'The Little Mermaid' is ready to make a splash in Henderson

Oct. 26—HENDERSON

Mark Hopper didn't say rehearsals for Disney's "The Little Mermaid" were coming along swimmingly. In fact, he avoided any of the bad puns he might have made, but he was obviously enthusiastic about the production.

The cast includes actors from as far away as Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Hillsborough, in addition to including lots of local talent, Hopper said.

The show opens Friday night, bringing the hit Broadway musical to the stage of McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center for six performances.

Heading the cast is Victoria Huggins, Miss North Carolina 2017, starring as Ariel. She is supported by a "talented cast of about 75," Hopper said.

Playing key roles are Benjamin Tarlton, Jonathan O'Geary, Andy Dickerson, Lee Faulkner, Josh Glasscock, Ben Hicks, Lilly Hicks, Chloe Hicks, Eva Hopper and Benaiah Adesoji.

Hopper is directing the show and serving as music director. Choreography is by Freddie-Lee Heath.

"The Little Mermaid" will be performed in six shows over the next two weekends:

—Friday, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m.

—Saturday, Oct. 29, at 8 p.m.

—Sunday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m.

—Friday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m.

—Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m.

—Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m.

Doors open an hour prior to show time.

The show is part of the McGregor Live! 2022-23 season series. Ticket holders for the series should select the date they want to attend. Individual performance tickets can be purchased online at mcgregorhall.org or at the box office at 201 Breckenridge St. in Henderson.

The box office is open from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 252-598-0662.

On Oct. 27 two daytime performances will be presented for school groups at 8:45 a.m. and again at 12 p.m.

A special treat is reserved for princes and princesses of all ages. They are invited to attend Ariel's Under the Sea Party at 2 p.m. on Nov. 5 where they can enjoy tasty delicacies, live music and a picture-taking session with Ariel. The party will take place onstage in "The Little Mermaid" set. Tickets are $30 per person and are required for each parent/guardian and child attending.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid" ran for 685 performances over a year and a half on Broadway. It has music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright. Songs include "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

The McGregor Hall production features a large-scale set and dazzling costumes and is accompanied by a professional orchestra.