By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Any die-hard Disney enthusiast will be flipping their fins with joy for Theatre by the Sea’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” The stage show brings to life the 1989 animated musical classic that follows teen mermaid princess Ariel and her longing for the world above.
Billy Sprague, Jr. provides the direction and choreography for the cast of 22 young, talented performers.
Adrienne Eller stars as “The Little Mermaid” herself, Ariel, and she not only looks the part, she has that quintessential Disney princess sound that’s more than pleasant on the ears. She nails her rendition of “Part of Your World,” despite having to sing some of it while suspended mid-air. Eller is a bubbly, spunky and adorable Ariel, which makes it easy to see why Prince Eric (Austin Colby) falls for her.
The chemistry between Eller and Colby is the squeaky clean, butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of teen romance.
But the star power doesn’t end with the romantic leads: Nkrumah Gatling steals the show as Sebastian, the crustacean charged with keeping an eye on Ariel. He blows the roof off the barn with his rendition of “Under the Sea” and is an absolute joy in “Kiss the Girl.”
Keisha Giles’ Ursula is the perfect combination of sassy and evil, and her two sidekicks, Flotsam and Jetsam (Robert Conte and Daniel Hurst) are delightfully wicked.
Rhode Island native Andrew Holder makes a sweet Flounder and Zachary Berger shows off his clownish chops as the tap-dancing seagull Scuttle.
The colorful costumes by Kurt Alger, paired with the lighting by Bailey Costa and set by Nate Bertone, transport the audience to the underwater kingdom of King Triton through color, shadow and illusion. Add in a couple of bubble machines over the crowd and you’ve got a visual experience that will delight little guppies of all ages.
Although it’s a bit lengthy – two and a half hours with one intermission – if you can get the whole family together, set sail for Theatre by the Sea to catch this classic musical treat before it swims away.
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” runs now through August 15 at Theatre by the Sea in Matunuck. Tickets are on sale by phone at (401) 782-8587 or online at theatrebythesea.com.
