Little Mermaid Script

T h e L i T T L e M e r M a i dC o p y r i g h T ©2005 b y e r i C S T e d M a n

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www.storylandtheatre.comwww.storylandtheatre.com

By Eric Stedman

www.storylandtheatre.comThe LittleMermaid

By Eric StEdmanTo Mariah O’Hurley

Copyright ©1998-2007 by Eric Stedman For production information contact:

Eric Stedman 440 S. State Street G6 Newtown PA 18940 (215) 968-2514

www.storylandtheatre.com


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CharaCter DesCriptions

humans

spyglass (Singer/Narrator), a wooden-legged sailor (wrap one leg to the knee to suggest it’s made of wood, and have the actor limp—don’t attempt to wrap the lower leg to the thigh to create a stump resembling an actual peg-leg, it will off circulation)

prinCe (Actor/Singer), a handsome young man

laDy Celeste (Dancer/Actor), a beautiful maiden

sailors (Singer/Dancers) Can double as mermen and gentlemen at the Prince’s Ball

maiDens/slave girl DanCers/Ball DanCers (Singer/Dancers) Some are small parts with lines:

prinCess gelDa, Comic dancer with germanic accent, wears german or swiss style ball gown and hat decorated with pretzels or donuts or something equally silly

prinCess FaCilia, Comic dancer, with french accent, a vamp who wears an overly sexy strapless red ball gown and long gloves, perhaps a boa, extravagant jewels, etc.

prinCess Corpa Carpa, the silliest of the princesses, perhaps a male actor in a blond wig with oversize shoes

mer-people

marina (Actress/Dancer/Singer) The youngest and slightest mermaid sister. Actress must be able to emote effectively with body alone, without being able to speak, as her character is silent through most of the second act (light green tail). Note: she is not a hot little redheaded bimbo. She’s a year too young to have boys notice her and of plain, simple, and delicate appearance, like Cinderella when she’s still on fireplace duty.

naia (Singer/Dancer/Actress) A blonde mermaid who is quite taken with herself and loves her little sister whether she admits it or not. This is the sexy sister with curves that gets the attention from the boys -- Britney Spears or a young Marilyn Monroe with a blue mermaid tail and golden hair and jewelry.


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Dylan (Actor/Singer) At first a nerdy young mer-man with white shirt (to conceal muscles beneath), bow tie and horn rimmed glasses, then at the conclusion he appears shirtless as a hunky hero with a gold headband, necklaces and trident (dark green tail)

granDmother mermaiD (Singer/Actor) A sweet old lady who likes to bake extravagant desserts (white tail, robe)

mermaiD sisters: (Singer/Dancers): opal (purple tail)Coral (red tail)pearl (silver tail)periwinkle (orange or pink tail)

gooD sea Creatures

toBy, a baby seal (Child)

DanCing Clams (Puppets or Children)

BlowFish (2 kids dressed as fish who provide soap bubbles onstage during underwater scenes. Look for battery-operated toy bubble-blowing guns to give them)

evil sea Creatures

CrustaCia (Actor/Singer) the sea-witch, with light green complexion (use white makeup base and add green and/or blue to it). Long, seaweedy dark green or purple hooded robe, with a giant crab claw where one hand should be. The hood must be large enough to cover her face entirely.

eel (Actor/Singer/Dancer) slimy assistant to the witch, with light blue or light purple face, in black body suit or wet suit with hood and attached fin

anemones (Children) These 2 colorful but poisonous creatures squat and gyrate beside the witch in several of her scenes, and can function as furniture and hold things for her. They hold the pot in which the magic potion is made during that song.

other evil sea Creatures As many as desired, children work well—in black with weird tentacles and headdresses. They swim squirmily about or crawl across the stage during the scenes in the witch’s cave, and pour out onto the deck and attack the humans on board the ship at the climax.


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storm/winD DanCers

Daughters oF the winD Blow about during the storm, and bring forth the Rain, Thunder and Lightning

thunDer All in black, with black full-face mask, he pounds the ground to call up thunder sounds during the storm

lightning All in gold, with gold full-face mask, he breaks the ship apart during the storm and casts the pieces to the Wind and Rain.

rain Girls with shimmering streamers attached to their arms, who overcome the ship and wash away its pieces, disassembling it. They also hold long strips of blue cloth which represent water, for the Prince and Marina to swim between after the ship has disappeared.


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sCenes anD musiCal numBeres

sCene 1: the DeCk oF the ship “nanCy lee”Nancy Lee— spyglass, prinCe, sailors

The Storm —Thunder, Lightning, Wind, Rain

sCene 2: on the BeaChFar, Far Away—Marina

Celeste’s Dance—Celeste and SchoolgirlsI Got You and You Got Me —Toby and Marina

sCene 3: the mermaiDs’ unDersea kingDomUnderwater Wonderland— Mer-people and Good Sea Creatures

How to Make a Dream—Grandmother Mermaid, Dancing Clams, Marina

Swing Your Tail —Naia and Mer-DancersA Place for Me —Marina, Dylan and Singers

sCene 4: the witCh’s Cave, BeyonD the whirlpoolThe Undersea Gourmet —Eel

Magic Potion from the Sea—Crustacia

sCene 5: on the BeaChSlave Girls’ Dance—Slave Girls and Marina

Where Did You Come From— Marina and Prince Save Me Some Sunshine—Prince

sCene 6: the witCh’s CaveI Can Sing – Crustacia

I Can Sing (Reprise)—Crustacia

sCene 7: the prinCe’s shipBoarD BallThe Prince’s Waltz—Princesses Gelda, Facilia, and Corpa Carpa

The Mermaid/Marina’s Dance —Footman and Company/MarinaThe Sailor’s Lament —SpyglassAttack of the Evil Sea Creatures

A Place for Me (Reprise)—Marina, Prince and Company

Curtain Call


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Curtain speeCh

spyglass. (Holding a conch shell, interacting directly with audience members) There’s something very special about these. You know if you hold one up to your ear you can hear a mermaid sing. Do you believe a little girl could have the tail of a fish and live under the sea in a golden castle and tend a garden of coral and pearls? Do you believe in handsome princes? Do you believe in magic? Do you want to know the true story of the Little Mermaid?

sCene 1the DeCk oF the nanCy lee

(The Sailors dance on board the deck of a ship, as they load up sacks and boxes. The Captain orders them about, trying to keep their minds on work, not dancing.)

spyglass.OF ALL THE WIVES AS E’ER YOU KNOW

sailors. YO HO, LADS, HO, YO HO, YO HO!

spyglass.THERE’S NONE LIKE NANCY LEE, I KNOW

sailors. YO HO, YO HO, YO HO!

spyglass.SEE THERE SHE STANDS AND WAVES HER HANDS UPON THE QUAYAND EVERY DAY WHEN I’M AWAY SHE’LL WATCH FOR MEAND WHISPER LOW WHEN TEMPESTS BLOW FOR JACK AT SEA

sailors. YO HO, LADS, HO, YO HO!A SAILOR’S WIFE THE SAILOR’S STAR SHALL BEYO HO, WE GO ACROSS THE SEAA SAILOR’S WIFE THE SAILOR’S STAR SHALL BEA SAILOR’S WIFE HIS STAR SHALL BE! (The Prince walks up the aisle as the Sailors whistle a chorus of the song)


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prinCe. Spyglass, I can’t do it. I just can’t do it. spyglass. Ya haven’t a choice, lad. prinCe. But—I’ve never been anywhere. I haven’t lived. spyglass. Ya must marry before ye’r eighteen if ye’r to become king, laddie.prinCe. I don’t want to get married.spyglass. It was yer father’s will. prinCe. Spyglass, I don’t want to be a prince any more. I want to live like you. To work with my hands, to breathe in the salt air—to sail under the sun!

(We hear the screams of Maidens who have spotted the Prince.)

prinCe. Oh no. maiDens. (Blowing kisses, waving) Princey! Princey! Isn’t he cute, etc.prinCe. I don’t have to put up with this. I’m the Prince, dang-it!

(The Maidens dash down the aisle in pursuit of the Prince, screaming like Beatle fans. He reaches a hand to Spyglass to take him aboard.)

prinCe. Spyglass, save me!spyglass. Hop aboard, laddie!

(Spyglass pulls the Prince aboard, to the dismay of the Maidens, and sings, center)

prinCe. OF ALL THE LIVES THERE ARE TO KNOWsailors. YO HO, LADS, HO, YO HO, YO HO!prinCe. NONE’S LIKE A SAILOR’S LIFE, OH NOsailors. YO HO, YO HO, YO HO!

prinCe. EV’RY DAY YOU RIDE ACROSS THE OPEN SEA AND WHEN YOU DARE TO TRAVEL THERE THE WIND IS FREE SO CAST ASIDE MUNDANE RESPONSIBILITY

prinCe anD sailors.YO HO, LADS, HO, YO HO!THE SAILOR’S WIFE THE SAILOR’S STAR SHALL BEYO HO, WE GO ACROSS THE SEAA SAILOR’S WIFE THE SAILOR’S STAR SHALL BEA SAILOR’S LIFE’S THE LIFE FOR ME!

prinCe. A SAILOR’S LIFE’S THE LIFE FOR ME!

