The Little Mermaid (musical)

The Little Mermaid

Music Alan Menken
Lyrics Glenn Slater
Howard Ashman
Book Doug Wright
Basis The Little Mermaid
by Hans Christian Andersen
The Little Mermaid
by John Musker
Ron Clements
Productions 2007 Denver (tryout)
2008 Broadway
2010 Israel Tour
2011 Manila
2012 Netherlands Tour
2012 Moscow
2013 Tokyo
2014 Copenhagen
2016 The Hollywood Bowl

The Little Mermaid is a stage musical produced by Disney Theatrical, based on the animated 1989 Disney film of the same name and the classic story of the same name by Hans Christian Andersen about a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find love. Its book is by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman (written for the film), with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. Its underwater setting and story about aquatic characters requires unusual technical designs and strategies to create gliding movements for the actors.

After a pre-Broadway tryout in Denver, Colorado from July to September 2007, the musical began Broadway previews in November 2007 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, replacing Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The production officially opened on January 10, 2008 and closed on August 30, 2009 after 685 performances and 50 previews. It introduced Broadway debuts by director Francesca Zambello and Sierra Boggess in the title role.

Subsequent productions have been seen in US regional theatres and internationally. A modified version of the musical with a new book and direction by Glenn Casale was developed in 2012, and this version is the basis for subsequent productions of it.

Development

"It [then] becomes about how does she live underwater, and how do you make that world? It's about the truthfulness to the story and that, in essence, gave me the idea to create something that was really a jewel-box – something that was very simple and in terms of the set, very translucent, takes light beautifully and [is] architectural and sculptural to suggest an underwater world without actually being in real water or having people swimming.'"[1]
— Francesca Zambello, director

Disney Theatrical had success with stage adaptations of its animated musical films Beauty and the Beast in 1994 and The Lion King in 1997. Thomas Schumacher, head of Disney Theatrical, proposed another adaptation, this time of the 1989 film The Little Mermaid, approaching songwriter Alan Menken, who had composed the music for the film, to be part of the production team.[1] Schumacher initially brought on director/choreographer Matthew Bourne to helm the musical, but Bourne left when their visions on the project differed.[2] Schumacher then approached Francesca Zambello, telling her that "We haven't found a way to do the water". Zambello's experience with the fantasy elements of opera made her open to the project, and the decision was made that there would be no water, wires or flying in the production.[2] Playwright Doug Wright was brought on as book writer, focusing the story line on Ariel's longing not for her prince, but for "a world in which she feels truly realized in her own terms. ... Her ambitions are bigger than any one man."[2] For the songs, Menken brought on lyricist Glenn Slater, whom he'd worked with on Home on the Range, and together they wrote ten new songs for the stage musical, adding '60s rock, vaudeville and 1920s Brechtian cabaret to the sound of the show.[2]

In creating the underwater world on stage, director Zambello asked her design team to use translucent materials to create abstract shapes and manipulate light to give the watery illusion.[3] The design team consisted of George Tsypin for sets, Natasha Katz for lighting and Tatiana Noginova for costumes, all three of who had previously worked with Zambello.[2] For the performers' movements, choreographer Stephen Mear had the actors wear Heelys wheeled footwear, dubbed "merblades", while tails on sprung-steel rods, designed by Michael Curry, were attached to their hips.[4] Sierra Boggess, who originated the role of Ariel, was an ice-skater and had no trouble with the Heelys, but the rest of the cast took some getting used to the footwear.[2] Ariel's tail originally had a motor inside that allowed the fluke to move independently, but the mechanics made the tail heavy and loud and were removed.[2]

Rehearsals for the Broadway production began on May 29, 2007 at the New 42nd Street Studios in New York. The cast had six weeks of rehearsals before the pre-Broadway tryout.[2]

Reimagining

After the Broadway production under-performed at the box office and closed in 2009, director Glenn Casale was brought on to reinvent the musical for the 2012 Dutch production. He made changes to the score and book, including introducing a new song, "Daddy's Little Angel" to replace "I Want the Good Times Back" (which gives Ursula and Triton a new backstory), and replacing the Heelys worn by the actors to introduce aerial effects and flying harnasses to create the illusion of being underwater.[5] The new stage design was made by Bob Crowley, with the world above water made to look like a pop-up book, using cardboard waves and rocks.[6][7] Following the success of the Dutch production, Casale then worked with California Musical Theatre to present a regional production of the musical in the round.[5] The various changes introduced by Casale in these productions have been incorporated into the official version of the show that Disney Theatrical currently licenses for regional and professional productions.[5]

