Bunce Performing Arts presents ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid’

Back again this summer, Bunce Performing Arts, a musical theater company based in Maple Grove, is performing “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” this summer. Shows are performed in a outdoor setting at 11350 Dallas Lane N. in Dayton.

Performance dates are July 26-27, and 29-30, and Aug. 1-3. Show times will be at 7 p.m., with rain dates July 28 and 31.

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture hearts with its irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab, to restore order under the sea.

Bunce’s performance of “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Kathryn Humnick of Maple Grove, with music direction by Dylan Sauder of Minneapolis, and choreography by Dorian Brooke of Edina. This production includes over 50 performers, crew and orchestra members. The roles of Ariel will be played by Katriela Scarborough, Prince Eric by Caleb Hustedde, Sebastian by Raquel Ponce, Flounder by Elias Beaudry and Ursula by Rachel Gaspar.

Admission is free, but guests should bring an outdoor chair or blanket, mosquito repellent, cash for donations or concessions and food donations for CROSS Food Shelf. Guests should also arrive early for parking and seating. Check the Bunce website (bunceperformingarts.com) for more information and rain date/updates.

Inquiries can be directed to info@buncebackyard.com.

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI (www.mtishows.com). The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.

Bunce Performing Arts brings stories of hope and encouragement to people of all ages through affordable, high quality theater productions. Bunce Performing Arts started when the Bunce family of Maple Grove decided to perform “Oliver!” in their backyard, along with neighbors and friends, in the summer of 2007. The organization became a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in 2012. In addition to the free summer show, Bunce Performing Arts offers youth summer camps, year-round educational theatre programs, and a Christmas show. For more information, visit bunceperformingarts.com.