(A low rumble of thunder. The sky gets darker. Marina is seen sitting on a rock on the horizon)

prinCe. Look out there, Spyglass! What is that?


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spyglass. Beware, lad! There are sea serpents in these waters! (Looks through his spyglass) Like the one that made off with my leg!

prinCe. That’s no sea serpent. spyglass. I’ll be keelhauled! A mermaid!prinCe. A mermaid?spyglass. Aye—half girl and half fish, boy, and if you see one your ship is doomed!

prinCe. You don’t believe that, do you?spyglass. Look at those black clouds.

(Marina waves to the Prince)

prinCe. She waved to me!spyglass. Look away, Prince! It’s bad luck! Look away! prinCe. You don’t know what you’re talking about, Spyglass. We’re perfectly safe.

(A tremendous clap of thunder, a burst of lightning, and the ship’s sail falls. Spyglass tries to steer the ship. Dancers appear as Rain, Thunder, Wind, Waves, and Lightning. The Waves ripple, Thunder rumbles, Wind and Rain begin. Water splashes in the Prince’s eyes. The waves rise higher. The Prince slips as the ship tosses, then climbs the rigging. Lightning appears in the sky)

spyglass. Hold on, Prince, hold on for your life!

(Lightning strikes the foremast and, now in flames, it falls toward Spyglass, knocking him against the deck and throwing the Prince overboard. The ship’s wheel and rail disappear and the Prince tries to keep himself afloat in the waves.)

prinCe. Help! Help!

(The Prince holds onto the mast as long as he can but then soon the sparkling fire that creeps ever closer makes him let go. So he lets the sea take him where it will. The Prince keeps himself afloat in the water, but still the Wind and Rain fill the air around him. Soon his arms tire and the powerful sea gets the better of him. The Little Mermaid dives into the water, avoids the broken timber and wreckage being flung about by the waves, and, just in time, finds the Prince, holds his head up so he can breathe and swims with him safely to shore)


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sCene 2on the BeaCh

(The lights change from blue to pink as dawn comes up. Seagulls appear above the waves.)

marina. SAFE WITH THE NIGHT BEHIND USREST AND A TOUCH WILL BIND USSLEEP NOW AND NONE WILL FIND US. FAR, FAR AWAY

THOUGH LAND AND SEA MAY SEVERKNOW I WILL LEAVE YOU NEVERTELL ME YOU’LL LOVE FOREVER, FAR, FAR AWAY

prinCe. Where am I?marina. You are safe. (She kisses his forehead)

NOW YOU’RE SO CLOSE I FEAR YOUBUT WHEN I AM GONE I’LL HEAR YOUALWAYS TO FEEL I’M NEAR YOU. FAR, FAR AWAY

THOUGH LAND AND SEA MAY SEVERKNOW I WILL LEAVE YOU NEVERTELL ME YOU’LL LOVE FOREVER. FAR, FAR AWAY

(Toby, a baby seal, comes up beside Marina and sees the Prince.)

toBy. AAA! A people! marina. I’m not a human being, silly seal. (swings her tail around so Toby can see it)

toBy. AAAAAAAA! A shark! marina. I’m not a shark.toBy. AAAAAAAAAAAHHH! A people-shark! You can’t eat me. I know underwater kung fu! Haii-YAHH!

(Toby does a karate kick, and falls down, Marina laughs and helps him up.)

marina. Why, you’re just a baby. toBy. I’m this many. Arp! Arp! Arp! Not a baby. (Warms up a big Kung Fu move)

marina. What are you doing?toBy. I’m gonna beat him up.marina. Don’t you hurt him!toBy. Why not? People are bad.marina. Not all of them. I just rescued this one, so don’t you hurt him.


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toBy. Why should I trust you?

(A fish hops over a wave)

toBy. Ohh—look! Catch it! Catch it! I haven’t eaten all day.

(Marina catches the fish and gives it to Toby, who eats it up.)

toBy. Thanks—whatever you are. I’m Toby.marina. My name is Marina. And I’m a mermaid.toBy. (Looking at the unconscious Prince) Is he asleep?marina. Resting. He almost drowned.toBy. What is he, shipwrecked? marina. Uh huh. toBy. That ship hit the rocks hours and hours ago. You musta stayed up all night with him. You like him, don’tcha.

marina. I don’t even know his name. toBy. Hey—who’s that?

(Maidens are heard laughing offstage and approach. Celeste enters first)

marina. I don’t know.toBy. People! Hide.

(Marina and Toby hide. Celeste dances on, the Maidens gather seashells on the beach, then Celeste bends to look at the Prince)

Celeste. A castaway! (Celeste runs to call two Maidens, her friends, to help her.) Come here! Hurry!

maiDen. Is he alive? Is he breathing?prinCe. (Regaining consciousness) You saved my life. (He passes out again, in Celeste’s arms.)

Celeste. He needs a doctor. Help me take him to the schoolhouse.

(The Maidens take the Prince away. Marina is clearly unhappy)

toBy. Don’t be sad. You’ll see him again someday. Till then, wanna be my friend?

I SWIM AROUND ALONE ALL DAY, DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DOI’M LONELY, I’M HUNGRY BUT YOU FILLED MY HEART WHEN YOU FILLED MY TUMMYNOW I WON’T BE LONELY HERE CAUSE I FOUND YOUWE’RE BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, NOTHIN’ BETTER THAN US TOGETHERALWAYS ‘WE’ ‘CAUSE I’VE GOT YOU AND YOU’VE GOT ME


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SO DON’T BE SAD AND DON’T BE BLUE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A TAILIT DOESN’T MATTER WHAT YOU WEARWOULDN’T LIKE YOU BETTER WITH FEET ON THE BOTTOMI WOULD LIKE YOU EVEN AS A BIG FAT WHALEWE’RE BEST FRIENDS FOREVERNOTHIN’ BETTER THAN US TOGETHERALWAYS ‘WE’ ‘CAUSE I’VE GOT YOU AND YOU’VE GOT ME

(They perform a hand-clapping routine together, then Toby dances, for and with her, slapping his flippers)

toBy anD marina. WE’RE BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, NOTHIN’ BETTER THAN US TOGETHERALWAYS ‘WE’ ‘CAUSE I’VE GOT YOU AND YOU’VE GOT ME

sCene 3the unDersea kingDom

(The Mermaid Sisters dance, and tend fancy colored underwater flowers.)

mermaiDs.MERMAIDS FLOAT WITH A BUBBLE OR FLIP A TAILIF WE GET INTO TROUBLE WE RIDE A WHALEWE LOVE SWIMMING AND SINGING BEYOND THE SANDIN OUR MAGICAL GARDEN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND

(Marina enters, excited) marina. Naia! Opal! Coral! Pearl! Periwinkle!

(Naia swims forward—she has beautiful golden hair and wears gold scallops)

naia. Marina! Where have you been, Guppy? Daddy’s furious with you. You didn’t come home last night. Where have you been?

marina. Last night I was swimming by the great rock, and a storm came, and I thought I saw a huge whale swimming above me–but it wasn’t a whale, it was a great big wooden ship, with human beings on it!

naia. Oh, come on, guppy. Where were you really? Coral. Out in your little treasure garden again, looking at your golden statue?opal. Of your handsome prince.


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naia. What a waste of time.pearl. What a dreamer.marina. No, I really was watching the surface people dancing on board their ship in the firelight—and it was wonderful! Naia, tell me more about the surface world. What’s it like?

naia. Pretty soon you’ll be fifteen and old enough to see it yourself.marina. I can’t wait till then. Please, Naia, tell me!naia. We’ve all seen wonderful things on the surface world, haven’t we, sisters.

