The Little Mermaid

by Rosemarie Gerould

Synopsis

Take one Prince longing for the sea, his sister the Princess and her dog named Prince, one Little Mermaid longing for the young boy she rescued as a child, and one Queen (or King) just wanting someone to run the kingdom and you have a great version of the this classic fairy tale. Add the Little Mermaid's two sisters and their confusion in all things "land" and who their little sister really loves (the dog?), the Little Mermaid's pet fish and the comedy continues. When on land, the Little Mermaid cannot speak and the audience helps the story along by telling the Prince her story. Unlike the original fairy tale, this one has a happy ending. By not naming the Little Mermaid, the children can name her as they please. Don't let the Disney version dissuade you producing this delightful, adult and children pleasing successful show.

Cast

Prince ... a dog belonging to the Princess

Prince Edward ... a young man easily distracted from his duties

Princess Elizabeth ... organized, smart, ambitious

Queen (or King) ... trying to prepare the Prince for Kinghood

Anoria ... a mermaid, not exactly bright

Kelsia ... her sister, slightly smarter, which isn't saying much

Little Mermaid ... their sister, smartest of the bunch

Fish ... pet of the Little Mermaid

Voice ... recorded voice of the box

8 characters, 4–5f, 3–4m
Snippet

Anoria: You must think I was born under a giant clam. That is not who our little sister has been talking about since she was a child.

Kelsia: I am telling you it is. Isn't that the silliest looking creature you have ever seen.

Anoria: If I have told you once, I have told you... OH! Look. (points to red ball on stage)

Kelsia: Where... where! (KELSIA starts to hide behind rock but ANORIA pulls her up and points again)

Anoria: There, there... isn't it beautiful.

Kelsia: Where, where, I saw it first! (KELSIA continues to look out toward the audience)

Anoria: No you didn't, I did. Besides, you're not even looking in the right place.

Kelsia: (sees the ball) Ohh, isn't it beautiful.

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