The Muny's energetic "Mermaid" brings out the fun under the sea

The Muny is taking its audience "Under the Sea" again, for its third staging of Disney's “The Little Mermaid.” As this year's "family show", this production takes theatregoers on a colorful musical adventure in a vibrant staging directed by Muny veteran John Tartaglia. On the big Muny stage, the sea is brought to life by a strong cast and dazzling production values, including especially inventive usage of flying effects and puppetry.

The story is well-known to anyone who is familiar with the original animated film, its more recent live-action adaptation, or the stage show. The title character is Ariel (Savy Jackson), a mermaid and the daughter of Triton (Ben Davis), the King of the Sea. Noted for her remarkable voice, Ariel would rather be spending time on the ocean's surface than attending concert rehearsals with court composer Sebastian the crab (Fergie L. Phillippe). There, she and her fish friend Flounder (Leia Rhiannon Yogi) meet with the enterprising seagull Scuttle (Jen Cody), who offers inventive descriptions of the discarded human artifacts Ariel finds to add to her collection. Soon, she meets Prince Eric (Michael Maliakel), who would rather be spending time at sea than becoming king. Of course, Ariel falls in love with him, saves his life after a shipwreck, and ends up making a deal with the devious Sea Witch Ursula (Nicole Parker)--trading for voice for legs with the stipulation that she must get Eric to kiss her within three days, or else she is doomed to forfeit her soul. Thankfully, Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle are there to help, but Ursula's henchmen, the electric eels Flotsam and Jetsam (Kennedy Kanagawa, Adam Fane) hang around in an effort to thwart their plans. Some new songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater have been added to the show along with film favorites by Menken and Howard Ashman,  including the popular "Under the Sea", "Part of Your World" and "Kiss the Girl".  The book by Doug Wright has added some backstory for Triton and Ursula, as well as Prince Eric and his guardian Grimsby (Rich Pisarkiewicz). The scenes between Ariel and Eric are extended, as well, and the ending plays out a bit differently than in the original film. Overall, it's the story audiences will recognize, brought to life on the large Muny stage with vibrancy and a good deal of energy, with thoughtful staging by director Tartaglia and enthusiastic choreography by Patrick O'Neill, backed by a terrific Muny Orchestra led by music director Michael Horsley.

This isn't just the Muny's third production of this show--it's also the third one I've seen, having attended both previous Muny versions. For many in the audience, though--especially the many children attending--this is a new experience, so too much comparing isn't all that useful. For me, though, it's interesting to notice the similarities--especially to the last staging in 2017, where some of the costumes, and especially the look and operation of Ursula's costume, is essentially identical, with Parker's Sea Witch surrounded by tentacles each played by a different ensemble member. The use of puppetry and flying, however, is used even more in this production than either of the previous two, with kudos to Puppet Kitchen International, Inc. for the puppets and ZFX for the flying (well, swimming, really). This is a great looking production, with a vivid sense of color and variety in the various sea creatures and land dwellers. The costumes by Robin L. McGee are colorful and whimsical, and Ann Beyersdorfer's detailed set is eye-catching, augmented by Katherine Freer's fun video design and atmospheric lighting by Jason Lyons.

As for the cast, it's especially strong, led by the delightful Jackson as Ariel, with all the likable personality and excellent vocals required for the role. Maliakel as Eric is also memorable, displaying a great voice as well, and fantastic chemistry with Jackson, making their scenes together a highlight of the production. There are also memorable turns from Davis as the loving but occasionally overbearing Triton and Parker as the gleefully villainous Ursula, backed by marvelously sneaky performances form Kanagawa and Fane as the devious Flotsam and Jetsam. Phillippe makes a great Sebastian, as well, with excellent support from the clear-voiced Yogi as Flounder and the delightfully comic Cody as the tap-dancing Scuttle. There's a strong ensemble in support, with a good deal of enthusiasm on big numbers like "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl".

Overall, this is “The Little Mermaid” that audiences will expect, with a good deal of energy, heart, and memorable visuals. If I have to sum it up in one word, it would be "fun". It's a musical treat for all ages from the Muny.

Performances of “The Little Mermaid” continue at the Muny through July 16. For more information, visit The Muny web site.