The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid
Pre-Broadway Engagement
Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, CO 
July 26,- September 8, 2007

While we see a lot of Broadway tours in Denver, we don't get many Broadway try outs here. So it was very exciting to learn that Disney's The Little Mermaid would be in town for five weeks prior to it's Broadway premiere here.

My biggest concern with the production was the casting of Ariel. For me, Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in the movie, was irreplaceable. But my concerns were laid to rest quickly. Sierra Boggess was the perfect Ariel.

The biggest adjustment for me was the roller skates used by the cast to simulate the smooth swimming through water. The costume designers showed some creativity in designing the mermaid fins so the actors could stand upright and look like they are swimming, the costume for Flounder, Ariel's best friend, was lackluster.

Overall, the show maintains the charm of the movie. "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" remain the huge production numbers. "Part of Your World" is still the signature song. The new songs added to the soundtrack are pleasant but not as memorable.

The cast is strong and they present the script changes believably. King Triton and Ursula are presented as siblings, which adds a new layer to the story. And rather than wait for her prince to save her, it is Ariel who conquers the sea witch.

While this probably wasn't an easy transition to stage for Disney, it's hard to imagine that they don't have another hit on their hands.