(MANAHAWKIN, NJ) -- Following a three year “pandemic pause,” Bellarine Theatre Company is presenting Disney's The Little Mermaid with four performances from August 12-14 at the Stafford Township Arts Center. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, this is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

Bellarine Theatre sets the stage with Ariel (Lindsay Paige Spitzer) who longs to venture to the human world, against her father King Triton’s (Chris Huch) command. As Ariel struggles between her love for her home, and her love for Prince Eric (George Rodrigues), she is joined by her young fish companion Flouder (Summer Sprague), her fellow curator of human stuff, Scuttle the Seagull (Mia Spallina), and her father’s right hand crab, Sebastian (Jose Gonzalez). Feeling hopeless, she accepts a deal from her estranged aunt, Ursula (Hadley Magaziner) that turns her human, but with a catch, she said has to give up her voice, and potentially lose her soul. 

The musical features music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl" and "Part of Your World."

Performances take place August 12-13 at 7:00pm and August 13-14 at 2:00pm.  Tickets are available for purchase online.  Preferred Seating $25;  Adults $22;  Students & Seniors $18; Children $15.

The Stafford Township Arts Center is located at 1000 McKinley Avenue in Manahawkin, New Jersey.

Here are more photos from the production.

Bellarine Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Southern Ocean County, NJ. Founded in 2011 by Jessica Huch in her college dorm room at Rowan University, Bellarine has grown immensely thanks to the passion of our dedicated staff, volunteers, patrons and generous sponsors. Bellarine Theatre is devoted to leaving a positive impact on our community, audience, and company members by providing an invigorating theatrical experience. We believe in the advancing our craft by providing opportunities for all through education, collaboration, and exploration.

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.