April showers don’t bother StoryBook Theater’s “A Little Mermaid.” She is used to being wet – but she dreams of dancing on dry land. Walking and talking aren’t easy for a little mermaid and she is determined to trade in her tail for legs.

In this original StoryBook Theater version of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic, the audience will decide whether the Little Mermaid should keep her legs or high-tail it back to the sea. “A Little Mermaid” will visit Renton, Kirkland and Seattle from April 28 through May 20 for a total of 19 performances.

With an eye toward introducing the very youngest theater audiences to the magic and wonder of musical theater, StoryBook Theater’s professional all-local adult cast will travel the region to present this 55-minute musical production (geared toward 3-10-year olds). Tickets to A Little Mermaid are $10 for all patrons over 1 year of age.

Performances run at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. April 28-29 at the Renton Carco Theater, 1717 Maple Valley Highway, Renton.

In Kirkland, performances run at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 5-6 and May 12-13 at the Kirkland Performance Center. All May 13 performances are ASL interpreted.

The performance will also run at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. May 20 at the Museum of History & Industry, 2700 24th Ave., Seattle.

‘Much Ado About Nothing’; ‘My Son Pinocchio’

This Spring, on Studio East’s Mainstage, dozens of talented performing arts students will present both Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and Disney’s “My Son Pinocchio.”

Geared for youth ages 9 and over, “Much Ado About Nothing” is Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy about love and relationships. It focuses on two couples: Claudio and Hero, a promised couple who must overcome obstacles before they can wed, and Beatrice and Benedick, long-time verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles who haven’t yet realized they love each other.

Studio East’s production of Disney’s “My Son Pinocchio” is suitable for children age five and over. It’s the classic tale of an aging toymaker and his puppet, Pinocchio.

Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz adds a compelling score of original songs to the beloved classics “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings.” The Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters join Geppetto in a journey beyond the Toy Shop to discover what makes the “perfect child.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” runs May 4-6. Tickets are $14 or $12 for youth/seniors.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. May 4; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 5 and 2:30 p.m. May 6 at the Studio East Mainstage Theater, 11730 118th Ave. N.E., Kirkland.

Studio East’s production of “My Son Pinocchio” runs May 25-June 17. Tickets are $14, $12 for youth/seniors, $15 for the May 25 and 26 opening night gala events.

Performances are 6:30 p.m. May 25-26 (galas); 2:30 p.m. May 26-27; 7:30 p.m. June 1, 8 and 15; 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. June 2, 9 and 16; and 2:30 p.m. June 3, 10 and 17 at the Studio East Mainstage Theater.