THE LITTLE MERMAID - First Preview - 11/3/07

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:23am

First, let me preface my review by saying this: I am a huge fan of the movie of The Little Mermaid. It was, I believe, the first movie I saw in theaters when I was seven years old, and to this day, I think it is Disney's best full length animated feature. I also read the Denver reviews of this show, and even though they were critical, I still went into the show tonight with an open mind.

That being said, I loved the show and I think it will be a huge hit. Yes, there are a few problems, but I think overall it is a very entertaining evening at the theater...the audience was going wild and it was thrilling to be there for the show's first NY performance.

I thought that overall the sets, lighting, and costumes were great. The lighting was stunning throughout, especially during "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and a bunch of Ursula's scenes. The costumes that stood out the most for me were Ursula's and Flotsam and Jetsam's. Wow. Just stunning. Ursula's costume was huge and so elaborate. It's a miracle Sherie can walk with all those tentacles. Flotsam and Jetsam's costumes had green glowing lights on them, which looked amazing. Yes, Flounder's yellow tshirt was a bit weird, but it was still fine. Loved how the mermaid's tails looked...and yes, I enjoyed the shoe-skate effects to show swimming. I was sitting in the rear mezz and it created a beautiful stage picture. The sets were fine. I don't think I saw a bong in the background (people who saw it in Denver said the coral reefs looked like bongs...I didn't see that tonight). I liked the way they did the shipwreck when Ariel rescued Prince Eric and I also love how they ended Act 1 with Ariel changing into a human. Thomas Schumacher came out at the beginning of Act 1 to give a speech saying that one of the set pieces wasn't working, so they were going to leave it out. I didn't realize what the set piece was until I asked a cast member at the stage door...there was this corkscrew-like circulating set piece on the left of the stage during a few numbers that rotated and had cast members on top of it with their elaborate costumes...apparently there was supposed to be a matching one on the other side. When I see the show again, I'll see the difference. Other than that though, the first preview went off without any noticable technical issues.

Now onto the cast. JJ Singleton was on as Flounder and did an admirable job. Aside from his strange costume, he sang well and I enjoyed him in the song "She's in Love." Tyler Maynard and Derrick Baskin were excellent as Flotsam and Jetsam. Loved their costumes as I mentioned before, their makeup, and thought they played their roles well. Jonathan Freeman as Grigsby was fine, in his small role, and John Tracy Egan did a good job as Chef Louis with "Les Poissons."

Eddie Korbich as Scuttle. Probably the worst written role for this show. He did what he could with it, but had two HORRIBLE (and I do mean horrible) songs to sing: "Human Stuff" and "Positoovity." I guess they won't be cut since they want to give Korbich something to sing, but my god, they really should have written him better songs. I enjoyed his costume though...he had his long beak sticking out of his forehead, and when Ariel wanted to shut him up at one point, she grabbed the beak and pushed it shut, which I thought was cute.

Norm Lewis as King Triton. He was fine. He looked great...nice chest and abs. He didn't have much to do though. His song in Act 1 when he broke all of Ariel's human things was forgettable, but I did love the quartet "If Only" in Act 2 with Triton, Ariel, Sebastian and Eric. Great new song!

Titus Burgess as Sebastian. Now let me give you a little background first on my experiences with Titus Burgess. I first saw him in Good Vibrations and thought he was AWFUL. I then saw him three times in Jersey Boys, and thought he was even worse, even with his minor roles in that show. So, obviously, I went into The Little Mermaid, ready to hate Titus' performance as Scuttle. That being said, he was incredible. His "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl" were flawless and his characterization of Sebastian was excellent...right down to the way he walked. I am so glad he was hired in this role (and I never thought I would say that ever). Congrats, Titus. You deserve this job.

Sean Palmer as Prince Eric. He did an admirable job, but to be honest, there wasn't anything written into his part to allow him to stand out. His two songs "Her Voice" and "One Step Closer" were pretty forgettable. He has a nice voice, but really wasn't given good enough material to show it off. Maybe the creators of the show wanted it that way though. Still, he was fine and the audience loved him.

Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. I don't know what else to say. She was incredible. The new song written for her character called "I Want the Good Times Back" was amazing and totally catered to her vocal range. And of course, "Poor Unfortunate Souls" was fantastic. Her costumes were the best of the evening and the show really allowed her to stand out. Superb job.

