“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” Reviewed by Edie Reese

[rating=5] Walking into the North Theater of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, you will find a pre-stage area with a mermaid on a half-shell, cozy tables and a trinket stand selling “thing-a-ma-bobs” which would fascinate any child. Enter the theater itself and Bob Silton’s (Production Manager), Shane Cinal’s (Scenic Designer) and Ellen Marcus’ (Props Designer) set design, pulls you into Ariel’s underwater world, with oceanic artifacts suspended above and a rippling silken column center-stage. Some of those suspended artifacts become props that are central to the story. Once the Overture starts, we are treated to Andrew Meyers’ outstanding Lighting Design, a constant throughout the show. He is somehow able to create a shimmering sea, King Triton’s Palace, Sea Witch Ursula’s lair and Prince Eric’s castle all by use of lighting designs on the stage floor. He uses other lighting effects to enhance the mood of the scene. The set is simple, but moveable and practical.

A special shout-out goes to the inventive Costume Design of Rachel M. Sypniewski. Having the task of designing costumes for numerous sea creatures who must sing and dance is not an easy assignment. Ms. Sypniewski does it with flair and panache. Two of my favorites were the “electrifying” outfits for Flotsam and Jetsam (Ursula’s eel sidekicks) and Scuttle the Seagull’s orange spats covering his tap shoes for his “Positooovity” number. This show has a large cast, and it takes many behind-the-scenes people to bring the show to life. Kudos go to Co-Directors Joshua Castille and Stacey Flaster (Ms. Flaster is also Co-Choreographer with Matthew Weidenbener), Co-Sound Designers Eric Backus and Jonesy Jones, Stage Manager Erin Nicole Eggers and Music Director/Conductor Celia Villacres.

The story (book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menkin, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glen Slater) is based on a Hans Christian Anderson story and follows the adventures of Ariel, the youngest daughter of King Triton, King of the Sea. Ariel has several “critters” as friends—Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab. She falls in love with the handsome Prince Eric. She also has to contend with the evil Sea Witch, Ursula. The 23-member ensemble cast is vocally outstanding, and choreographically well-matched. Although Joselle Reyes as Ariel is technically the “star” of the show, she is a gracious member of the ensemble. Just a few of the standout performances were Caroline Lyell as a deliciously evil Ursula; Gus Francere and Anakin Jace White as Ursula’s slimy henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam; Clayton Cross (Dance Captain) as the klutzy Scuttle; Wesley Anthony Clerge’ as the jolly Sebastian and newcomer Eloise Mulliken as the adorable Flounder.

The show is playing now through June 26, 2022 at the North Theater of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts (9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie IL 60076) the is the second show in Music Theater Works season. Performances are as follows:
Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 pm, except for June 5 and June 25, which have only 2 p.m. performances.
Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m.
Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $39 to $106 and are half-price for those 25 and under. They may be purchased by calling the box office (847-673-6300) or by visiting Music Theater Work’s website: https://www.musictheaterworks.com/disneys-the-littlemermaid. Current theater protocol encourages masks but does not require them. It is best to check the theater’s website before attending for the latest health and safety protocol. Parking is plentiful, as are numerous dining spots to suit every budget and taste. The theater is located near Old Orchard Shopping Centre.

An additional feature (at an additional price), audience members may register for “Under the Tea,” a limited-seating meet-and-greet with cast members featuring photos, treats and a gift for the little ones. These sessions are all at 11:30 a.m. on designated Saturdays and Sundays. Check the Theater website above for dates and prices.

A note to parents of young children; the show’s running time is a full two hours and thirty-five minutes, including a fifteen-minute intermission. Patrons might want to bring a sweater or wrap; the night that I attended the air conditioning was turned up full blast. There is a lobby concession stand which sells treats (and alcoholic beverages for the adults).

Highly recommended as an enjoyable outing for the young and the young at heart.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Disneys The Little Mermaid”

Editors note: I went on Saturday afternoon to watch with a crowd of kids who are very familiar with the story and every song. Many were dressed as Ariel, but the crowd of kids and grandparents were enthralled by the work of Musi Theater Works. I was impressed with the production but knew that under the guidance of Stacey Flaster this would be an amazing production.

I was also impressed by the work on stage by Meredith Wells, who is an ensemble member that proves that no obstacle need stand in the way of a dream. She is a wheelchair user and I must say that after the first view of her work, I lost sight of the fact that she was in one. Her movement and character work was terrific.