Maria Robinson
From the moment California Musical Theatre announced its incredible 2015-2016 Broadway Season, I could not wait to see The Little Mermaid. It not only tops my list of favorite Disney movies, it also tops my five-year-old daughter’s list. As you can imagine, our expectations were high, but this production did not disappoint for one single minute.
The stage version of The Little Mermaid follows much of the movie’s storyline and you’ll hear all of your favorite songs like Under the Sea and Part of Your World, along with a few new songs like Positoovity and If Only that further pull you into Ariel’s world.
Speaking of Ariel’s world, the set was incredible! It looked like a beautiful storybook and seamlessly transitioned from a trip under the sea to an adventure on land. I was impressed by how the actors themselves transitioned from sea to land – they would undulate their bodies to simulate the motion of the waves and would be hoisted up into the air as they “swam” through the ocean. My daughter loved the Prince Eric’s ship and how Flotsam and Jetsam glided on Heelys across the stage.
Ariel’s free-spirited personality was expertly captured by Alison Woods whose voice seemed absolutely flawless, while Eric Kunze’s (a Music Circus Alum) powerful vocals made for a dreamy Prince Eric. Jennifer Allen as Ursula was equal parts sinister, hilarious, and snarky, and her rendition of Poor Unfortunate Souls was a standout performance.
Under the Sea, arguably the film’s most iconic song, was a fun and colorful number and Melvin Abston was a perfect Sebastian. For me and my daughter, Jeff Skowron as Chef Louis stole the show. Although he’s a minor character, the scene in Act Two when he sings Les Poissons was laugh-out-loud funny and had the entire audience giggling and my five year old singing the song on the way home.
The Little Mermaid is an under the sea adventure that’s perfect for a date or family night out. This fun-filled timeless tale will end its Sacramento run on February 7, so be sure to swim on over to your tickets now.