Walnut Street Theatre (WST)’s Broadway hit for all ages Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is running on the Walnut’s Mainstage—a fun catch this holiday season!

Based on the classic film, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is a beautiful story of love and letting go. Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, challenges her father’s authority as she dreams of finding her own way in the world above the sea. But what will she give up fulfilling her dreams of independence?

THE LITTLE MERMAID captures audiences with its timeless story and classic songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.” My youngest daughter and I caught the show last week, and think it is one of the most spectacular productions staged at the Walnut.   

The mermaid, Ariel, is brought to life by Diana Huey. Huey, making her Walnut debut, is a Helen Hayes Award winner for her portrayal of Kim in Miss Saigon (Alliance Theatre) and Gregory Award winner for playing Ariel in the national tour productions of The Little Mermaid. Ariel’s father and ruler of Atlantica, King Triton, is played by Walnut newcomer Derrick Cobey, whose credits include originating the role of Andy Wright in The Scottsboro Boys on Broadway and the second Broadway revival of Kiss Me Kate.

King Triton’s right-hand crab and Ariel’s guardian, Sebastian, is played by WST acting apprentice alum Dana Orange, who was last seen on the Walnut’s stage as the wise-cracking Donkey in Shrek. Orange’s other credits include Sister Act (WST), To Kill a Mockingbird (Millbrook Playhouse), and In The Heights (Park Playhouse).

Walnut favorite Rebecca Robbins returns for her 19^th WST production as the wicked sea witch, Ursula. Robbins was last on the Walnut’s Mainstage as the salon owner Paulette in Legally Blonde. Her Broadway credits include A Tale of Two Cities and The Phantom of the Opera. Ursula’s slithering henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam, are played by Adam Hoyak (Shrek) and Jesse Jones (Legally Blonde), respectively.

Actor Kevin Kulp, who was previously seen in 2018’s Matilda, returns as Ariel’s fish friend, Flounder. Scuttle, a seagull and “expert” on humans, is played by Ellie Mooney, who was last on the Walnut’s Mainstage as The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz in 2016. Chef Louis, the palace cook looking to make a meal out of Sebastian, is played by WST regular Ben Dibble, who audiences will remember as the pint-sized villain, Lord Farquaad, in Shrek. Also returning to the Walnut is actor Bill Van Horn, who last played Sir John Pontefract in 2019’s A Woman of No Importance, to portray Prince Eric’s put-upon servant, Grimsby.   

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID runs at the Walnut through January 2, 2022. Children under 12 who are not vaccinated can show a negative COVID-19 test at the door. Media Partners are 6abc and Metro. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.com.