Disclosure: I was invited to see The Little Mermaid musical
The Little Mermaid musical | Photo credit Mark & Tracy Photography
The Little Mermaid is a game changer for us all, right? If you’re reading this you probably own the movie, know every word to the soundtrack and have Ariel on multiple pieces of merchandise you own. Same. The visuals in the movie from my childhood are staples. Under the Sea, Kiss the Girl and Poor Unfortunate Souls all have their place in our hearts with their beautiful color palettes and comical details. Part of Your World and Jodi Benson’s iconic vocals are basically nineties kids’ life soundtrack. Fast forward to 2007 and the debut of The Little Mermaid on Broadway. Can you believe it debuted ten years ago? I didn’t make it to New York to see it so I was really happy when the Dr. Phillips Center announced it was coming to town as part of the Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando series.
The story in the musical is slightly different than Disney’s 1989 animated hit. No spoilers here but I was kind of surprised by some of the relationships they changed or embellished in this version. All of the songs we love are featured in this musical under the sea and then some. This production of The Little Mermaid feels perfect for the little ones. I definitely see this being an excellent show to introduce children to theater. Also, there were a few times I really liked how Ariel ‘swam’ to the water’s surface.
If you love The Little Mermaid like I do this musical will definitely be a fun night out for you. So many at the Dr. Phillips Center were decked out in their mermaid finest. I wore my mermaid leggings. The whole night was really a celebration of this character we know and love.
The Little Mermaid is at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts through March 12th, 2017. Tickets start at $33.75 and are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org.