Critics describe this ballet as “…visually stunning…an underwater Lion King,” where puppetry and dancing combine to create a magical ocean world.”

Hans Christian Andersen’s story of young love from two different worlds comes to life in Inland Pacific Ballet’s The Little Mermaid with a cast of delightful sea creatures, magnificent sets, elaborate costumes, and innovative aerial technology. Enjoy a sweeping sound collage with music by Ravel, Debussy, Britten, Dvořák and Vaughan Williams, and a surprise ending!

Meet the cast after the show for photos and autographs!

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION

First premiered in 2004, IPB brought together a creative dream-team to bring The Little Mermaid to the stage with Portland-based choreographers Daniel Kirk and Eric Skinner utilizing innovative aerial technology to create the feeling of a real underwater environment. New lighting design by Stephen Yarbrough adds to the illusion, along with internationally-acclaimed scenic designer Nancy Seruto’s creative set designs. Designers Craig Sheppard and Jeanne Nolden created a spectacular blend of ornate costumes and delightful puppet sea creatures that swirl and spin.

New in 2019 were additional puppet creatures created by Jesse Mooney-Bullock of MoonBull Studio (custom puppet works, fine art sculpture engineered for live performance). IPB Co-founder Victoria Koenig conceived a lush, sweeping sound collage of music by great composers, more like a cinematic score than a traditional ballet soundtrack, which includes the music of classical composers Ravel, Debussy, Britten, Vaughan Williams, Janacek, and Dvorak.