
State Street Ballet invites audiences to dive into a dancing adventure with “The Little Mermaid,” a world-premiere production March 1-2 at the Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara.
In a reimagining of the classic undersea tale, the ballet will feature new sets, costumes, and large-scale puppets designed by Christina McCarthy, alongside an original musical score by Charles Fernandez.
Performance dates and times are 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 1; 2 p.m. Sunday, March 2; and a sensory-friendly performance at 2 p.m. March 1.
The new version follows the Little Mermaid’s journey as she sacrifices her tail and voice to become human in pursuit of love.
Thanks to funding from The Manitou Fund/Nora McNeely Hurley, the production will include live accompaniment by the Opera San Luis Obispo Grand Orchestra, led by Maestro Brian Asher Alhadeff.
The show also integrates American Sign Language, expanding accessibility for a broader audience. There will be special outreach performances for local students on Friday, Feb. 28, as well as the sensory-friendly performance on March 1.
Choreography is by Megan Philipp and Cecily MacDougall.
“The Little Mermaid is an enchanting ballet, perfect for introducing young children to the magic of dance,” said Philipp, artistic director/choreographer. “Bursting with vibrant colors, captivating adventures, and heartwarming charm, this unique twist on the classic tale is sure to delight audiences of all ages.”
“Through this ballet, I hope to inspire a deeper reflection on how we treat those whose abilities differ from our own,” said MacDougall, executive director and choreographer.
“Whether she is learning to walk or navigating the world without use of her voice, The Little Mermaid’s journey encourages us to approach every being with the compassion and respect they deserve,” MacDougall said.
For tickets and more information, visit www.statestreetballet.com or call 805-845-1432.



