The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid – Music Theatre Works

Walking into the North Shore Theatre one feels as if they really are “under the sea”. The lobby has been transformed into an oceanic playground, complete with a mermaid posing for pictures.

From a book by Hans Christian Anderson and the Disney cartoon, Little Mermaid is a beautiful love story about Ariel who dreams of being human and goes up to land against the wishes of her father King Triton. She meets and falls in love with a prince named Eric and sells her soul and voice to the evil Ursula with of course a Disney happy ending.

Music Theatre works has gathered some incredible talent to tell this “Tail” and while it was true to the Disney movie, they really made it their own.

This very impressive cast includes Joselle Reyes (Ariel) with an angelic mesmerizing voice from the first note. The chemistry between her and Nathan Karnik (Prince Eric) is not only beautiful to listen to but also to watch. Caroline Lyell (Ursula) is perfectly cast as Ursula the villain we love to hate.

Stacey Flaster and Joshua Castille have assembled a magnificent cast including the sisters (Amy Delgado, Trillium Falotico, Chase Infiniti, Jennifer Ledesma, Aubrey Trecek, and Meredith Wells) complete with harmonious voices and dance moves, Gus Franchere and Anakin Jace White as Flotsam and Jetsam were the perfect electric eels.  Clayton Cross as the fun-loving seagull Scuttle tap danced his way into our hearts.   Wesly Anthony Clerge delighted us as the crab Sebastian and Thomas E. Squires’ rich voice was perfect as King Triton. The adorable Elois Mulliken as Flounder made us all fans of this fish.

Another standout is the colorful fun costumes designed by Rachel M. Sypniewski.

What a great production for Music Theatre Works that captivated everyone no matter how old or young you are and left you wanting more of this glorious production.

Of course, with all Disney productions there is always a message this one being you can always achieve your hopes and dreams. And this cast proved just that.

I took my boyfriends kids to see this, and they spent the entire 2-hour ride home talking about how great it was and singing all those wonderful memorable songs that stay with you even when the show ends.

Make sure this is on your list of must see shows this summer.

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Gayle Kirshenbaum

The show runs through June 26 Music Theatre Works presented at Northlight Center for the Performing Arts North Theatre 847-673-6300

Further information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.