Ariel
Ariel, the heroine of our story, is a little mermaid who longs to be human. Cast a strong singer and dynamic performer in this role. Ariel has some beautiful solos but must be able to convey meaning through gesture once she loses her voice.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Prince Eric
Prince Eric is the adventurous prince who captures Ariel’s heart. Look for a charming performer with a sensitive nature. Prince Eric has a few small solos, but it is more important to cast a strong actor in this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Sebastian
Sebastian is the meticulous and anxious crab who tries to keep Ariel safe while getting to lead some of the most memorable songs in the show! Look for a strong singer who can also handle Sebastian’s emotional range. Sebastian can be played by a boy or girl.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Flounder
Flounder is Ariel’s sincere and sensitive best friend who is loyal to the end. This spunky fish also has a show-stopping solo in “She’s in Love.” Flounder can be cast with a girl or a boy with an unchanged voice. This may be a wonderful role for a younger performer who is ready to take the next step into the spotlight.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: Db5
Vocal range bottom: G3
King Triton
KING TRITON rules the sea and is a force to be reckoned with. This non-singer needs to command the stage as a strong leader but also show the tenderness of a parent. Cast a mature performer who feels comfortable playing father to Ariel and the Mersisters.
Gender: male
Mersisters
The Mersisters (Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, Allana) are Ariel’s siblings and full of personality and sass. These are great roles to showcase talented singers and dancers who can create and play six distinctive characters.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: G3
Ursula
Ursula is the manipulative sea witch who tries to overthrow King Triton. She is cunning and devious and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Cast a mature performer who can bring out this villain’s humor while finding texture in Ursula’s complexity. Ursula’s songs can be challenging, so look for a singer who will feel comfortable with these solos.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: F3
Tentacles
The Tentacles are extensions of Ursula, perhaps the poor unfortunate souls who are now trapped in her lair. Look for six or eight performers who work well together and can move as a unit.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Flotsam
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Jetsam
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s slippery spies. These electric eels are sinister and sneaky, so look for performers who can be underhanded and devious while still being heard on stage. Flotsam and Jetsam can be played by boys or girls.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: C#5
Vocal range bottom: C4
Scuttle
Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as Ariel’s expert on humans. He is funny and off-beat. While a good singer will rock “Human Stuff,” this song can easily be spoken in rhythm. Look for a performer with good comedic timing who is willing to have fun with Scuttle’s eccentricities.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Gulls
The Gulls are Scuttle’s flock of zany “back-up singers” who help explain human stuff to Ariel. While there are three principal gulls written in the score, feel free to add as many as you need to best serve your production. The Gulls’ solos can be spoken if necessary.
Gender: both
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: B3
Grimsby
Grimsby is Prince Eric’s prim and proper valet. He is rigid in personality and constantly trying to guide Prince Eric towards the throne. While Grimsby does have some singing to do, strong acting trumps singing ability for this role.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Chef Louis
Chef Louis is the over-the-top head chef in the palace. He is always wild and frenetic. This is an excellent featured role for a comedic performer.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: A3
Chefs
The Chefs are Chef Louis’s assistants. The music in “Les Poissons” can be challenging, so good choral singers are a plus for this group. Your Chefs can also double as members of the Sea Chorus.
Gender: both
Carlotta
Carlotta is the headmistress in Prince Eric’s palace and Ariel’s greatest human ally. This non-singing role needs to be warm and maternal to make Ariel feel welcome.
Gender: female
Princesses
The six Princesses try everything they can to win the heart of Prince Eric. Since none of them possesses the voice Prince Eric is searching for, cast actresses who can create an exaggerated and comedic personality through song. The six Princesses can double as the six Mersisters.
Gender: female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: E4
Pilot
The Pilot is the head sailor on Prince Eric’s ship. This nautical expert who entertains the sailors with wild tales of the sea presents an opportunity to highlight a developing performer. The Pilot has a few speaking lines, but his singing voice is most important.
Gender: male
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3
Sailors
The Sailors are the crew of Prince Eric’s ship. They are eager for adventure and ready to tackle a storm. The Sailors can be played by boys or girls and can double as Sea Chorus.
Gender: both
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