The Little Mermaid
The Little Mermaid stands out as one of the finest Disney productions I have had the pleasure of experiencing in recent years. Drury Lane is committed to showcasing a diverse range of musical theater, ensuring that there is something to captivate every audience member, from timeless classics to contemporary pieces. The remarkable performance we witnessed from the cast of The Little Mermaid was nothing short of spectacular; their talent and passion brought the beloved story to life in a way that genuinely enchanted the audience. This production is a theatrical gem that undoubtedly deserves a place on your theater agenda. The Little Mermaid, inspired by the enchanting tale of Hans Christian Andersen and brought to life through the beloved Disney film by Howard Ashman and John Musker, is a captivating musical adaptation crafted by Doug Wright and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions. It unfolds the fictional journey of Ariel, a spirited teenage mermaid princess with flowing red hair and shimmering scales who yearns to explore the world of humans beyond her underwater kingdom. Driven by curiosity and the longing for a life different from her own, Ariel defies her father, King Triton, a powerful and protective ruler of the sea, who wishes to shield her from the dangers of the human world. When Ariel encounters Prince Eric, who she saved from drowning, her heart races with excitement.
In her quest for love and to become human, Ariel makes a fateful bargain with the cunning sea witch, Ursula, trading her melodious voice for a chance to walk on land and win the prince's heart. However, the clock is ticking—Ariel must conjure a true love's kiss within three days, or she will forfeit her voice, her freedom, and the chance to live as a human forever. This poignant tale weaves themes of sacrifice, desire, and the struggle for identity, all set against a backdrop of vibrant sea life and breathtaking musical numbers. Sarah Kay and Patrick Johnson (Ariel and Prince Eric) captivated the audience with their young love, which won over Ursula's evil powers. I thoroughly enjoyed this production. One of the most remarkable aspects of this production was the masterful puppetry brought to life by Caitlin McLeod and Zachary Sun from the Chicago Puppet Studio. The puppetry was nothing short of spectacular, creating a vibrant and enthralling animated wonder. Their intricate and imaginative designs captured the essence of the characters (Flotsam and Jetsam were amazing) with such precision that they seemed to leap off the stage, completely enthralling the audience and immersing them in the enchanting world under the sea, with the stage design backdrop enhanced the overall experience. The singing and acting were compelling, making it challenging to pinpoint just one standout performer from the astonishingly talented cast, as each member brought their unique brilliance to the stage, contributing to an unforgettable performance. For example, I'm sure kids who loved Ariel had the same fond affection for Maya Lou Hlava as Flounder. The sisters, played by Natalie Henry, Molly Hernandez, Alanna Lovely, Amanda Walker, Eline Watson, and Alexandra Palkovic (also the Dance Captain in this production), were hilarious, and the entire cast worked and danced in great harmony. Ryan Michael Hamman and Leah Morrow's (Flotsam and Jetsam) choreography of symmetry movements was impeccable, and Landree Fleming (Scuttle), Michael Earvin Martin (Sebastian), and Anand Nagraj (King Triton) were magnificent. However, there was one standout, show-stopping, stealing performance by Sawyer Smith as Ursula. Sawyer is a show within a show and always performs to perfection.
They all provided that mesmerizing Disney magic that brings the child out of all of us. The two-act, two-hour, and twenty-minute production offers the enchanting melodies of 28 beloved songs from The Little Mermaid, including the iconic "Part of Your World" and the whimsical "Poor Unfortunate Souls." In addition, the vibrant and lively "Under The Sea," along with the romantic "Kiss The Girl," are performed with exceptional flair by the talented Michael Earvin Martin. Landree Fleming brings an impressive energy to the stage with their stirring rendition of "Positoovity." Each performance is a delightful experience bursting with emotion and artistry. The beauty of this Disney classical tale is seeing the glimmering joy in the children's eyes as they watch the play. It's a magical performance that the entire family would love. The message of The Little Mermaid, to never give up on your goals and dreams, is still a vital message we should continuously teach our young generational children the glaze among the stars that the entire world is in their hands. You have to have a little Positoovity! Drury Lane's The Little Mermaid is a must-see!
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Drury Lane
The Little Mermaid
Book by Doug Wright
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Direction by Scott Weinstein
November 6 - Janauary 12, 2025
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