Eight years after producing “The Little Mermaid” as its first Tower Theatre show, Thoroughly Modern Productions is doing it again. The tale based on the 1989 Disney classic premieres at the Tower Theatre Friday.

Much has changed since TMJ’s first production of the story about the red-haired mermaid.

“It couldn’t be more opposite,” said David DaCosta, founder and director of TMP, of the upcoming production.

DaCosta and his team have become adept at playing to the strengths of the downtown Bend venue, which presents challenges with no fly system and very little wing space. However, the theater’s recent purchase of a projector will be used to project backdrops in the forthcoming show, DaCosta said.

“We’ve learned how to use that space. There’s a learning curve on what you can do and what you can’t do,” he said.

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TMP’s adaption weaves Hans Christian Andersen’s love story with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a script by Doug Wright.

Although the majority of the 60 actors — 40 of which are children — will remain the same over the eight shows, two actors will play the major roles of Ariel, Eric, Sebastian, Flounder, Jetsam and Flotsam.

“For some of the younger ones, this is going to be a challenge, but they’re totally up for it. I have no worries about that at all,” DaCosta said.

The first weekend features 15-year-old Aurora Dixon as Ariel and the following weekend puts 30-year-old Ramya Hipp in the spotlight.

“They’re equally talented ladies, but obviously there are years of experience on one hand,” DaCosta said. “Aurora brings a nice innocence to the role and Ramya brings everything she always brings — a lot of fun to the role.”

Dixon has been seen in “The Sound of Music,” “A Chorus Line, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and “Newsies” with TMP and has been involved with its programs for approximately six years, DaCosta said.

“It’s been nice to watch her grow and thrive into a really, really strong performer,” he said.

Hipp, who was Maria in “The Sound of Music” and Abigail Adams in “Your Humble Servant,” recently relocated to Los Angeles, but returned to Bend to audition for Ariel.

“This is a dream role, and she’s loved this story since she was a kid. She didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” DaCosta said.

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A family affair

The production features a handful of parents acting in the show with their children. Gary Fulkerson plays King Triton alongside his son, Max, as Prince Eric in the first weekend at the Tower Theatre. Jennifer Dixon, mother of Aurora and a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at St. Charles, volunteered to help with costumes. Her son, Jude, plays multiple roles in the show.

All three of DaCosta’s children will be acting in the show, including Silas, 8, who has been hesitant to follow in his family’s footsteps in the performing arts.

“He asked if he could be in this because he just loves the song ‘Under the Sea,’’ DaCosta said of his youngest son, who will play the part of the blowfish.

DaCosta said he and his wife founded TMP in 2013 out of their shared love for theater and the desire to create something for their children.

At the end of the day, the DaCostas’ motivation for trudging through the snow to corral actors to rehearsals and source materials is simple.

“It’s about family. That’s what it’s always been about,” he said.

What: “The Little Mermaid” by Thoroughly Modern Productions

When: Performances 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, till Feb. 11

Where: Tower Theatre, 835 NW Wall St., Bend

Cost: $39.50-$59.50 adults, $34.50-$54.50 children

Contact: towertheatre.org, 541-317-0700