A vibrant retelling of one of the most popular Hans Christian Andersen tales will entertain families at Munster's Theatre at the Center next week.

The center's Theatre for Young Audiences will present "The Story of the Little Mermaid" Nov. 30 to Dec. 14. Group and public performances will be offered.

The play, which tells the story of the mermaid who falls in love with a prince, stars Katrina Kuntz in the title role. Charlie Misovye directs the production.

"The show is loved by so many people. It's a pleasure to be working on it," said Kuntz.

Though the production isn't labeled a musical, Kuntz said there are a few songs interspersed throughout the play.

It includes a little more of a comedic edge than other "Mermaid" adaptations.

Kuntz, who also performs in this season's "Christmas Schooner," said Misovye chose her for the role after seeing her in other shows. Though this is her first performance with Theatre for Young Audiences, Kuntz appeared in the center's "Phantom" last year.

For Kuntz, playing the mermaid is not only fun but it takes her back to her childhood.

"I remember seeing the Disney version as a little girl," she said. Kuntz added the character of the mermaid is attractive to portray because she "has a sense of humor and is a good child to her parents."

Kuntz' interest in theater began when she was in elementary school and won parts in local productions in Castle Rock, Colo.

She also honed her vocal talents singing in church and school choirs.

Kuntz called the center's 'Little Mermaid" an "uplifting" production and one that "sparks the imagination."

Working at Theatre at the Center, Kuntz said, has been rewarding.

"It's a wonderful place. You become like a family with the other actors," she said.

In addition to the show, theatergoers can enjoy a 'Mermaid' lunch package for an extra $4 a person. The meal, which includes a hot dog, chips, fruit roll up, cookies and an orange drink, will be offered Dec. 4, 7, 11 and 14.

THE STORY OF THE LITTLE MERMAID," Nov. 30 to Dec. 14

WHERE: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster

COST: $7 for children; $8.50 for adults

FYI: (219) 836-3255. Public performance showtimes are 11 a.m. Dec. 5 and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Group performances are 9:30 and 11:15 a.m. Nov. 30; Dec. 1 to 4; Dec. 7 to 11 and 14.