Cast members of CLT’s production of “The Little Mermaid” rehearse a scene from the show. From left in front and center are Cody Watson, Ellie Pfohl, Leslie Reed, Germaine Robinson, Mackenzie Richard, Lacey Moyse, and Mary Melquist. In back are Karen McArthur, Birdie Gay, Brian Pfohl, Iver McLeod, Brock Rancourt, and Scotty Venable. Submitted photo

Rehearsals are well underway for the Community Little Theatre production of “The Little Mermaid,” which will open Aug. 10.

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

Mermaid princess Ariel is fascinated by the world and lives of people on dry land, and longs to someday join them, though her father, King Triton forbids contact. When she falls in love with human Prince Eric from afar, she makes a deal with her father’s sister and enemy Ursula: she is temporarily transformed into a human and may remain so if she wins the kiss of true love from her prince within three days. The dangerous mission leads to a showdown between good and evil forces which only love can remedy.

Director/choreographer Becca Tinkham has assembled a large and talented cast for the show, led by CLT veteran Mackenzie Richard as Ariel. Other principal and supporting cast members are Scotty Venable as Prince Eric, Chris Cifelli as Grimsby, Jayson Bray as King Triton, Germaine Robinson as Sebastian, Leslie Reed as Flounder, Zack Balkcom as Scuttle, and Justin Morin as Ursula. Playing featured roles are Greg Lambert, Ansley Watson, Maria Groover, Makenzie Finnegan, Anna Sargent, Samantha Melquist, Maddy Vaillancourt, Brian Pfohl, Ellie Pfohl, and Heather Pape. In the ensemble are Eddie Angelo, Birdie Gay, Hannah Hanson, Valorie Lake, Karen McArthur, Iver McLeod, Mary Melquist, David Moyse, Lacey Moyse, Brock Rancourt, and Cody Watson.

Tinkham’s production team includes music director Paul G. Caron, assistant director/stage manager Brandon Chaloux, and producers Jennifer McClure Groover and Justin Morin.

“The Little Mermaid” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19; and at 2 p.m. on Aug. 13 and 20.

Ticket prices (including all fees) are $22 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $14 for students. Tickets are available online at laclt.com/box-office or by calling 207-783-0958.

L/A Community Little Theatre, located at 30 Academy Street in Auburn, has been producing live theater since 1940. A volunteer, non-profit organization, our goal is to provide affordable and quality entertainment in the performing arts as well as education, training, and experience in theater for area youth. www.laclt.com.