I SAW LIGHTS IN A CITY THAT SHINED AT NIGHT

opal. (Tall and slender and wears mussel shells)I SAW LIGHTNING AND FIRE THAT BURNED SO BRIGHT

Coral. (Red-haired, wears coral jewelry)I SAW CLOUDS IN A SUNSET OF GOLD AND BLUE

naia, opal anD Coral. DON’T YOU WISH THAT YOU COULD SEE IT TOO

periwinkle. (Wears cockle shells)I SAW SHIPS SO ENORMOUS WITH SAILS SO TALL

pearl. (Silver-haired, wears pearls in it and oyster jewelry)I SAW CHILDREN THAT SWAM WITH NO TAILS AT ALL

mermaiDs. (except Marina).WE’VE SEEN ALL THAT A MERMAID COULD EVER SEEBUT YOU’RE JUST A LITTLE KID TOO YOUNG TO SWIM SO FREE

periwinkle. You’ll never swim to the surface. You’re too afraid, guppy.marina. I will too. You guys just don’t ever believe me. opal. You only said you saw a ship because Periwinkle said she saw one first.marina. No, I didn’t.periwinkle. You’re being a copycatfish.Coral. Giant ship.pearl. Copycatfish!

marina. THE WORLD WAY UP THERE WHERE THEY BREATHE THE AIR’SWHAT I WANT TO SEETHEY DANCE OR THEY RUN UNDER THE SUNOR CLIMB UP A TREE

I LIKE LIVING DOWN BENEATH THE SEA


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ON THE SURFACE A HANDSOME PRINCE COULD FALL IN LOVE WITH ME

opal. There’s no such thing as a handsome prince.marina. Yes, there is! Coral. If there were, why would he want to pay any attention to you? pearl. You’re not much to look at.marina. I’m almost fifteen. periwinkle. You’re just a guppy. opal. And afraid of the air.Coral. And the wind.naia. And the sunlight.

(The mermaids laugh at Marina and start to swim away)

mermaiDs. (except Marina)WHEN YOU’RE GROWN UP LIKE US YOU WILL UNDERSTANDYOU MUST STAY IN OUR GARDEN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND

MERMAIDS FLOAT WITH A BUBBLE OR FLIP A TAILIF WE GET INTO TROUBLE WE RIDE A WHALEWE LOVE SWIMMING AND SINGING BEYOND THE SANDIN OUR MAGICAL GARDEN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND

marina. (At the same time as the above)JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO MEYOU’LL SEE YOU’RE WRONGI DISAGREE, HE’LL SAY HE LOVES ME WHEN I SING MY SONG

PLANTING UNDERSEA FLOWERS IS FUN TO DOBUT I’LL SWIM UP A STREAM ‘CAUSE I HAVE A DREAM THAT’S GOING TO COME TRUE

mermaiDs.IN OUR MAGICAL GARDEN UNDERWATER WONDERLAND

marina. I’LL SWIM UP A STREAM ‘CAUSE I HAVE A DREAM THAT’S GOING TO COME TRUE

marina. mermaiDs.IN THE AIR UNDERWATERIN THE AIR UNDERWATER (etc.)


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IN THE AIR THAT’S WHERE YOU’LL STAYIN THE AIR! THAT’S WHERE YOU’LL STAY (etc.)

sea Creatures.YOU SWIM THRU THE BLUE NOWTHE SUN NOT FOR YOU NOWWHAT WE SAY IS TRUE NOWWHAT CHU GONNA DO NOWNEED NO SUNTAN LOTIONSO DEEP IN THE OCEANSTAY DOWN HERE WITH MEWAY UNDER THE SEAIT’S WHERE YOU BELONGNOW FINISH THE SONGSTAY WITH ME—IN THE SEA

opal. Maybe you can invite your prince to the party tonight. pearl. Hope he knows how to hold his breath! (They laugh)Coral. (Looking up) Hey, girls—look. A ship. Let’s go sink it! Ha ha ha ha!marina. Coral, you shouldn’t do that.naia. Jealous, guppy? Let’s go, girls.

(The Mermaids swim away. Marina goes to her Grandmother, who is decorating clam desserts with whipped cream.)

marina. Grandmother! granDmother. Marina, careful! My clam canapés!marina. Sorry. Grandmother?granDmother. Yes, dear?marina. Am I ugly?granDmother. Marina, there’s nothing wrong with you. marina. I’m boring and plain. granDmother. Nonsense! You have the voice of an angel. marina. And the tail of a porpoise.granDmother. You are a magical creature, dear. You can breathe air or swim with starfish in the sea, and if you always keep love in your heart, one day you will transform into a daughter of the wind and ride the cool summer breezes and lift the sails of ships.

marina. Me? A daughter of the wind? No one will ever love me. I’ll never be able to love anyone.

granDmother. Well, love isn’t something you can see with your eyes, or catch like a fish.

marina. Then how will I ever find it?granDmother. When it comes, you will know. marina. Grandmother, I don’t want to stay here forever. I want to go to the surface and be with a handsome Prince.

granDmother. Marina, you must be patient. Listen to yourself, lovesick for


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a boy you haven’t even met! Give yourself time to grow. Give yourself time to dream. That is how you will find where you belong.

marina. I have to dream?granDmother. That’s right, Marina. Cook one up for yourself. Just the way you like it.

IF YOU WISH YOU HAD A DREAM, THINK, BEFORE YOU GO TO BEDTHE INGREDIENTS ARE THERE, BUT ALL MIXED UP IN YOUR HEADYOU’VE GOT TO LOOK INSIDE TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU COULD BECLOSE YOUR EYES, VISUALIZE, AND FOLLOW MY RECIPE

START WITH A WISH, ADD A LITTLE TOUCH OF HOPEA LITTLE FAITH, AND SOME COURAGE HELPS YOU COPEA DASH OF DETERMINATION GOES A LONG WAYWHAT ABOUT SOME PRIDE? A PINCH SHOULD BE O.K.ADD HALF A CUP OF “THAT’S WHAT I CAN DO!”THEN MIX IT UP WITH WHAT FEELS GOOD FOR YOUBLEND IN SOME LUCK WITH A DAB OF WHIPPED CREAMAND THATS HOW YOU MAKE YOURSELF A DREAM

(Clams dance as Grandmother decorates them. Marina is delighted.)

GET AN IDEA—IF IT’S FLIMSY, GET SOME TAPENOTHING TO FEAR AS YOU MOLD IT INTO SHAPESOME OLD FASHIONED GUSTO SHOULD BE PART OF YOUR PLANWANT TO ADD SOME LOVE?

(Spoken)Use a whole can!

DON’T OVERDO, TOO MUCH BATTER IS A WASTEMAKE JUST ENOUGH, AND IF YOU LIKE THE TASTETAKE THE INGREDIENTS AND BAKE THEM FULL STEAMAND THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE . . .

marina. A German chocolate cake?granDmother. No!granDmother & marina. THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE YOURSELF A—THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE YOURSELF A—THAT’S HOW YOU MAKE YOURSELF A DREAM!


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granDmother. (Tasting some whipped cream from the top of a clam) Mmm – delicious, if I do say so myself!

marina. Ha ha, Grandmother, you always know how to cheer me up! Thank you!

(Grandmother exits. Dylan, a nerdy mer-man wearing a white button-up shirt with bow tie and horn-rim glasses, enters. He carries a golden shell with a chain, and approaches Naia, who is doing her makeup, using a clam-shaped compact.)

Dylan. Naia, brought you a present.naia. Look, I told you, sea-dork, I’m not interested.Dylan. But I swam all the way past the cliff to get it. naia. Shove off. I’m doing my hair.Dylan. This is a collector’s item.naia. Can I see myself in it?Dylan. It’s a giant frilled dogwinkle. They’re very rare.naia. You ever consider a full-time career as barracuda bait?Dylan. Anything for you, Naia!naia. You are such a nerd.Dylan. I am? (emits nerdy honking laugh)

(Marina enters.)

marina. Naia, can I talk to you for a minute?naia. I’m busy. It’s a lot of work being the most beautiful mermaid in the sea, you know.

marina. But I—naia. Shh!marina. But I—naia. Go ‘way. You’ll mess my eye liner.

(Marina approaches Dylan.)

marina. Dylan, she’s prettier than I am, isn’t she?Dylan. Well, I—marina. And that’s what you like best about her, isn’t it? The way she looks?Dylan. Well—marina. I thought so. Naia! Naia!naia. What?? What do you want from me? marina. Naia, show me how to be beautiful. naia. You can’t make yourself beautiful. You’re just born that way.marina. Well, I’m not tall and shapely like you. If I want a boy to look at me I’m going to have to work at it. C’mon, you’re my sister, you’re s’posta help me! Isn’t there anything I can do to attract a little attention?

naia. Maybe so.

SOME PEOPLE SAY TO GET A MAN YOU NEED A POINT OF


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VIEWWORK YOUR BRAIN AND NOT YOUR BOD IS WHAT THEY SAY TO DODEVELOP SOCIAL ETIQUETTE AND CULTIVATE YOUR CHARMI’VE NEVER SEEN A REAL MAN TAKE A BOOKWORM BY THE ARM

I GOT SOMETHIN’ BETTER FOR THE BOYS THAT SWIM ON BYRUBY LIPS AND PEARLY TEETH AND GREAT BIG BEDROOM EYESLEARN SOME MATHEMATICS? ASTROPHYSICS? NOT FOR YOU.MEMORIZE THIS FIGURE— AND THEN HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

SWING IT TO THE LEFT, SWING IT TO THE RIGHTSWING IT ALL DAY AND SWING IT ALL NIGHTSHOW ‘EM SOMETHIN’ THEY CAN UNDERSTAND

SWING IT HIGH, SWING IT LOW, WIND IT UP AND LET IT GOSWING IT EVERY WAY YOU CAN, THAT’S HOW TO GET YOUR MAN!

