Little Mermaid: Musical script

Little Mermaid script

TABLE
OF
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
SYNOPSIS
CASTING
MUSIC DIRECTION
DIRECTING TIPS
DESIGN
BEYOND THE STAGE
RESOURCES
CREDITS
1 2 4 8
17
20
35
44
48Betcha on land
They understand
Bet they don’t reprimand their daughters
Bright young women
Sick of swimmin’
Ready to stand
— “Part of Your World,” lyrics by Howard AshmanINTRODUCTION
1
hether you first came to The Little Mermaid by
way of the original Hans Christian Andersen
tale, the classic Disney animated film, or the stage
musical adaptation, the story resonates with the
same emotional power. Strip the tale of its fantastical
elements – mermaids and sea witches and talking
crabs – and what’s left is the simple story of a young
woman struggling to come into her own.
There’s a little bit of Ariel in all of us: headstrong,
independent, insatiably curious, and longing to know
the world in all of its glory, mystery, and diversity. A
young woman who passionately pursues her dream,
Ariel makes decisions that have serious consequences,
all of which she faces with bravery and dignity. Her
choice to live in the human world breaks down a fear
of difference that is deeply imbedded in her undersea
culture. By leaving home, she opens up the eyes of
her fellow mermaids and human friends, who learn to
accept and appreciate one another.
The Little Mermaid is also a tale of fathers and
daughters. Though we do not have fins like our
heroine, we do have parental figures who, perhaps at
times, we feel have stood in the way of our happiness.
Many can also sympathize with the widower King
Triton who raises his daughter on his own in the best,
and safest, way he can – even if Ariel is not always
capable of recognizing that loving intention. The
same is true of the relationship between Grimsby
and Prince Eric, another strong-willed young person
searching for his place in the world. As Ariel and Eric
learn to make decisions for themselves, King Triton
and Grimsby learn the parental lesson of letting go.
The stage adaptation of The Little Mermaid – with
music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman
and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright – retains
the most beloved songs and moments from the
original film while deepening the core relationships
and themes, adding in layers, textures, and songs
to form an even more moving and relevant story.
This stage musical presents endless opportunities
for creative design – from costuming the merfolk, to
creating distinct underwater and on-land worlds, to
staging the shipwreck and Ariel’s transformation.
Producing The Little Mermaid is an exciting, achievable
challenge for any theater group, and also a wonderful
opportunity to grow creatively, allowing your cast,
crew, and artistic team’s imaginations to lead the way.
Don’t be afraid to take chances – if you commit to a
concept, within minutes your audience will accept it
and become immersed in the vibrant and captivating
worlds you’ve created. This Production Handbook is
a toolkit of proven practices that will help you create
your own special production. We hope it inspires you
to make choices that serve the show in ways unique
to your company and your creativity, because your
audience wants to be a part of your world.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
SYNOPSIS
2
riel, a beautiful young mermaid, crashes
to the sea’s surface, delighting in the
expansive sky and the warm sun on her skin (The
World Above). In the distance, a ship appears
bearing a sea-loving Prince Eric and his guardian,
Grimsby (Fathoms Below). As the ship sails into
the horizon, Ariel, shadowed by her best friend,
Flounder, recovers a sinking fork that Eric has
tossed overboard. The seagull Scuttle swoops in and
teaches them about this “dinglehopper” and other
human stuff, reminding Ariel that she’s late for an
engagement below the surface.
On the ocean floor, Sebastian has arranged a
concert in celebration of King Triton’s anniversary
as reigning monarch, featuring the King’s seven
daughters (Daughters of Triton), but Ariel arrives
late and ruins the concert. King Triton wonders if
his daughter would be better off if her mother was
still alive to guide her (If Only – Triton’s Lament),
and he appoints Sebastian as her chaperone to keep
her out of trouble.
In Ursula’s lair, her flunkies Flotsam and Jetsam report
back on the celebration, prompting the Sea Witch to
reminisce bitterly about her childhood and her brother
Triton’s ascension to the throne (Daddy’s Little
Angel). Ursula vows to ruin King Triton by destroying
what he loves most in the world – Ariel. Meanwhile,
Ariel bemoans her dad’s lack of understanding and
wonders how he could hate a world that she finds so
beautiful (Part of Your World). Sebastian barges in
and begins taking charge, but Ariel becomes distracted
by a ship passing overhead.
On the ship, Prince Eric and Grimsby argue. Eric
has no interest in becoming King, but Grimsby
insists that the Prince will be married by his next
birthday. Suddenly, a violent storm overtakes the
ship, throwing Eric overboard. Ariel, who had been
admiring the Prince from afar, dives below the
surface to rescue Eric, whom she returns safely to the
shore (Part of Your World – Reprise). Back under
the water, the Mersisters grill Flounder about Ariel’s
odd behavior (She’s in Love), while on the beach
an enamored Eric resolves to find his savior with the
enchanting voice (Her Voice). In an effort both to
please Eric and find him a bride, Grimsby arranges
a singing contest in order to locate the owner of the
mysterious voice.
