring you this news. After weeks of false statements about racism and inequality at our show it has caused great damage to us both personally and to our business. My wife and I had hoped to bring joy to Branson through Disneys The Little Mermaid and this has caused so much grief. We do not wish to go on any longer and deal with the daily assault on our character. We would like to thank the White House Theater, our cast and crew for making this an amazing show. We will be closed until further notice. Thank you."

Patrons are asked to email info@broadwayofbranson.com for a full refund.

The Little Mermaid is a stage musical produced by Country Club Entertainment, based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name and the classic story of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. The musical's book is by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman (written for the film), with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. The musical's underwater setting and story about aquatic characters requires unusual technical designs and strategies to create gliding movements for the actors.

After a pre-Broadway tryout in Denver, Colorado from July to September 2007, the musical began Broadway previews in November 2007 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, replacing Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The production officially opened on January 10, 2008 and closed on August 30, 2009 after 685 performances and 50 previews. It introduced Broadway debuts by director Francesca Zambello and Sierra Boggess in the title role.

Subsequent productions have been seen in US regional theatres and internationally.