JUST KEEP IT MOVIN’ AND HE’LL FIND YOUDON’T WORRY ‘BOUT THE FUTURE, ONLY WHAT YOU’VE GOT BEHIND YOU

SWING IT IN, SWING IT OUT, BACK AND FORTH AND ROUND ABOUTADVERTISING, THAT’S WHAT MAKES A SALE

SWING IT FAST, SWING IT SLOW, SHOW OFF WHAT YOU GOT BELOWIF YOU WANNA LAND THAT MALE,YOU GOTTA SWING YOUR TAIL!

naia. Ok, kid, now you try!marina. Like this? (A half-baked hip swing results)naia. You wiggle like a squid. Put some oomph in it, will ya? (Demonstrates elaborate warm-up and hip swing, with gusto)

marina. Ok. (Successfully imitates the windup and hip swing) OOMPH!naia. Okay, kid, you’re swingin’ fine. You swing yours and I’ll swing mine!

(Dance section)

IF YOU WANT TO GIVE A MAN A FRESH ROMANTIC NOTIONKEEP THAT BACKSIDE MOVIN’ WITH THE RHYTHM OF THE OCEAN!


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SWING IT IN THE SUMMER, SWING IT IN THE FALLSWING IT ALL DAY, OR DON’T SWING IT AT ALLSWING IT WITH SOME CLASS AND YOU CAN’T FAIL SWING IT EAST, SWING IT WEST, JUST WATCH ME, I SWING IT BEST IF YOU WANNA HOOK THAT MALE YOU’VE GOTTA SWING

marina. I’VE GOTTA SWING

naia. YOU’VE GOTTA SWING JUST EVERYTHING! YA GOTTA LEARN TO SWING YOUR TAIL!

marina. Thank you, Naia.naia. So what exactly are you thinkin’, Guppy? marina. Nothin’. Just thinkin’.naia. Well, don’t do it too hard, now, and sprain your shrimpy little brain. marina. See you later. And thanks. naia. Sure. That’s what sisters are for.

(Goes back to her makeup Marina starts to swim away. Dylan sees her and stops her.)

Dylan. Marina, why are you going in that direction? You mustn’t swim past the cliffs—it’s dangerous. There are poisonous eels and jellyfish out there. And the whirlpool.

marina. Dylan, I don’t want to be a fish anymore. I want to be human.Dylan. Human? marina. I’m going to see Crustacia.Dylan. Who?marina. The old sea-witch that lives in the cave under the whirlpool. Dylan. She was banished from the kingdom for casting spells!marina. Exactly. Dylan. She’s bad! You don’t wanna go there!marina. Dylan, listen, if there was a chance Naia would go out with you, you’d take a risk for her in a minute, wouldn’t you? Even if you might get hurt?

Dylan. I guess. marina. Well then you should understand what I have to do.Dylan. You won’t find anything on the surface like we have here—the great hall with glass walls lit by blue flames—the golden castle—the songs of the whales and dolphins!

marina. I have to go, Dylan. I’m in love. Dylan. (Removing a shell necklace from around his neck) Then take this with you for luck. And be careful!

(Marina takes the shell necklace from Dylan and swims away)


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marina. (Swimming to her golden statue, she embraces and kisses it—and her sisters, who have been watching, make kissy-faces too and laugh at her) Ohh, why do you all have to be so mean! (Swims away from them) I’ll show them! I’m not afraid of the sunlight! I’m going to swim up to the surface world. Where I belong!

I’M TINY ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT I CAN HANDLE WHAT’S IN STOREFORGET NOW WHAT I ONCE WAS, NOW I CAN BE MUCH MOREI FEEL I’M GETTING WISER, NOW EVERY DAY I SEESOMETHING WONDERFUL IS COMING, SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

granDmother. (Who we didn’t notice has been watching Marina)OUR TIME IS ALMOST OVER, IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SEETHIS LITTLE GIRL IS READY TO LEAVE OUR FAMILYREMEMBER HOW I LOVE YOU AS YOU SWIM UP THROUGH THE SEABUT DON’T FORGET TO SWIM BACK HOME AGAIN TO ME

marina.THERE’S SOMEONE WHO WILL CARE, SOMEONE WHO WILL SEESOMEONE WHO’LL BELIEVE IN US AND ALL THAT I CAN BEI CLOSE MY EYES AND SEE HIM, MY FANTASY COME TRUEJUST CALL OUT MY NAME, LOVE, AND I’LL SWIM AWAY TO YOU

marina, granDmother, anD singers.SWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY TO WHEREVER HE MAY BESWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY MY/HER TRUE LOVE’S SMILE TO SEESWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY FAR ACROSS THE SEA

marina. IF I’M NOT AFRAID TO LOVE, SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

marina anD singers.SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

granDmother anD singers.SWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY TO WHEREVER HE MAY BESWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY YOUR TRUE LOVE’S SMILE TO SEESWIM AWAY SWIM AWAY FAR ACROSS THE SEAAH——————-I KNOW SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME


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sCene 4BeyonD the whirlpool/the witCh’s Cave

(The gray naked sea bed. Dancers encircle Marina as a whirlpool as she swims to the cave. A strange forest of half-plant, half-animal creatures that look like many-headed snakes, with slimy fingers like worms. Some hold white skeletons of humans and mer-people that had long since come too close to their arms. Two Anemones wiggle near her as Marina shudders and holds her hair close so the creatures can’t grab it and she swims by, as fast as she can. But she can not find the witch’s cave. Out comes the Eel, who drools for the little mermaid as if she is a juicy steak and tries to bite her every time she turns her back.)

eel. Hey there, little red. Lost in the big bad woods?marina. No. Well . . . yes . . . who are you?eel. I’m the Eel. Pleased to . . . eat you!marina. Please, Mister Eel, may I get through?eel. You’re swimming in the wrong direction.marina. I—I’m taking a shortcut.eel. Careful. These are poisonous.

(He holds out a fish and an Anemone grabs it)

marina. Please—I’m afraid –eel. Don’t worry. The food chain’s perfectly natural, and every little guppy plays its part—

marina. Please, sir—I’m far away from home, and that whirlpool spun me around so fast it made me dizzy. I have to find the witch’s cave. Can you help me?

eel. Honey, I know a solution to all of life’s little problems. IF YOUR LIFE IS MISERABLE AND YOU’D LIKE TO UNWINDLEAVE IT BEHIND—COME ON OUT WITH ME FOR DINNERIF SOMETIMES YOU THINK THAT YOU’RE GOING OUT OF YOUR MIND I’LL HELP YOU FIND SOMEWHERE YOU’RE ENJOYED!JUST COME ON OVER FOR A BITEIF EVER THINGS DON’T GO YOUR WAYYOU’LL FEEL JUST FINE WHEN YOU’RE SERVED WITH WINEAND FEATURED AS THE SPECIAL OF THE DAY!

IF YOU THINK THAT EV’RYTHING’S GOING LOUSY FOR YOUI’LL MAKE YOU STEW! THEN YOU’LL BE APPRECIATEDIF YOU’RE TIRED OF LIVING HERE AND YOU WANT TO GET


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OUTDON’T SIT AND POUT, BECOME AN ENTREE!

COME SEE THE UNDERSEA GOURMETI’D LIKE TO SAMPLE YOUR BUFFETWHEN LIFE’S NO GOOD, WHY NOT BE FOOD?YOU’LL NEVER CRY IF YOU’RE A BOUILLABAISSE!

JUST COME ON OVER FOR A BITEIF EVER THINGS DON’T GO YOUR WAYYOU’LL FEEL JUST FINE WHEN YOU’RE SERVED WITH WINEAND FEATURED AS THE SPECIAL OF THE DAY!

marina. Uhh … perhaps another day, Mr. Eel, after I’ve finished my business with the witch. Can’t you please tell me which way to go to find her?

eel. Crustacia’s cave is that way. And, don’t worry. She won’t bite. When you’re lookin’.

