Review Roundup: DISNEY'S THE LITTLE MERMAID at Fox Cities PAC

Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID runs through November 5 at Fox Cities PAC. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, it's a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time - or all over again with classics such as "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," "Part of Your World" and more!

The cast stars Diana Huey as Ariel, Eric Kunze as Prince Eric, Meredith Inglesby as Ursula, Melvin Abston as Sebastian, Marco Ramos as Flounder, Jamie Torcellini as Acuttle, Steve Blanchard as King Triton, Brandon Roach as Flotsam, Frederick Hagreen as Jetsam, and Dane Stokinger as Chef Louis.

THE LITLE MERMAID has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Kat Boogaard, Appleton Post Crescent: Kunze portrays the chiseled and swoon-worthy Prince Eric perfectly, and has the opportunity to showcase his robust vocals on "Her Voice." Ariel's dependable sidekicks, Flounder (Marco Ramos) and Scuttle (Jamie Torcellini) are equal parts eccentric and endearing... Diana Huey deserves note for her performance as the dream-filled and slightly naive Ariel. Audience members need to be able to empathize with her desire to live life above the surface, and Huey is able to encourage that emotion with what seems like ease. Her vocals are as clear as the water she swims in, particularly on the most well-known number "Part of Your World."

Meredith Kreisa, BroadwayWorld: The underwater feel of the show is effectively set through innovative staging. Several characters swim over the stage through aerial affects, while billowy fabrics flow behind them to look like swimming tails... While the material is strong, the cast is what makes the show shine. The cast is a tidal wave of energy and enthusiasm... All in all, THE LITTLE MERMAID is a whale of a time, complete with all the stage magic you could hope to find in a Disney production.

Photo Credit: Steve Wilson

To post a comment, you must register and login.