Little Mermaid makes a big splash at Seattle's 5th Ave Theater

The 5th Avenue Theatre’s original production of the Disney classic, “The Little Mermaid,” is a magical experience with familiar characters, recognizable songs, and a few wonderful surprises that wowed the opening night crowd in Seattle, packed with kids.

We meet Ariel and Prince Eric who are both struggling with finding their place. They come from royalty in their respective worlds — Ariel, the daughter of King Triton in the sea, and Eric, heir to the throne on land — but neither has a sense of belonging.

Prince Eric wants the freedom of life at sea as a sailor, and Ariel often skirts her duties as princess. Her desires are crystalized when she wonders, “What if home is not where you are, but a place you discover?”

Through song, dance, and fantasy, this production explores the meaning and significance of finding where you belong, and also tackles the relationship between parents and their adolescent youth who are finding their paths in the world that may not meet the parents' expectations.