Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
FutureAladdinOnB'Way
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/07
#1Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/30/07 at 11:40pm
Although this article is a couple weeks old, I don't think it has been shared on here yet, enjoy!
http://broadway.yahoo.com/blog/bixby_elliot/tag/bwy:The%20Little%20Mermaid/136/insider-preview-of-the-little-mermaid-not-so-secre/;_ylt=Avc1RiMlmKTGJepMdOOX8Ow9OYt4
#2re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/30/07 at 11:42pm
Don't believe everything you read.
We will see what happens
#2re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/30/07 at 11:43pmWow, a Disney show being a hit, what a BOLD prediction!
FutureAladdinOnB'Way
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/21/07
#3re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/30/07 at 11:50pmMuch like other people on here predicting it will be a flop!
#5re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 2:37am
She's right. When The Little Mermaid opened in movie theatres it was 1989. The kids who saw it were anywhere from I'm guessing 5-10 years old. Those kids are now 23-33. Those kids probably now have kids of there own. Thats a huge market for theatre going families.
The little mermaid really does have the secret weapon THAT SONG. The Little Mermaid was a huge success when it came out, it was one of the biggest kits for Disney. It kicked off the Disney movie-musical renaissance, which soon dwindled after the death of Howard Ashman in 1991.
Its all about PART OF YOUR WORLD.
#6re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:57am
From the sounds of the radio ad, they appear to have completely chewed, swallowed, projectile vomited, and made a sprinkle filled, Mickey eared casserole out of "Under The Sea."
Way to butcher and completely bloat up what used to be a simple, enjoyable listen.
Not to mention that Titus Burgess's fake accent is horrendous.
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#7re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 7:50am
But those 23-33 year olds who now have children of there own are not going to get the same thing from the musical as they do from the movie. Look at Ursula she is nothing like what you think she would be.
From this....
To This....
Thats a giant leap for people who love the fim to make
This is more what people what to see
#8re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 8:00am
It kicked off the Disney movie-musical renaissance, which soon dwindled after the death of Howard Ashman in 1991.
Not that much of a renaissance since by your definition, it lasted only two years and Beauty and the Beast was the only other Disney movie-musical released before it ended.
And you're overestimating the ages; 21-30 is more accurate for the "original" Little Mermaid fans and only a small portion of people within that age range have children old enough to take to the theatre.
Wanting life but never knowing how
Flaunt It
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/05
#9re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 8:12am

I would NEVER want to see Ursula look like this.. it is fine if she is walking down main street in a pride parade... but seriously... open your narrow mind a bit. Everyone CREAMED Beauty for being a replica of the cartoon on stage... but Lion Ling was praised for being more "artistic" and no so literal.
Count me in as a late teen who loved THE LITTLE MERMAID when it came out in 1989... and in my late 30's now.. I have plenty of dough and plenty of young people to take to see the show... plus remember Little Mermaid lives in countless homes on video or DVD... so there are PLENTY of fans out there of many ages and generations.. not just people who were 10 in 1989.
Also orangeskittles don't cout out Aladdin as part of Menkin and Ashman's animated movie hits even though he had passed by then.
Updated On: 10/31/07 at 08:12 AM
#10re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 9:27am
I have plenty of dough and plenty of young people to take to see the show
Can you add me to your list?
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#11re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 9:50amHere's the thing. I agree with both sides. As someone who grew up with the movie I have to say that even fears of how horribly they've messed up my favorite story ever can't keep me from seeing it. And I think that's the bottom line - where as Tarzan was not the best film - people wern't very invested in it, The Little Mermaid is beloved by millions (literally.) And ALL of them will go see the show. Now once they see it, the question is, will it let them down. And if it does they won't be reccomending it, and they won't be back. So I think just based on the fans coming it will run a good respectable time - but whether or not it finds the success of "Beauty" will depend on how it ultimately holds up. And honestly, I think the main thing that will upset fans is Disney changing the story line. As bad as costumes, etc. may be - changing the story (in a big way i.e the singing contest) will be the one thing I don't think fans will forgive.
#12re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 2:05pm
"From the sounds of the radio ad, they appear to have completely chewed, swallowed, projectile vomited, and made a sprinkle filled, Mickey eared casserole out of "Under The Sea."
Way to butcher and completely bloat up what used to be a simple, enjoyable listen.
Not to mention that Titus Burgess's fake accent is horrendous."
Wait till you see the show to make a comment like that! TITUSS BURGESS is amazing!!! I love what he has done with under the sea...
RentBoy86
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/15/05
#13re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 3:51pmThe new pictures make it look great. The ship is really impressive.
#14re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 3:53pmWow, Disney's really pulling out the shills for this one...
#15re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 4:38pm
Also orangeskittles don't cout out Aladdin as part of Menkin and Ashman's animated movie hits even though he had passed by then.
That wasn't my estimation, that was Ugly Betty's. I know perfectly well Disney's golden age lasted longer than 2 years.
Anyone who suggests that the problem with Tarzan was that people didn't love the movie clearly didn't see it. It had much more going against it than that. Including bad production design, which The Little Mermaid is clearly suffering from as well.
Wanting life but never knowing how
#16re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 5:14pmNo that's not what I mean. Oubviously it was HORRIBLE! I just meant that if it had been beloved, people might have gone anyway, and then walked out. Since they didn't have the push of an audience that already loved the show, people had no problem staying away once they realized how horrible it was.
#17re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 5:27pm
"Anyone who suggests that the problem with Tarzan was that people didn't love the movie clearly didn't see it. It had much more going against it than that. Including bad production design, which The Little Mermaid is clearly suffering from as well. "
Great!!! so.... when did you see Mermaid to be able to make all these comments??
#18re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 5:48pm
Plenty of people who have seen the show have noted the lengthy problems with the show. Its not just 1 person...
Personally, I grew up on Little Mermaid. I didn't expect it to look just like the movie, but still, I was expecting a few nods, not a total, tacky design.
Beauty and the Beast looked like the movie, yet still managed to be its own beast.
I think Zambello is trying to be the new Julie Taymor. Not going to happen.
Zambello is known for her eye popping designs. I was around her a lot when she did a show in Seattle and I can tell you, once her mind is set, she doesn't budge. Her choices always have puzzled me.
Flaunt It
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/05
#19re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:16pm
I am not a shill. I also love the design I have seen in the photos. I am looking forward to seeing the show. I have read no reviews of the show and will not read them until I have seen it. I am going in with no expectations... just the hope of being entertained.
I like that she is stcking to her guns... sometimes listening to too many people can lead to a whole ****load of mish mash.. just ask Tommy Tune!
Updated On: 10/31/07 at 06:16 PM
#20re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:18pmSticking to her guns? Have you seen the Flounder, puffy paint, and I use this word lightly, "costume".
Flaunt It
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/05
#21re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:23pm
I have seen only the photos published... I don't think Flouder was in any. I have seen racks of crappy, dull Poison Ivey Long costumes take home Tonys! So you never know what people will think is "best."
Updated On: 10/31/07 at 06:23 PM
#22re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:41pmCheck out the video posted somewhere on this board. Its from a photo shoot and shows Flounder in his full, erm, "glory".
Flaunt It
Broadway Star Joined: 10/26/05
#23re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:43pmI'll wait to see it in the context of the show.
gypsy4
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/14/07
#24re: Little Mermaid-Big Hit!
Posted: 10/31/07 at 6:44pm
trust me this will be a big hit who cares if its nothing like the movie its broadway whats to expect.
Updated On: 10/31/07 at 06:44 PM
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