Disney's The Little Mermaid Phenomenon

In a kingdom fathoms below the ocean’s surface, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who longs to be part of the world on dry land. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel’s sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, Dallas Summer Musicals production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid seen at Fair Park, was astounding. It not only captured the Animated movie to its entirety but gave off that little disney spark that everyone feels after a family get together to sit down and watch an old disney classic.
The book for Disney’s Broadway show was adapted by Doug Wright from the 1989 animated movie, written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements.
Casale’s direction and innovation, and his recruitment of Broadway-caliber talent, has turned Disney’s The Little Mermaid into a phenomenon that, despite a few Imperfections, is sure to find its way back to Broadway and the hearts of all those who sit and watch. In addition to the director, the lighting design by Charlie Morrison was breathtaking. All of the special effects, costumes, scenery, and choreography were brilliantly enhanced by Morrison’s creative lighting cues. From deep into the dark purple and lime-green black lights of Ursula’s lair to the orange and pink sunsets at its surface, there was not a moment that the light design was anything but stunning. Now one of the largest things that stood out was the sensation of sinking into the water as well as when Ariel swam away pulling Prince Eric to shore, both feel extremely realistic. The same sinking sensation is displayed again when Ariel receives her legs for the first time and turns back into a mermaid after the sun sets. Each time the stage transitioned from above and below the sea’s grasp the audience held their
The costumes, based on the original Broadway design by Tatiana Noginova, provide the spark of old Disney and the razzle-dazzle of a classic. Now add in a little puppetry, and boom it’s a song that will have your foot tapping and on the edge of your seat. Other notable sequences include Ursula’s, played by Tracy Lore, showstopper “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” , but the most hilarious by far is “Les Poissons” featuring Jeff Skowron as Chef Louis, as he tangos with Sebastian in an attempt to kill him, on and under the dinner table. However, unfairly or not, few of the new songs, all of which were written by Glenn Slater, live up to the standard set by “Under The sea” as well as the other familiar songs from the animated classic. Most of the other songs solely exist in order to give more stage time for characters like Prince Eric, who really didn't have a background in the