ALT Academy presents Disney's musical classic 'The Little Mermaid'

The Amarillo Little Theatre Academy and AAA Electric are excited to take you under the sea this spring with Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" on the Allen Shankles Mainstage, March 22-30.

From the moment you step into the theater, this splashy musical production will make you feel part of Ariel’s world. Ariel’s a feisty mermaid with a dream of being human. Eric is a prince who longs to be a simple sailor and spend his days at sea. When Ariel disobeys her father, King Triton, and makes a deal with the evil sea-witch, Ursula, Ariel thinks her dreams have come true. But when the bargain is not what it seems, Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to save her true love and restore order under the sea.

"This has been a fun challenge, creating the sea on land. It's amazing what props, lighting and consumes can do. ... We have everything from the story that everyone knows and loves and more. There are some songs that aren't in the movies, including a scene with Scuttle and tap dancing seagulls and plenty more surprises," said ALT Dcademy Director Harrison Stringer.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the iconic animated film, Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" is a classic and beautiful love story for the entire family. 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 Broadway gem will capture your heart with its irresistible song favorites, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

"The music is great. It's well known; everyone who knows it can sing along. ... My favorite line in the show is in one of the songs, in a quartet that we play, and I say 'Oh how I wish that girl could have been this one.' And it's a great line that shows, as Eric's father is trying to get him married off, how much he wished she were Ariel and how he is unsure but believes Ariel is the one," said TJ Zavala portraying Prince Eric.

The ALT Academy has assembled a wonderful cast to bring this magical tale to life. Disney’s "The Little Mermaid" features 86 talented Academy students, with music direction by Brandon Bellar and choreography by Beth Alexander. Krystal Burns and Tiffany Laur serve as assistant director and costume coordinator, respectively. Gracie Hurt serves as production assistant with scenic design by Tana Roberson.

Kameron Wolff, portraying Ariel, spoke about how this opportunity has come full circle for her and how she hopes to inspire young actresses to dream big.

"Growing up I wasn't really into Disney princesses, but I loved Ariel - she was my favorite. When I was younger and went to Disneyland, I wanted my face to be painted like Ariel, and I would pretend I was a mermaid in the pool when I was little. So, I feel like I've been preparing for this part since I was little, and I think about all the little girls in the audience who will look at me the way I looked at the original Disney movie. Even the little girls in the show will stop and stare sometimes and they're in awe, and it makes me want to be better, to be a good role model for them because they're looking up to me now and I want them to know that they can make their dreams come true too," Wolff said.

Showtimes for ALT's The Little Mermaid include:

• 7:30 p.m. on March 22, 23, 28, 29, and 30 and

• 2:30 p.m. on March 23, 24 and 30.

Ticket prices are $22 for ages 12 and up and $18 for those younger than 12. Reservations can be made by calling the ALT box office at (806) 355-9991 or going online to the website at www.amarillolittletheatre.org .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Don't be a guppy and miss ALT Academy's 'The Little Mermaid'