Overview
Synopsis
Beautiful mermaid Ariel should be a happy girl -- she lives in an enchanted undersea country, her father is a King, and she has the most beautiful singing voice. But she is a passionate, headstrong teenager, and wants what she cannot have -- to live on land. When she falls in love with a handsome human prince, Ariel is more determined than ever to gain a pair of legs. But her only option is to defy her furious father, and bargain with Ursula the Sea Witch, giving her voice as the price of entry onto dry land. With the help of Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and officious court composer Sebastian the crab, Ariel must wordlessly gain Prince Eric's love within three days -- or lose her soul to the ambitious witch! Based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, and the wildly popular Disney film, this musical staging of The Little Mermaid features a funny and fanciful book by Doug Wright, with the beloved score by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Glenn Slater in an expanded but completely faithful form, featuring the rambunctious and persuasive “Under the Sea,” the romantic expectation of “Kiss the Girl,” and that anthem to longing and belonging, “Part of Your World.”
Show Information
Context
Disney’s The Little Mermaid premiered on Broadway on January 10, 2008, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, after previews in November of 2007. The original movie score, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, was present, along with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater and a new book by Doug Wright. This production featured Sierra Boggess in the title role, with Sean Palmer as Prince Eric, Tituss Burgess as Sebastian, and Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula. This production closed on August
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Act One
A placid ocean surface, broken by a rock or two, is disturbed by the sudden entrance of Ariel, a beautiful young mermaid, who breaks through the waves, triumphantly gazing around at the world above the water. She sings of her excitement, and the feelings of home which the world above the water inspire (“The World Above”). Her reverie is broken by a distant shout, and Ariel hides behind a rock, watching as a gigantic ship sails into view. The pilot and crew are joined on deck by
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Character Portrayals
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Songs
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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number.
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
THEMES
Longing for a different world / Belonging ("Part of Your World")
The central theme of yearning for a life beyond one's native environment drives Ariel's journey, transforming the story into a powerful coming-of-age anthem about self-realization and the search for identity. In "Part of Your World," Ariel expresses frustration with her underwater life despite its beauty and privilege, dreaming of legs, fire, and dancing—elements representing freedom, experience, and emotional
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”If only I could make him understand. I just don’t see things the way he does.”
[Ariel, Act I “The World Above/If Only”]
This line encapsulates the generational conflict at the heart of the musical. Ariel’s frustration is not rooted in rebellion for its own sake, but in a desire to be understood. The wording emphasizes perspective rather than defiance—she “doesn’t see things the way he does”—highlighting that the conflict stems from worldview differences rather than lack of love.
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Directorial Vision
Staging Disney’s The Little Mermaid successfully requires moving past the instinct to simply replicate the 1989 animated film on a proscenium stage. Doug Wright’s book and the expanded Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Glenn Slater score transform the story into a rich generational coming-of-age drama about communication, identity, and the painful necessity of letting children grow up. The central dramatic question is not whether Ariel will get her prince, but whether two fundamentally divided worlds—and a broken family—can learn to listen to one another before fear destroys them.
Directors often find success by establishing two distinct physical and visual vocabularies: one for the underwater kingdom of Atlantica and one for Prince Eric’s terrestrial realm. Underwater, movement should emphasize fluid continuity, suspended weight, and organic ensemble
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Big Question
What are we willing to give up—and what are we willing to risk—to fully become who we are meant to be?
Discussion Questions
- In the stage musical, King Triton and Ursula are portrayed as siblings who split control of the ocean. How does making them family change the emotional dynamic of their rivalry compared to a simple "hero versus villain" conflict?
- Ariel is fascinated by the human world long before she ever sets eyes on Prince Eric. How does the stage version emphasize her desire for independence and identity beyond just romantic love?
- Prince Eric is also feeling trapped by his royal obligations and his court's expectations. In what ways are Ariel and Eric’s struggles similar, and how does their shared sense of isolation draw them together?
- King Triton acts out of a desire to protect his daughter, but his actions often push her further away. At what point does protective parenting cross the line into control, and how does Triton eventually realize his mistake?
- Ursula presents Ariel with a contract that offers her a dream in exchange for her voice. Why is losing her voice such a significant sacrifice for Ariel, and what might "voice" symbolize in this story beyond literal speech?
- Characters like Sebastian and Scuttle offer Ariel advice based on their own worldviews. How do their perspectives reflect the tension between staying safe in a familiar environment versus taking risks to explore the unknown?
- The musical features songs created specifically for the stage, such as "If Only" and "Her Voice." How do these additional musical moments deepen our understanding of the characters' internal struggles?
- Ursula uses charm, wit, and resentment to manipulate those around her. What drives her obsession with power, and why is she able to target Ariel’s vulnerabilities so effectively?
- Unlike many classic fairy tales, Ariel's journey requires her to adapt to an entirely foreign culture and lifestyle. What challenges does she face when trying to communicate and fit in without her voice, and how does she navigate them?
- By the end of the musical, King Triton must choice between holding onto his longstanding prejudices against humans or accepting his daughter's choices. What does his transformation teach us about overcoming deep-seated fear and bias?
- Throughout the show, multiple characters struggle with feeling misunderstood by their families or communities. Is it possible to stay true to yourself while still honoring your family’s traditions and expectations?
- Have you ever felt drawn toward a path, goal, or interest that others around you didn't understand or support? How did you handle that conflict, and what did you learn from the experience?
Key Terms
Abridged describes a text or performance that has been shortened while retaining its essential content. In theatre, abridged scripts remove or condense material to suit time limits or audience needs. These versions allow greater accessibility while maintaining the story’s core themes.
An adaptation is a reworking of a story from one medium or cultural context into another, such as turning a novel into a play or updating a classic play’s setting. Adaptations often reinterpret themes, characters, and style for new audiences. They can range from faithful recreations to bold reimaginings.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
The art of designing and arranging movement sequences for theatrical dance and physical storytelling.
A genre of story involving magical and fantastical elements, sometimes adapted for theatrical performance.
An “I Want Song” is a number, usually placed early in a musical, where a main character expresses their deepest desire or ambition. This song sets the character’s journey in motion and gives the audience a clear emotional stake in the story. It has become one of the most recognizable and enduring conventions of musical theatre structure.
A production created to showcase the talents of a specific star performer, often tailored to their strengths.
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