Press Room:
The Little Mermaid opens at Arkansas Arts Center on September 26

For more information contact:
Emily Fraize, 501-396-0308
efraize@arkarts.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Little Mermaid opens at Arkansas Arts Center on September 26
(LITTLE ROCK, AR) - The Arkansas Arts Center opens the 2003-2004 Children's Theatre season with "The Little Mermaid" on Friday, September 26, 2003.

"The Little Mermaid," adapted by Keith Smith from Hans Christian Andersen's tale, is the story of adventure, love, longing and sacrifice. A young mermaid dreams of discovering the world above her and winning the love of the prince she saved from a deadly storm in the sea. The terrible sea witch gives the Mermaid legs, in exchange for her voice, so that she can return to land. The Little Mermaid, along with friends, sets out on an incredible adventure to find her prince.

"The Little Mermaid" is a fairy tale because it deals with fantastic creatures, characters and settings and ends with a strong moral lesson. Because "The Little Mermaid" is the product of a single writer, it differs from traditional fairy tales. Traditional fairy tales, often called folk tales, are a product of a long oral tradition with no single author.

The cast of "The Little Mermaid," directed by Bradley Anderson and choreographed by Sara Wyatt, includes: Laura Swanson as the Little Mermaid; Kristy Barrington, Samantha Davis, Mary Margaret Donavan, Carrie Hunter, Taylor Puckett and Olga Redko as Daughters of the Air; Sarah Richardson as the Older Sister; Lillie Peterson as a sister; Leann Smoot-Waddle as the Grandmother and a Storyteller; Thomas Hankins as a Storyteller; Dana Bodenner, Molly White Horn and Spivey Woods as Sea Creatures; Philip McMath as the Prince; Sara Wyatt as the Princess; and Gray McCoy and Kevin Smith as Attendants.

Individual tickets are $8.25, senior tickets are $7.25 and tickets for groups of ten or more are $7. To reserve tickets, call the Arkansas Arts Center at 501-372-4000.

CHILDREN'S THEATRE INFORMATION
Public Showings: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: Arkansas Arts Center - 9th and Commerce, Little Rock, AR 72202
Season Sponsors: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Productions Sponsor: Target Distribution Center