The Little Mermaid
is such a delightful show for the whole family and a great way for parents to
introduce their children to theater. This exciting production will enchant both
the young and the young at heart!
Lynne Lew at Scuttle and Sarah Robertson as Ariel. |
Director Tom Marshall has assembled a wonderful cast and
crew to bring this Disney favorite to the stage here in Wilmington. With a captivating
“underwater” set designed by Cam Hay and sea-like animals and mythical sea
creatures created through gorgeous make-up design by Kellye Porter-Martin, fabulous
wigs and hair designed by Debbie Norkavage, and inventive costumes designed by
Nancy Kennard (I especially enjoyed the “umbrella jellyfish”), the setting and characters
made famous in the 1989 animated film truly come to life.
I’m sure most people are familiar with the story about a
princess mermaid (Ariel) who lives with her father (King Triton) and six older
sisters in the vast ocean, but is intrigued by humans and has become more
interested in their lifestyle than her own. This intrigue intensifies when
Ariel saves the dashing Prince Eric from drowning after being overthrown from
his ship during a storm. Since King Triton doesn’t trust humans and believes
they are at fault for his wife’s untimely death, Ariel is forbidden to go to
the ocean’s surface with her friends and is meant to stay in her aquatic home
and concentrate on her singing – a talent she shared with her deceased mother.
Wanting an opportunity to be with Eric, Ariel defies her father and makes a
deal with his evil sister Ursula – a sea urchin that has been banished by
Triton to live far under the dark sea.
The wicked deal allows Ariel to become human for three days,
but she will be mute and her voice will be kept by Ursula. In order to remain
human and to regain her voice, the prince must kiss her before the three days
are up, or Ursula will keep her voice and Ariel will become one of Ursula’s
slaves.
Now human, Ariel is spending time with the prince and
becoming acquainted with her new lifestyle. Ariel is doing her best to get Eric
to kiss her, but time is running out! You probably know how it ends, but just
in case you don’t…I won’t ruin it for you. You’ll have to see the show for
yourself
Sarah Robertson leads the cast as the curious and
adventurous Ariel. She is charming as the innocent young mermaid and has a
gorgeous voice that sweetly soars throughout the theater. Ashley Baker is
frighteningly good as Ursula. She has an amazingly strong voice that evokes
fear in the audience. Conner Malley as Prince Eric and Jonathan Dalecki as King
Triton are captivating and have a great presence on stage. Lynne Lew (Scuttle –
the sea bird), Adelaide Nourie (Flounder) and Will Rotsch (Sebastian – the crab)
bring great humor and excitement as the friends who share in Ariel’s adventures.
Don’t miss this classic musical with memorable songs written
by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Like me, I’m sure you’ll find yourself singing
along to “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” among many others! The Little Mermaid closes on October 30.
For tickets and additional information visit
www.dechildrenstheatre.org.
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