The Little Mermaid is the name given to a number of dramatized works inspired by the 1837 fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875)[1].

The original tale

Originally written in Danish (as Den lille havfrue) by Hans Christian Andersen, it is a literary fairy tale that tells of the journey of a young mermaid who is willing to give up her life in the sea as a mermaid to gain a human soul. First published in 1837 as part of a collection of fairy tales for children.

Disney versions

The Little Mermaid (animated film, 1989)

American animated film, loosely based on the Hans Christian Andersen, tale, it was produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and Walt Disney Pictures, part of a trilogy of "The Little Mermaid" films.

See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(1989_film)

The Little Mermaid (stage version, 2008)

A musical stage adaptation with a book by Doug Wright (1962-)[2] and music by Alan Menken (1949-)[3] and lyrics by Howard Ashman (1950-1991)[4] and Glenn Slater (1968-)[5]. It opened in Denver in July 2007 and began performances on Broadway January 10, 2008

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_(musical)

The Little Mermaid JR

The Walt Disney stage production The Little Mermaid (2008), was adapted for performance by and for children, and was referred to by the Disney organization as a "Junior version", and so acquired the title The Little Mermaid JR.

The Little Mermaid JR was licensed to the company Music Theater International and Disney Theatrical Productions.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Mermaid_Jr.

South African performances of the stage versions

2015: The Little Mermaid JR was performed by and at the People's Theatre, Johannesburg, in November-December, 2015, directed by Jill Girard and Keith Smith.