Productions

Original production

Tryout

The show had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Ellie Caulkins Opera House from July 26, 2007 through September 9, 2007. Every seat available (approximately 95,000 seats) for the 6-week run was sold out.[8]

Broadway

The musical began previews on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 3, 2007 and was temporarily shut down on November 10, 2007 due to the 2007 Broadway stagehand strike.[9] The strike ended on November 28, 2007, and the show resumed previews the next day.[10] The official opening date was postponed from December 6, 2007 to January 10, 2008.[11] Jodi Benson and Pat Carroll, who starred in the 1989 animated film as Ariel and Ursula, respectively, attended the opening night ceremony.[12]

Direction was by Francesca Zambello, making her Broadway debut, with choreography by Stephen Mear. Scenic design was by George Tsypin, costumes by Tatiana Noginova and lighting by Natasha Katz. The original cast featured newcomer Sierra Boggess in the title role of Ariel, Sean Palmer as Prince Eric, Brian D'Addario and Trevor Braun alternated as Flounder, Norm Lewis as King Triton, Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula, Tituss Burgess as Sebastian, Tyler Maynard as Flotsam, Derrick Baskin as Jetsam, Jonathan Freeman as Grimsby, and John Treacy Egan as Chef Louis. Notable replacements included Faith Prince as Ursula and Drew Seeley as Prince Eric. The production closed on August 30, 2009, after 50 previews and 685 performances.[13] Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions said, "it would be fiscally irresponsible to our shareholders to risk operating losses with such a big show in the historically challenging fall months. We are closing the Broadway production to concentrate on the long future life of this title."[14]

Postponed US Tour

The first national US tour of the musical had previously been scheduled to start in the fall of 2010,[15] but was postponed and is as of August 2014 planned for fall of 2015.[16]

Regional US productions

Regional US productions include the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah (2011, 2014);[17] The Muny, St. Louis, Missouri (2011);[18] the California Musical Theatre, Sacramento (2012);[5] the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey (2013),[19][20] the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota (2014),[21] the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas (2014),[22] and the White Plains Performing Arts Center, New York (2014).[23] The production staged at the California Musical Theatre (Sacramento), directed by Glen Casale, is notable for having been performed in the round.[5]

International productions

International productions have included the following:

Philippines (2011)

Philippine-based Atlantis Productions secured the rights to the musical and it opened on November 18, 2011 and closed on December 11, 2011. Pop stars Rachelle Ann Go and Erik Santos appear as Ariel and Prince Eric, respectively. This is the first production that incorporates Asian elements into its costume design by Eric Pineda, whose designs had to be approved by Disney Theatrical Co.[24] A majority of the cast members plays as puppeteer-actors, who control wayang or shadow puppets, bunraku or traditional Japanese puppets and nang kaloung or Cambodian puppets, during certain parts of the show.[25]

The Netherlands (2012)

The Dutch tour version, produced by Stage Entertainment, had previews from May 4, 2012 and opened on June 16, 2012. It played at various venues before closing on July 7, 2013.[26][27] This is the first production of the revised version of the musical, directed by Glen Casale and featuring new set design by Bob Crowley.[28] New songs ("Daddy's Little Angel") were written, and some of the songs were omitted ("Sweet Child" Reprise, "I Want The Good Times Back"). The set design was changed to include flying harnesses and aerial effects to create the underwater illusion, and the world above is depicted with a storybook design. Casale's changes to the production have since been incorporated into the official licensed version of the musical.[5] A Dutch-language cast album was released in 2012, and it reached #3 on the Dutch Album Top 100 chart.[29]

Russia (2012)

The Russian production ran from October 20, 2012 to April 13, 2014 at the Rossiya Theatre Theatre in Moscow using the Dutch production design, with direction by Glenn Casale. The show is produced by Stage Entertainment Russia.[30] This production won two Golden Mask National Theatre Awards, for Best Production for an Operetta/ Musical and Best Actress for Manana Gogitidze's portrayal of Ursula.[31]

Japan (2013)

A Japanese production opened on April 7, 2013 at the Shiki Theatre Natsu, Tokyo using the production designs and directions used in the Dutch production by Bob Crowley and Glenn Casale, respectively.[32]

Canada (2014)

