RIALTO CHATTER: Is 'Ariel' Role 'Part' of Chelsea Morgan Stock's 'World'? 'LITTLE MERMAID' Ensemble Member Rumored as New Lead

Online sources are reporting that The Little Mermaid ensemble member Chelsea Morgan Stock has won the leading role of Ariel and will be replacing current star Sierra Boggess when Boggess leaves the production to create the role of Christine Daae in the upcoming sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, 'LOVE NEVER DIES'. Stock has some experience playing the lovelorn Ariel as she has understudied the role since the hit show opened on Broadway. Reports indicate that Chelsea Morgan Stock will take over on June 2nd, 2009. Sierra Boggess is said to be set to exit on May 31st.

It should be said that there is no official word on Stock securing the part, a spokesperson for The Little Mermaid had no comment or confirmation on any casting news at this time. The word of the young actress winning the part came from the alumni page of Archbishop Mitty High School, Stock graduated from the San Jose based high school in 2003.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Stock is making her B'way debut in The Little Mermaid. Regionally she was seen in A Year With Frog and Toad and Kiss Me, Kate.

Disney Theatrical Productions had been holding open auditions for the starring role of Ariel across the United States in the last number of months, but Stock has been rumored for weeks to have been awarded the role.

Based on the animated Disney film and the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, THE LITTLE MERMAID officially opened on Broadway on Thursday, January 10, 2008. The company recently celebrated its one-year anniversary.

Disney Theatrical Productions welcomed Tony Award winner Faith Prince to the Broadway company of THE LITTLE MERMAID earlier this week in as the villianous (and comedic) 'Ursula'.

The cast of THE LITTLE MERMAID also features Sierra Boggess (Ariel), Sean Palmer (Prince Eric), Norm Lewis (King Triton), Rogelio Douglas, Jr. (Sebastian), Eddie Korbich (Scuttle), Jonathan Freeman (Grimsby), Tyler Maynard (Flotsam), Eric LaJuan Summers (Jetsam), Jimmy Smagula (Chef Louis) and Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario (alternating as Flounder).

THE LITTLE MERMAID is led by the award-winning director, Francesca Zambello. The score features the classic songs: "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award®-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea," composed by eight-time Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and his longtime collaborator, the late Howard Ashman, as well as 10 new songs by Mr. Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the new musical is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning playwright Doug Wright. 

THE LITTLE MERMAID's visionary team also includes: Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear (choreography), George Tsypin (scenic design), Tatiana Noginova (costume design), Tony Award® winner Natasha Katz (lighting design), John Shivers (sound design), David BrIan Brown (hair design), Angelina Avallone (make-up design), Sven Ortel (projection & video designer), Danny Troob (orchestrations) and Michael Kosarin (musical direction).

The original Broadway cast recording of THE LITTLE MERMAID was released by Walt Disney Records (February 26, 2007) and debuted at #26 on the Billboard 200. The album received a 2008 GRAMMY® Nomination for "Best Musical Show Album." The CD is available at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, music stores nationwide and at online retailers.

THE LITTLE MERMAID tickets range in price from $51.50-$121.50 (all prices include a $1.50 facility fee). Tickets are available at DisneyOnBroadway.com, the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street), Ticketmaster outlets, or by calling Ticketmaster's Disney on Broadway hotline at 866-870-2717. For group sales and information, please call 800-439-9000. Performance & holiday schedule varies, check online for current schedule (running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.)