The Little Mermaid on the Tonys- Page 3

[BroadwayBenny]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 2:11pm

The only thing I wasn't too thrilled with was the choppy version of the song. That song is TOO well known for them to think people at home aren't going to get joggled if they cut and flip to the reprise for it's finale. Sierra on the other hand, was great. She is the best part about that show and Disney knows it, which is why they are using her and that song to promote every chance they get.

As hard as it is for us over analyzing Broadway fans/critiques to fathom... Kids adore her and the show. My niece's face always lights up when she watches Sierra perform as Ariel. Seeing the joy and innocence in her reaction in contrast to the cynical criticism that many of us weary adults confuse for wit, made me step back and remember that feeling that drove me into the arts when I was younger. To capture a little piece of that magic I was experiencing for myself to share with others.

Of course, I am not saying at all, that if you don't like the Broadway version of TLM, there is something wrong with you...to each, his or her own opinion and taste. I personally would have liked a different looking production than what it is, but I wouldn't call Zambello's vision for The Little Mermaid "awful"

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 3:20pm

well sierra is very nice to look at, but i think the number would have greatly benefitted from being even just a little bit longer.

[caitlinette]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 3:22pm

I cut Sierra some slack. She's new to Broadway, it was her first Tony show ever, the theater was HUGE, and she was up there all alone singing in a silly costume half naked.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 3:25pm

I'm sorry - but she's playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid! Yes, I know she's new to Broadway but there's only so much slack you can cut. It's Also Lin Manuel Miranda's first time on Broadway, in their day it was the cast of Rent's first time on broadway... they need to cast someone who can do it.

I'm more apt to blame the director however. The direction is terrible.

[Ftworthguy]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 3:26pm

I felt that the performance, itself, was fine. Nothing spectacular, but fine. My problem was that it's the ONLY thing we've really seen from TLM. ANY other number would have been a nice change of pace.

[deck925]

Posted: 6/16/08 at 4:33pm

Sierra is perfectly capable Elphie, I don't think that's what's in question. Yes it wasn't the best arrangement, but Sierra is indeed a wonderful performer. As for something else, like others have said, it simply isn't practical to do Under the Sea, or most of the big production numbers for a short 60 second preview of the show.