The Canadian Premiere opened on August 13th, 2014 and ran until August 29th, 2014 at Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg, MB. Colleen Furlan starred as Ariel along with Marc Devigne as Prince Eric and Jennifer Lyon as Ursula. The production was directed by Ann Hodges, choreographed by Linda Garneau and the music director was Elizabeth Baird. The costumes used were made for this original cast by Kansas City Costumes. [33] Another Canadian production opened on November 19, 2014, at the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario, where it ran until December 21, 2014.[34]

Synopsis of the Broadway Production

Act I

Sierra Boggess as Ariel in "Part of Your World"

Prince Eric, his adviser, Grimsby, and sailors are aboard a ship at sea, discussing the "mythical" merfolk that supposedly live under the sea. Grimsby wants Eric to return to court to fulfill his birthright as king. However, Eric hears a beautiful voice and commands it to be followed ("Fathoms Below").

Deep on the ocean floor in the merfolk kingdom, a concert in honor of a thwarted coup d'état by Ursula is underway, being performed by the daughters of Triton the sea king. King Triton's court composer, Sebastian the crab, has composed a song for girls to perform ("Daughters of Triton"). However, the youngest daughter, Ariel, is not there for her solo, bringing the concert to a halt. Ariel has forgotten about the concert and is swimming around the surface, admiring a new item for her collection, a fork. She reveals that she is fascinated with the human world ("The World Above"). Together with her best friend Flounder, Ariel visits Scuttle and his fellow seagulls to ask about the human things she's collected, and he explains them somewhat erroneously ("Human Stuff").

Elsewhere, the sea witch Ursula is planning revenge against her brother, King Triton. She was banished from the palace for using black magic, and tells her minions Flotsam and Jetsam to keep an eye on Ariel, whom she thinks will be the key to getting the crown and trident ("I Want the Good Times Back").

When Ariel returns home, she is berated by King Triton, who is angered to learn that she has been on the surface, since contact between the merfolk and human world is forbidden. Ariel rushes off upset, and King Triton assigns Sebastian to watch over Ariel to make sure she doesn't get into trouble. Ariel sits alone in her grotto, which contains her collection of human things, and imagines living in the human world ("Part of Your World"). Ariel and Flounder meet Scuttle at the surface to see Prince Eric's ship up close. On board, Grimsby tells Eric that he must find a bride and take his place as king. A storm suddenly hits, and Eric is tossed overboard. Ariel saves him from drowning and drags him to shore. She realizes that she is falling in love with him, and vows to find a way to be with him ("Part of Your World (Reprise)").

After Ariel returns home, her behavior makes her sisters and Flounder suspect that she has fallen in love ("She's in Love"). On land, Eric is determined to the find the woman who saved his life, but the only clue he has is "Her Voice". Sebastian reveals to King Triton that Ariel has saved a human. Triton angrily confronts her about it ("The World Above (Reprise)") and uses his trident to destroy Ariel's human collection. After the king leaves, Sebastian tries to comfort Ariel by pointing out the wonders of the undersea world ("Under the Sea"), but she is furious with him for reporting to her father and sneaks off with Flounder during the song. Once she's away, she's stopped by Flotsam and Jetsam, who sweet talk her into seeking help from Ursula ("Sweet Child").

Ariel goes to meet Ursula, who presents a deal: Ariel will be turned into a human for three days, during which she has to win the kiss of true love from Eric. If she does, she will be human permanently; if not, her soul will belong to Ursula. In exchange, Ariel must give up her voice, which will stay in Ursula's magic nautilus shell ("Poor Unfortunate Souls"). Ariel signs the agreement and sings into the shell, after which she is transformed into a human and swims up to the surface.

Act II

Sebastian and Flounder bring Ariel, newly human, to shore. Scuttle and the seagulls give her a pep talk to raise her spirits and help her get used to her new legs ("Positoovity"). Eric arrives, but when Ariel tries to talk to him, she cannot speak. Eric brings Ariel back to his palace, where Carlotta, the head mistress, and the maids bathe and dress Ariel. Ariel is fascinated by the human world, while the maids wonder why Eric has brought such a girl to the palace ("Beyond My Wildest Dreams"). That night Chef Louis cooks dinner for Ariel, Grimsby, and Eric, and almost cooks Sebastian for the grand finale ("Les Poissons"/"Les Poissons (Reprise)").