Upon discovering her love for the world above,
Sebastian extols the virtues of the ocean (Under the
Sea). Undeterred, Ariel swims away to her secret
grotto where King Triton, furious at his daughter
for saving a human, destroys her human treasures,
including a bust of Prince Eric. Sebastian tries
to comfort her, but Ariel, still hurt by her father’s
actions (If Only – Ariel’s Lament), is lured to
Ursula’s lair by Flotsam and Jetsam. The Sea Witch
offers to transform Ariel into a human in exchange
for her voice (Poor Unfortunate Souls). Ursula’s
contract states that Prince Eric must kiss Ariel within
three days or she will turn back into a mermaid
and become Ursula’s slave forever. Overcome by
her dreams of the world above, Ariel agrees to the
bargain and trades her voice for human legs.
ACT 13
n the beach, Flounder and Sebastian fret about
the three-day timeline. Ever optimistic, Scuttle
is convinced that Ariel has what it takes (Positoovity)
to win over Prince Eric, who finds her and brings
her home to the palace. Below the surface, King
Triton worries about his daughter’s safety, but up
on land, Ariel is elated by the wonders of palace life
(Beyond My Wildest Dreams). Sebastian, who has
followed Ariel to the palace in order to protect her,
finds himself in jeopardy in Chef Louis’s kitchen (Les
Poissons). Sebastian continues to elude the frustrated
chef ’s grasp (Les Poissons – Reprise), while Ariel’s
silence prompts Prince Eric to find other ways to
communicate, like dancing (One Step Closer) – but
he is still haunted by the mysterious voice.
Ariel’s progress with Eric on the first day makes
Ursula nervous, but she vows to take revenge on
Triton through his daughter (Daddy’s Little Angel
– Reprise). On the second day, Sebastian calls on
lagoon animals to serenade the couple (Kiss the
Girl), but Flotsam and Jetsam cause a commotion that
blocks their kiss. In desperation, Sebastian informs
King Triton of Ariel’s contract, and the King swears
to settle things with Ursula once and for all.
As night falls on the second day, Ariel wishes she
could tell Eric how she truly feels while Eric longs for
the mysterious voice, Sebastian wishes he could solve
this predicament, and King Triton regrets pushing
Ariel away (If Only – Quartet).
At the singing contest the next day (The Contest),
Ariel bursts through the crowd of opportunistic
princesses and rather than singing, she dances,
prompting Prince Eric to realize how much he truly
loves her. But the sun has set, breaking the spell, and
Ursula drags Ariel, a mermaid once again, back into
the sea.
King Triton confronts Ursula, who agrees to free
Ariel if he hands over his trident and becomes
Ursula’s slave (Poor Unfortunate Souls –
Reprise). Just as Ursula attempts to harness the
power of the seas now in her control, Ariel swims
past her and grabs her magic shell, regaining her
voice. Unable to control her pride, Ursula reveals
that she was the one who murdered Ariel’s mother,
prompting Ariel to destroy the shell and, with it, the
Sea Witch.
With order restored, Ariel returns the trident to her
father. Realizing that Ariel has grown up and that
she cares deeply for Prince Eric, King Triton decides
to restore her human form. Together, father and
daughter swim to the surface, where Prince Eric
proposes to Ariel, then learns that it has been her
voice he has been seeking all along (Finale Ultimo).
ACT 24 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
CASTING
LEADING ROLES
lthough widely known and beloved for its iconic score, The Little Mermaid requires a cast of strong actors who
not only can sing, but also are comfortable creating characters through physicality and movement. Below is a
description of each character along with recommended audition material from the show and vocal ranges.
in order of appearance
ARIEL
Ariel is a strong-willed teenaged mermaid who longs
to be human. She possesses a keen curiosity for the
world both under and above the sea – much to the
chagrin of her father, King Triton. Big-hearted,
she’s more accepting of and delighted by others’
differences than most of her fellow merfolk, but
she also has a rebellious streak that can get her into
trouble. A mezzo soprano with strong top notes, your
actress must be able move well in order to clearly
convey meaning once Ariel loses her voice.
Vocal Audition: “The World Above,”
“Part of Your World”
Acting Audition: p. 22 through “Part of Your World,”
p. 49 through “If Only (Ariel’s Lament)”
PRINCE ERIC
Prince Eric is the adventurous human monarch
who captures Ariel’s heart. Charming and sensitive
in nature, he has a warm voice and demeanor that
evoke his flair for romance. There is also a stubborn
&
bœ
œ
Ariel
Vocal Range:
side to the Prince, who is determined to do whatever
it takes to get what he wants – including the girl with
the mysterious voice. Tenor.
Vocal Audition: “One Step Closer”
Acting Audition: pp. 3-4, 75 through
“One Step Closer”
GRIMSBY
Grimsby is Prince Eric’s prim and proper valet.
Rigid in bearing and personality, he is constantly
trying to guide Prince Eric toward the throne and a
suitable bride fit for a royal marriage. Under his stern
demeanor, Grimsby truly is fond of Eric, whom he
worries about and attends to as though his own son.
Though he has a few small solos, Grimsby needn’t be
a strong singer – your actor should feel free to speaksing his part.
