Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID Begins Today at Hale Centre Theatre

Swim with Sebastian, float with Flounder and become part of Ariel's underwater world in the Wasatch Front's local company premiere of Disney's The Little Mermaid, at Hale Centre Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for the Disney classic, slated to run today, June 5 through August 1, in West Valley City in more than 75 consecutive performances.

"Our production of The Little Mermaid is one of the most spectacular shows of the year with more colorful wigs, jewelry, costumes, gizmos and thingamabobs than you can imagine to create our undersea world," said Sally Dietlein, HCT vice president and executive producer. "Add to that the set design, the subtleties of the 'swimming' choreography and the unique theatre-in-the-round staging, and the audience will feel like they too are 'Under the Sea.'"

"A lot of prime local talent has shaped HCT's production," Dietlein said. "We have a wonderful group of professional choreographers, designers and production staff that have collaborated to create a show that will take your breath away. We've called upon the talent of Ramsi Stoker, our aerial instructor, to put her 15 years as a professional flier to work choreographing aerial silks routines that really bring the underwater scenes to life. We even have two professional Disney World princesses portraying our Ariels."

Disney's 1989 film, The Little Mermaid, was reincarnated in 2008 on Broadway with 685 performances and 50 previews in less than two years at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Doug Wright created the musical book, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. The Little Mermaid was nominated for numerous awards including: Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Drama League and Grammy.

HCT's The Little Mermaid is double cast with talented Utah actors: Bre Welch and Amy Shreeve Keeler as Ariel, Brooklynn Kohler and Camille Van Wagoner as Ursula, David K. Martin and Conlon Bonner as Sebastian, Jon Rose and Taylor Morris as Prince Eric, Bryce Clifton and Rhett Richins as King Triton, and Tyler Rowe and Thomas Wood as Flounder.

Sally Dietlein is producer of the play. John J. Sweeney serves as the director. Kelly DeHaan is music director and Geoffrey Reynolds is the choreographer. Kacey Udy is the set designer. Tamara Baker and Jennifer Stapley Taylor are the costume designers. Trisha Ison and Krissa Lent are the hair and make-up co-designers. Brian Patrick Healy is the light designer. Shane Steel is the sound designer. Michelle Jensen is the properties designer with production assistance by Jamie Sanduk.

Performance times are 7:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and matinees Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. No children under the age of five are permitted in the theatre. However, HCT has made available several Saturday 9:00 a.m. performances at which the age limit is reduced to three and older. Ticket prices are $32-35 for adults and $16 for children ages three through 11. Patrons are invited to keep an eye out for additional weekday matinees that may open up.

For ticket information call 801-984-9000, go to www.hct.org, or visit the box office at 3333 S. Decker Lake Drive in West Valley City. For updates, contests and information on the current theatre season, follow Hale Centre Theatre on Facebook.

In conjunction with the production, HCT is honoring the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium as part of its "HCT Applauds" program to spotlight other nonprofit organizations making a positive difference in the community. The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium provides living 'classrooms' that immerse people in natural ecosystems, bridging the gaps between education, entertainment and conservation to help people understand and appreciate their connection to the global system of life.

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