Afternoon with Ariel and Friends

This event is a chance for kids 12 and younger to get up close and personal with Ariel the Mermaid, Sebastian, Flounder and other favorite characters from Star Bright’s upcoming production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.”

The “Afternoon with Ariel and Friends” includes meeting the characters, refreshments with the cast, a special theatrical revue of “Under the Sea” and a keepsake photo of each child with Ariel. Parents can bring their own cameras to take photos with other costumed characters. This event is $10 per child, and reservations can be made by calling the Franklin Recreation Complex, 1120 Hillsboro Rd. at (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. Space is limited.

The cast will also present a special performance of “What’s It Like to be A Mermaid” from the Disney CD “The Little Mermaid-Songs from the Sea.” The song was composed by local songwriter, performer and Grammy-nominee Diana Rae. Her songs have been recorded by artists including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Aaron Neville. Rae has served as a vocal coach for several Star Bright performers, and has long supported the program. She says, “I’m thrilled to be a part of this festive fundraiser for the Star Bright Players and I am looking forward to hearing Star Bright’s Ariel singing my ‘Little Mermaid’ song. Our community continues to be blessed with this exceptional entertainment group that provides our youth with such great performance opportunities!”

The Star Bright Players Children’s Theatre group is sponsored by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department. Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” will be presented April 18-21 at the Freedom Middle School Theatre, 750 Highway 96 West in Franklin. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Franklin Recreation Complex for $6 per person, with children 3 and younger free if sitting with a parent.

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI, 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019. Phone (212) 541-4684, Fax: (242) 397-1684, www.mtishows.com.