Theater Review: 'Disney's The Little Mermaid' at Musicals at Richter

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle Member Nancy Sasso Janis

“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” goes “Under the Sea” on the outdoor stage at Musicals at Richter in Danbury.

The musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney animated film has music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glen Slater and a book by Doug Wright. The Richter production is directed by David Halliwell, with music direction by Fiona Bryson and charming choreography by Melissa Arizzi.

Halliwell notes: “Our little tale about Ariel and the Sea Witch has quite a storied past, beginning with the…fairy tale about the little mermaid who trades her voice for the chance to win her prince.” Disney’s film broke box office records, leading to the rebirth of its sagging animation department, and the director feels that the Broadway version managed to capture the magic of the movie.”

The director has imbued this production with plenty of magic and a rainbow of spectacular costumes that perfectly enhance the impressive performances by every member of the large cast. Bryson conducts the live orchestra with her usual animation and the musicians make this beloved score sound excellent while packed tightly beneath their tent.

The petite Lauren Dattilo, who was able to shine in the tiny role of Peron’s mistress in the recent “Evita,” is perfectly cast in the title role. She manages to sing the iconic music flawlessly while bringing the spunky mermaid to life.

Robert Halliwell does well with the role of Ariel’s beloved Prince Eric and Ted Schwartz is a delight in the prince’s guardian Grimsby. Jack Ranieri gives a special performance of the role of Flounder in an adorable costume. This young actor is a person to watch. After making his curtain speech, Robert Bria transforms into the goofy seagull Scuttle (“Positovvity”) and makes the audience smile with every line.

Patrick Spaulding portrays the slightly overwhelmed father of the mersisters, King Triton and Mensah Robinson, with his wonderfully deep voice, brings to vivid life Sebastian the crab, who the king assigns to keep watch over the rebellious youngest mermaid.

The lovely mersisters, each sporting a wig that matches their mermaid-style gowns, are played by Amanda Higley, Daisy Stott, Jessica Percosolido, Grace Lynch, Lauren Garafano and Em Lubbers.

Ashley McLeod is a superb Ursula the Sea Witch, delightfully evil and comically witchy, especially with her minion eels Flotsam (Kylie Block) and Jetsam (Izzy Porter.) All three of their costumes rise above the usual level that I have seen.

Rob Mayette portrays the always funny Chef Louis, who contributes a beautiful wedding cake for the final scene. The ensemble members take on the roles of a bevy of colorful sea creatures, chefs, princesses (don’t miss their sky-high wigs,) tap dancing gulls, and maids, and there are six performers in the youth ensemble. Chris Neville plays the pilot of the ship that is pushed onstage in three pieces.

The choreography is well-performed throughout, but especially for “One Step Closer.” The set design by Halliwell and Bria is large and well-executed. Stephanie Salsman coordinated the massive collection of costumes from DB Productions Costume Rental. Lighting design by Eric Schulz makes use of the newly installed lighting truss and Mark Firestone is in charge of the impressive outdoor sound design.

Families can go to “Fathoms Below” through Aug. 9 on the outdoor stage at the RIchter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Don’t forget the bug spray. Because the 8 p.m. performance runs until 10:40, some of the youngest audience members may not make it until the end.

Shows are Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8 PM, with two specially discounted Thursday shows July 31 and August 7 at 8 PM. Grounds open for picnicking at 7 PM. musicalsatrichter.org.

Musicals at Richter’s Fairy Tale Theatre, theater by kids for kids, will perform an interactive “The Wizard of Oz” on Aug. 9. Musicals at Richter Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop will present “Beetlejuice Jr.” on Aug. 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.