THE LITTLE MERMAID Opens Soon in Atlanta. Cast is Revealed!

DIVE “UNDER THE SEA” FOR THE
ATLANTA DEBUT OF Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID
AT THE FOX THEATRE JULY 8-13

Atlanta audiences are set to take a trip under the sea with Disney’s family friendly extravaganza Disney’s The Little Mermaid, featuring bright, inventive sets and dazzling costumes!

This fun-filled, timeless tale will come to life on stage July 8-13 at the Fox Theatre, kicking off the Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2014/2015 series.

Ticket prices start at $30.  Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre box office (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), by visiting www.foxtheatre.org, or by calling 1-855-285-8499. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000.

The performance schedule for Disney’s The Little Mermaid is as follows:

            Tuesday-Thursday      7:30 p.m.
            Friday                          8:00 p.m.
            Saturday                     2:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m.
            Sunday                       1:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we will meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea; and the handsome and human, Prince Eric.

Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, The Little Mermaid is making its Atlanta debut.  Featuring all the audience favorites such as “Under The Sea” and “Part of Your World” as well as new songs written by Oscar-winning Disney tunesmith Alan Menken, the mastermind behind productions such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram praised this production as “a thoroughly entertaining theatrical experience, especially appreciated by kids who love the movie — and their parents and grandparents.”  The Dallas Morning News claims, “The Little Mermaid reels in the gold,” and Theater Jones says, “The Little Mermaid hooks the audience and keeps them captivated.”

Casting has been announced, and this musical boasts several acclaimed Broadway and stage veterans:

Jessica Grové (Ariel) played in Broadway’s A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Les Misérables. She also toured nationally in The Boy Friend.

Eric Kunze (Prince Eric) appeared on Broadway in Damn Yankees, Miss Saigon, and Les Misérables.

Liz McCartney (Ursula) boasts Broadway credits such as Annie, South Pacific, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia!, and The Phantom of the Opera.

Christian Probst (Flounder) has acted in several regional theatres, most recently in musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Mame, Peter Pan, Oliver!, and The Sound of Music.

Alan Mingo, Jr. (Sebastian) performed on Broadway in Glory Days, The Little Mermaid, and Rent. He lists Shrek, Hairspray, and The Lion King among his work in national tours.

Steve Blanchard (King Triton) lists Beauty and the Beast, Camelot, and The Three Musketeers as his Broadway experience. Blanchard also toured nationally in Camelot.

Matt Allen (Scuttle) appeared on Broadway in The Wedding Singer, Oklahoma!, and Annie Get Your Gun. National tour of Billy Elliot and Doctor Dolittle. 

Ben Roseberry (Jetsam) played in Broadway’s The Lion King.  His national tours include The Lion King and Rent.

Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam) toured nationally in Camelot and Jesus Christ Superstar. 

Dale Hensley (Grimsby) has performed on Broadway in La Cage aux Folles, The Drowsy Chaperone, Guys and Dolls, and Anything Goes. His national tour credits include hits like La Cage aux Folles, The Drowsy Chaperone, The Full Monty and Big.

Rounding out the cast is Kristine Bennett, Audrey Cardwell, Matthew DeGuzman, Marjorie Failoni, Thay Floyd, Julie Kavanagh, Morgan Kirner, Michael McGurk, Sarah Meahl, Dennis O’Bannion, Robbie Roby, James Shackelford, Billy Steeves, Katie Ulrich, and Jessica Wockenfuss.

Leading the creative team as director is Glenn Casale, who directed Broadway’s Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby.  Internationally, he directed Disney’s The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Casale’s work has been seen throughout the United States in productions of Dr. Dolittle, Ballroom, Wrestlers, From the Top, Camelot, and The Prisoner of Second Avenue.

John MacInnis will choreograph The Little Mermaid.  He most recently choreographed the European productions of the same show as well as Beauty and the Beast in more than five European countries.  In 2011, he worked on the Tony Award–winning musical The Book of Mormon. Other credits include the Radio City Christmas Spectacular as well as the Olympic Medals Ceremonies at the 2002 and 2012 Winter Olympic Games.

Craig Barna will serve as the musical director and conductor.  He previously worked as the musical director for the Broadway productions of Peter and the Wolf, Peter Pan, Jesus Christ Superstar, and for the national tours of Camelot, Cats, Singin’ in the Rain, and Grease.  Charlie Morrison will join on board as the lighting designer, and Kit Bond will be the sound designer.

The Little Mermaid’s flying sequence choreographer, Paul Rubin, "The Fly Guy", has choreographed some of the most memorable flying sequences including everything from the Tony Award winning Broadway production of Wicked to Cathy Rigby's Emmy Award winning DVD of Peter Pan.    

I am so excited I can barely stand it!  What about you?  Do you have your tickets yet?