By Alayna Een and Eliza Een, Front Row Reviewers
Alpine Community Theater in Pleasant Grove makes a splash with Disney’s The Little Mermaid (music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater with the book by Doug Wright). Ariel, the youngest of King Triton’s seven daughters, longs to know more about the forbidden world of humans. After saving Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she falls in love. She makes a deal with her Aunt Ursula, the sea witch, surrendering her voice to become human for three days with the hope that Eric will kiss her and make the transformation permanent. With the help of Scuttle the scatterbrained seagull, Sebastian the crusty crab, and the fluttering Flounder, Ariel finds her place in the world above and faces the problems stewing under the sea. The musical follows the beloved 1990s movie with additional songs and a slightly different confrontation with Ursula. This production has a Flotsam and Jetsam cast on alternating days, and we had the pleasure of seeing the Flotsam cast.
Actors of all ages come together as sea creatures, sailors, palace staff, and woodland animals to fill the ensemble and make the group numbers exciting to watch—though I’ll admit that the kids are the true stars(fish) of the ensemble, sporting Stephanie Russon’s clever costuming. Rebecca Call is one of the show’s choreographers. Her work shines in “One Step Closer,” which shows Eric and Ariel growing closer together through dance. The choreography makes all of the group numbers lively, with the dozens of ensemble members weaving in and out in groups with dancing highlights. One of the things I missed most in the live action The Little Mermaid movie was the group musical numbers, and thanks to Laura Snyder (director/choreographer/producer), Michelle Reid (music director), and Rebecca Call (choreographer), and the ensemble, this play restored some of the magic that was absent in the recent film for me. The sets (Aaron Arnesen, Jen Fitzgarrald) and props (Melissa Meigs, Hannah Smith) were creative and varied, with Ariel’s grotto standing out as an exceptional piece.
McKenna Raff/Hannah Spencer (Ariel) brings wonderment and innocence to the role from her very first notes and moments onstage. I have to agree with Prince Eric here and say that “Her Voice” really is remarkable. But even when she can’t speak, Raff’s face and movements are very expressive, and she is every bit the perfect Disney princess. I especially like her performance of “Beyond My Wildest Dreams.” Flounder is the supportive sidekick to Ariel’s rebellious side quests. Jack Buer/Gabe Finley does very well for such a young actor and really shines in his featured role in “She’s In Love.” Lily Stutz/Emma Larson is dedicated and consistent with her character voice for Scuttle and her entertaining bird-like movements—especially in the dance-heavy “Positoovity.” Her lines are crowded with malapropisms that she brings to full comedic effect.
Prince Eric (Tyson Augustus) is a would-be sailor with wanderlust. Augustus captures the boyish earnestness of the prince and interacts well with Ariel. The young Jake Jamieson (Grimsby) transforms himself believably into a elderly and flustered advisor, and watching him try to keep his coat on while responding to the twists of the plot is one of the best parts of the show.
Emily Shaw/Emily Mijarez (Ursula) is a charismatic and chilling villain, with a vocal presence that reaches past her long and twisting tentacles. Flotsam (Carrie Young/Janilyn Anderson) and Jetsam (Jane Smith/Ashley Fosse) are her slippery sidekicks, adding their smooth and well-tuned vocal harmonies to Ursula’s main songs.
Drew Graham (Triton) is the commanding king of the sea, but he brings the soulful regret to “If Only,” a touching quartet between Ariel, Eric, Triton, and Sebastian that is—in my opinion—the emotional center and vocal highlight of the show. Spencer Willhite (Sebastian) has a voice worthy of a crustacean maestro but also sticks to his accent—quite the feat! He fills his scenes with comedy, especially in his sarcastic lines and entertaining antics with the sea creatures and masterful evasion of Chef Louis at the prince’s dinner. Ariel’s mersisters each have their moment to shine in “She’s in Love,” which is a fantastic number. The sisters’ harmonies, chorography, and gossipy gibes are delightful and exceptionally well executed, and Aquata (Kayli Sharp) and Allana (Jessie Griffin) stand out both in this number and in their other interactions with Ariel and Triton in their scenes.
Alpine Community Theater puts on a delightful, family-friendly production of The Little Mermaid that you don’t want to miss! So swim on over to Pleasant Grove, Utah, before the sun sets on this show.
Alpine Community Theater presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid by Doug Wright and Alan Menken.
Liahona Theater for the Community, 2464 W 450 S, Pleasant Grove, UT, United States, Utah
July 14–15, 17, 20–22, 24th, 2023 7:30 PM.
Tickets: Adults $12–16, Children and Seniors $10–14
Contact: 801-404-0736 ACT Tickets
Alpine Community Theater Website
Alpine Community Theater Facebook page
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