The upcoming production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” by the Southwestern College Summer Theatre Festival will include an optional dinner theatre experience in the President’s Art Gallery located in the Darbeth Fine Arts Center on the campus of Southwestern College.

“Our patron’s will have a more intimate atmosphere in the President’s Art Gallery,” says director Allyson Moon.  “The sound in there is great and the cast will be singing.  I think their pre-production experience will enhance the entertainment value.”

Dinner guests will be treated to cheddar biscuits, Caesar salad with homemade croutons, main entrée choice of grilled marinated chicken or baked tilapia, baked potato, grilled squash and red pepper, hush puppies, and a red devils food gourmet cupcake for dessert.

The musical features songs that, according to Moon, everybody will remember.

“It has songs that are very familiar, including ‘Part of Your World’ sung by Ariel, and ‘Under the Sea’ sung by Sabastian,” Moon says. “These songs were made famous during the animated movie. We can all sing along with these.”

Matt Berthot will be directing musicians Billy Bearden and Deborah Martin on keyboards; Anthony Gropper on bass; and Nick Hofmeister on percussion.  

“Having two keyboards allows for a richer sound, more so than the piano,” Moon says. “Sebastian is a crab from the Caribbean and with the two keyboards we can have that calypso sound and rhythm.”

“The Little Mermaid Jr.” will run Friday through Sunday, July 11-13, in the Richardson Performing Arts Center in the Christy Administration Building on the campus of Southwestern College.  Dinner times for the shows on July 11 and 12 will be at 6 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m.  Dinner on July 13 will be at 12:30 p.m., with the show at 2 p.m. Tickets for dinner and show are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, $20 for students, and $18 for youth. Show-only tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. 

For tickets and information, call the SC box office at (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6171.