Sierra Boggess as Ariel. Excellent. I can't say enough about this girl. Her "Part of Your World" was breathtaking and she had a few decent new songs "The World Above," "Beyond My Wildest Dreams," and "If Only." Her characterization of Ariel was wonderful...and even during most of Act 2 when she couldn't speak, he facial expressions and body language said a lot. For someone who made her Broadway debut tonight, she was just fabulous...and will only improve as previews go on I'm sure. She was crying at the curtain call...probably so overwhelmed by the audiences response...there was so much love for her coming from the audience and she deserved every bit of it. Great job, Sierra, and good job Disney for casting her.

So overall I loved the show and think it will be a huge hit. I know that word of mouth from Denver wasn't very good, but please go see it for yourself...especially if you love the movie. You won't regret it.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:27am

Excellent review, WAT! Now I am actually looking forward to seeing the show rather than being apprehensive. I'll post my thoughts after I see it next week.

[Mouses Magic]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:29am

Where exactly were your seats? Front mezz or rear mezz? If you were in the back of the rear mezz and the lighting was still brillant then im uber excited!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:31am

Awesome, awesome, awesome review, WAT!

A few questiosn for you:

- What was the approx. running time?

- Any idea as to how the Flounders will alternate shows?
(i.e.: I'm seeing it on a Wednesday evening).
Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:31 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:31am

I was in the second to last row of the mezz...and the lighting was fabulous.

The run time was 2 hours and 30 minutes (but it started like 15 minutes late).

The playbill doesn't give any indication which Flounders would go on for which evenings...maybe they are still figuring that out.
Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:31 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:35am

Also --

Did Jonathan Freeman's "Grimsby" 'sound like' the character, ooooor, the more favorable (and ADORED) 'Jafar' voice? WHen I saw BEAUTY in April, I was watching Cogsworth, but grinning from ear-to-ear because he was speaking like Jafar! I love the guy's work, that's only why I'm so curious. haha!

[BwayFan832]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:41am

Did you stage door? I am curious as to who did and did not come out, since I'm seeing the show in a couple of weeks and would love to have my Playbill signed.

[it'sjustshowbiz]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:41am

Thanks for the review! I saw it in Denver and enjoyed it, so I was curious about any changes.

You mentioned the stage door- did many of the actors come out? I'm sure they were exhausted.

[misschung]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:42am

When I first heard the demo, I really hoped they would cut "Human Stuff" and "Positoovity." Or, if they kept them, that maybe they'd do something to make them really work on stage. Sounds like they're still filler.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:43am

WAT, do you think my two little urchins will like it?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:46am

Freeman's Grigsby didn't sound like the movie...he created his own character, which was fine. I didn't hear any hint of Jafar...

I did stage door and got everyone's signatures...they were all so thrilled at the audience's response to the show. It was such a magical evening.

Yes, I got the feeling that "Human Stuff" and "Positoovity" were filler...and BAD filler!

Yes, Miss P, your two urchins will LOVE this. Omg it was so much fun!


Oh and by the way...I just bought another ticket for November 29th and December 19th...looking forward to seeing the changes! Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:46 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:48am

What about 'super-early-to-call' TONY noms? Any look promising to you, my friend?

[Kicks8567]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:48am

I was at the show tonight as well and completely agree with WAT's review. The Little Mermaid was my favorite movie as a kid and I was becoming fearful with all of the negative reviews, but the show was incredible. The new songs were good for the most part, minus Skuttle's two horrible songs, as stated before. As for stage door, it went rather quickly and I got 20 or 21 autographs. The cast members were extremely kind and grateful. Sierra was adorable and clearly so exicted to be so well received by the audience.

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:50am

How is Ursula's demise and the finale? Did they change them at all?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:50am

Tony noms? Hmmmmmm...I think it's probably too early to tell. Maybe lighting and Sherie for supporting actress. Sierra's nomination will depend on who she's up against...but I loved her. And I can't believe I'm typing this...but maybe Titus for supporting actor...he was really wonderful.
Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:50 AM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:51am

No 'Featured' nod for Titus?

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:53am

Ursula's demise was kind of weird for me. Ariel threw down the shell and broke it, which killed Ursula. However, if they were underwater, how could she throw the shell down and it break? Wouldn't it just float in the water? Could someone explain that to me please?

The finale? Ariel and Eric got married and they sailed away on the ship with the creatures of the land and sea watching from below. They sang the reprise of Part of Your World...it was a lovely finale.

[BillFinn]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:55am

The Shell was a present passed down from her father, Poseidon. How would destroying it kill Ursula? That would be like destroying the Trident, killing off Triton...

Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:55 AM

[BillFinn]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:55am

Double-post

"Part of your wooooooooooooooooooooooooorld!" hehe

Updated On: 11/4/07 at 12:55 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 12:59am

The people behind me (middle aged women) were singing "Part of Your World" along with Sierra...and I turned around and sang a line with them..."But who cares, no big deal, I want more." Then I shushed them...LOL.

