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
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