Eric and Ariel spend time together, during which Eric teaches her to dance ("One Step Closer"). Meanwhile, Ursula is anxiously waiting for the three days to end and sends Flotsam and Jetsam to hurry things along ("I Want The Good Times Back" (Reprise)). After a tour of the kingdom, Eric takes Ariel on a quiet boat ride through a lagoon. Sebastian and Scuttle watch anxiously and try to create a romantic atmosphere for Eric to kiss Ariel ("Kiss the Girl"). Just before they kiss, Flotsam and Jetsam give the boat an "electric shock" and swim away gloating ("Sweet Child" (Reprise)). As the second day ends, Ariel wishes she had more time and could tell Eric everything, Triton worries about where his daughter has gone, Sebastian is concerned that Ariel's time as a human is almost up, and Eric still dreams of finding the girl who saved him even though he does not want to lose Ariel ("If Only – Quartet"). Sebastian returns to the sea and tells an angry King Triton about Ariel's deal with Ursula.

On Ariel's last day as a human, Grimsby has arranged a contest for all foreign princesses to sing for Eric, so he may choose one for his bride ("The Contest"). Eric isn't interested in any of them, and Ariel asks to participate, dancing for him. Eric picks her, but before they can embrace, Ursula appears, declaring that the sun has set and Ariel now belongs to her. Flotsam and Jetsam grab Ariel to take her back to the sea. King Triton arrives to confront his sister, agreeing to take Ariel's place. Ursula claims the trident and declares herself queen ("Poor Unfortunate Souls" (Reprise)). She banishes Triton with a wave of the trident. During a battle with Eric's ship, Ariel grabs Ursula's Nautilus shell and regains her voice. Ursula begs Ariel to return the shell to her, as her power is contained within it. Ariel is torn but destroys the shell just in time, which restores King Triton to his throne and daughter.

Eric and Ariel are reunited on the beach, and Eric asks King Triton for his blessing to marry Ariel. King Triton says that it is Ariel's place to answer, and she accepts Eric's proposal. King Triton then says goodbye to his daughter ("If Only" (Reprise)). In honor of his daughter, Triton declares peace between the humans and merfolk. Ariel and Eric are married and sail away on a ship ("Finale").

Changes from the 1989 film

In adapting the film into a live stage musical, the following significant changes are made:

The shark chase sequence that introduced Ariel and Flounder early in the film has been replaced by a new introductory song for Ariel in which she admires a fork from "The World Above". Other new songs are "Human Stuff", "I Want the Good Times Back", "She's in Love", "Her Voice", "Sweet Child", "Positoovity", "Beyond My Wildest Dreams", "One Step Closer", "If Only" and "The Contest", and some songs from the film are extended, such as "Fathoms Below". "Under the Sea" is the same as the film version, but in the film it was performed while Sebastian is trying to stop Ariel from daydreaming about Eric; in the musical it occurs later, after King Triton destroys Ariel's collection of human things. In some later productions, however, the song is sung to try to stop Ariel from thinking about Eric like in the film.

The musical depicts Ursula as King Triton's sister, a concept that was included in an early version of the film but did not make the final product.[35] The musical's writer Doug Wright was given the early notes and scripts of the film, and used this element in adapting the story.[36] In the final stage version, Ursula and Triton are explicitly equal, and upon the death of their father, Poseidon, she received a magic nautilus shell while he received the trident. Each ruled half the oceans, until her cruelty and use of black magic led to him deposing her and assuming full reign over the entire ocean world. Her nautilus shell embodies her power, while in the film it was merely a necklace she used to store Ariel's voice. Ursula also uses the shell to spy on Ariel, while in the film she used Flotsam and Jetsam for that purpose. In the musical Ariel defeats her by destroying the shell. She is destroyed when her shell is broken; she does not grow to monstrous proportions as in the film.[37]

In the reinvented version of the musical, Ursula and Triton had multiple older sisters, who were all killed by Ursula out of jealousy. When Ursula became the ruler of the seven seas, Triton overthrew her and became king, which is why she wants revenge. The magic nautilus shell was a gift to Ursula from Poseidon, to ease his guilt because he didn't give her as much attention as his other daughters.[38] At the climax of the show it's revealed that Ursula is also responsible for the death of Ariel's mother.

In the musical, the storm at sea sequence is simplified, and Eric merely falls overboard; his sheepdog, Max, is not included, and there is no gunpowder explosion. Ursula's alter ego, Vanessa, is also not included, thereby omitting the subplot of Eric's brainwashing, leading to "The Contest". In the film, Flotsam and Jetsam are killed when Ursula accidentally zaps them with the trident; in the musical they swim away after Ariel takes Ursula's nautilus shell.