[broadwaycat3113]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 1:00am

i totally agree. while the show had it's small problems, overall, it was great. Sierra was AMAZING along with Sherie and Norm. I thought ariel's transformation into a human could have been done better. but eric drowning and ariel saving him was incredible. stagedoor was not organized well at all. the policeman that set up the barricades made a big deal about making sure we were standing behind them and not blocking the sidewalk. well, as the theater started to empty out, he left and people started invading the empty space between the barricades. so the people who waited patiently for signatures behind the barricades, like me, got screwed and those who cut in front of them got whatever signatures they wanted. so i completely missed sherie and sean. RENT with A & A was organized better than that. (sorry, venting is over now.) but the show was great. don't listen to all the bad reviews. GO SEE IT!

[Testing1232]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 1:20am

<< but I did love the quartet "If Only" in Act 2 with Triton, Ariel, Sebastian and Eric. Great new song!

>>

Wat.. how great was that song !!!?? With those voices !
WOW !! was one of the highlights for me.

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 1:21am

That song was incredible!!! I can't wait to get the cast recording.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 1:23am

Just found this:
http://cardamon-d.blogspot.com/2007/11/beauty-and-beast-little-mermaid-on.html

[Testing1232]

Posted: 11/4/07 at 1:26am

My review from the other thread --- basically agree with WAT...

Very enjoyable night at the theatre, and I think Disney has a HUGE hit here. While, we disagree a bit on the costumes (I thought a few were just not that good - (Flounder, for one), the cast makes up for any flaws the show might have.

I fell in love with Sierra tonight !! AMAZING !!!!


<< Posted On: 11/4/07 at 12:16 AM


************ POSSIBLE SPOILERS ***********


Just got back, and while it is not perfect, had a great time !!

Thomas Schumacher started off the night by making a speech right before the curtain went up. He thanked everyone for coming, and for "being part of history"- He then explained that during an afternoon rehearsal, there were tech problems with one of the scenes, and that it would be cut tonight.

I looked at thru my Playbill several times, and didnt notice any songs being cut.

I did not see the show out of town, so maybe someone else could shed some light on exactly what was cut?

Ok.. two things that bothered me:

1) The costumes- Ursula's was not that bad (and Sherie could look great in anything), but Flounder's "costume" - (sorry, but a long t-shirt with blue circles on it, doesnt cut it), and Sebastian's costume (a red suit, and a tophat with eyes) were terrible !!!

The mermaids looked ok, but for some reason (at least to me), it seemed like Ariel's tail was a different color than the rest of the costume... It looked like it was taped on at the last minute.

2) The scenery/sets- I was pretty much in shock of the quality, given the fact that this is a Disney production !!

The lighting was very good, but most of the scenes were kind of drab.

Honestly, other than once or twice, I never truly got the sense that the scene was underwater !!!

(They did a better job in Disney World with "Finding Nemo"- The Musical !!)

I figured it would come (for sure) during "Under The Sea", but it didnt (although the number was excellent, and a real
crowd-pleaser" !!)

There just wasnt that one "WOW" moment (like the opening number in "LK" for example, or the first time seeing the Beast's Castle, in "BATB", or the Beast's Transformation)

Speaking of which, they MUST do a better job with Ariel's tranformation at the end (maybe that was the part that was cut), but having another mermaid rip her tail off, doesnt cut it !

Ok, now the good-- The cast is excellent !!!

Sierra Boggess is a STAR !!! PERFECT as Ariel ! Her "Part of Your World" was probably the best I have ever heard. I thought a standing ovation was coming. Her voice is excellent, and she was even better in Act II when she has no voice !!! Her mannerisms alone can steal your heart !!

As Ursula, Sherie Rene Scott is deliciously devious !
(Her wig was the best part of any of the costumes, btw)

Sean Palmer is great as Eric, and is given the best ballad to work with ("Her Voice")- He knocks it out of the park !

Tituss Burgess (despite the costume) is excellent as Sebastian ! He really captures the comedic aspect of the role. Norm Lewis is good as King Triton, although he seems a bit disinterested at times.

Rest of the cast (love Eddie Korbich as Scuttle, although at times I felt like I was watching "Drowsy" again), very good.

Overall, I think the show is flawed, but the cast makes up for it, and for a first preview, it was very good.

Crowd seemed really into it (btw, far too many 2-4 years olds !), and IMHO, this is going to be a HUGE hit !!!