Disney’s The Little Mermaid sure to make a splash for PCPA during holiday season

SANTA MARIA, Calif. -- PCPA begins its 56th season Thursday night with arguably one of the most anticipated shows in its history.

Disney's The Little Mermaid takes stage to begin a six-week run that promises to fill Marian Theatre with many soldout performances.

"It's truly a magical experience to behold," said Katie Emerson, who plays the show's star, Ariel. "It feels like you're in the fish bowl with us and we're so excited so share it with everyone."

The show is sure to be delight and entertain audience members of all ages.

"It's a perfect experience for a family," said Emerson. "It's so joyful and beautiful and it puts you into a wonderful spirit for the season so I can't think of a better thing to do to see something so see in person that allows you to be with your family and experience this fabulous thing, so it's a perfect holiday experience."

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen classic, and the hit Disney animated film, it features a stunning array of singing, dancing and acrobatic performances.

"This production is a completely 3-D event," said director Melissa Rain Anderson. "We have amazing choreography on the ground, but we also have Two Ring circus aerialists in the air on several different circus apparatuses."

Audience members will be swept away "under the sea," as they watch the immersive performance that dazzles all of the senses.

"We have bubbles in the air," said Rain Anderson. "Some of the characters go into the house. There's a lot of audience interaction, a lot of puppets and amazing theatrical devices that sort of tell this gorgeous tale."

The show features several of the film's most beloved songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World," as well as 10 new songs.

"The new songs are exciting and help propel the story in a beautiful and grand way as well," said Emerson.

Emerson is making her PCPA debut. She said playing Ariel is a dream come true.

"You get to see (Ariel) explore this new path for herself and find the place she feels she really that she belongs and she fights for that with all of her might," said Emerson. "It's about finding you truly are and that is an amazing message for kids and adults alike, that no matter your situation, you can figure out where you belong."

The cast features 22 actors, including PCPA resident actors, guest actors, and 2 Ring Circus performers from New York City.

"The entire cast is just thrilling to watch," said Rain Anderson. "They are all working so hard, but you would never know it. They are so full of joy. It's a buoyant, effervescent feeling walking out of the theatre."

Disney's The Little Mermaid debuts Nov. 7 and runs through Dec. 22.

PCPA is anticipating many soldout performances, especially on the weekends.

For those interested in attending, PCPA is advising the public to purchase tickets as soon as possible.

"Get your tickets quick because they're going," said Emerson. "Come see us soon!"

For tickets and more information, visit pcpa.org