Musical numbers

Act I
  • "Overture"
  • "Fathoms Below"† – Pilot, Sailors, Prince Eric, Grimsby
  • "Daughters of Triton"* – Mersisters
  • "The World Above" – Ariel
  • "Human Stuff" – Scuttle, Gulls, Ariel
  • "I Want The Good Times Back" – Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam, Eels
  • "Part of Your World"* – Ariel
  • "Storm at Sea"
  • "Part of Your World (Reprise)"* – Ariel
  • "She's In Love" – Mersisters, Flounder
  • "Her Voice" – Prince Eric
  • "The World Above (Reprise)" – King Triton
  • "Under the Sea"* – Sebastian, Sea Creatures
  • "Under the Sea (Reprise)"* – Sebastian, Sea Creatures
  • "Sweet Child" – Flotsam, Jetsam
  • "Poor Unfortunate Souls"* – Ursula, Ariel
Act II
  • "Entr'acte"
  • "Positoovity" – Scuttle, Gulls
  • "Beyond My Wildest Dreams" – Ariel, Maids, Carlotta
  • "Les Poissons"* – Chef Louis
  • "Les Poissons (Encore)" – Chef Louis, Chefs
  • "One Step Closer" – Prince Eric
  • "I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)" – Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam
  • "Kiss The Girl"* – Sebastian, Animals
  • "Sweet Child (Reprise)" – Flotsam, Jetsam
  • "If Only (Quartet)" – Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, and King Triton
  • "The Contest" – Grimsby, Princesses
  • "Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)" – Ursula
  • "If Only (Reprise)" – King Triton, Ariel
  • "Finale Ultimo" – Prince Eric, Ariel, Company
  • "Under the Sea (Bows)" – Company

Music by Alan Menken and All Lyrics by Glenn Slater, except as noted:

*Lyrics by Howard Ashman

† Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater

The songs "Where I Belong" (Eric) and Ursula's reprise of "Her Voice" were cut and the "Finale" was re-worked after the Denver tryout. It included a short reprise of "Fathoms Below". Also, the duet between Ariel and Eric was originally a bit longer with a poetic device about him being her land and her being his sea. Three other songs were cut from the show before the tryout but were available on the leaked demo tape. These included Ursula's "Wasting Away", "All Good Things Must End", and an alternate version of "Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)".

Reinvented version

Glenn Casale reinvented the show after the Broadway production closed, with an altered songlist (different order, omitted, shortened, replaced or combined songs), and this later version is the basis for the regional US productions and international productions in the Netherlands, Moscow, Russia, and Japan. "I Want the Good Times Back" and its reprise are replaced by a song called "Daddy's Little Angel". "Daughters of Triton" is the opening number of the musical, and it leads into Ariel's introduction "The World Above", followed by Eric's introduction "Fathoms Below". There are two pre-reprises of "If Only": in the first, King Triton laments over the loss of his wife and the other is sung by Ariel after the grotto destruction. "Under the Sea", which was previously performed after Triton destroys Ariel's grotto, is moved to before that sequence. The "Human Stuff" sequence is dialogue-only. Carlotta is entirely omitted, leaving Grimsby with her lines.[5][39]

