The Newman University music and theater departments will bring the colorful fan-favorite, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” to life on stage Feb. 2-5 in the De Mattias Performance Hall.
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” will run 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, Feb. 5. The show’s running time is approximately two hours.
Tickets for “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” can be purchased online or at the door for $15 for the general public; $10 for seniors, military, Newman faculty and staff; and $5 for non-Newman students. Newman students get in free with their student I.D.
About “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”
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 musical will capture the hearts of audience members with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”
The fishy fable follows the mermaid character of Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, who wishes to explore the human world above the sea. After bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs, she realizes the bargain is not what it seems. With the help of Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab in a race against time, will Ariel restore order under the sea?
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” offers rich and colorful costumes, projections, dance numbers and classic songs. It is directed and choreographed by Director of Music Deanne Zogleman with music directed by Paul Graves. Costumes are created under the helm of Christy Railsback.
“This is a show that the entire family can share for a great evening out supporting live theater,” Zogleman said. “I am most excited about bringing ‘under the sea’ to life with such a hardworking and incredibly talented cast.”
A taste of Broadway in Wichita
The use of projections both on and off Broadway has exponentially grown in popularity over the past five years, and Zogleman is excited to see the audience’s reaction to the effects used throughout the show.
For Zogleman, the musical also reminds her of joyful personal memories. Years ago, Zogleman and her daughter, Newman alumna Sara Zogleman ‘21, experienced “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” on Broadway.
“Ariel happens to be my daughter’s favorite Disney princess,” Zogleman said. “A friend was assistant stage managing the Broadway show and afterward, we got to stand on the stage and see the set and costumes. Sara even got to put on one of the skirts. It was just a magical moment for her and me.”
Zogleman hopes the show gives other families an excuse to connect with their children or child-like selves through the fantastic, classic tale.
Buy tickets for “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at Newman
Join the Newman University music and theater departments as they bring “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” to life on stage through song, dance, colorful projections and costumes.
