Summers are for children. It's their time to have fun as they play. But by seeing a play as onlookers and by watching adult players provide the action, they will have something new to think about. In fact, with theater, children's imagination and creativity can be taken to a new level.

If they come to the Stone Center this week at Jacksonville State University and watch The Little Mermaid, the young viewers may want to tell the story in their own way when they go home, acting out the roles as they saw and felt them.

"I like to think that's what will happen," said Eric Traynor the writer of this adaptation of the fable which was written in 1836 by Danish author and poet Hans Christian Andersen. "The actors take on different roles in this version and this twist can be an inspiration to acting for the kids."

Traynor, who is assistant professor of drama at JSU is the narrator in the show which contains his original music. "My adaptation is light and comical, with six musical numbers," the director adds. "Even the sea witch inspires more laughter than fear."

The show is on July 6-10, Tuesday through Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 each and reservations can be made by calling 256 782-5648. It lasts about 50 minutes. Walk-ins are welcome.

The Little Mermaid is a story that most everyone knows, across the globe.

In the fable's history it was first translated into English in 1872. Through the years it has been adapted to musical theater, animated film, television, a novel, a ballet, symphonic poem, and even a three-act opera. But people haven't seen this adaptation and the treatment of characters Traynor-style. And that's all the reason to see it. Plays by Traynor are always surprises. It should be enjoyable for all ages and according to the playwright, it has many opportunities for audience participation.

Like mainstage theater, children's plays can persuade, enlighten, and inform. And this should be an example.

In the plot, the mermaid yearns to be a human, because she has saved a handsome prince from drowning, and falls in love with him. She strikes a deal with the sea witch, who gives the sea-maid human legs in exchange for her beautiful voice. She can make the deal permanent if the mermaid can get the prince to return her love in three days but the sea witch is up to some tricks before it all ends.

In the cast are Cris Morriss, who has acted at Birmingham Children's Theatre and will be working there again in the fall. Brianna Abel portrayed "Belle" in JSU's Beauty and the Beast. Having just graduated with a degree in nursing, her plans are to apply for the Master of Fine Arts program at University of Tennessee. Judy Shealy is only a year away from getting her nursing degree at JSU. Audiences will remember the singer in the title role in Annie Get Your Gun by CAST and as "Mrs. Lovett" in JSU's Sweeny Todd.

Traynor has had 20 years professional experience as a musician, musical director, and playwright. This is his fifth year at JSU.

The original story was somewhat dark and complex, but Traynor's is brighter and fun. Come, and be ready to be part of the action.