The Weeki Wachee mermaids are doing something never done before. Their new show, “The Wonders of Weeki,” asks visitors to join the mermaids in their quest for a clean and beautiful Weeki Wachee Springs.
“The Wonders of Weeki,” tells the history of Weeki Wachee Springs and introduces the mermaids who call the springs home. But the mermaids are facing a new challenge. “Mr. Scrunge,” a green villain with his own theme song, stands in for lyngbya algae. The algae flourish in water that is too rich in nutrients, smothering important sources of food and habitat like eelgrass. The show tells an entertaining and engaging story about this unique attraction and the importance of protecting springs for future generations to enjoy.
The 400-seat Newton Perry Underwater Theater reopened in May 2019 after major renovations. The charming underwater theater is where the Weeki Wachee mermaids have enchanted guests with underwater acrobatics since the 1960s. While the theater was closed, the mermaids choreographed their new show, practicing over six hours a day and performing in aquariums around the Southeast.
In 1946, swimmer and entrepreneur Newton Perry purchased the Weeki Wachee property. He hired and trained the mermaids to perform synchronized ballet moves underwater using hidden air hoses. Weeki Wachee’s heyday began in 1959 when the American Broadcasting Company purchased the springs. ABC built the current theater and developed themes for the shows, with elaborate props, music and storylines. The shows continue to entertain visitors from all over the world.
“The Wonders of Weeki” joins another regular mermaid show - Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid." Mermaid shows are performed daily at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are included in the cost of park admission and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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