This magical underwater Disney classic, The Little Mermaid, presented by Toby’s Dinner Theatre, is sure to evoke childhood nostalgia in adults and spark wondrous excitement in the kiddos. The visually stunning and immersive setting, the mermaid costumes, the big musical numbers, and the iconic scenes reminded me of why I continue to fall in love with this aquatic journey of dreams and happy endings.
A most beloved heroine, our mermaid Ariel, superbly portrayed by Abby Middleton, is at the heart of this story. Her journey to walk in the sun with the very human Prince Eric, performed by the idyllic Carter Crosby, is a strange and twisted one. This journey, fraught with a vengeful sea witch, Ursula, embodied by the talented Lynn Sharp-Spears, and an unmovable father, the foreboding King Triton, admirably played by Adam Grabau, takes her through wonder, hopelessness, determination, and a last-ditch effort to gain it all or lose everything. Originally based on the book by Doug Wright and under the masterful direction of Mark Minnick, the story is skillfully told and presented amid such surreal beauty that it could stop your breath.
I will always appreciate the scenic design by Shane Lowry. It takes a special talent to create an underwater feel in the middle of a restaurant. The blue fabric and fan veils that recreate waves on a turbulent sea, the overhead jellyfish, the beautifully decorated entrances, and the moving décor — I was completely awestruck. It was just downright beautiful. Especially the scene for “Kiss the Girl.” I loved it. I will say that most of the iconic moments from the original were well done and present in this adaptation. I was very pleased with that. The only miss was that the original death of Ursula was downplayed, and I was slightly disappointed in that regard, but it was still a well-executed production.
The lighting by Lynn Joslin was another key element. It was on time and instrumental in creating the various moods throughout the play. But it was done so well, you weren’t even necessarily aware it was happening.
Another fun element was the costumes, particularly the tails for the mermaids. Hats off to Sarah King and Janine Sunday for their work as the costume coordinators. I understand to some extent why Ariel and her sisters had tails while the other merfolk didn’t. And I must be honest: I did chuckle when I first saw Ariel’s tail. It may not have been meant to be funny, and I apologize if it offends, but it was funny, cute, and in keeping with what I expected to see.
Speaking of Ariel, Abby Middleton did the most amazing job. Her voice was bewitching, strong, and clear, just what you would expect from a siren of the sea. The more well-known musical number “Part of Your World” was a ten out of ten. It was hard to contain my glee and urge to sing out during those moments. Because who hasn’t tried to recreate that moment when they’ve gone to the beach? Just me? OK.
Prince Eric, Ariel’s true love, gave a legendary performance. His vocals were exemplary, and his rendition of “Her Voice” and “One Step Closer” was hauntingly alluring. From the top of his head to the tippity tap of his toes, he was the ideal vision of what I pictured when I think of Prince Eric. His voice was the chef’s kiss to the overall picture.
But the real standout was the show-stopping Sebastian, depicted by the incomparable Elijah Henderson. He almost became the star of the show; his singing was that good. Even with the heavier patois of the Caribbean, you could understand him, and when he sang, he opened up and gave you everything. The big numbers “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” were astonishingly delightful and honestly some of the best live renditions I have heard. I was quite impressed.
And of course, this wouldn’t be a dinner theater without the food. I’m always amazed at how well everything is organized at Toby’s and how good the food is. The ribs were so very good! So seasoned and tender! Honestly, I really want that recipe. The Key Lime Pina Colada drink called the Show Stopper (non-alcoholic version) was a drinkable summertime dessert. Plus, it comes with a collectible take-home glass. The Little Mermaid–themed food names added extra fun. The variety of food is also appreciated. It’s not too much, not too little; it’s just the right amount. And there’s plenty of it, so you don’t have to worry about them running out.
Quick note: Toby’s is undergoing construction, but once you get past the parking lot, you won’t notice it. It didn’t affect the performance or the top-notch service they provide.
Overall, I enjoyed the evening out, and the show was exactly what I wanted and needed it to be. I couldn’t have asked for a better time. Toby’s Dinner Theatre continues to deliver high-caliber shows and amazing delectables to its audiences. They should feel proud of what they accomplished. It was the perfect evening for all ages, bringing a bit of sea magic to add joy to our lives. Thank you.
Running Time: 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid plays through August 17, 2025, at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD. Tickets, including dinner and show (adult, $74–$92; child, $64–$67), can be purchased by calling 410-730-8311 or online.
The menu is here. The playbill is here.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman & Glenn Slater
CAST
Ariel: Abby Middleton
Prince Eric: Carter Crosby
Pilot: David Bosley-Reynolds
Grimsby: David James
Flounder: Nicky Kaider
Scuttle: Jeffrey Shankle
King Triton: Adam Grabau
Winward: Jaylen Fontaine
Sebastian: Elijah Henderson
Mersisters:
Aquata: Patricia “Pep” Targete
Andrina: Rachel Cahoon
Arista: Kiana King
Atina: Margaret Kelly
Adella: MaryKate Brouillet
Allana: Alexis Krey-Bedore
Flotsam: Shane Lowry
Jetsam: Joey Ellinghaus
Ursula: Lynn Sharp-Spears
Chef Louis: David Bosley-Reynolds
Ensemble: Brandon Bedore, David Bosley-Reynolds, MaryKate Brouillet, Rachel Cahoon, Benjamin Campion, Jaylen Fontaine, Vince Gover, Margaret Kelly, Kiana King, Alexis Krey-Bedore, Patricia “Pep” Targete, walker Vlahos
ORCHESTRA
Conductor/Keyboard I: Ross Scott Rawlings, Catina McLagan
Keyboard II: Reenie Codelka, Stella Monshaw, Ben Shaver
Trumpet: Wyeth Aleski, Mike Barber, Tony Neenan, Franklin Wade
Reeds/ Woodwinds: Steve Haaser, Charlene McDaniel, Noelle Presby,
Katie Ravenwood
French Horn: Becky Ballenger, Heidi Brown, Al Rise, Sarah Soisson
Percussion: Mike Feathers, Bob LaForce
PRODUCTION
Direction & Choreography: Mark Minnick
Music Direction: Ross Scott Rawlings
Lighting Design: Lynn Joslin
Scenic & Properties Design: Shane Lowry
Sound Design: Mark Smedley
Hair & Wig Design: Jayson Kueberth
Costume Coordinators: Sarah King & Janine Sunday
Production Stage Manager: Cheryl Stansfield
