Review By Elise White, Front Row Reviewers
As a little girl, The Little Mermaid was always my favorite Disney movie. After all, I have red hair after all and I was convinced I was Ariel–without the fish tail, of course. I’ve wanted to see The Little Mermaid–the Broadway version, and Tuacahn Center for the Arts‘ does not disappoint.
The Little Mermaid follows Ariel (Kelsey Lee Smith), a young mermaid with a beautiful voice and an adventurous spirit. She longs to be part of the world above the sea. She falls in love from afar with Prince Eric (James Everts) and makes a desperate deal with the sea witch Ursula (Julie Cardia), trading the young woman’s voice for legs. With the help of her sea creature friends red, Jamaican-accented crab Sebastian (Eric B. Anthony), flatfish Flounder (Hudson Sullivan), and seagull Scuttle (Davey Burton Midkiff) Ariel must make Prince Eric fall in love with her before it’s too late.
I heard Tuacahn pus on excellent summer musicals and the rumors prove absolutely true. Upon entering the venue, I was awed by the picturesque, natural red rock amphitheater. As the opening live band music begins to play, I was floored as the backdrop opens to a full waterfall cascading down into a river that heads straight toward and across the stage and directly to the audience, magically disappearing at the stage’s edge.
Throughout the show the costumes (Robin L. McGee) for all of the sea creatures are eye catching and colorful with amazing, luminescent makeup design (Jeff Knaggs). The use of bright, fluorescent colors seamlessly flows well with the set design (Paul Black), transporting the audience to the depths of the sea. Director Scott S. Anderson’s creative choice to use hover boards to make the mermaids and sea creatures float across the stage is magical. And the phenomenal ensemble actors’ swimming movements is inspired as the audience genuinely feels like they are truly among mermaids. Can you feel the ocean breeze? It seems like it.
Music Director Christopher Babbage does an exceptional job as the entire cast delivers strong vocal performances. Smith’s performance as Ariel does not disappoint fans of Disney’s animated classic as her vocals and talent emanate her character to perfection. “Part of Your World” is the shining number and Smith’s delivery is flawless. King Triton’s “Daddy’s Little Angel” is touching and entrancing with Fred Inkly’s booming voice embodying a true king. The ensemble’s choral blending and dynamics in “Kiss the Girl” is immaculate and remarkably entertaining. Though I’ve seen the movie so many times, I did hope Ariel and Prince Eric would smooch.
Cardia embodies Ursula. She draws the audience deeper into an evil and seductive trance with every line she delivers. Cardia doesn’t just convince you, she fools you. With Cardia’s portrayal, I finally understand why Ariel falls for Ursula’s lies. Her conniving eel sidekicks Flotsam (Alec Talbott) and Jetsam (Stephen Diaz) are appropriately creepy with their body movements exuding slimy bottom-dwellers.
Everts as Prince Eric shines as the standout actor of the evening. The audience can feel his longing as he sings “Her Voice” and his emotional presentation draws the audience in as they watch him fall in love with Ariel while dancing with her.
There are many notable numbers in the show. “Under the Sea” and “Positoovity” are precise and well-choreographed. Anthony and Midkiff delight us with a fun party-like atmosphere and portraying fantastic physicality. Anthony also has an uncanny ability to deliver every line in perfect verbal flow with excellent comedic timing. “She’s in Love” showcases Sullivan’s crystal clear vocals. The beautiful voices and hilarious facial expressions of the mermaids (Mallorie Mendoza, Jillian Butler, Delany Gold, Abby Linderman, Hannah Hubbard, Bella Depola) are charming and wonderful in this piece. Did I want to be one of their mermaid friends? Try to guess. “Les Poissons”is the audience favorite as Nick Berninger (Chef Louis) delivers the funniest number of the evening as he tries to make the finest meal. Frantically.
The Little Mermaid is appropriate for all ages. However, children under age 3 are not permitted to enter the venue. Tuacahn does offer show care for those needing childcare during the show. Shows begin late in the summer due to the weather but be sure to bring a sweater as it can get chilly when the sun goes down, even on a hot day.
I loved The Little Mermaid at the Tuacahn Amphitheater, and even if you’ve seen the movie a million times like I have, this is a production you don’t want to miss. Filled with laughs, intrigue, and romance in a beautiful venue, make The Little Mermaid part of your world this summer.
Tuacahn Amphitheater Center for the Arts presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright.
Tuacahn Amphitheater, 1100 Tuacahn Drive, Ivins, Utah 84738
May 2 -October 25, 2025, Performance days vary
Tickets: $44-$137
Contact: Box Office 800-746-9882
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The Little Mermaid reel
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