There's no mystery as to what is under the sea. It's some good talent, a devilish diva and a host of cute creatures guaranteed to make you smile. Disney's “The Little Mermaid” presented by Sing Hosanna! played to a small audience last night.

The score is enchanting and brings to mind the toe-tapping memories of the Disney movie. The stage version follows the storyline very closely. This is one of the more challenging shows produced as of late, from costumes to sets and all the logistics, but Sing Hosanna! and director Ralph Christy Jr. rose to the challenge and put on an enjoyable show.

The show opens with Ariel gazing at the water singing “The World Above.” Mandy Kamerer gave a lovely portrayal of Ariel from head to fin. Her vocals were closely matched to Disney's version and she seemed every inch the mermaid, not an easy task. Prince Eric comes on the scene with “Fathoms Below,” his ode to the life on the sea. Eric was played by Nathan Rockcastle, who stepped into the familiar princely role with ease. The demanding vocals were capably met by the experienced Rockcastle who appeared effortless in the role.

A casting win was Rachel Creaturo in the role of Ursula the sea witch. Super sassy and wickedly funny, with a big voice to boot, she put the itch in witch. Her long tentacles, towering hair and cackle gave Ursula all she needed to convey her rule of the dark waters. “Daddy's Little Angel” was well done, but “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” which closed out Act One, left the audience wanting more. She had her chance again in Act Two and did not disappoint.

The mermaid's cohorts were a comical bunch. Sebastian played by Tyler Pollock shone especially in “Under the Sea,” which he shared with the ensemble.

An amazing high-energy number as was “Kiss the Girl” in the second act. While the accent vacillated a bit, the effort garnered a win. The sweet and silly flounder played by Matt Nocera was pleasing from the start. He got to strut his stuff in “She's in Love,” which was a charming number.

The fine feathered friend, Scuttle the sea gull, featured Maxwell McAuley, whose vocals took flight during the encouraging number “Positoovity,” which also featured the lost art of tap dancing.

Scott Shearer portrayed an imposing King Triton, the ruler of the sea. His “If Only,” a sweet and sad lament to his late wife, was moving, to say the least.

Some sweet harmonies where caught with the numbers of Flotsam and Jetsam, Michelle McAuley and Sharon Fabrizzi, who played the hench eels of the evil sea witch. The Mersisters of Ariel pitched out some lovely harmonies as well during the show.

The performing arts group's ensemble numbers always include the littlest cast members. A school of fish and guests at the wedding featured adorable kids clad in colorful fins in one scene and finery in the other. Watching their faces sing during the finale was priceless as they became a part of Ariel's world.

Family friendly for sure — with a theme relevant for today, “don't judge all by the acts of the few” — “The Little Mermaid” officially opens Friday at the Succop Theater at Butler County Community College. Tickets are $15 and are available at May's Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., Butler. Seating is unreserved.

WHAT: Sing Hosanna! presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. SundayWHERE: The Succop Theater at Butler County Community CollegeTICKETS: $15.00/unreserved. Available at May’s Music Shoppe, 247 E. Jefferson St., ButlerINFO: For more information 724-287-8362.