Thursday, November 25, 2021

Disney's The Little Mermaid

                                                     Ariel- Diana Huey

                                                                 
Walnut Street Theatre is producing the Philadelphia professional regional premiere  of Disney’s The Little Mermaid on its Mainstage through January 2, 2022. This is a knock-your-socks-off production for kids and adults alike. It is a perfect show to introduce your children or grandchildren to the theatre or to accompany them if they are experienced theatre goers as my 13-year-old granddaughter is, but adults do not need a child to accompany them to enjoy this show. Twenty-three delightful songs ring out through the rafters. Some may be familiar like “Part of your World,” sung in a breathtakingly beautiful voice by Ariel (Diana Huey) and “Kiss the Girl” sung pleadingly in calypso by Sebastian (Dana Orange). Another audience favorite is “Positoovity” cheerfully sung by Scuttle (Ellie Moonie) and  “Les Poissons” energetically sung by  Chef  Louis ( Ben Dibble). The costumes and sets are electrifying. Flotsam (Adam Hoyak) and Jetsam (Jessie Jones) are “eye-popping” as they glide across the stage effortlessly to help Ursula (Rebecca Robbins). Rebecca brings down the house with several of her numbers as well although the audience isn’t cheering her on but appreciating her talent. The choreography is well done and the costumes are unique. Costume Designer Mary Folino created many colorful costumes to produce “Under the Sea” and additionally made the mermaids seem believable with the addition of long scarves attached to their sides.. Ariel is frequently swimming. Diana Huey is  perfect for this role. Her body movements when swimming replicate the mermaid’s movements in the animated movie version of The Little Mermaid. For more information or tickets to this brilliant holiday production, call 215- 574-3550 or visit online at WalnutStreetTheatre.org. Guests must be fully vaccinated and show proof of vaccination before entering the theatre. All must wear a mask.