By Val O’Bryan
Swim over to Hurricane Theatrical now to see Disney’s The Little Mermaid on stage at the Hurricane City Fine Arts Building. Director Kyle Myrick and his production team always put on an amazing show. This production is full of excitement, laughs, and so much sparkle. The Little Mermaid, a story originally written by Hans Christian Andersen, is a timeless classic about a young mermaid struggling with her identity, who longs to leave her ocean home behind and find her true self on land, among humans.
The acting was excellent and the singing is outstanding by the entire cast. Sammy Myrick is a natural as Ariel–everything you would expect from a Disney Princess. Let’s hope she doesn’t change careers for a full-time princess gig because the theater scene here would miss her too much. She has a gift at finding moments to discreetly break the fourth wall and delight young patrons. I watched the children in the front two rows collectively swoon when Ariel made eye contact. Jayden Wright is a solid Prince Eric with a great voice. Ursula, played by Grace Celeste Wells is dynamic and terrifying. Ursula’s henchfish, Flotsam and Jetsam, played by Ashley Stackhouse and Makayla Nelson Klumpp have great chemistry and impressive movement throughout the show. Isa Johnson as Flounder is an audience favorite. Bart Pace as King Triton is an imposing figure and a regal ruler. Likewise, the other father figure in the production, Nathan Merrill, has his work cut out for him keeping up with Prince Eric. James David, who plays spunky Sebastian, is very expressive with his facial acting and movements and performs with so much heart. His lower lip probably deserves its own credit in the playbill and overtime pay. The audience couldn’t get enough. Another audience favorite is Austin Jackson as the lively and lovestruck Scuttle. His delivery and timing is perfect. Jackson is an expert in characterization and makes Scuttle real. And as often happens in productions he is in, Adam Cheney steals the show as Chef Louis. The audience laughter exploded during the kitchen scene. Cheney’s comedic acting is worth the price of admission. The sisters of Ariel: BrynLee Lott, Samantha Eagar, Ashley Lynn David, McKenzie Morgan, Haley-Shea Benoit, and Annie Bearden, absolutely enchant the audience and perform their choreography (in fins!) expertly. It is hard to compete with mermaids, but the sailors: Drew Burton, Michael Andrew Carone, Adam Cheney, Ryan Gama, Keeley Garrett, McKenzie Morgan, and Tyler Quincy, are very impressive with all their rope climbing, swinging, and acrobatics. Even the youngest members of the ensemble: Adeline Myrick, Camryn Andra, and Cole Andra, do a great job contributing to each scene with their excellent characterization.
There are a couple things that audiences can always expect from Myrick’s productions: creative use of the entire stage area and dazzling sets, in collaboration with Nathan Merrill. The costumes for this show are imaginative and extravagant, thanks to Myrick, Grace Wells, and Sue Sneed. The music and vocals are spot on thanks to Nicole Kimzey. The choreography is magical, inventive, and fresh, thanks to Sarah Ramaker and Ashley Stackhouse. The original projections by Alex Chamberlain assist the actors to keep the storytelling seamless for the audience.
Fun for kids and adults alike, don’t miss out on the chance to make The Little Mermaid part of your world.
Hurricane Theatrical presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, written by John Musker and Ron Clements, songs by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken.
Hurricane City Fine Arts Building, 63 S 100 W, Hurricane, UT 84737
July 31-September 3, Monday, Friday, Saturday 7pm and Saturday 2pm
Tickets: $8-18
Contact: 435-668-9753
Hurricane Theatrical Facebook Page
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