Disney’s The Little Mermaid

With great musical talent, a vibrant design and cute and funny characters, Free Rain’s The Little Mermaid will delight children of all ages, including sixteen-year-old nit-picking Disney nerds. I know this because I accidentally brought one along and she air sang for the duration. Oops.  Thanks to her, I learned: that the song Daddy’s Little Angel sounds like Mother Knows Best from the movie Tangled (which sounds like Master of the House from Les Miserable); the tap dancing seagulls are quite a lot like the penguin waiters from Mary Poppins; and that Sebastian is Jamaican. Actually, I did need to know that last fact because I mistook his accent as odd Scottish and was wondering why the Celtic crab was singing Calypso and why his cap was so Rastafarian for a tam o’shanter. Don’t mind me; I’m just a bit slow—anyone familiar with the movie would have got it. Oh well. Moving on.

Based on the 1989 Disney movie inspired by a Hans Christian Anderson story, this musical was rewritten for stage in 2007 and includes a number of original songs. Free Rain's interpretation sounds and looks fabulous. Mikayla Williams and Tim Dal Cortivo are enchanting as Ariel and Prince Eric. Ms William’s voice is flawless and she plays the plucky but vulnerable young heroine to perfection. My lack of ability to pick an accent aside, Fraser Findlay was very funny as Sebastian the crab. He and the ensemble rocked Under the Sea, with terrific vibrant voices and exciting Calypso choreography, inspiring aforementioned Disney nerd to brandish invisible maracas. David Cannell’s hilariously jolly but murderous Chef Louis made Les Poissons a highlight. Fantastic depth in the vocal talent made the Mersisters’, maids’ and ensemble’s harmony pieces a joy to hear. Steve Galinec’s Triton balanced being absolute monarch of the undersea realms with being a bewildered single dad of seven girl teenagers.

Shining over all of these was Louiza Blomfield as a magnificent Ursula. Backed by wonderfully smarmy henchmen Flotsam and Jetsam (David Santolin and Jamie Winbank), her huge alto voice and stage presence made her scenes thrilling. Unlike her movie counterpart, this is a beautiful Ursula with a glittering regal dress and sparkling gems, while Flotsam and Jetsam have eye-catching LED detailing.

There’s also gorgeous, sinuous choreography with plenty of swift, fish-like dodging and swaying on currents, and a colourful a set faithful to the movie. The design has plenty of shimmery teals and Disney-esque hues to keep even the most distractible child enthralled. Your kids will love it, even if they are not familiar with the movie.

Cathy Bannister