The Friday 5: THE LITTLE MERMAID's Hatty King and Brittany Andersen

Nashville's Circle Players unveils the first regional production of The Little Mermaid, the new musical that's sure to be on virtually every stage in Middle Tennessee in the next year. Lipscomb Academy grad Hatty King takes on the role of Ariel, under the direction of Brittany Blaire Andersen, who makes her Circle Players directorial debut with the production.

Brittany Blaire Andersen

What was your first "live onstage" taste of theater? My parents actually put me in a vocal performance group when I was three, but my first THEATRE performance was my junior year in high school, I was a "Secretary" in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying! It was a blast! But I truly fell in love with it when I was in college, got my first speaking role and the audience actually thought I was funny! That's all I needed. The laughs from the audience have kept me going ever since!

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? My favorite pre-show ritual as a director, is "passing the energy" by holding hands in a circle. It helps the actors get focused and gives them their moment of silence to reflect on the show. As an actor, I always take a moment to find a corner on my own and say a quick prayer and get into the mindset of my character.

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? Oh goodness! I have yet to do a show that DOESN'T have one of these moments! Actually, for THIS production, two days before opening we were told that we didn't have the rights for one of the songs we thought we did. So, 48 hours before opening, three of my actors worked tirelessly to learn a brand new song (and its reprise) and the new choreography. I'm constantly in awe of the dedication of my actors!

What's your dream role? Oh gosh! So many! I'll give you my top 3: 1. Audrey - Little Shop of Horrors; 2. Eponine - Les Miserables; 3. Fiona - Shrek

Who's your theatrical crush? Currently, Lin Manuel Miranda and Brian D'Arcy James! They're both charming and hilarious! My fave combo!! :)

SUPER-SECRET EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see your show? The talent level in this production is ridiculous!! With so many that auditioned (over 150) I got to choose from the absolute best! No matter the age of these actors, or the amount of experience they've had, they're all phenomenal! Plus, it's such a great show!! If you're familiar with the movie, this show has the great moments from that as well as some added depth to the characters! And some fantastic new music!

Hatty King

What was your first "live onstage" taste of theater? I did my first musical when I was in seventh grade. The show was The Music Man and from that point on I was hooked.

What is your favorite pre-show ritual? One thing that's absolutely necessary before a show for me is prayer. It really calms me down and reminds me in the midst of nerves and fear, that I'm doing something that serves a higher power than myself. Also funny tongue twisters are a must. (My favorite is "To sit in solemn silence..")

What's your most memorable "the show must go on" moment? Last year I was playing Dorothy in Wizard of Oz and our Toto wasn't the best trained dog. Multiple times during the run I had to chase the dog around the stage. Once he ran and jumped into the lap of an audience member. Oh, and he would cry during "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

What's your dream role? Oh man, I have many. One of my top dream roles would definitely be Jerusha Abbott in Daddy Long Legs. I'm so sad it's closing so soon.

Who's your theatrical crush? I really love Norbert Leo Butz. Big Fish and The Last Five Years are two of my favorite shows and he was perfect in both. His voice is like a warm blanket. Locally, though, I have the biggest girl-crush on Megan Murphy Chambers. She's just great all around and SO talented. I got to be in the ensemble when she starred in Mary Poppins and it was amazing getting to work so closely with her.

SUPER-SECRET EXTRA-SPECIAL BONUS QUESTION: Why should people come see your show? There is so much heart in this show. I went into to this experience knowing almost no one in the cast and now I feel so close to all of them. We all care so much about this production and it's evident. Each member of the cast has worked so hard to make sure that this show is just as magical as our audiences are expecting- and I think it will be.

About the show: The Little Mermaid, described as "a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages," closes out Circle Players' 2015-16 season with a June 3-19 run at Nashville's Z. Alexander Looby Theatre. Brittany Blaire Andersen directs and musical directs, with choreography by Bakari King and assistant musical direction by Kelsi Fulton. Hatty King stars as Ariel.

With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

In the story, based upon a tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Circle's production is the regional premiere of the full Broadway version of The Little Mermaid. It is not the Junior version.

Performances are at the Z. Alexander Looby Theater, 2301 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard, Nashville, running June 3-10. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Satruday. Sunday matinees, on June 5 and 12, are at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.circleplayers.net. Thursday performances are pay-what-you-can, and tickets are on sale in the Looby Theatre lobby one hour prior to each performance. The Little Mermaid The Little Mermaid.

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