(We see Crustacia sitting on a clam-shell shaped throne, letting a frog eat out of her mouth. She has the claws of a crab where her hand should be. She is surrounded by slithering Evil Sea Creatures)

CrustaCia. I know what you want, little mermaid.marina. How—how could you know me? I’ve never seen you before.CrustaCia. My friend the Eel swims swiftly and hears much. eel. I always announce specially tender guests in advance.CrustaCia. Quiet, slimy. (Hits him with her claw) You will have your wish, but it shall give you misery, little princess.

marina. How do you know—CrustaCia. You want a potion to get rid of your fishtail, and leave you with two stumps to walk on as human beings have, so that the young man will fall in love with you.

marina. Oh, yes. Please. I’ll do anything—CrustaCia. Not so fast, little princess. If you want all this, you must be willing to suffer for it.

marina. I don’t care what happens. CrustaCia. When your new legs form, it will hurt—and if the man marries another, your heart will break and at sunrise the next day you will dissolve into foam on the ocean.

marina. I –CrustaCia. And you will have to pay me, too. And it is no small fee. I want the most precious thing you have to pay for my potion.

marina. What’s that? CrustaCia. My voice is old and crackles. What I would do to sound young again!

marina. You want to take—my voice?CrustaCia. I shall keep it in this seashell.


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(She takes the golden shell from Marina’s neck)

marina. You mustn’t—I mean . . .CrustaCia. What is it, child? Having doubts?marina. But if you take my voice, how will I speak to the one I love? CrustaCia. With your beautiful body, your graceful walk and your lovely eyes. Perhaps you’ve changed your mind?

marina. No. Let it happen. CrustaCia. Very well, then.

(She grabs all kinds of things to add to her cauldron. The Evil Sea Creatures assist her, creeping about to deliver the ingredients and startling her.)

EYE OF EEL AND SEA-FROG’S FEET, MAKE ME NOW A POTION SWEETSPIDER’S TEETH AND SLIME OF SNAIL CLEAVE IN TWO THE MERMAID’S TAIL

SHIPWORM’S BILE AND TRITON’S HAIR, BOIL SO SHE MAY BREATHE THE AIRSTINGRAY’S BONES AND WHITE WHALE’S MILK, MAKE HER SKIN AS SOFT AS SILK

MAGIC POTION FROM THE SEA, TAKE THE POWER NOW FROM MEMAKE HER AS SHE WANTS TO BE, MAKE HER AS SHE WANTS TO BE

(Crustacia comes toward Marina and, opening Marina’s mouth, takes out a glowing ball of light which is her voice, and puts it into the seashell.)

LET HER BEAUTY NEVER PART, MAKE HER EYES BEWITCH HIS HEARTPOWDERED BONE FROM SAILOR DROWNED, MAKE HER SHAPE BE SLIM AND ROUND

BUT IF THIS MAN SHE LOVES AS LIFE MARRIES TO ANOTHER WIFESHE SHALL CHANGE TO BUBBLING FOAM, NEVER MORE TO SEE HER HOME

MAGIC POTION FROM THE SEA, TAKE THE POWER NOW FROM MEMAKE HER AS SHE WANTS TO BE, MAKE HER AS SHE WANTS TO BE


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CrustaCia. Drink! Drink!

(Marina drinks the potion and swims back up through the whirlpool to shore.)

sCene 5on the BeaCh

(The Prince runs by, being chased by the Maidens again. This time Spyglass helps him hide, points the other way, and is successful in diverting them, though he is run over in the process. The Prince emerges and helps pick Spyglass up)

prinCe. Spyglass, this is where I saw her. The girl who found me on the beach. If I must choose a queen, I choose her.

spyglass. Well, ye’ll have to find her, then, laddie, before yer birthday ball, and that’s only a day away.

prinCe. I’ll find her, Spyglass. I know I will. We survived that wreck for a reason. It was meant to be!

(The Prince turns and runs right into the nearly naked Marina, who holds onto a rock, steadying herself on her new legs, and they look into each other’s eyes for the first time.)

prinCe. (Holds her hand, helps her to her feet, wraps her with his coat) Who are you? How did you get here?

spyglass. Why does that lassie look so familiar? marina. (Pantomimes, pointing to her throat) [I can’t talk] prinCe. We’d better take her back to the castle.

(Marina throws off the coat and wiggles her “tail,” as instructed by her sister, at the Prince)

prinCe. Hey, put that back on! (She puts on coat, somewhat reluctantly) spyglass. Bah. Romance. (He exits)marina. (Seeing the Slave Girls dancing—NOTE: Marina’s actions, from this point on, since she is now voiceless, are written in dialogue form. She does not speak these lines but acts them out) [Wait. I want to dance, as they do]

prinCe. What are you trying to tell me? You—you want to dance with them? But, you . . . you . . .

(Marina throws off the coat again and dances with the Slave Girls]

prinCe. Look at that! You can dance!

(Marina approaches the Prince and curtsies. The Prince and Marina dance


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together)

WHERE DID YOU COME FROM? WHERE ARE YOU GOING?BEAUTIFUL MAIDEN WHO ROSE FROM THE SEAWHAT SORT OF MAGIC ENCHANTMENT HAS BROUGHT YOUFROM A FARAWAY LAND HERE TO ME

WHY ARE YOU SILENT? CAN’T YOU HEAR ME?AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT ME WHAT DO YOU SEE?IF ONLY YOU’D SPEAK YOU COULD ANSWERTHOUGH I MIGHT CATCH A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WE COULD BEIF YOU’LL JUST KEEP ON DANCING WITH ME

(The dance ends, with Marina and the Prince face to face.)

prinCe. You must never leave my side, till we find out where you came from and can get you home safely.

(The Prince puts the coat back on Marina yet again. This time she accepts it.)

prinCe. Hungry? (Marina nods yes) Then let’s eat.

(The Prince spreads out a blanket, basket etc. Naia and Toby watch her. Toby is surprised to see that she is no longer a mermaid.)

Dylan. We can’t go too close to land. Someone will see us. naia. Deal with it, Sea-dork. Dylan. There’s Marina.naia. (Sees Marina’s legs) What are at those things sticking out where her tail should be?

Naia & Dylan. Eeewww!Dylan. Marina, are you okay up here? (Marina shoos them away)naia. I can’t believe her. She really did go to Crustacia. How could she do such a—

(The Prince turns around. The sea-people duck their heads. The Eel happens upon them and hides to listen to their conversation)

prinCe. Did you hear something?

(Marina shakes her head no. Toby swims in.)

Dylan. Look—a baby seal.toBy. Hey—you’re a mermaid.Dylan. I’m a merman.naia. Ethel Mer-man.Dylan. Hey!


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toBy. You look like Marina. naia. She’s my sister. Hey, who’s the hottie? toBy. Don’t you know? He’s the Prince! naia. The guppy got what she wanted after all.toBy. And if the Prince marries her, he’ll be king—she’ll be queen—and I’ll be the official seal! Arp! Arp! Arp!

naia. Neptune protect us.eel. (Aside) Hmmm. Royal aspirations. Crustacia should hear about this.

(Marina and the Prince are having their picnic, drinking from fancy glasses. She is enthralled.)

prinCe. Seems like only yesterday when my father told me someday this land and the castle would all be mine. I never believed that it would really happen. I don’t have any idea what’s expected of me. (He pushes Marina’s wet hair out of her face and looks into her eyes) I wish I didn’t have to marry so soon. I wish I could command time to stop. And this day could last forever.

GIVE ME YOUR HANDS, SHOW ME YOUR EYESMAKE ME NO PROMISES, TELL ME NO LIESTELL ME A WISH, DREAMS FOR THE DAYWE’LL HOLD THEM CLOSE, THEN THROW THEM AWAYTIME SEEMS TO FLY BY SO FASTTOMORROW THIS DAY WILL BE PASTTHIS IS OUR MOMENT, OUR SPECIAL MOMENTIF ONLY THIS MOMENT COULD LAST

JUST YOU AND ME UNDER THE SKYPART OF EACH OTHER WE’LL SHARE TILL WE DIEBREATHE IN THE AIR, FEEL THE SUN ON YOUR FACEALWAYS REMEMBER OUR SPECIAL PLACETHE SECONDS FLY BY SO FASTBUT WHEN OUR PRECIOUS MOMENT HAS PASSEDTHINK OF THE SUNSHINE, SAVE ME SOME SUNSHINETHAT WAY OUR MOMENT WILL LAST

(Marina kisses the Prince. He plays with her hair, and rests his head on her breast. She is delighted.)

sCene 6the witCh’s Cave

(Crustacia holds the seashell she took from Marina. It is now on a golden chain, which she places around her neck. When she touches it and opens her mouth, the


27


sound of Marina’s voice emerges)

CrustaCia. WHAT A MARVELOUS TREASURE, IT’S TRULY A PLEASUREA DELIGHT NOW TO KNOW I CAN VOCALIZE HIGH AND LOWIT’S JUST SO AMAZING, MAYBE I’LL BE A CELEBRITYPULL UP A CHAIR NOW CAUSE HERE COMES A SHOW!

