After a sell-out season at the Canal Walk Theatre this winter, Fred Abrahamse and Marcel Meyer’s acclaimed musical version of this much-loved story promises be a festive treat for the entire family.

Based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the musical is brought to life with sumptuous costumes, inventive sets, gorgeous puppets and a collection of catchy original songs. Featuring singing clams and big-lipped jelly-fish, witty dialogue and foot-tapping tunes, the show is set to capture the imagination of all ages.

Abrahamse directs the stellar cast of six performers, showcasing some of South Africa’s finest musical theatre talents led by Thalia Burt (Hairspray, A Chorus Line) in the title role as the Little Mermaid.

The award-winning Earl Gregory reprises his role as the lovable lobster. The jealous and evil Sea Witch is performed by Candice Van Litsenborgh, who is well known for her roles in Assassins, Show Boat, I Love You, You’re Perfect...Now Change , Chess, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and Much Ado About Nothing at Maynardville.

Prince Charming is played by Michael Wallace, while other members of the cast include Jaco Nothnagel as Eel and other characters while Roelof Storm plays the Tutor and other characters.

This production of The Little Mermaid is presented by the Baxter Theatre Centre in association with Canal Walk and features specially written new music and lyrics by Marcel Meyer, who also designed the costumes.

Abrahamse is responsible for the set design as well as the design and creation of the puppets with Izelle Grobler and Marcel Meyer. The orchestrations have been done by Craig Damster and Mother City Records.

In recent years, Abrahamse and Meyer have received great media and audience acclaim for their productions which include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III, Shakespeare’s R&J, Kingdom of Earth, Assassins, Private Lives, Jungle Book, Hansel and Gretel and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

The Little Mermaid runs at the Baxter Flipside from Tuesday, 4 December until Saturday, 5 January 2013 at 10:00 and noon daily. Ticket prices are R60 for children under 12 and R70 for adults. Booking is through Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet.

For discounted corporate, block or schools bookings contact Sharon on 021 680 3962 and [email protected] or Carmen on 021 680 3993 and [email protected].