Saturday, July 12, 2014

7/12/14: The Little Mermaid at the North Shore Music Theatre

Last August Bill Hanney the owner of the North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) announced that Disney's The Little Mermaid was going to be their family musical of the year.  Since then my daughter and I have been waiting to see it, and this past week we finally did on opening night.
It is always difficult to bring an animated Disney beloved movie to life, but the North Shore Theatre did a wonderful job.  The actors, the sets, and the special effects were very well done and our whole family enjoyed it.
Adrienne Eller played Ariel and was fantastic.  I particularly loved her innocence in the role and her acting even when Ariel's voice was taken by Ursula.  Even when she was on wires about the stage swimming along her voice remained flawless.
 All show photos by Paul Lyden provided by the North Shore Music Theatre
Kecia Lewis as Ursula was amazing.  Her booming voice during Poor Unfortunate Souls was absolutely amazing.  She commanded the stage.  Her costume was amazing and got quite a round of applause when she rose up from the middle of the stage.
 Bruce Landry also had a wonderful voice as Prince Eric.  His interactions with Ariel were heartfelt.
 J. Cameron Barnett was another one of my favorites as Sebastian.  I think he did an awesome job with the role.  Mark Campbell was King Triton.
 Freddie Kimmel as Scuttle did a great job too.  He had some funny moments especially with the song Positoovity.
There were so many high points in the show.  One that sticks out was when Ariel, Sebastian, King Triton and Prince Eric sing "If Only" together.  It was really amazing.  I don't have a picture but David Scott Purdy was great as Chef Louis.  It was a really funny number as he was cooking a feast for Prince Eric and Ariel.  He was in Anything Goes recently at NSMT and I had liked him in that show too.  The other mermaids did a great job too.
They have added shows already due to the popularity and the show runs until July 27th so get your tickets now.  Here is a video preview of the show:  
More about the show:
Journey "under the sea" to a magical underwater kingdom, with the beautiful young mermaid Ariel who longs to leave her ocean home - and her fins - behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking. 

Based on the 1989 Disney film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, THE LITTLE MERMAID is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. SONGS INCLUDE: PART OF YOUR WORLD • KISS THE GIRL • UNDER THE SEA • HER VOICE • POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS • LES POISSONS • I WANT THE GOOD TIMES BACK • DAUGHTERS OF TRITON Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater Book by Doug Wright Based on the Hans Christian Andersen Story and the Disney Film produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements Direction by Michael Heitzman Choreography by AC Ciulla.
You can get Kids (18 and under) tickets for 50% off on Friday, July 18 at 8pm!   There are also other kids shows during the summer.

Go under the Sea and take the family to this show! 
Disclosure:  I received 4 tickets to attend a performance of The Little Mermaid.  No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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