Berkeley Playhouse Presents DISNEYÂ'S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR., 7/26-28

Berkeley Playhouse presents its next KidStage production, DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. What happens when a mermaid falls head-over-fish-tails in love with an earthly prince? In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home and live in the world above. With a voice like a bell, and a dream to dance on two feet, Ariel defies her father, King Triton, and makes a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula to get rid of her sea legs and go on land to pursue the prince of her dreams. What transpires is one of the most magical fairytale love stories of all time. Based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen story, and adapted from Disney's 2008 Broadway production, DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID JR. features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She's in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea." Rana Weber directs THE LITTLE MERMAID JR., with music direction by Margaret Halbig. The production features performances by 21 young actors enrolled in the Berkeley Playhouse KidStage program (grades 3-6), a performance section of the Youth Conservatory.

Berkeley Playhouse believes that kids and teens have the ability to command their own audiences. The company's acclaimed Youth Conservatory gives talented students the opportunity to participate in full-scale youth-only productions of the highest quality with some of the best professional directors, choreographers, and designers in the Bay Area. Cast members of Conservatory productions receive ongoing training in acting, voice, and movement.

Nominated for eight and winner of five BATCC Awards for 2011, Berkeley Playhouse was founded by actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years, Elizabeth McKoy. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

DATES: Thursday, July 26, 7pm; Friday, July 27, 3:15 pm, 7pm; Saturday, July 28, 10am

WHERE: Julia Morgan Theatre, 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley

TICKETS: For tickets ($20 Adults, $15 Youth) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351