[Fish with trumpet-like noses play a fanfare. A tiny seahorse with a ruffled collar appears. He coughs before he speaks.]
His Royal Highness, King Triton!
[Triton enters dramatically, being pulled on a seashell chariot by a trio of dolphins to wild cheering. Sparks shoot from his trident and light a chandelier.]
And presenting the distinguished court composer, Horatio Thelonious Ignatius Crustaceous Sebastian!
[A fanfare of kazoos play. Sebastian, a tiny red crab, enters riding a small seashell chariot being pulled by two orange fish. He is met with mild applause. He pulls up beside King Triton.]
I'm really looking forward to this performance, Sebastian.
Oh, Your Majesty, this will be the finest concert I have ever conducted. [Triton lets go bridles on the dolphins as the chariot on lands on the balcony] Your daughters - they will be spectacular! [The fish flip Sebastian upside down.]
Yes, and especially my little Ariel.
Yes, yes, she has the most beautiful voice. Hmm? ... [under his breath] If only she'd show up for rehearsals once in a while...
[A spotlight appears over Sebastian, and he rides his chariot out over the stage and takes his place at the podium. He takes out a book of music. He taps his baton and directs the orchestra of fish.] [The sisters swim out of giant clam shells as they sing.] Ariel's Sisters: [singing] Oh, we are the daughters of Triton / Great Father who loves us and named us well: Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Attina, Adella, Alana And then there is the youngest in her musical debut / Our seventh little sister, we're presenting her to you / To sing a song Sebastian wrote, her voice is like a bell / She's our sister Ari– [A shell rises as the sisters surround it. But when it opens, it is empty! They all gasp. Sebastian drops his baton, puts his hands on his head and gasp in horror, then turns to Triton in fear and worry.]
[angrily shouting, roaring]
ARIEL!!! [King Triton furious roaring with trident, his glaring red eyes and snarling teeth. King Triton has become a gruesome, terrible monster, and echoing.]
