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.
