Inspired by the darker and more cautionary Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Little Mermaid was Disney’s first animated film to feature a newly empowered breed of heroine who gets the prince but doesn’t need saving by him. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid (played here by Chelsea Morgan Stock) who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian (Alan Mingo, Jr.), Ariel’s crabby sidekick. She defies her mighty father, King Triton (Steve Blanchard) to pursue the handsome human Prince Eric (Eric Kunze). To do so she must enlist the aid of Ursula (Liz McCartney), the evil sea witch, who transforms Ariel’s fish tail into human legs — but at what price? I’m not going to give you any more plot. If you want to know more, go see the musical. If you cannot get enough, rent Disney’s The Little Mermaid movie. My family was invited by the Dallas Summer Musicals to be entertained by The Little Mermaid showing now until March 2, 2014 at Music Hall at Fair Park, and we laughed and sang to familiar songs.

This production is more unique than other Dallas Summer Musicals productions because it is not a part of a national tour. It was produced here in Dallas! The story focuses on Ariel’s feelings of being an outsider in her own family. It also emphasizes King Triton and his relationship with his daughter Ariel – and was less about the love story. Triton learns how important it is to support Ariel in her dreams and tries hard to understand her. Now, this is such a timeless tale. I know my husband doesn’t want to think about this day when our daughter leaves home.

I should add that my daughter performed in this musical last summer. Here’s she is as a pink flamingo performing in the number “Kiss the Girl.”

Dive on in! Life is the bubbles, under the sea!
Run Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including intermission)
Content Warning: recommended for ages 6 and up

The Music Hall at Fair Park
909 1st Ave.
Dallas, TX 75210