Theater Review: An Enchanting ‘Little Mermaid’ At CCTC/HJT

 Ursula, the Sea Witch in Disney’s “Little Mermaid,” is a villain you just love to hate, as much as Ariel, the mermaid, is a heroine you cheer on for following her dream. And the Cape Cod Theatre Company/Harwich Junior Theatre’s production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” doesn’t disappoint, giving audiences a deliciously evil sea witch and a beautiful, doe-eyed mermaid. 

With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright all based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale “The Little Mermaid,” this is a delightful way for this theater to start the summer.

Ariel is fascinated with the human world even before she locks eyes with Prince Eric, though after that her desire to live in that world only strengthens. Ursula has a thirst for power and just wants to wreak havoc for Ariel and take revenge on her brother, Ariel’s father King Triton. Aha, Ursula thinks. Give Ariel a chance at what she wants then she can rule the sea!

In his debut as an CCTC/HJT, director Ian Hamilton must have been giddy when he secured his two principals: Trish LaRose for Ursula and Perry Gill for Ariel. LaRose brings down the house with “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” And that cackle! Gill is a perfect Ariel; she sings like an angel, especially on “Part of your World.” 

Of course these two are surrounded by an incredible cast, and your children will be thrilled to see Sebastian (John O. Fennell), Flounder (Wes Foster), Scuttle (Coco Kemp), Ursula’s henchmen, the electric eels Flotsam (Maya Nava) and Jetsam (Zendon Donoho), along with Prince Eric (Xavi Villejo) and his loyal servant Grimsby (Jane Staab). Matt Kemp portrays both King Triton and the hilarious Chef Louis. There are princesses (Lylah Crawley, Eva Leahy, Grace Olah, Maurissa Samuels, Avery Garrison and Kelly Martin) and sea creatures (Piper Taylor, Phoebe Schuessler, Ella Frueschner and Aria Nickerson) also. 

The opening night audience swayed to the tunes “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” brilliantly performed by both the ensemble cast and the band behind the set: music director Ben Colgan (keyboard), Hannah Chung (flute/piccolo), Brady Smith (drums) and Mason Ellsasser (upright bass).

The multifaceted set (set designer/tech director Matt Kohler) moves from under the sea, with the King’s court and Ursula’s cave to the deck of a ship with ease. M. Berry’s light design and Quill Achino’s sound design were the finishing strokes, implemented nicely by lightboard operator Alex Ingraham, follow spot operator Connor Perry, and lightboard operator/stage manager Rachel Walman. Laurel Conrad’s choreography was perfect for the large cast and small stage. Also kept busy and always on cue were assistant stage manager Seamus Sartin, and the backstage crew of Aiden Langhorne and Milo Nickerson. Cat Perry’s costumes were fantastic! Everyone sparkled and twinkled. Ursula’s costume is worth a closer look at the meet-and-greet after the show on the outside deck. Bring a pen or sharpie for autographs! The show is little over two hours with an intermission, and be sure to allow time for the meet-and-greet. What a great show!