“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at Theatre 29 opened last weekend to packed houses. Reporter Rebecca Havely was there and offers this review of the production…
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” makes a big splash at Theatre 29. The packed audience was electric with anticipation and filled with children of all ages. Chalise Kunz plays Ariel, the little mermaid with a joyful innocence in her largest role yet. Graham Cooley as the handsome Prince Eric shows off his vocal abilities. Charles Harvey is perfectly cast as the Sea King Triton. Amanda Winters garners giggles as the bird-brained seagull Scuttle. Ariel’s shy fish friend Flounder is played by young talent Ethan Flores. Chris Fleischman is hysterical as the French palace chef Louis. Char Childs as the silly side-walker Sebastian leads the large underwater chorus with her alto belt, in the show stopper “Under the Sea” and with her Jamaican accent, croons the tune “Kiss the Girl.” Robin Wilson as the Sea Witch Ursula stops the show with her big brassy voice, backed up by her electric eel sidekicks Flotsam and Jetsam, played by Cindy Daigneault and Patti Brown. The ensemble also includes: Ron Bottorff, Carine-Rae Conner, Leigh Ann Crummett, Amber Flores, Lisa Goldberg, Jaylene Harmon, Linnea Hildebrand, Cathy Inscore, Barry Inscore, Owen O’Brien, Bella Oden, Raelee Ramirez, Kylie Robinson, Emily Sheckler, Malcolm Stanley-Wolfe, Katie Van Sumeren and Patricia Zuniga. The large cast of sea creatures is elaborately costumed by Kathryn Ferguson. This many-layered production is directed by the award-winning team of Gary Daigneault, musical director Ed Will, and choreographer Mandi Pushkar.
“Disney’s Little Mermaid” sold out all performances prior to opening. However, overflow seating has been added to accommodate an additional 20 seats per performance, on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive half hour prior to curtain time, that’s 6:30 on Friday and Saturday evenings now through April 9. Arrive at 2 p.m. prior to the 2:30 Sunday matinees on March 20 and April 3. Tickets are $10 to $15.
WE REVIEW “DISNEY’S LITTLE MERMAID” AT THEATRE 29
