The Little Mermaid - Summer Theatre of New Canaan

The Summer Theatre of New Caanan’s (STONC) production of The Little Mermaid is an immensely entertaining, family-friendly production.  Based on the Disney animated classic, the show boasts a first-rate cast, imaginative sets, an abundance of colorful and whimsical sea creature costumes, some high-flying manuevers and, of course, a score that includes such memorable songs as “Part Of Your World,” ”Under the Sea,” “She’s in Love,” and “Kiss the Girl.”  This is the third summer in a row that STONC has staged a Disney musical – Mary Poppins in 2024 and Beauty and the Beast in 2023 – and Mermaid is the best so far.

 

Laura Renee Mehl and members of the cast of The Little Mermaid.  Photo by Dutch Doscher.

Like its source material, the musical centers around Ariel, youngest daughter of Triton, who adores everything human.  When a young prince’s ship sinks in a storm, the young mermaid saves his life and falls in love.  Eric, soon to be crowned king of his land, barely remembers his rescue, but cannot forget her voice, which leads Grimsley, the advisor to the prince to hold a ball (think Cinderella) to find his true love.  Even though her father has forbid her interacting with the people above, Ariel, disobeys his orders.  She signs a pact with her evil aunt Ursula, the sea witch, and becomes human.  The catch – Ursula has taken the young maiden’s voice and if Eric doesn’t kiss her in three days, Ariel faces an eternity as the sea witch’s prisoner.  The end?  Suffice it to say, a happy ending comes to all…that is except Ariel’s aunt.

 

Jason Guy, Aidan Cole, and members of the cast of The Little Mermaid.  Photo by Dutch Doscher.

Young (and old) audiences have embraced The Little Mermaid over the years for a number of reasons.  First, audiences remember growing up with the film (or are of the age where it is a current favorite).  Second, the book by Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Doug Wright (based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale as well as the animated film), speaks to the timeless theme of the rebellious teen and overprotective father.  Third, the musical validates that malevolent forces are no match for virtue and bravery.  And, of course, it is a beautiful love story.

Gray Mortier, Logan Mortier, and Keisha T. Fraser in The Little Mermaid.  Photo by Dutch Doscher.

The songs by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman helped reinvigorate the Disney animated musical.  Their next collaboration was the even more successful Beauty and the Beast.  The compositions, including the notable songs mentioned earlier, are full of humor and wonder.  As with other Disney animated films, there are songs with a degree of menace and foreboding.  They also afford the main actors plum signature numbers.  Each song resonates perfectly throughout the New Canaan High School auditorium, due to the superb Music Direction of Alex Parrish and Sound Design of Daniel Bria.

 

Jason Williams and members of the cast of The Little Mermaid.  Photo by Dutch Doscher.

Director Arbender J. Robinson, was a member of the ensemble from the original Broadway production and, therefore, knows how to keep the show fresh and highly entertaining.  He seamlessly integrates Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd’s stylish choreography and the high-stepping tap-dancing routines created by Doug Shankman.  Robinson adeptly incorporates the essential creative aspects of the show to fashion a wonderous whole.  They include Kevin Gleason’s pinpoint Lighting Designs, Daniel Brea’s robust Sound Design, Lauren Nicole Sherwood’s inspired and artistically rendered Sets and Costumes, and the company ZFX’s magically aerial effects.

 

Mike Katz, Laura Renee Mehl, and Carlos Velasquez Escamilla of The Little Mermaid. Photo by Dutch Doscher.

 

The outstanding cast is led by Laura Renee Mehl as Ariel.  The actress, displaying innocence and charm, possesses a powerful voice that can be heard throughout the performance space (and I was sitting in the back).  Aidan Cole is endearing as Prince Eric, bringing parts regal heir and smitten teen to his role.  Jason Williams, clad in a rich red suit and matching hat, is suitably crusty and delightful as Sebastian.  Keisha T. Fraser is playfully wicked as Ursula.  Mike Katz gets kudos for his high-flying antics as Scuttle, Carolos V. Escamilla is loveable as Flounder, and Joseph Torello is fittingly king-like as Triton.

Members of the cast of The Little Mermaid. Photo by Dutch Doscher.

 

The Little Mermaid, playing at STONC through July 27.  Click here for dates, times, and ticket information.