Roles and original cast

Character Original Broadway Cast Character Description
Princess Ariel Sierra Boggess The beautiful, adventurous and headstrong primary protagonist of the musical, dreaming of life on land instead of "under the sea". She is the youngest daughter of King Triton, and the apparent niece of Ursula.
Prince Eric Sean Palmer The musical's handsome and hopeful secondary protagonist. He is destined to recover the girl that saved him from drowning, ignorant to the fact that it is Ariel, with whom he eventually falls in love.
King Triton Norm Lewis The strict but caring father of Ariel, and ruler over Atlantica. He originally hates humans, due to the loss of his wife, causing him to commonly reprimand Ariel for her constant human explorations, but eventually realizes it is best to let her follow her dreams. He is the apparent brother of Ursula.
Ursula Sherie Rene Scott The musical's sinister and cunning primary antagonist. She tricks Ariel into trading her voice for a pair of human legs in order to hopefully win Prince Eric's heart, only to attempt to take advantage of Ariel's naivety. She is the apparent sister of King Triton, and aunt of Ariel.
Sebastian Tituss Burgess Ariel's musical and practical guardian, Triton's faithful servant, and court composer. He serves as the musical's primary comic relief, and reluctantly assists Ariel in her efforts to charm Prince Eric.
Flounder Cody Hanford and J.J. Singleton†, Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario Ariel's loyal companion. He often accompanies Ariel on her excursions in search of human artifacts.
Scuttle Eddie Korbich He believes he is an expert on human artifacts, although he is mainly incorrect, and is often consulted by Ariel for information on her discovered "treasures". He also serves as a comic relief, alongside Sebastian.
Flotsam Tyler Maynard One of Ursula's sly and slippery henchmen.
Jetsam Derrick Baskin Another one of Ursula's cunning henchmen.
Grimsby Jonathan Freeman Prince Eric's faithful servant and friend. Seemingly a close friend of Eric's late father, Grimsby's main initiative is to ensure that Eric marries a princess to maintain his promise to the deceased king. He realizes Ariel is a princess, and is more than happy to let them wed.
Chef Louis John Treacy Egan The castle chef, who tries to capture Sebastian and cook him for dinner.
Carlotta Heidi Blickenstaff Carlotta is seemingly the castle's primary maid and housekeeper. Despite the remarks of her fellow maids and servants, she is exceptionally kind to Ariel and does her best to make her feel comfortable.

† Cody Hanford and J.J. Singleton were first cast as Flounder, but had to leave the show shortly after opening because they had grown taller than Sierra Boggess. Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario replaced them. D'Addario was the vocalist on the original cast recording and performed on the show's opening night.

Original Broadway cast recording

Disney's The Little Mermaid: Original Broadway Cast Recording is the cast album for the 2008 musical. It was released on February 26, 2008 by Walt Disney Records, produced by Alan Menken and features performances from the show's cast, which includes Boggess, Burgess, Scott, Lewis and Korbich. The recording contains twenty-nine songs from the musical. It was nominated for a Grammy Award.[40] It ranked No. 26 when it entered the Billboard 200 albums chart in March 2008, the second highest position for a cast album in 25 years (after Rent).[41]

All music composed by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Disney's The Little Mermaid: Original Broadway Cast Recording[42]
No. TitlePerformer(s) Length
1. "Overture"  Alan Menken 2:52
2. "Fathoms Below"  Original Broadway Cast 2:34
3. "Daughters of Triton"  Original Broadway Cast 1:19
4. "The World Above"  Original Broadway Cast 1:34
5. "Human Stuff"  Original Broadway Cast 2:31
6. "I Want the Good Times Back"  Original Broadway Cast 4:57
7. "Part of Your World"  Original Broadway Cast 3:24
8. "Storm At Sea"  Alan Menken 2:00
9. "Part of Your World (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 2:02
10. "She's In Love"  Original Broadway Cast 3:39
11. "Her Voice"  Original Broadway Cast 3:15
12. "The World Above (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:17
13. "Under the Sea"  Original Broadway Cast 4:06
14. "Under the Sea (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:14
15. "Sweet Child"  Original Broadway Cast 1:53
16. "Poor Unfortunate Souls"  Original Broadway Cast 5:20
17. "Positoovity"  Original Broadway Cast 4:04
18. "Beyond My Wildest Dreams"  Original Broadway Cast 3:03
19. "Les Poissons"  Original Broadway Cast 1:54
20. "Les Poissons (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:56
21. "One Step Closer"  Original Broadway Cast 4:22
22. "I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:38
23. "Kiss the Girl"  Original Broadway Cast 3:10
24. "Sweet Child (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:12
25. "If Only (Quartet)"  Original Broadway Cast 4:55
26. "The Contest"  Original Broadway Cast 1:33
27. "Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:51
28. "If Only (Reprise)"  Original Broadway Cast 1:45
29. "Finale"  Original Broadway Cast 2:33

