‘The Little Mermaid’ comes to SALT Performing Arts with two casts March 27 to April 27

WEST CHESTER — In true out-of-the-box SALT fashion, join the audience for “The Little Mermaid,” complete with real water!

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, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl,” and “Part of Your World.”

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed by two fabulous casts: Acting Antics All-Abilities performers and actors from SALT Performing Arts.

In 2018, a group of leaders at SALT Performing Arts sat around a table and talked about dreams for how the vision for SALT’s theatre company could grow and make a larger impact in the community.

One idea that was generated was to start a program whereby people of all abilities could have the chance to experience the magic of storytelling in a community with others through a stage production. After this idea was announced to the community, it was brought to SALT’s attention that an organization doing exactly that was already in existence in Chester County, and had been for over a decade, but they needed a new home for rehearsals and productions. This birthed the partnership between SALT and Acting Antics.

Acting Antics was founded in 2007 and offers unique opportunities for children, teens, and adults who have difficulty with social skills or a diagnosis on the autism spectrum or who simply want to make friends in a safe and truly welcoming environment. They believe in using the creative arts to encourage social skills and communication growth.

For the past 5 years, SALT has opened its doors for Acting Antics to rehearse their show in the Fall and Winter, and then partners to help produce the show with a set and the technical aspects of lights, sound, and special effects in the Spring.

“Get your life preserver ready as SALT presents the most glamorous, spectacular 80s Vegas meets Atlantica version of ‘The Little Mermaid’,” comments Lauren McComas, president and artistic director of SALT Performing Arts. “Ariel, Eric, Ursula, and the rest will razzle-dazzle audience members with their unmatched talent in this classic tale of love and bravery.”

In addition, McComas said SALT is thrilled to be partnering for the 5th year with Acting Antics to produce two productions of The Little Mermaid. The first weekend, March 28-30, will feature the Acting Antics All-Abilities cast, and the next four weekends, April 4 to April 27, will feature SALT performers.

“The Little Mermaid” has really powerful, relatable lessons about exploring who you are and breaking out of what society expects from you,” comments Melissa Ferkler, executive director of Acting Antics. “Like Ariel, our cast members are finding their way in the world and discovering their own unique strengths. Over the last few years, our amazing partnership with SALT Performing Arts has helped make that possible in ways we’d always dreamed of.”

This production takes place at SALT’s West Chester location: 19 Hagerty Blvd., West Chester, PA 19382.

Tickets can be purchased at https://www.saltpa.com/littlemermaid