‘The Little Mermaid’ surfaces this weekend

TORRINGTON — The Warner Stage Company will present Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” sponsored by Torrington Savings Bank, on the Main Stage through Sunday.

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages.

With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining 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.

Performances are this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Warner Stage Company production is directed by Richard McKenna, music directed by Jim Luurtsema and choreographed by Sharon W. Houk.

The cast includes Dana Wilton, AlexaRae Ireland, Ray Cook, Keith Paul, Samantha Thompson, Joe Guttadauro, Patrick Spadaccino, Torrey Thomas, Joey Frighetto, Ginger Furey, Eric Lindblom, Christine Mitchell-Robinson, Catherine MacKay, Lillianna McGrath, Kristen Huttu- nen, Lyn Nagle, Erin Shaughnessy, Kaitlyn An- thony, Julie Baerny, Ana Bourque, Rhiannon Carta, Aubrie Dell’Agnese, Riley Delaney, Frances DiModugno, Louis DiModugno, Magdalen Eberle, Shelby Griffin, Alison Hudson, Lauren Jacob, Melissa Madzek, Allen Marko, Madison Matava Pickering, Samantha McCaffrey, Doug McCarthy, Emily Minor, Cassandra McKenna, Robert Melendez, Chelsea Murray Kaneb, Allison Nadeau and Sophie Rundhaug.

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a book by Doug Wright, “The Little Mermaid,” is based on Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film, produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. It was originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.

For tickets, call the Warner Box Office at 860489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.

Mandi Martini and Luke Haughwout / Contributed photos The Warner Stage Company wraps its production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Above, Eric Lindblom as Chef Louis.

Flounder joins the Mer-sisters under the sea in “The Little Mermaid.

Mandi Martini and Luke Haughwout / Contributed photos Dana Wilton as Ariel in a scene with Ray Cook as the prince.

AlexaRae Ireland plays the role of the evil Ursula.