Response

Audience response of the targeted family demographic to the musical has been generally positive.[43] Critics gave the show a mixed response, with some praising it,[44] and some calling it "less than witty"[45] and "bloated".[46] Ben Brantley of the New York Times was especially critical, saying that the "charm-free" musical is "stripped of the movie’s generation-crossing appeal. Coherence of plot, endearing quirks of character, even the melodious wit of the original score (supplemented by new, substandard songs...) have been swallowed by an unfocused spectacle."[47] Time Magazine, however, commented, "It was one of the most ravishing things I have ever seen on a Broadway stage."[48]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
2008 Tony Awards[49] Best Original Score Alan Menken (music), Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater (lyrics) Nominated
Best Lighting Design of a Musical Natasha Katz Nominated
Drama Desk Awards[50] Outstanding Actress in a Musical Sierra Boggess Nominated
Outstanding Set Design George Tsypin Nominated
Outstanding Lighting Design Natasha Katz Nominated
Outer Critics Circle Awards[51] Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical Sherie Rene Scott Nominated
Drama League Award[52] Distinguished Performance Award Sierra Boggess Nominated
Broadway.com Audience Awards[53] Favorite New Broadway Musical Nominated
Favorite Leading Actress in a Broadway Musical Sierra Boggess Nominated
Favorite Featured Actor in a Broadway Musical Tituss Burgess Nominated
Favorite Featured Actress in a Broadway Musical Sherie Rene Scott Nominated
Favorite Diva Performance Sherie Rene Scott Nominated
Favorite Breakthrough Performance (Female) Sierra Boggess Won
Favorite New Broadway Song "If Only" Nominated
Favorite New Broadway Song "She's In Love" Nominated
Grammy Awards[40] Best Musical Show Album Nominated

