Based on the animated Disney film and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, Mermaid began previews on Broadway Nov. 3, 2007, and officially opened Jan. 10.
The cast currently features Sierra Boggess (Ariel), Sean Palmer (Prince Eric), Norm Lewis (King Triton), Rogelio Douglas, Jr. (Sebastian), Eddie Korbich (Scuttle), Jonathan Freeman (Grimsby), Tyler Maynard (Flotsam), Eric LaJuan Summers (Jetsam), Robert Creighton (Chef Louis), Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario (alternating as Flounder) and Sherie Rene Scott (Ursula).
The Little Mermaid, according to press notes, "takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. First, she'll have to defy her father, the king of the sea, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a prince that she’s the girl with the perfect voice."
The Little Mermaid features songs penned by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman for the Disney film ("Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," among others) as well as ten new tunes by Menken and Glenn Slater. Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens) wrote the book.
The creative team includes Francesca Zambello (direction), Stephen Mear (choreography), George Tsypin (scenic design), Tatiana Noginova (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), John Shivers (sound design), Angelina Avallone (makeup design), Sven Ortel (projection and video design) and David Brian Brown (hair design). Associate producer is Todd Lacey. Fight director is Rick Sordelet. Technical director is David Benken. Production supervisor is Clifford Schwartz. Dance arrangements are by David Chase, music coordinator is Michael Keller, orchestrations are by Danny Troob. Music direction, incidental music and vocal arrangements are by Michael Kosarin.
The original Broadway cast recording of The Little Mermaid was released by Walt Disney Records Feb. 26, 2007, and received a 2008 Grammy nomination for Best Musical Show Album.
Disney Theatrical Productions is under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.
Tickets for the musical are available by calling (212) 307-4747 or by visiting the Lunt-Fontanne box office at 205 West 46th Street.
For more information visit Walt Disney Theatricals at www.disneyonbroadway.com.
