OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.—Who could have imagined that an animated movie about a mermaid from an undersea world could be adapted into a full-scale stage musical?
The challenges seem immense. The underwater setting would be difficult to recreate on a theatrical stage. Only the Disney company, which produced the 1989 movie, was able to stage a live-action remake in 2008. Still, it hasn’t been easy for many theater companies that have tried to recapture the Disney magic with their own revivals. That is, until the Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Illinois decided to make “The Little Mermaid” its end-of-year presentation.
With a book by Doug Wright, the fable is a wonderful musical enchantment that kids and adults will all enjoy. Under the exceptional direction of Scott Weinstein, who has assembled a group of ingenious artistic talents and an ensemble of compelling performers, this “Mermaid” is the best of the versions that have played in the Chicago area.
Undersea Adventures, but On-stage
The story begins when Ariel, the mermaid who longs for another life away from her father’s underwater kingdom, saves Prince Eric from drowning. When her father, King Triton, learns what she’s done, he’s so angry that she feels forced to rebel and do something drastic. She wants to escape the stifling sea environment for freedom in the human world above. To escape, she goes along with her manipulative Aunt Ursula and agrees to exchange her voice for the chance to transform into a human. As any kind of devilish pact, it comes with a terrible price.
Like most classics (this one based on a Hans Christian Anderson story), “Mermaid” offers life lessons. It’s a reminder that our dreams aren’t always be fulfilled as we expect them to be. We have to be careful about what we wish for. On more positive note, it also conveys the message that we have to overcome challenges to reach our dreams.
The unfolding of the tale, as presented by the Drury Lane is deliciously captivating. Everything about the show is top notch. The scenic design by Tijana Bjelajac is notable in setting the aquatic atmosphere. Her stone and rock formations, when combined with Ryan O’Gara’s lighting and Anthony Churchill’s watery projections, conjure up a spectacular underwater sea and royal palace. Costuming by Zhang Yu and Ryan Park provides rich color to the production.
Furthermore, the Chicago Puppet Studio crafted sea puppetry that brings adorable marine creatures to life with irresistible elements of creativity that had many in in the audience “oohing” and “ahhing.”
In addition, the show offers an upbeat musical score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater. The Drury Lane orchestra plays under the superb musical direction of Ellie Kahn. All the songs you remember from the Disney classic are here, highlights of which include “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Under the Sea.” Plus, there are new songs that are used to replace parts of the story that wouldn’t work on stage. They'll provide audience members with a greater understanding of the characters.
We learn more about Prince Eric with songs such as “Her Voice” and “One Step Closer,” the Mermaid’s father King Triton with “If Only,” and Aunt Ursula with “Daddy’s Little Angel.”
Of course, the production comes together as fantastic entertainment because of its exceptional ensemble of performers. They not only deliver fine acting and singing, but come through with some great choreographed dance moves by Kasey Alfonso.
Highlight performances include Sarah Kay, who is perfection as Ariel the mermaid and Patrick Johnson, who is a captivating Prince Eric. Others who contribute to the seamless production include Anand Nagraj as King Triton; a hilarious Sawyer Smith as Ursula; Michael Earvin Martin, a hoot as Sebastian the crab; Maya Lou Hlava a riot as Flounder; Landree Fleming as Scuttle; Matt Edmonds as a comic French Chef; Leah Morrow as Flotsam; and Ryan Michael Hamman as Jetsam.
Among the many wonderful scenes throughout the show is the one in which Smith, Hamman, and Morrow come together to do a thrilling version of “Daddy’s Little Angel.” Smith almost stops the show with a terrific performance of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
This “Mermaid” is a joy, not just for kids, but for adults, and families who want a feel-good adventure for the holiday season.
