'The Little Mermaid' can be part of your world this summer

Harli Cooper stars as Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a summer production at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn.
Harli Cooper stars as Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a summer production at Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, Tenn.

If you go

› What: Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”› When: Through Sunday, Aug. 28.› Where: Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennesse Ave.› Admission: $27 adults, $25 seniors, $22 groups and military, $14 students.› Phone: 931-484-5000.› Website: www.ccplayhouse.com.

Cumberland County Playhouse has started the summer with a splash with a production of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's timeless tale, the Disney musical focuses on Ariel, a free-spirited young mermaid who longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Like the 1989 movie, the stage production features the classic songs "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning "Under the Sea."

The show's musical score is composed by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, with new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the musical is by playwright Doug Wright, a Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner.

"This is Disney storytelling at its very best, and it promises to be a magical experience for everyone," says director Britt Hancock.

Tickets range from $14 for students to $27 for adults, with discounts for seniors, groups and military personnel. However, for the matinee performance on Sunday, June 26, the playhouse will offer a Family Fun Pack special. For $66, families can get two adult tickets, two children's tickets, a free bag of popcorn and half off two drinks at the concession stand (a $20 savings). While supplies last, the ticket discount ($22 adults, $11 children) applies to any number or combination of tickets.

"The Little Mermaid" continues through Sunday, Aug. 28. Show times vary. Also playing on the CCP Stage is "Smoke on the Mountain," through Friday, July 29. Both productions are rated G (suitable for all audiences).

Cast and Crew

The new Cumberland County Playhouse production of “The Little Mermaid” reunites the entire creative team from last year’s smash hit “Mary Poppins”: Britt Hancock (director), Rebel Mickelson (costume design), Curtis Phillips (set design), Christopher van Tuyl (lighting design), Ron Murphy (music director) Leila Nelson (choreographer) and John Fionte (projections).The cast features Playhouse newcomer Harli Cooper as Ariel, Blake Graham as Prince Eric, Michael Ruff as Sebastian, Leila Nelson as Ursula, Joseph Wilson as King Triton, Alyssa Freeze and Chavin Medina as Flounder, Ross Griffin as Flotsam, Christopher Cardelia as Jetsam, Daniel Black as Scuttle and Jason Ross as Grimsby.

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