CrustaCia. Marina’s Voice.I CAN SING! LA LA LA


CrustaCia. OH, WHAT A MIRACULOUS THING! Marina’s Voice.ON THIS NOTE— LA LA LA

CrustaCia. Marina’s Voice.I SHALL FLOAT LA LA LA

CrustaCia.WHO KNOWS WHAT SUCCESS IT SHALL BRING?BUT WHAT SHALL I DO WITH MY WONDERFUL NEW ABILITYI USED TO BE SOMETHING, BUT NOW I CAN BE MUCH MOREFAREWELL TO THIS CAVE AND GOODBYE TO HUMILITYI’LL BE DESIRED AND I’LL BE ADORED!



CrustaCia. OH, WHAT A MIRACULOUS THING! Marina’s Voice.ON THIS NOTE— LA LA LA

CrustaCia. Marina’s Voice.I SHALL FLOAT LA LA LA

CrustaCia.WHO KNOWS WHAT SUCCESS IT SHALL BRING?

(The Eel enters)

eel. Hey, Crusty!


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CrustaCia. Don’t call me Crusty! I mean, what is it, my dear slippery friend?eel. What got you in such a good mood? I haven’t seen you so happy since the last big oil spill.

CrustaCia. Can’t you tell? It’s my new voice, Eel. (Mouths Marina’s words) Marina’s Voice. Don’t you think it suits me? eel. You still got a face like a lobster.CrustaCia. How dare you insult me! I’ll claw you to pieces!eel. Chill, Crusty! I—CrustaCia. Don’t call me Crusty!! (Hits him) eel. Listen—I’ve got news for you. About the little fish-girl who wanted legs.CrustaCia. What is it?eel. You know my fee. Five clams.CrustaCia. Here. eel. I want a big one. CrustaCia. (Threatening to belt him with her claw) I’ll give you a big one. Tell me your news.

eel. About that boyfriend you set her up with—CrustaCia. Well, what about him? eel. He’s the Prince. CrustaCia. The Prince!eel. And he’s going to choose his queen from the girls that attend a special ball at the castle.

CrustaCia. His queen! That’s it! I could be a queen! eel. And give up your current status as number one underwater wench?CrustaCia. Think of all the years I’ve spent alone—think of the power I could gain! What have I got to lose?

eel. Well, ya got me, dontcha?CrustaCia. Like I said. What have I got to lose? Eel, go find me that prince and his castle. I’ll show him and his little mermaid a party they’ll never forget!

THE POOR LITTLE MERMAID WHO’D DIE OUT OF LOYALTYAND PAID TO DISPOSE OF HER FISHTAIL AND START ANEW SHE SAID HE WAS HANDSOME BUT NEVER THAT HE WAS ROYALTYSHE’LL PAY FOR HER SECRETS BY LOSING HIM TOO!

(Spoken)CrustaCia. I’ve taken her voice, and I’ve got nothing since, so I’ll make myself human and I’ll have her Prince!

(Sung)I’LL . . . BE . . . RICH! I’LL BE SEEN! BE THE BEAUTIFUL POWERFUL QUEEN!I’LL CONQUER THE WORLD, AND THAT GIRL IS THE ONLY ONE STANDING BETWEEN!


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sCene 7the prinCe’s shipBoarD Ball

(The scene changes to the deck of a ship, decorated for the Prince’s ball. Church bells ring, and trumpets blow. All the most beautiful Maidens from miles and miles around appear, dressed in elegant costumes to try to win favor with the Prince. Colored lamps are lit and the sailors dance on deck.)

prinCe. I’ve got to marry one of these? Look at them all.spyglass. Yes, and not a one of ‘em sincere.

(The Prince gives Spyglass a look)

sailors. IT WAS FRIDAY MORN WHEN WE SET SAIL AND WE WERE NOT FAR FROM THE LANDWHEN OUR CAPTAIN HE SPIED A MERMAID SO FAIRWITH A COMB AND GLASS IN HER HAND

AND THE OCEAN WAVES DO ROLLAND THE STORMY WINDS DO BLOWAND WE POOR SAILORS GO SKIPPIN AT THE TOPWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW BELOW BELOWWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW

Footman. Princess Gelda of the House of Kartoffelsalat. gelDa. (Curtsies to the Prince) Guten aben, you big strong manly man. Voult you like do dannce?

prinCe. Why not. (They dance.)

(He changes partners)

sailors. UP JUMPED THE CAPTAIN OF OUR GALLANT SHIPAND A FINE SPOKEN MAN WAS HE

gelDa. (In character voice)DAT PRETTY MERMAID HAS VARNED ME OF OUR DOOMVE SHALL SINK TO DA BOTTOM OF DA SEA!

sailors. AND THE OCEAN WAVES DO ROLLAND THE STORMY WINDS DO BLOWAND WE POOR SAILORS GO SKIPPIN AT THE TOPWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW BELOW BELOW


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WHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW

Footman. Princess Facilia Deshabillia of Couchezia. FaCilia. At last! (Seizing him) Embrassez-moi, embrassez-moi!

sailors. AND THE OCEAN WAVES DO ROLLAND THE STORMY WINDS DO BLOWAND WE POOR SAILORS GO SKIPPIN AT THE TOPWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW BELOW BELOWWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW

FaCilia. (Starts madly kissing the Prince. He pulls away.) Oh, ma cher.prinCe. (Taken forcefully to dance and led by another princess.) Who are you?Footman. Lady Corpa Carpa LaVista, Duchess of Onomatopoiea.

(Corpa Carpa enters, and quite boldly seizes the Prince.)

prinCe. In this country, we let the men lead.Corpa. Sometimes ve let de men lead too. prinCe. Oh boy.

(Corpa Carpa leads him in a berserk polka-like dance)

sailors. THREE TIMES AROUND SPUN OUR GALLANT SHIPAND THREE TIMES AROUND SPUN SHETHREE TIMES AROUND SPUN OUR GALLANT SHIPAND SHE SANK TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA

AND THE OCEAN WAVES DO ROLLAND THE STORMY WINDS DO BLOWAND WE POOR SAILORS GO SKIPPIN AT THE TOPWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW BELOW BELOWWHILE THE LAND LUBBERS LIE DOWN BELOW

Footman. The Prince’s ward, the mysterious Girl of the Sea.

(Marina enters, wearing an ornate strapless white ball gown, with her hair up and decorated. Marina and the Prince dance together, and, when the dance is done, he seems very taken by her. Maybe she isn’t just a little girl after all.)

prinCe. You look lovely.

(Just as Prince leans closer to her, the Footman announces…)

Footman. The Lady Celeste.prinCe. Oh no—not another one.


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(Celeste enters as the music changes—she is a stunningly pretty and graceful brunette. The Prince instantly recognizes her face.)

Celeste. Would you like to dance, Prince?prinCe (Speechless, and pulling away from Marina, he accepts and dances with her) It was you—you’re the one.

Celeste. I didn’t think you would remember! prinCe. I could never forget your eyes. I saw them when I woke up in your arms on the beach. I’ve found you at last! The girl who saved my life!

(The Prince waves his hands at the musicians to stop playing)

prinCe. Ladies and gentlemen of the court, I have made my choice.

(Corpa Carpa, behind him, leaps with happiness and shows her muscles, confident she’s about to be announced as the winner.)

prinCe. Lady Celeste, will you marry me and be my queen?

(Corpa Carpa falls backward in a dead faint)

Celeste. Why, Prince, this is so sudden.prinCe. I love you with all my heart. (Kneels and produces ring) Celeste. Yes, Prince, I will.CrowD. (Applauds) Hooray! Long live the king and queen! (Ad lib).prinCe. (To Marina) Aren’t you happy for me?

(Kisses her on the forehead. Marina runs away from the ball. Another dance begins.)

naia. (Poking her head up on deck) Hi. What’s up.

(Marina shoves her aside with her foot)

Hey, that was rude. What’s the matter?marina. [Her.] naia. Who, her? What about her? Her and the Prince? A ring? He’s marrying her? No way! After all you did for him? What are you going to do? What do you mean, nothing?

marina. [Go away]naia. No, I won’t go away! marina. [I said go.]naia. Something’s fishy around here.

(Marina ducks behind a door and watches as the Prince and Celeste dance. The Prince and Celeste come out by the water, holding hands, by the edge of the water. Marina runs to Spyglass and throws her arms around him. He is not used to


32


having a woman so close to him, but he slowly puts his arms around her.)

spyglass. That’s the trouble with storms. Always come without warning. It must have been powerful magic that got you here. To be with him?

(Marina nods yes)

spyglass. Too bad you can’t speak up for yourself.

