Playbill of The Week: The Little Mermaid

23/53

I'm a Disney kid before anything else. I was raised going to the parks, watching the films and dreaming of being a Disney princess. So whenever the company puts out a new musical I am all for it. Their live actions I could do without, but their stage shows are always a sight to behold. The Disney magic was made for the theatre. The Little Mermaid is close to the top of my list for favourite Disney films so I was extremely excited for a stage version. I didn't know how they would achieve the underwater world, or do a musical where the main character can't speak for a majority of it. But if anyone can do it, Disney can.

In the role of the redheaded mermaid herself we have the lovely Sierra Boggess. And believe it or not this was her Broadway debut. The role of Ariel sky rocketed her to Broadway stardom, claiming her right in theatre as one of the most coveted sopranos on the stage. She not only looked like Ariel, but sang the role with such a pure, wonderful tone you would think she was an animated character. She glided around that stage; on her heelys, with such ease and comfort that it just made your eyes widen. She was graceful, clumsy, explorative and full of amazement. Everything you would hope for from an Ariel, Sierra delivered.

One of my favourite performances that came out of this show was Norm Lewis as King Triton. I had never had the opportunity to see Norm on stage before, but had always been a fan of his voice. He has such a rich, deep tone that just melts like butter. It's one of the most wonderfully haunting voices in the theatre. To this day his Stars is one of my all time favourite performances. It was just a privilege to get to watch him completely own the stage whenever he was on it. From his voice to his presence, he commands your attention. And not to mention his abs. If you haven't seen him in his Triton garb well, I'll just add a picture.

This show gave us Norm Lewis' abs, and Sierra's soprano, but the most important thing it gave us is Titus Burgess. Everyone may know him as Titus on Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, but before he was everyone's favourite over the top belting scene stealer, he played Sebastian in The Little Mermaid. I did not know who Titus was when I went to see The Little Mermaid, but I knew who he was afterwards. He brought vocals and personality to the role that I didn't know was possible. His notes in Under The Sea brought the entire house down, a performance matched only by Effie White. He steals every scene he's in, no matter if he's trying to or not. He has that "It Factor" that everyone talks about. He's charming and charismatic, and grabs a hold of you until he's done. It's no wonder he's become the standout of a television show, he has talent for days and he knows how to use it.

Now, let's talk about Sherrie Rene Scott as Ursula. When I heard this casting I was not a fan, in all honesty. When I picture Ursula she would definitely be lower on my list of people to play her. I remember watching the show and during "I Want The Good Times Back" I looked at my mom and flat out said I don't like it. Now, I love Sherie Rene Scott. Aida, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Last Five Years, how could you not. But she just wasn't what I thought Ursula should be. But when she did "Poor Unfortunate Souls" my opinion changed. I don't know if it's because Souls is already a Little Mermaid song, so it's more grounded into the storyline that it worked better for me, but it just worked. It still isn't my perfect vision for the character. The rumours swirling around that Harvey Fierstein would play her in the live adaptation is something I can definitely get on board for. But getting to see someone I admire perform on stage is always a treat.

Disney has been a part of my life for forever. It has always been something that brightened my day, and helped me get through childhood. It broadened my imagination, and made me travel to places I never knew I could. Seeing Disney continue to put out wonderful pieces of theatre that are pure magic is all I could ask for. From Beauty and The Beast to the upcoming Frozen on Broadway, I will always be there in the audience, and hopefully on stage. This show was wonderful and full of that Disney magic. I walked out of the theatre with little kids seeing their favourite thing onstage, with smiles on their faces and singing along to the music. If theatre can make a beautiful memory to last a lifetime, that's what I'm here for.