Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Set to Open at Hale Theatre in Gilbert

Audiences are certain to be entranced as the Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert is transformed into a magical underwater kingdom when the Hale presents Disney's The Little Mermaid. The production featuring fantastic costumes and special effects bows on July 7th and runs through August 19th. Beneath-the-sea settings and story engage sophisticated theatrical techniques to create other-worldly gliding movements for the actors.

Hale producer Dave Dietlein says, "We're pulling out all the stops for this show. Underwater effects, exquisite costumes, glowing shells and enchanting music all add up to an evening of exhilarating entertainment for children and adults alike."

Hailed by critics as "an ocean of fun" and "a beguiling romp," the musical features a young mermaid named Ariel, who becomes bored with undersea life and pines to be part of the human "World Above." That's strictly forbidden by her controlling father, King Triton. She disregards him and underwater convention to save the life of the handsome Prince Eric, who falls overboard from his ship during a raging storm.

The couple quickly fall in love but Ariel must make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula to stay with Eric. The deal calls for Ariel to lose here voice for three days in order to become human and charm Eric as her loved one. Complications in the romance arise because Ariel cannot speak.

Nevertheless, Eric chooses Ariel over her competition, a bevy of beautiful princesses that his advisor, Grimsby, has assembled for Eric's review and choosing. After Eric dismisses all of the other young ladies, he chooses Ariel to be his bride. But the wicked witch Ursula appears at dusk and declares the deal is now off because three days have passed. A battle ensues for Ariel's fate but she and Eric triumph. The lovers are then married on a beautiful beach and sail off into the sunset to live happily ever after.

Music for The Little Mermaid was composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman. The story is based on a classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen, which was made into a record-breaking movie by Disney in 1989. The success of the film spawned a Disney Broadway musical which bowed in 2008 and ran for more than 700 performances. The movie won two Oscars and the Broadway musical was nominated for two Tony Awards.

Some of the charming and memorable songs include Fathoms Below, The World Above, Part of Your World, Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl, and Eric to the Rescue. The Hale production is directed by and choreographed by ariZoni Award-winner Cambrian james. Music for the production is directed by ElizaBeth Spencer.

Tickets for The Little Mermaid are available at the Hale Centre Theatre box office inside the theatre. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the box office at 480-497-1181, or online at www.HaleTheatreArizona.com. Tickets are priced at $20 for children, $22 for students with ID, and $30 for adults. Book your tickets early, as some of the performances are already nearly sold out.

A gem of a theatre, the Hale is located at 50 West Page Avenue in Gilbert's Heritage District, across the street from the Gilbert Water Tower Park. Several restaurants and ample free parking are located nearby.

Photo credit: David Dietlein