(Marina points to Spyglass‘s empty ring finger)

spyglass. Why didn’t I ever marry? You know, my Captain always used to say, “always throw the first fish you catch back into the sea.“

(The Prince and Celeste dance slowly together in dim light, upstage)

WHEN I GREW UP I WENT TO SEA, A SAILOR I WAS BORN TO BEI TOLD MY LOVE THAT I’D BE TRUE, SAID, “IF I DIE, I DIE FOR YOU.”

I ASKED MY LOVE, “WHAT WILL YOU DO?” SHE SAID, “FOREVER WAIT FOR YOU,TO HOLD YOU CLOSE WHEN YOU SAIL HOME MY ARMS ARE YOURS AND YOURS ALONE”

I PACKED MY TRUNK TO GO TO SEAI FOUND THE SEA WAS GOOD TO METHEN I RETURNED TO SEEK MY BRIDEI FOUND ANOTHER BY HER SIDE

I ASKED THE SUN, “WHAT WILL YOU DO?”HE SAID “I’LL SHINE – I’LL SHINE FOR YOU”I ASKED THE STARS, “WHAT WILL YOU DO?”“WE’LL GUIDE YOU HOME AND SEE YOU THROUGH”

(The Prince and Celeste walk offstage and the lights dim on all but Spyglass and Marina.)

I HAVE THE SUN TO KEEP ME WARMA ROOF TO SHIELD ME FROM THE STORMA SAIL TO CATCH THE WIND TODAYBUT NOW MY LOVE IS FAR AWAY SO ON ALONE I CROSS THE TIDEI SAIL THE OCEAN VAST AND WIDEAND THINK OF SUNNY SUMMER SKIES


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WHEN MY LOVE SAILED BY MY SIDE

I ASKED THE SUN, “WHAT WILL YOU DO?”HE SAID “I’LL SHINE – I’LL SHINE FOR YOU”I ASKED THE STARS, “WHAT WILL YOU DO?”“WE’LL GUIDE YOU HOME AND SEE YOU THROUGH”

(Embraces Marina. Lights come back up and we see the Prince and Celeste asleep now, by the ship’s rail, in each other’s arms)

spyglass. I’d better get back to the wheel. For my sailors and I, this is the end of a long journey.

(He exits. Spyglass and the Sailors prepare to head for home. One or two Sailors walk by and wave goodnight to their friends. Marina looks back toward the seaside and walks to the edge of the water. She tears the arms and collar from her dress, then rips off the bottom of the skirt.)

singers. WALK AWAY, WALK AWAY, HIS LOVE WAS NEVER TRUEWALK AWAY, WALK AWAY, IT’S WHAT YOU HAVE TO DOWALK AWAY, WALK AWAY, SOMETHING THAT YOU ALWAYS KNEWYOU’RE JUST A LITTLE MERMAIDTHERE CAN BE NO PLACE FOR--

(Marina is about to drop the pieces of dress into the water when suddenly, Crustacia rises from the waves, her hood eerily over her face. Naia appears in the water, her hair noticeably cut very short.)

CrustaCia. Well, little princess. Your time is up. Soon you will be nothing but foam on the sea.

naia. Leave her alone, you old witch!marina. [Naia, what happened to your hair?]naia. My hair? I sold it to her—for a spell that will change you back into a mermaid. (Pulls jeweled comb from her hair and gives it to Marina. Its long spike looks very deadly) This magic comb is sharp as a knife—sharp enough to pierce the Prince’s heart. Destroy him now and his blood will bring back your fishtail.

CrustaCia. Do what she says, Marina, or you’ll change to foam on the ocean! marina. [Kill him? No, I couldn’t.]CrustaCia. To be with him, you gave up the most beautiful voice in the world. Now look what he’s done. Either he dies or you do.

marina. [I can’t hurt him.]naia. (To Crustacia) What do you care what happens to the Prince?CrustaCia. Don’t you see? Once he is dead, I will have power over the kingdom.


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naia. How?CrustaCia. The surface people will need a ruler, so I’ll crown myself queen!naia. You’re green and mean, maybe, but you’re no queen.CrustaCia. Silence! (Putting the comb to Naia’s throat) Or you’ll lose more than your pretty hair.

naia. Hurry, Marina—it’s almost dawn. CrustaCia. What are you waiting for? Bring me his blood and live to love again!

(Marina takes the knife, and holds it high, considers that she could save herself by using it, but she can’t do it. She drops the knife and falls to her knees.)

CrustaCia. Weak, foolish child.

(Spyglass enters, bumps into Marina, and sees Naia.)

spyglass. Another mermaid! And what in the world might you be? (Sniffs) Ugh! Smells like seaweed!

naia. Marina’s my sister. And that’s the wickedest witch in the ocean. The seashell, sailor man—get the seashell!

prinCe. (Awakening) What’s going on, here, Spyglass? spyglass. (Takes the shell from Crustacia’s neck) This seashell?

(Furious, Crustacia rises high above the waves before the prow of the ship, opens her claw and raises her staff, summoning the Evil Sea Creatures.)

CrustaCia. You feeble mortals dare to challenge one who commands all the monsters of the depths? Arise, my pets, and destroy those who have stolen my voice, my beauty, and my kingdom! Arise!

(Crustacia gestures magically and Evil Sea Creatures appear and threaten Spyglass, the Prince, Marina, and Naia. Spyglass tosses the seashell to Naia. Things look bad as the black, slimy, spiked creatures outnumber the humans and Naia and begin to creep over the rail onto the deck of the ship. A huge black Sea Serpent with an enormous gaping mouth now appears and threatens all aboard ship.)

spyglass. The devil of the deep! After me other leg, are ya? To Davy Jones’s locker with ya!

(Spyglass attacks the Sea Serpent with a harpoon and is knocked overboard. The Sea Serpent now goes after Marina. Crustacia picks her up and is ready to feed her to the monster.)

CrustaCia. Goodbye, forever, you foolish little brat!

(Suddenly, Toby enters, heroically, riding piggyback on the Eel)


35


toBy. Oh no you don’t! Giddyup! CHARGE!

(Enter Dylan, now sporting a mature bare-chested well-muscled physique and a golden headband, and the other Mermaids, who carry swords of coral. The Mer-people defeat the Evil Sea Creatures and Toby and the Eel charge across the stage and butt Crustacia, causing her to topple into the mouth of the Sea Serpent. Spyglass harpoons the Serpent, then replaces the seashell around Marina’s neck.) eel. Hey, work is work. (Toby throws him a clam, which he eats.) marina. (To Dylan) You are very brave. Who are you?Dylan. Who am I? Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your old pal Dylan!marina. Dylan! You’ve grown—up!Dylan. Sometimes a year can do a lot for a guy. (He flexes muscles.)naia. Good job, sea-dork. (Dylan looks surprised and disappointed for a moment, then Naia gives him a big long smooch. He beams)opal. Come on, Marina. Let’s go home.

(A glow forms on the horizon.)

toBy. What’s the matter, Marina? What do you see?Dylan. The dawn is breaking.naia. Oh no—the spell! Quick—hide her! She’ll turn into foam!prinCe. What?naia. She’s under a spell! As soon as the sun comes up–marina. (Hastily, to Toby.) You must be brave now, Toby. (To Prince) I will always be with you. As long as the sun is shining and the wind blows free.

prinCe. Stop! What are you doing?toBy. No, Marina—don’t go!marina. I’l never forget you. Any of you.

(Marina kisses the Prince, then climbs up to the prow of the ship, upstage.)

toBy. No! Nooooo!

marina. THOUGH LAND AND SEA MAY SEVER, KNOW I WILL LEAVE YOU NEVER TELL ME YOU’LL LOVE FOREVER FAR, FAR . . .

toBy. Marina!

(Marina can’t finish the song. As the bright rays of the sun splash across the deck of the ship, she turns and opens her arms and is enveloped in mist.)


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ENDING #1: Original Hans Christian Andersen version

(When the mist is has gone, we see Marina has disappeared.)

Dylan. She’s gone.

(Toby is at the point of tears. Spyglass comforts him.)

prinCe. (Runs to edge of deck—looks out—cries out for her) Marina! Marina! (Bends and cries. Drops the seashell on the ground. Long pause. Finally he lifts his head and asks:) Spyglass, who was she? spyglass. A brave girl who loved a handsome prince. Dylan. Well, what are we supposed to do now?toBy. Is she gone forever?

(Spyglass picks up the seashell, puts it to his ear and listens. He hears something, and eagerly motions for Toby.)

spyglass. Listen. (Gives seashell to Toby, who smiles as he listens, then passes it to the Prince.)

prinCe. I don’t hear anything but the ocean. marina. (Offstage)

THOUGH LAND AND SEA MAY SEVER, KNOW I WILL LEAVE YOU NEVERTELL ME YOU’LL LOVE FOREVER, FAR FAR AWAY

prinCe. (Now hears the voice in the seashell) That song—I can hear her voice—toBy. Marina!

