(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - March 25, 2016) - - - The Columbia State Community College commercial entertainment program will present its annual spring musical, "The Little Mermaid," April 8 and 9 at the Williamson Campus.

Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

"The Little Mermaid" is fun for all ages," said Cathy Hudnall, director and assistant professor of the commercial entertainment program. "'The Little Mermaid' is such a beloved classic, kids and parents alike are sure to enjoy the show."

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With 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."

Friday's Spring Theater begins at 7:30 p.m., and the lobby doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets for this event are $14 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 - 10. Children can enjoy preshow activities in the lobby before the performance, along with photo opportunities with cast members after the show.

Saturday's Dessert Theater begins at 7:30 p.m. The lobby doors open at 6 p.m., and dessert service begins at 6:45 p.m. Tickets for this event are $17 for adults and $12 for children ages 3 - 10. Limited table seating is available for this performance.

To purchase tickets, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/TheLittleMermaid, or call (615) 790-4420. There is special online pricing for students and groups of 10 or more.

Hudnall encourages everyone to purchase their tickets in advance, especially for Dessert Theater, which features Freddie Smith's Gourmet Desserts and a beverage. All children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character and bring a pillow so they can sit up front to watch the show.

Columbia State's Williamson Campus is located at 104 Claude Yates Drive, next to Franklin High School off Hillsboro Road in Franklin. Additional information about the commercial entertainment program can be found at www.ColumbiaState.edu/CEN.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. For more information, visit www.MTIshows.com.

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.