Neva Keuroglian Sullivan as Ariel, Iris DeWitt as Ursula, Anna Legrady as Jetsam, and Leigh Wirth as Flotsam. Photo by Bruce Rosenberg.
It has always been easy to love a Disney princess. “The Little Mermaid” is a timeless classic that has been told countless times over the years in many different ways. The adult stage version, which Rockville Musical Theatre (RMT) is currently presenting, takes liberties with the 1989 movie. It still follows the familiar fairy tale of Ariel (Neva Keuroglian Sullivan) trading her voice for legs, but in this version, several side characters get their own solos and, at the end, Ariel saves herself rather than needing Prince Eric (Ryan Kieft) to save her. The stage version is also peppered with more self-aware fish jokes and backstory for Ursula (Iris Dewitt) and Triton (Brian McCafferty). These changes add a sense of modernity and levity to the age-old story, bringing new life to audiences already familiar with the songs.
…bringing new life to audiences already familiar with the songs…a delight to watch actors who were so clearly enjoying the music, the story, and one another…
RMT’s production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” stays close to its source material and many costumes are direct copies of those seen in the 1989 film. When it comes to branching out, costume designer Ginger Ager is incredibly creative. Triton wears a fishnet wig and Ursula’s hoop skirt combined with Dewitt swishing her hips work to create a heightened underwater mood. Sebastian (Alexandra Curd) wears an incredibly bright all-red costume with fabulous sneakers and Flotsam (Leigh Wirth) and Jetsam (Anna Legrady) are clad in skin-tight black outfits that accentuate their slick movements.
The trio of villains bring the most engaging choices to this production. While many of their co-stars stuck close to the character interpretations we have grown up watching, Dewitt, Wirth, and Legrady branch out into their own versions of beloved roles. Dewitt pays homage to the drag queens that inspired the character of Ursula, choosing to yell out “yasss!” rather than simply “yes” during “Poor Unfortunate Souls” and consistently playing with her makeup and costume. Wirth and Legrady compliment one another perfectly in their synchronized movements, standing out as talented dancers and meticulous movers. These three underwater creatures are confident about where to put their hands when delivering lines. Their movements are highly stylized, allowing them to create firm characters that leave a lasting impression.
As our heroine, Sullivan boasts a beautifully melodic voice which contrasts well with Kieft’s enchanting bass. Curd brings the energy and the humor especially while accompanied by Courtney Knoerlein’s Scuttle and Clare Carys O’Connell’s Flounder. Scuttle’s added musical number, “Positoovity,” allows Knoerlein to brandish her comedic chops even further, but Flounder’s character is oddly hindered by his more persistent and direct crush on Ariel. As Aquata and Chef Louis, Mia Sirinsky and Sarah Robinson both boast admirable soprano voices and uncanny abilities to bring their characters roaring to life with just a few lines. RMT did not hesitate to cast the best person for the role regardless of gender, which allowed for several talented women to bring new voices to traditionally male roles.
Although the production on the whole could have benefited from a bit more exacting direction and rehearsed choreography, it was a delight to watch actors who were so clearly enjoying the music, the story, and one another while embodying characters many of them likely grew up watching on television.
Running time: Approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Use of weaponry and fog.
“Disney’s The Little Mermaid” runs through July 14, 2024 at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD 20851. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online.
