By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Gainesville Theatre Alliance to perform Mermaid Song from Sept. 30-Oct. 9 at Brenau University
Play is adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale
0929 GO MERMAID2
Brenau University theater major Madison Granito, left, portrays mermaid Pearl and University of North Georgia theater major Taylor Priday portrays mermaid Anemone in the play “Mermaid Song.” In this scene Pearl talks about the strange landscape and beings above the water.

‘Mermaid Song’

When: Sept. 30 through Oct. 9

Where: Pearce Auditorium, 500 Washington St. SW, Gainesville

Cost: $7-$12

More info: 678-717-3624 or gainesvilletheatrealliance.org

As fall weather arrives, thespians with WonderQuest is holding onto the last remnants of the summer sun and beach fun with an undersea adventure.

WonderQuest, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance’s theater for young audience division, will produce “Mermaid Song” in Pearce Auditorium at Brenau University at 500 Washington St. SE in Gainesville. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 7 and 8 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

Ticket cost $10 to $12 for adults and $7 to $8 for students and children, depending on seat location. Patrons may select and purchase seats at www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org or call the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Nearly 5,000 school children from counties throughout Northeast Georgia will come to the show’s school matinees. Another 2,000 are expected for the family performances. Audience also may meet the actors during receptions and participate in an “Octopus’s Garden Party” workshop.

During “Mermaid Song,” adults and children will be immersed in the undersea kingdom of Princess Anemone, a little mermaid who wants only to walk on land.

While Anemone dreams of someday venturing above water, a violent storm upends a ship. She then rescues a drowning man, with whom she falls in love. There’s only one problem: he’s from the world above the waves.

Anemone will do anything to find her prince again, even deal with a sly Sea Witch.

Many young audience members will be familiar with the tale. It is similar to Disney’s animated film “The Little Mermaid.” But playwright Gay Hammond and the cast worked to make Princess Anemone’s father not so volatile, and hopefully the prince is a bit more textured.

In fact, “Mermaid Song” dives deeper into the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

“In my adaptations, I always try to be as faithful to the original literature as possible,” Hammond said. “However, Anderson’s story — while gorgeous — is much darker than most people realize.”

Therefore, Hammond moved toward a more optimistic story.

“Even I am not fond of fairy tales with unhappy endings,” she said.

For more information, visit www.gainesvilletheatrealliance.org or call 678-717-3624.