Character Descriptions

Principal Characters

Ariel- (Female - Soprano) – The sixth of eight daughters to King Neptune.  Known for having a beautiful voice and great beauty.  Ariel is very interested in human things to the annoyance of her father.  She is easily distracted due to the fact of her wonder and curiosity.  Ariel falls in love with, and marries, Prince Eric, giving up her mermaid form.  Must sing very well and be likeable.  Very little speaking Act II - Possible Songs: World Above, I’ll Know, It Could Never Be

Prince Eric- (Male - Tenor) – Prince of a seaside kingdom.  He feels he should marry for love not because he is expected.  He wants someone who is fun and carefree, not prim and proper. Happily trade his crown for a life of adventure on the sea.  Eric had been searching for his true love before an accident led to his rescue by Ariel. Haunted by her voice, he vowed to marry the girl the voice belonged to. His search is fruitless and he only manages to find a pretty girl who can't speak. After much excitement, he discovers that she, Ariel, is the one he was searching for.  Good singer and must have strong but youthful presence.  Possible Songs: I’ll Know, What’s Your Name?

Cha Cha- (Female - Mezzo Soprano) OR Chico (Male - Tenor) - Hailing from Spain, this lobster is brought to be the court composer and unwilling protector to King Neptune’s daughters.  Instructed by King Neptune, she/he is usually found with Ariel, keeping an eye on her. Like Guppy she/he is also very timid when it comes to adventures. Cha Cha/Chico also tries to kiss up to Neptune whenever possible. Must sing well and be able to do an accent and have good comedic timing.  Possible Songs: Go Ahead, Come Back Down

King Neptune- (Male - Bass) - As King of the sea, Neptune commands much respect from the creatures in the seas. He also is the only one who can fully use the Trident (that he received from his father Poseidon) that he carries. Despite this, he has trouble convincing his youngest of eight daughters to obey his laws about humans. He often loses his temper whenever Ariel and humans are mentioned in the same sentence since humans killed Ariel’s mother.  Must be a good actor with a strong presence, some singing.  Possible Songs: If Only (reprise)- short song.

Octavia- (Female - Mezzo Soprano) - Octavia is a cross between an octopus and a human, she has arms and tentacles. She is the sister of King Neptune.  Octavia was banished from Atlantica due to her use of dark magic and spends her time devising plans to get back at her brother King Neptune. She possesses great magic and it is rumored that her powers are held in her crystal shell given to her by her father Poseidon.  Occasionally, merfolk come to her for help. She helps them for a price that is usually too high. Then she keeps them as eel-type servants stuck in her abode. She tries to spoil Ariel's attempt to woo Eric by using Ariel's voice to enchant Eric and change herself to a human named Katina (played by a separate cast member).  Must be a strong actress, singer and a great evil laugh.  Possible Songs: Body Language, Spell and Transformation,

Kavender- (Male) – One of Prince Eric’s somewhat stuffy advisors and is a father type to Eric.  His mission is to find the perfect Princess for Prince Eric. Doesn’t quite have the stomach for the sea.  Acting role with an accent.

 

Secondary Characters

Guppy- (Male or Female) - Since childhood, Guppy's best friend has been Ariel. Guppy is very timid and prefers to live the carefree life and not muck about humans. When Ariel is in trouble, s/he comes through for her without hesitation.  Guppy also gets very caught up when talking, often landing him in trouble.

Ariel’s Sisters: The seven other daughters of Neptune are all very talented singers. Ariel is often apart from her sisters, who are not interested in humans or the games Ariel plays. All must sing well, be able to harmonize and have good stage presence.  Songs: World Above, It Could Never Be, Go Ahead

Sandy- the oldest and watches over the others

Star- thinks she has the best voice of all the sisters

Pearl-- positive, loves life

Shelly- inquisitive

Coral- jealous of Ariel and not afraid to speak her mind

Misty- quiet one

Angel- youngest and naïve

Sharks: Will be portrayed in a mobster type fashion.  Male or Female. Song: Life Ain’t No Good Unless You’re Bad
Sharkey- Head Shark, bossy, not likely to take the blame

Big Ka-Tuna- willing to “rough up” anyone who messes with the sharks. The Enforcer.

Chum- Wannabe, admires Sharkey, slimy, slick

Finn (Finnderella) – dim-witted, blunt, slow, deep-voiced
Jawsy- Will eat and bite anything, always ready to feast, possibly a higher voice
Gill- Nervous, henchman-like, piggybacks on what other people say, fidgety

Willem- (Male) – Eric’s annoying nephew who is very adventurous and says what is on his mind.  Good young actor.

Katina- (Female) – She is Octavia in human form.  Her sole mission is to stop Prince Eric and Ariel from falling in love.  She becomes the Chief Executive of the palace servants to ensure she sees all that goes on.  Act as the voice of Ariel in some Act 2 scenes

Chef Marcel- (Male) - The French cook of Eric's castle.  Acting role with a French accent.

Captain- (Male) – The captain of Prince Eric’s Ship.  Acting role.

Tailor- (Male or Female) - One of the servants in Eric's castle. He/she gets assigned the task of getting Ariel "properly" dressed.

Chorus

Shipmates/Palace Servants- (10 to 15 members) – will play many roles in the show.  In this group we will assign speaking lines (Sailor 1 through 5) and solo lines (Maid 1 through 4).  Must sing well.  Songs: The Bottomless Blue, Ocean Waves do Roll, Beyond my Wildest Dreams

Royal Announcer(s)- Announces the arrival of King Neptune.  Speaking lines

Sea Creatures- (30 to 40 members) must sing and dance.  Songs: Land Beneath the Sea, Go Ahead, The World Above (reprise)

Seahorse
Jelly Fish

Starfish

Tropical Fish

Sea Snail

Sea Anemone

Sting Ray