References

  1. 1 2 Hetrick, Adam (October 17, 2007). "Fresh Water: After Denver The Little Mermaid Gets Ready to Make a Splash on Broadway". Playbill.com. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Lassell, Michael (2009). The Little Mermaid: A Broadway Musical - From the Deep Blue Sea to the Great White Way. Disney Editions New York. ISBN 978-1-4231-1272-3.
  3. ↑ Lunden, Jeff (January 11, 2008). "'The Little Mermaid,' Heeling Hard to Broadway Port". Playbill.com. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  4. ↑ Gardner, Elisa (January 9, 2008). "'Mermaid' composer Alan Menken gets his sea legs on Broadway". USAToday.com. Retrieved January 1, 2008.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Hill, Jim (2014-07-23). "How Glenn Casale Helped The Little Mermaid Find Her Feet After This Disney Stage Show Stumbled on Broadway". Huffington Post. Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  6. ↑ "The Little Mermaid Opens in Rotterdam, 6/16; in Moscow, 10/6", Broadwayworld.com
  7. ↑ Rendell, Bob. "Disney's The Little Mermaid Theatrical Stage Musical Successfully Re-Imagined at Paper Mill". TalkingBroadway.com. Retrieved 2014-07-24.
  8. ↑ Moore, John (September 1, 2007). "On point: Fans more "in the swim" than critics.". DenverPost.com. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  9. ↑ Gans, Andrew (November 11, 2007). "Day Two: The Strike, But Not The Shows, Go On.". Playbill.com. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  10. ↑ Gans, Andrew (November 28, 2007). "It's Over!: Labor Dispute Resolved as Stagehands Strike Ends Nov. 28.". Playbill.com. Retrieved November 28, 2007.
  11. ↑ Gans, Andrew (November 29, 2007). "Mermaid Will Resume Nov. 29 and Will Officially Flip Her Fins Jan. 10". Playbill.com. Retrieved November 29, 2007.
  12. ↑ Scott, Brian (January 21, 2008). "Part of Her World". TheaterMania.com. Archived from the original on 14 January 2008. Retrieved January 13, 2008.
  13. ↑ Jones, Kenneth. Davy Jones' Locker: Broadway's Little Mermaid to End Aug. 30; National Tour Planned," Playbill.com, June 30, 2009
  14. ↑ Ng, David (June 30, 2009). "Last dive for Broadway's 'The Little Mermaid' set for Aug. 30". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
  15. ↑ Jones, Kenneth and Gans, Andrew."'Little Mermaid' to End Aug. 30; National Tour Planned" playbill.com, June 30, 2009
  16. ↑ Grigware, Don (2014-08-19). "BWW Interview: Renowned Theatre Director GLENN CASALE Continues to Keep an Astoundingly Busy Schedule". Retrieved 2014-08-21.
  17. ↑ tuacahn.org
  18. ↑ LEGALLY BLONDE, MERMAID, LITTLE SHOP et al. Lead Muny's 2011 Summer Season, Broadwayworld.com
  19. ↑ 12–13 Season
  20. ↑ Paper Mill Announces 2012–2013 Season – A CHORUS LINE, THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, LITTLE MERMAID, SOUND OF MUSIC & More! broadwayworld.com
  21. ↑
  22. ↑ Disney’s new ‘Little Mermaid’ should get on swimmingly in Dallas Dallas Morning News, Retrieved February 15, 2014
  23. ↑ "Calendar: Disney’s The Little Mermaid". ArtsWestchester.com. Retrieved 2014-11-24.
  24. ↑ http://broadwayworld.com/article/Photo-Flash-Disneys-THE-LITTLE-MERMAID-Opens-in-Manila-20111124
  25. ↑ http://philippines.broadwayworld.com/article/Disneys-THE-LITTLE-MERMAID-Premieres-in-Manila-1118-20110520-page2
  26. ↑ Gans, Andrew (2012-05-16). "The Little Mermaid Will Swim into Holland and Russia". Playbill.com.
  27. ↑ "Official Website: The Little Mermaid NL". Retrieved 2014-11-24.
  28. ↑
  29. ↑ "The Little Mermaid", Dutch albums portal, accessed August 13, 2013
  30. ↑ http://www.stage-entertainment.com/Productions_4007.htm
  31. ↑ "THE LITTLE MERMAID Receives Two Awards in Moscow". broadwayworld.com. 2014-05-01. Retrieved 2014-05-10.
  32. ↑ Shiki Theatre official website, accessed on January 11, 2013.
  33. ↑ http://www.rainbowstage.ca/
  34. ↑ , accessed on November 18, 2014.
  35. ↑ (2006) Treasures Untold: The Making of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid [Documentary featurette]. Bonus material from The Little Mermaid: Platinum Edition DVD. Walt Disney Home Entertainment.
  36. ↑ Jones, Arnold Wayne (2016-03-11). "Doug Wright Talks How to Adapt ‘The Little Mermaid’ for Stage". Backstage.com. Retrieved 2016-04-10.
  37. ↑ In the junior version developed for high school productions, she is no longer Triton's sister, though she did try to stage a coup against him and is also responsible for the death of Ariel's mother.
  38. ↑ This is all told in the new song "Daddy's Little Angel"
  39. ↑ The Little Mermaid: Original Japanese Cast Recording (booklet). Japan: Walt Disney Records. 2013. AVCW-12970.
  40. 1 2 Gans, Andrew (2008-12-03). "Gypsy, In the Heights, Mermaid, Pacific and Frankenstein Are Grammy-Nominated". Playbill.com. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
  41. ↑ Bronson, Fred. "Chart Beat: Fred discusses Usher's Love in This Club, 'American 'Idols', Janet Jackson and more!", Billboard, March 6, 2008, accessed August 13, 2013
  42. ↑ "The Little Mermaid (Original Broadway Cast Recording) by Original Cast". iTunes Store. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  43. ↑ "The Little Mermaid reviews at BroadwayBox". BroadwayBox.com. January 11, 2000. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  44. ↑ Shapiro, Howard (January 11, 2000). "Theater review: The Little Mermaid, in a Broadway splash". Philly dot com. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  45. ↑ Finkle, David (January 11, 2000). "The Little Mermaid". TheaterMania.com. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  46. ↑ Marks, Peter (January 11, 2008). "'Little Mermaid': On Broadway, Just A Fish Out of Water". Washington Post. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  47. ↑ Brantley, Ben (January 11, 2008). "Fish Out of Water in the Deep Blue Sea". New York Times. Retrieved January 11, 2008.
  48. ↑ Zoglin, Richard (January 16, 2008). "The Little Mermaid: In Defense of Disney". Time Magazine. Retrieved January 20, 2008.
  49. ↑ Gans, Andrew (2008-05-13). "2007–2008 Tony Nominations Announced; In the Heights Earns 13 Noms.". Playbill.com. Retrieved May 13, 2008.
  50. ↑ Gans, Andrew (2008-04-21). "Drama Desk Nominees Announced; Catered Affair Garners 12 Noms". Playbill.com. Retrieved April 28, 2008.
  51. ↑ Gans, Andrew (April 21, 2008). "Young Frankenstein Tops Outer Critics Circle Awards Nominations". Playbill.com. Retrieved April 23, 2008.
  52. ↑ Gans, Andrew (April 22, 2008). "74th Annual Drama League Award Nominees Announced". Playbill.com. Retrieved April 23, 2008.
  53. ↑ broadway.com Staff (May 16, 2008). "9th Annual Broadway.com Audience Award Nominations Announced". broadway.com. Retrieved May 16, 2008.

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