(The Daughters of the Wind appear and Marina, now one of them, floats down from the sky onto the ship)

prinCe. That voice! I’ve heard it before -- on the beach. After the shipwreck. But that means, if it was -- I mean, I should have—

marina. No. I want you to be happy together forever. Both of you.prinCe. But --marina. With you I climbed high mountains and rode horses and heard birds sing—and danced in the sunlight—it was all wonderful. But now you have work to do. You will be king (kisses him on the cheek) and you will be queen (kisses Celeste).

toBy. And don’t forget the official seal! (She kisses him too)marina. Once I was a little mermaid, a creature of the sea. Then I became human and walked on land. Now, what Grandmother said has come true—I’ve become a daughter of the wind!


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prinCe. But how did this happen?spyglass. The love in her heart was stronger than any spell could ever be. toBy. You won’t forget us, now, Marina, will you? marina. I could never forget you, Toby. Like I said, I will always be with you—all of you—as long as the sun is shining, and the wind blows free.

prinCe. I love you, Marina. Very much. marina. Thank you, and I love you too, Prince . . . I mean . . . your majesty.

(Marina holds the Prince’s hands and they sing together)

NOW I’M DIFFERENT ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT BETTER THAN BEFOREI REMEMBER WHAT I ONCE WAS AND NOW I’M SO MUCH MOREWE’LL NEVER BE APART NOWCAUSE THERE’S SOMETHING NEW I KNOWTHAT LOVE IS EVER-CHANGING, AND TO LIVE WE ALL MUST GROWREMEMBER WHAT WE SHARED, REMEMBER WHAT WE KNEWMEMORIES CAN NEVER DIE AND MINE ARE ALL OF YOUCLOSE YOUR EYES AND SEE ME, STAND BY THE OCEAN BLUEJUST CALL OUT MY NAME, LOVE, AND I WILL ANSWER YOU

prinCe. THOUGH WE’LL WALK DIFFERENT PATHWAYSALONE I’LL NEVER BEI KNOW THAT IN YOUR HEART NOWTHAT THERE’S A PLACE

marina. FOREVER BE A PLACEmarina & prinCe. SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

winD spirits. FLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, TO WHEREVER DREAMS MAY BE FLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, AT LAST YOUR HEART IS FREEFLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, FAR ACROSS THE SEA

marina. I KNOW DEEP IN YOUR HEART NOW SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACEprinCe. A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

marina & prinCe. SOMEWHERE THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME


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(Marina kisses the Prince lovingly on the cheek. Grandmother Mermaid appears upstage, in white; she too is also now a Daughter of the Wind. Marina flies to her and embraces her. Naia puts her arm around Dylan and Spyglass holds Toby as all the Daughters of the Wind rise up off of the ground into the air and fly away. Toby and the Prince and all wave to Marina, and Marina blows another kiss, as the wind blows, strong and wonderful.)

The End

ENDING #2; “Happy Ending”

(Marina expected to disappear in the mist, but when it clears, she still stands on the deck, safe and unharmed.)

toBy. She’s still here, she didn’t turn into foam! What happened?spyglass. The love in her heart was stronger than any spell could ever be. prinCe. That voice! I’ve heard it before -- on the beach. After the shipwreck. But that means, if it was -- I mean, I should have—

marina. No. I want you to be happy, forever. Both of you.prinCe. But --marina. With you I climbed high mountains and rode horses and heard birds sing—and danced in the sunlight—it was all wonderful. But now you have work to do. You will be king (kisses him on the cheek) and you will be queen (kisses Celeste).

toBy. And don’t forget the official seal! (She kisses him too)Celeste. No. prinCe. What?Celeste. I said no. That must not be. I must tell the truth. (To the Prince) All I did was take you to the schoolhouse when we found you on the beach. There will be another handsome Prince for me someday. This one belongs to you. (Celeste takes the Prince’s hand, kisses him on the cheek, puts Marina’s hand in his.)

prinCe. Marina, who are you, really?marina. Once I was a little mermaid, a creature of the sea. Then I asked the witch to make me human, because—because . . .

toBy. Because you loved the Prince. You told me so. I was there, remember? prinCe. (Kneels) Marina. It was you who rescued me from the storm, you who stayed with me, sang to me, kept me warm and safe all night. It was always you I sought -- you who was my dream.

marina. Yes, Prince . . . I mean . . . (Curtsies to him, offers her hand) your majesty.

(Marina holds the Prince’s hands and they sing together)


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NOW I’M DIFFERENT ON THE OUTSIDE, BUT BETTER THAN BEFOREI REMEMBER WHAT I ONCE WAS AND NOW I’M SO MUCH MOREWE’LL NEVER BE APART NOWCAUSE THERE’S SOMETHING NEW I KNOWTHAT LOVE IS EVER-CHANGING, AND TO LIVE WE ALL MUST GROWREMEMBER WHAT WE SHARED, REMEMBER WHAT WE KNEWMEMORIES CAN NEVER DIE AND MINE ARE ALL OF YOUCLOSE YOUR EYES AND SEE ME, STAND BY THE OCEAN BLUEJUST CALL OUT MY NAME, LOVE, AND I WILL ANSWER YOU

prinCe. NOW THAT I HAVE FOUND YOUALONE I’LL NEVER BEI KNOW THAT IN YOUR HEART NOWTHAT THERE’S A PLACE

marina. FOREVER BE A PLACEmarina & prinCe. I KNOW THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

winD spirits. FLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, TO WHEREVER DREAMS MAY BE FLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, AT LAST YOUR HEART IS FREEFLY AWAY, FLY AWAY, FAR ACROSS THE SEA

marina. I KNOW DEEP IN YOUR HEART NOW I KNOW THERE’S A PLACEprinCe. A BEAUTIFUL PLACE

marina & prinCe. I KNOW THERE’S A PLACE FOR ME

(Marina kisses the Prince. Naia puts her arm around Dylan. Celeste and Spyglass do the same. Toby hugs Marina and the Prince.)

The End


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proDuCtion notes

Mermaid Costumes Do not build literal “tails” for the mermaids (and merman), which will constrict movement and make dancing impossible. Use tights made of shiny material as a base and add scale pattern decorations and fins to the ankles (which fan out upward) if desired. Mermaids and mermen, if not in ballet slippers which match the color of their tights, should be barefoot. Resist the urge to create overdecorated bra tops for the mermaids or overcomplicated/colorful areas on their chests; overenthusiastic attempts toward modesty tend to call attention to the very area that is trying to be obscured and consequently distract from actress’s faces. Bathing suit or halter tops for mermaids (except Naia’s) should be neutral-colored or extremely simple and not call attention to themselves. Flesh colored full-body suits tend to look cheesy because they pick up stage light and reflect it brightly and for this reason are also not recommended. Decorate the mermaids’ hair with flowers, wrists with custom-made floral, brass, or shell jewelry, and waistlines and/or necks with shell/jewel/undersea-flower chains. Marina’s decorations should be the least ornate or showy of all and not accentuate her figure. Remember, she is the little mermaid and all her sisters should look more mature than she does. Naia, on the other hand, should be prominently curvy and provocative, with the loudest gold seashell bra possible.

Toby’s costume is an all-over gray body suit with stirrup straps at the feet so he can wear plastic diving flippers, painted the same color as the costume, and do a little tap dance in them during his song.

Any number of Good and Evil Sea Creatures can be added to the show; and if they float about during the underwater scenes it greatly adds to the atmosphere. Chiffon jellyfish etc. can also swim across the scene upstage supported by poles with strings (no effort to conceal same is necessary), and schools of fish can also be made and operated like flags. If the bubble girls are at work, and chiffon fish are traveling about on various levels, and the lighting director has some interesting colors or gobos to play with on stage, the underwater scenes can be a lot of fun to look at.

Swimming By the way, all underwater characters should not walk from place to place, but “swim,” to travel, in whatever way is appropriate to their character. The Eel, for instance, should not so much step as slither from place to place. The director should get in the habit of saying not “cross left,” but “swim left” while blocking these scenes!

The Storm The entire ship set, ship’s wheel, etc. should be disassembled in view of the audience by the rain/storm dancers during the music. Sound effects of rain and thunder are desirable here, as are sounds of seagulls after


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the storm is over.A well-muscled Dylan will get applause from the ladies in the audience when he appears bare-chested at the conclusion. Cast a guy who works out and cover his chest with the white shirt in the beginning of the show.

The Daughters of the Wind, as they appear in the original ending, are not angels, but may look angelic. Grandmother Mermaid, who dies offstage during the show (although this is not mentioned), reappears as one, in white, at the conclusion also.


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Documents

Little Mermaid Script