Under-the-Sea Spectacular, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, Comes to FPAC

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents the under-the-sea spectacular, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, on March 12, 13, 19 and 20 at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, in downtown Franklin. Be a VIP Under the Sea following the March 13th matinee performance with a package experience that includes an exclusive reception featuring a photo opportunity with Ariel and her friends.

Based on the beloved fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen and the classic animated film, the enchanting blockbuster musical brings audiences into a magical ocean kingdom - home to mermaid Ariel, King Triton and a host of memorable characters, including Flounder the fish and Sebastian the crab. When the beautiful and curious young mermaid falls for a handsome human, Prince Eric, in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID features the irresistible songs "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World."

Under the direction of Nick Paone and Raye Lynn Mercer, FPAC's production of the family favorite musical imaginatively uses THE BLACK BOX's flexible space. The intimacy of the venue and the show's clever staging bring audiences right up close to all the action and into THE LITTLE MERMAID's fantasy world. The theater's 360-degree catwalk provides a dramatic platform to feature the production's professional orchestra, conducted by Musical Director Hallie Wetzell. FPAC's costumer, Merrie Whitney, who is building the entire show, has fashioned designs that are true to the spirit of the movie, but reflect her creativity in supporting the show's direction and choreography by Paone, Mercer and Kellie Stamp. Sea creatures are anthropomorphized and given human qualities to bring the underwater scenes to life. Spotlighting the talents of more than 40 area performers, FPAC's production of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented as part of the company's 25th anniversary season.

Performances are on March 12 and 19 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. on March 13 and 20. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370. Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Pictured: Franklin's Madi Asgeirsson (Ariel) and Kathy Longobardi (Ursula) star in Franklin Performing Arts Company's upcoming production of the under-the-sea spectacular musical, Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID, at THE BLACK BOX. Photo by Phil Fox Photography.