The treasured Little Mermaid story is one that many of us know and love. Why see yet another production? Because the timeless messages feel good and don’t grow old, especially in the right hands. The Rockville Musical Theatre knows its way around a good story and delivers the goods with Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Mermaid Ariel saves Prince Eric, who has been washed ashore, and longs to join him in the human world above. Ready and willing to do whatever it takes, she bargains with sea witch Ursula to give up her voice and trades her fish tail for legs. When the Prince searches for the beautiful creature who saved him, he’s nearly tricked by Ursula using Ariel’s voice. It takes a full load of sea creatures and King Triton himself to set the record straight for Ariel and the Prince to find their way to each other and true love.
The lead voices are superb. Neva Keuroglian Sullivan as Ariel and Ryan Kieft as Prince Eric have powerhouse chops and the verve to match the best in musical theater around town. Iris Dewitt as evil sea witch Ursula belts out her “Poor Unfortunate Souls” with fiendish glee. Alexandra Curd as crustacean buddy Sebastian has a playful Jamaican lilt and frolics out a rousing “Under the Sea.” Once the xylophone notes ping out the familiar tune, it takes willpower to stay seated. Same thing with “Kiss the Girl,” where the full ensemble hits the stage in colorful attire. Singer/dancers Anna Legrady and Leigh Wirth as Flotsam and Jetsam showcase killer moves and gorgeous voice combos.
The depth of talent continues with Courtney Knoerlein’s Scuttle and a rousing “Positooovity” with Ariel adorably trying to figure out how to use her legs under the tutelage and coaching of the soaring seagulls. Ginger Ager’s imaginative costumes include ruffles on the sleeves suggesting feathers for wings. The full ensemble takes the stage with tap dancers and high kicks galore. Sarah Robinson rounds everything out as Chef Louis in her delightful rendition of “Les Poissons.” The entire show is full of free-flowing boisterous energy with periodic iridescent bubbles blasting across the stage to complete the festivities.
Director Steven Magenheim maneuvers the large cast with ease along the galleyways and planks and under the sea. Fun sound design by Jeff Goldgeier captures pivotal moments while music director/conductor Sam Weich keeps the full-scale orchestra in pitch and tone at decibel levels to accommodate the singers at a crisp moving pace. The French horn, violin, and trumpet add a nice touch.
TOP LEFT: Sarah Robinson(Chef Louis) and Alexandra Curd (Sebastian); TOP RIGHT: Ryan Kieft (Prince Eric) aand Neva Keuroglian Sullivan (Ariel); ABOVE: The Company, in ‘Disney’s The Little Mermaid.’ Photos by Bruce Rosenberg.
Lighting by Jake Gunter bathes the set in aqua blue, coral greens, emerald, and lovely transitional shades in between. The rainstorm that initiates the drama with the Prince tumbling overboard is also masterwork from the lighting and sound designer combo. Douglas Becker’s set design included a roll-away entrance for the treacherous Ursula complete with a lit-up oval archway. Even the props were so sophisticated that King Triton’s three-prong fishing spear lit up on cue, as did the lanterns placed along the ship side.
Rockville Musical Theatre is celebrating 50 years. This production provides a glimpse of the massive talent and commitment of artists and staff to mount quality shows over this duration. The Little Mermaid is a good one to catch, celebrate, and enjoy this company’s stellar work, which will hopefully continue for years to come.
Running time: Two hours and 10 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid plays through July 14, 2024 (Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm), presented by Rockville Musical Theatre performing at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, Rockville Civic Center Park, 603 Edmonston Dr, Rockville, MD. Purchase tickets ($26; $23 for students and seniors) online.
The program for Disney’s The Little Mermaid is online here.
COVID Safety: Masks optional.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements.
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
FEATURING
Neva Keuroglian Sullivan as Ariel
Ryan Kieft as Prince Eric
Brian McCafferty as King Triton
Alexandra Curd as Sebastian
Leigh Wirth and Anna Legrady as Plotsam and Jetsam
Iris Dewitt as Ursala
Sarah Robinson as Chef Louis
PRODUCTION DESIGN
Directed by Steven Magenheim
Music Directed by Sam Weich
Choreographed by Hayley North
Produced by Jackie Williams
Costume Design: Ginger Ager
Set Design: Douglas Becker
Lighting: Jake Gunter
Sound Design: Jeff Goldgeier
Stage Manager: Jacqueline Williams Rocco
