It’s been a while since I've published anything theatre or show-related (Moulin Rouge, 2019) As a Broadway Heaux, that’s a long time. So, I thought I’d simply share a few things. Like...not a review, but kinda. Meh. You can be the judge.
My partner invited me to the opening night of The Little Mermaid at Walnut Street Theatre. Ursula is my favorite antagonist. So, of course, I was excited to go.
Walnut Street Theatre checks vaccination cards along with the standard ID check! Masks also required. We passed by the Barrymore's Café at the lower level, which had the good-good snacks. There were a few tables to enjoy your nibbles, but most people were standing. The bathroom is also on this level and yes, it's clean. Historical moments, honorable mentions, and memorable are draped on all the walls and in a few glass cases.
Starring Diana Huey (Helen Hayes and Gregory award for Miss Saigon) as Ariel and Sean Thompson (Sunset Boulevard) as Prince Eric, The Little Mermaid, lured me back to my childhood. The dinglehopper, Scuttle, and Ariel's voice. I used to rewind Ursula's scenes, and when Ariel was in the ship, religiously on my VHS (Did I just hint my age? Ah well.)
I didn’t know what to expect though. I was wondering how they would give the stage a sea N fishy feel. They made it work. Well, Vicari, co-owner of The Wig Associates, told The Philadelphia Inquirer
“That’s sort of a tricky thing,” he said, “interpreting human actors to look like fish. We don’t want them to really look like fish. Fish don’t have wigs, for example. But we want the overall look to go with the costume and say the creature they are.”
After watching the show, it’s clear they kept it simple. Less is always more, and this production has shown that. There wasn’t an overkill of outlandish costumes, mechanics, or effects that a plethora of shows use that swallows up the actors' talent. The actors consistently swayed their bodies, keeping in the character of their fishy roles. The colors, the music, costumes, and props were marvelous. It's been a while since I've watched a show that felt like… well.. theatre.
When Ariel sang the Part of Your World number, I and this little one were singing it word for word, ya'll! Not loud, but our section definitely heard a mini soprano and a tenor who sounded like a seagull (me).
Overall, Walnut Theatre’s The Little Mermaid was good, but the eels stole my heart. Adam Hoyak (Flotom) and Jesse Jones (Jetsom) did the damn thing! Slithering and sliding in their heelies, they back up Ursula’s shenanigans with utter disdain and joy. When the eels swayed and manipulated Ariel with their Sweet Child, I knew my heart was in admiration. I was convinced that they were the best minions out here. Scene 6, during the "She's in Love" number, I was in awe of the colors, dance moves, and vibrant energy that permeated the stage. That's what I love about theatre adaptions for movies. There are distinctive additional numbers that you'll most likely hum days after seeing the show.
The seats are cramped!
Long legged folk and my tall crew:
Your legs finna be crunched up and your knees finna cry. It’s an older theater, I get it. But DAMN. My legs and back were cussing me out later. Nonetheless, go for the kiddies and to feed the kiddie in you. It’s a wonderful show!
The Little Mermaid will be available to enjoy at the Walnut Theatre until January 2, 2022
Running time: 2 hours and 25 minutes
Get your tickets today at:
https://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/show/disneys-the-little-mermaid
ALL ages are welcome. *
*Kiddies under 12 who are not vaccinated can show a negative COVID-19 test at the door.