Category Archives: Reviews

Photo by M. Kitaoka.

Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID presented Broadway in Cincinnati through Jan. 29. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

For several reasons, last week was a bit rough for me on a personal level. Half-jokingly, I lamented, on Facebook, that I was overdue for some “Disney magic.” Thanks to the touring production of Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, currently playing the Aronoff Center, I received a much-needed Disney magic booster.

The production features all your favorite characters and songs from the animated movie. The story has been tweaked a bit for the stage adaption, with the addition of several new scenes and songs.

Photo by T. Martin.

Visually THE LITTLE MERMAID is stunning. The character costumes, designed by Amy Clark, are beautiful and cleverly conceived. From hiding the mer-folks’ (what do you call ’em, – oh) feet; to mimicking Flotsam & Jetsam’s smooth swimming style and electrifying personalities; to the construction of Ursula and Sebastian’s additional appendages.

Diana Huey as Ariel leads the talented and strong ensemble. She is enchanting to watch and handles the vocally challenging role with ease. Jennifer Allen is a treat as Ursula, making the bigger-than-life character her own.

Photo by T. Martin.

The flying works extremely well in this production,  for both an airborne Scuttle and the swimming mer-folk. I think this is the first performance I’ve seen where all the actors were attached to their harnesses off stage, allowing that piece of stage magic to stay magical.

The only number that failed to reach its full potential, for me, was “Under the Sea.” As the number continually builds toward its conclusion, visually it just didn’t quite reach the same heights, but not for the lack of trying.

Overall a magical and entertaining experience for kids of all ages.

My rating: 4.75 out of 5

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.

A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER presented Broadway in Cincinnati through Jan. 8. Click here for more information on the production. I attended the opening night performance.

Broadway in Cincinnati kicks off 2017 by welcoming A GENTLEMEN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, winner of four 2014 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical.

John Rapson as Henry D’Ysquith, Megan Loomis & Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro. Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

Leading the strong cast is John Papson in the multiple, quick-changing roles of the D’Ysquith Family. Papson does well in giving each character their own distinct, bigger-than-life personality and generates laugh after laugh. As Lord Adalbert, he does meet his scene-chewing equal in Lady Eugenia played by Kristen Mengelkoch. Opening night, I struggled to understand Papson in several numbers due to a combination of his character’s accent, plus the volume of the ensemble and orchestra.

Kevin Massey is fun as Monty Navarro, whose confidence increases with every loss in his newly discovered family. Massey has a great singing voice and handles the physical comedy well. I wouldn’t mind him being a bit bigger and more frantic when appropriate throughout the show.

Kristen Beth Williams as Sibella Hallward, Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro & Kristen Hahn as Phoebe D’Ysquith. Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

The number “I’ve Decided to Marry You,” where Monty struggles to keep the two women in his life apart (Kristen Beth Williams as Sibella Hallward & Kristen Hahn as Phoebe D’Ysquith) was a personal favorite.

The centerpiece of the set is a raised proscenium stage complete with its own curtain. The piece itself only takes up about 1/3 of the P&G Hall stage, with increasingly larger “punch-outs” of the set reaching to the wings. A rear projection screen is smartly used to create the various locales and provide a bit real-life movement in the “outside” world. Even better, the screen isn’t relied upon for every scene. The versatility of Alexander Dodge’s set design (who was also nominated for a Tony for his Broadway set) is amazing with many hidden surprises that I’ll let you experience for yourself. There were a few times when I felt the cast struggled to move naturally within the confined space.

The cast with Kevin Massey as Monty Navarro (left) and Megan Loomis as Tour Guide (right). Photo credit: Joan Marcus.

My one major complaint would be that, with the humor of multiple scenes spiking so big and broad, that often the following scenes would seem almost sedate in comparison, giving the production an uneven feel.

Overall a riotous, bawdy good time at the theater.

My rating: 4.5 out of 5

I would enjoy hearing what you think about the show or my review. All I ask is that you express your opinion without attacking someone else’s opinion. You can post your comments below.