Sarah Toce
Shell-ebrate the power of love, finding your true identity, and going after your dreams. Disney’s The Little Mermaid runs September 8–October 8, 2023 at The Fifth Avenue Theatre.
Embark on a mesmerizing journey under the sea as The 5th Avenue Theatre proudly presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid on stage in Seattle September 8-October 8, 2023. One of the most successful Disney musicals of all time, The Little Mermaid returns to The 5th’s stage just in time to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the original film. With an enchanting blend of beloved characters, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable musical numbers, this cult-favorite story promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.
Desperate to explore the shore above and be where the people are, curious mermaid Ariel makes a perilous pact with the sea witch Ursula to become human – but there’s a catch. She must win the heart of the charming Prince Eric within three days, or she will belong to Ursula forever. With humor, adventure, and determination, Ariel navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, ultimately learning the true meaning of sacrifice and the importance of staying true to yourself.
“We are thrilled to bring Disney’s The Little Mermaid to The 5th Avenue Theatre stage,” said Bill Berry, producing artistic director of The 5th Avenue Theatre. “We can’t wait to transport audiences to an enchanting underwater realm where dreams are woven into reality. We’re creating a captivating space for patrons of all ages to immerse themselves in the magic and the music. Be prepared to be submerged as this mesmerizing tale casts a ripple of wonder in the hearts of all who witness its magic.”
Making a triumphant return to The 5th’s stage and reprising her role as Ariel is Diana Huey. Huey’s 2016 portrayal of Ariel in the 1st National Tour of Disney’s The Little Mermaid earned her a Gregory Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical. Breaking barriers as the first Asian-American to take on the role professionally, she emerged as a true champion for the importance of representation on the stage, inspiring audiences nationwide. Coleman Cummings will play the dashing Prince Eric. While new to The 5th’s stage, Cummings has previously been seen on the RENT 25th Anniversary Farewell Tour as Roger.
Joining Huey and Cummings is Rob Burgess (The Seagull Project) as Grimsby, Keoni Dilay Mamma Mia! at Village Theatre) as Flounder, Terence Kelley (Guys & Dolls at Village Theatre) as King Triton, Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Kinky Boots on Broadway) as Sebastian, John David Scott (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) as Scuttle, Jason Weitkamp (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Pilot/Chef Louis, Shaunyce Omar (Into the Woods) as Ursula, Ethan Carpenter (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Jetsam, and Cassi Q Kohl (Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street) as Flotsam. Rounding out the cast is Kristin Burch, Carly Corey, Gabriel Corey, Joel Domenico, Megan Felise, Nalica Hennings, Sheldon Henry, Nehemiah Hooks, Jordan King, Mackenzie Neusiok, Kayden Oliver, Bethany Willis, Shelby Willis, Ann Cornelius, Kawika Huston, Caitlin Sarwono, Cy Paolantonio, Christopher Sweet, Madison Willis, and Josh Zacher.
The artistic team includes director Glenn Casale, choreographer John MacInnis, fight sequence choreographer Paul Rubin, music director RJ Tancioco, lighting designer Charlie Morrison, sound designer Ed Chapman, and associate director Michael Heitzman who were all part of The 5th Avenue Theatre’s 2016 production. Joining them is associate director Charlie Johnson, assistant choreographer Josh Zacher, technical coordinator Steve Coulter, associate lighting designer Thorn Michaels, costume coordinator Taya Pyne, costume associate Heidi Zamora, hair/wig & make-up designer Kelley Jordan, assistant hair & make-up designer Juliette Lewis, associate music director Michael Nutting, rehearsal pianist Ben Bentler, rehearsal drummer Alex Wilmart, and keyboard programmer Brendan Hogan. The stage management team is led by production stage manager Jeffrey K. Hanson, assistant stage managers Rachael Dorman and Laurel “Nix” Nichols, swing stage manager Erin B. Zatloka, season production assistant Rachel Miller, and production assistants Selina Senn and Annika Evens.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is onstage in Seattle September 8-October 8, 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at The 5th Avenue Theatre’s website, over the phone, or by visiting the box office. For more information visit www.5thavenue.org.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid is sponsored in part by Production Sponsors: 4Culture and Boeing, and 2023/24 Season Sponsors: ArtsFund and Purple Cafe and Wine Bar.
Important Dates:
Previews: September 8-14
Opening: September 15 at 7:30pm
American Sign Language Interpreted Performances: October 1 & 7 at 1:30 PM
Open Captioned Performances: October 1 & 7 at 1:30 PM, October 6 at 7:30PM
Audio Described Performance: September 30 at 1:30 PM
Sensory Inclusive Performance: October 7 at 1:30 PM
Global Majority Night: September 27 at 7:30 PM
Closing: October 8 at 7:30 PM
Performances are Wednesday – Sunday, Select Tuesdays; Wednesday – Friday at 7:30 PM, Select Thursday Matinee at 1:30 PM; Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM
