Disney's The Little Mermaid Tickets | Schedule for 2024/2025 Events

Disney's The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid musical is based on the animated film adaptation of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It is produced by Disney Theatrical and follows the fairytale with the same title written by Hans Christian Andersen. The Disney stage musical has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright. Ashman wrote the lyrics for the animated film version.

The Little Mermaid is the story of a sea princess, a mermaid, who yearns for a life above the sea. She gives up her voice to find true love. The musical was first tried out in Denver from July to September 2007. It then premiered on Broadway in Nov the same year. The official Broadway production began in January 2008 and ran for 685 shows until August 2009. The musical also has 50 premieres.

Musical Numbers and Characters

Disney's The Little Mermaid has two acts. The first act has sixteen songs, with fourteen in the second. The musical numbers were changed for the productions in Japan, Netherlands, and Russia. Tracks such as Part of Your World, Under the Sea, and Kiss the Girl have become popular with viewers.

Sierra Boggess played Ariel, the mermaid, in the original Broadway production. Sean Palmer was Prince Eric and Sherie Rene Scott was Ursula. Tyler Maynard and Derrick Baskin played the roles of Ursula’s henchmen. Norm Lewis was King Triton, Ariel’s father and the ruler of Atlantica.

The musical was nominated for Tony Awards and Drama Desk Awards but didn’t win any. Though it received a good response from the audience, a few critics said that Disney's The Little Mermaid musical wasn’t as charming as the 1989 animated film.

The Staging of Disney's The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid required an underwater setting. Matthew Bourne was initially asked to work with the team but left when he had a difference of opinion with the prodders. Francesca Zambello was asked to take responsibility and came up with an idea to create an illusion of being underwater instead of using water, wires, etc., on the stage.

Doug Wright made changes to the plot to make Ariel yearn for more than love or the prince. In the musical, she wants a life above water and a choice to live life on her terms. Browse through our website for more information about fairytale-based musicals and plays in your region.