Out on the open sea, Prince Eric pursues a mysterious voice, despite the protests of his guardian, Grimsby ("Fathoms Below"). Far beneath the waves, the crab, Sebastian, has prepared a concert for King Triton that features his youngest child, Ariel ("Daughters of Triton"), but she has snuck up to the surface with her best friend, Flounder. There, they learn from the seagull, Scuttle, about the human treasure she has found ("Human Stuff"). Meanwhile, the sea witch, Ursula, and her lackey eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, bemoan their exile and plot to regain power from Triton, using Ariel as bait. King Triton scolds Ariel for going to the surface and appoints Sebastian as her chaperone. Ariel retreats to her grotto and dreams of living on land ("Part of Your World"). Upon discovering her collection of human objects, Sebastian extols the virtues of the ocean ("Under the Sea"). Distracted by the shadow of a great ship, Ariel swims to the surface and finds the handsome Prince Eric on board. Suddenly, lightning strikes the ship, sending Prince Eric overboard ("The Storm"). Ariel darts into action and brings the unconscious prince to shore ("Part of Your World – Reprise"). Her song wakes Prince Eric, but she has disappeared into the waves.
Back underwater, the Mersisters grill Flounder about Ariel's odd behavior ("She's in Love"). Furious about Ariel's contact with a human, King Triton destroys all her precious objects. Flotsam and Jetsam find Ariel in despair and lure her to the sea witch's lair. Ursula offers to change Ariel into a human in exchange for her voice ("Poor Unfortunate Souls"). Prince Eric must kiss her within three days or Ariel will turn back into a mermaid and become Ursula's slave. On the beach, Prince Eric finds Ariel and brings her home to the palace. Sebastian follows to protect Ariel, but finds himself in jeopardy in Chef Louis's kitchen ("Les Poissons"). Ariel's silence prompts Prince Eric to find other ways to communicate, like dancing ("One Step Closer"), but he is still haunted by the mysterious voice. On the second day, Sebastian calls on lagoon animals to serenade the couple ("Kiss the Girl"), but Flotsam and Jetsam cause a commotion that blocks their kiss.
Grimsby arranges a singing contest on the third day in order to locate the owner of the mysterious voice (and thus a bride for Prince Eric) but, when Ariel breaks through the crowd and dances, Prince Eric realizes how much he loves her and begins to propose. However, the sun sets and the spell is broken, turning Ariel back into a mermaid and drawing her into the sea. Sebastian rushes to warn King Triton, who agrees to hand over his trident and take Ariel's place as Ursula's slave ("Poor Unfortuate Souls – Reprise"). When Prince Eric attempts to rescue Ariel, Ursula loses control of her magic shell and Ariel's voice is restored. Trident in hand, Ursula attempts to harness the power of the seas, but creates a whirlpool that destroys her and the eels. With peace restored, Ariel returns the trident to her father. King Triton realizes how much Ariel cares for Prince Eric and decides to restore her humanity. He gently deposits her on the shore, and Prince Eric rushes up and proposes. As Ariel answers, Prince Eric realizes that it has been her voice all along ("Part of Your World – Finale").
Ariel
Ariel, the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human. Cast a strong singer and dynamic performer in this role. Ariel has some beautiful solos but must be able to convey meaning through gesture once she loses her voice.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Prince Eric
Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel's heart. Look for a charming performer with a sensitive nature. Prince Eric has a few small solos, but it is more important to cast a strong actor in this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Sebastian
Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Look for a strong singer who can also handle Sebastian's emotional range. Sebastian can be played by a boy or girl.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Flounder
Flounder is Ariel's sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in "She's in Love." Flounder can be cast with a girl or a boy with an unchanged voice. This may be a wonderful role for a younger performer who is ready to take the next step into the spotlight.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: G3
King Triton
KING TRITON rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent. Cast a mature performer who feels comfortable playing father to Ariel and the Mersisters.
Gender: male
Mersisters
The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel's siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Ursula
Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Cast a mature performer who can bring out this villain's humor while finding texture in Ursula's complexity. Ursula's songs can be challenging, so look for a singer who will feel comfortable with these solos.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Tentacles
The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair. Look for six or eight performers who work well together and can move as a unit.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Flotsam
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula's slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Scuttle
Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel's expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat. While a good singer will rock "Human Stuff," this song can easily be spoken in rhythm. Look for a performer with good comedic timing who is willing to have fun with Scuttle's eccentricities.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Gulls
The Gulls are Scuttle's flock of zany "back-up singers" who help explain human stuff to Ariel. While there are three principal gulls written in the score, feel free to add as many as you need to best serve your production. The Gulls' solos can be spoken if necessary.
Gender: any
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Grimsby
Grimsby is Prince Eric's prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. While Grimsby does have some singing to do, strong acting trumps singing ability for this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Chef Louis
Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Chefs
The Chefs are Chef Louis's assistants. The music in "Les Poissons" can be challenging, so good choral singers are a plus for this group. Your Chefs can also double as members of the Sea Chorus.
Gender: any
Carlotta
Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric's palace and Ariel's greatest human ally. This non-singing role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome.
Gender: female
Princesses
The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of them possesses the voice Prince Eric is searching for, cast actresses who can create an exaggerated and comedic personality through song. The six Princesses can double as the six Mersisters.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Pilot
The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric's ship. This nautical expert who entertains the sailors with wild tales of the sea presents an opportunity to highlight a developing performer. The Pilot has a few speaking lines, but his singing voice is most important.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Sailors
The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric's ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm. The Sailors can be played by boys or girls and can double as Sea Chorus.
Gender: any
Seahorse
The Seahorse is the court herald for King Triton. This non-singing part is a good role for a young performer with a clear speaking voice.
Gender: any
Sea Chorus
The Sea Chorus is responsible for creating each world within the show. Look for performers who can move gracefully and are capable of being part of a scene without drawing focus. This can also be an opportunity to showcase some of your more skilled dancers. The Sea Chorus can double as Merfolk, Sea Creatures and Lagoon Animals.
Gender: any
Sea Creatures
The Sea Creatures are the ensemble under water animals in King Triton's court. They can include as few or as many performers as your production permits. There are several moments to showcase both dancers and singers in "Under the Sea."
Gender: any
Merfolk
The Merfolk of King Triton's Court and can double as Sea Creatures.
Gender: any
Lagoon Animals
The Lagoon Animals try to convince Prince Eric to kiss Ariel. This ensemble can double as the Sea Creatures.
Gender: any
- Oceanography
- Imagination
- Social Classes
- Contracts
- Ecosystems
- Tolerance
- Sibling Rivalry
Requirements
Author Billing – Disney's The Little Mermaid JR.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Video Warning
ANY VIDEO RECORDING MADE OF THIS PERFORMANCE IS AUTHORIZED FOR PERSONAL, AT-HOME, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY. THE SALE OR DISTRIBUTION OF SUCH RECORDING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED UNDER FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW.Included Materials
| Resource | Quantity |
|---|---|
| ACTOR'S BOOK | 30 |
| DIRECTOR'S GUIDE | 1 |
| DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES AND MEDIA | 1 |
| FAMILY MATTERS | 30 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| GUIDE VOCAL AND PERF TRACKS DIGITAL | 1 |
| PIANO VOCAL SCORE | 1 |
| STREAMING & REMOTE LICENSE DISNEY | 1 |