V œ #œ
Prince Eric
Vocal Range:
V œ œ
Grimsby
Vocal Range:5
Vocal Audition: “If Only (Triton’s Lament)”
Acting Audition: pp. 14-15, 84
SEBASTIAN
Sebastian is the choirmaster of King Triton’s court who
has a flair for the dramatic. A meticulous and uptight
crab, Sebastian is ever-anxious, whether he’s conducting
a concert premiere or protecting Ariel from Ursula.
When he’s performing – which is almost always – he’s
undeniably charismatic. His movement should be more
fidgety than fluid, and he should be able to perform a
broad send-up of a Caribbean accent (rather than an
authentic Jamaican one). Tenor.
Vocal Audition: “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl”
Acting Audition: p. 41 through “Under the Sea,” p. 77
MERSISTERS
Aquata, Andrina, Arista, Atina, Adella, and Allana are
the daughters of King Triton and sisters to Ariel. Full of
personality and sass, each should be distinct in character.
Vocal Audition: “She’s in Love”
FLOTSAM & JETSAM
Flotsam and Jetsam are Ursula’s sinister lackeys. With
devious charm, these electric eels convince Ariel to visit
the Sea Witch. Tricky and menacing, they are always
lurking about, ready to take advantage of sea inhabitants
at their most vulnerable moments. Altos or tenors.
Vocal Audition: “The Contest”
Acting Audition: pp. 26, 85, 91-92
FLOUNDER
Flounder is Ariel’s sincere and sensitive best friend
who rarely leaves her side. A spunky fish with a
sweet sense of humor, he can be awkward and
anxious around his unrequited crush. Tenor.
Vocal Audition: “She’s in Love”
Acting Audition: pp. 5-6, 22
SCUTTLE
Scuttle is the know-it-all seagull who serves as
Ariel’s expert on all things human. Garrulous and
off-beat, Scuttle’s eccentricities are more endearing
than aggravating. Even as he makes up ridiculous
names and functions for common human objects,
his intentions are friendly and his enthusiasm is
infectious. Tenor.
Vocal Audition: “Positoovity”
Acting Audition: pp. 6-8, 60 through “Positoovity”
KING TRITON
King Triton, King of the Sea and a harried single
father to seven girls, struggles to balance his political
and paternal powers. A widower, Triton is as fond of
his daughters as he is frustrated with their teenage
angst. Even when unsure of his parenting technique,
he is a tender patriarch who becomes a royal force to
be reckoned with when Ariel’s safety and happiness is
threatened by his sister, the Sea Witch Ursula. Baritone.
V bœ œ
Triton
Vocal Range:
V œ œ
Scuttle
Vocal Range:
V œ œ
Flounder
Vocal Range:
V bœ
œ
Sebastian
Vocal Range:
V œ
œ
Flotsam & Jetsam
Vocal Range:Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
CASTING
CHEF LOUIS
Chef Louis is the melodramatic head chef in the
palace. Wild and frenetic, he becomes physically and
vocally flustered by Sebastian, who always manages
to escape his grasp. A tenor, he should be highly
comedic with exaggerated movement and an overthe-top French accent.
Vocal Audition: “Les Poissons”
6
Vocal Audition: “Sweet Child”
Acting Audition: p. 17
URSULA
Ursula is the tentacled and manipulative Sea
Witch who is sister to King Triton. Cunning and
calculating, she will stop at nothing to get what she
wants – and what she wants is Triton’s throne. To
gain the upper-hand, she utilizes her slick sense
of humor, a flash of glamour, and larger-than-life
confidence. Ursula can be played by a low alto, but a
contralto is ideal.
Vocal Audition: “Daddy’s Little Angel,”
“Poor Unfortunate Souls”
Acting Audition: p. 54 through “Poor
Unfortunate Souls,” pp. 96-97
USING ACCENTS IN THE LITTLE MERMAID
While not written into the script, Sebastian and Chef Louis should speak and sing with broad accents. To
accomplish this, for Sebastian, replace TH with D, and for Chef Louis, replace TH with Z, and you’re
mostly there! For an idea of how these accents should sound, refer to Sebastian and Louis’s songs on the
Guide Vocal CD.
V bœ œ
Chef Louis
Vocal Range:
&
bœ
œ
Ursula
Vocal Range:7
SAILORS
The Sailors are the competent crew of Prince
Eric’s ship. Hardy and eager for adventure, they are
vigorous, efficient, and attentive to the Pilot’s orders,
always prepared for rough seas and stormy weather.
Vocal Audition: “Fathoms Below”
SEA CREATURES
Sea Creatures of various shapes, sizes, and species
comprise the underwater ensemble of King Triton’s
court. “Under the Sea” presents opportunities to
showcase both talented singers and dancers.
WINDWARD & LEEWARD
Windward and Leeward, trumpet fish, are heralds in
King Triton’s court.
PILOT
The Pilot, the uniformed helmsman of Prince Eric’s
ship, is a nautical expert who entertains the sailors
with wild tales of the sea. A little too superstitious for
Grimsby’s taste, the Pilot nevertheless maintains strict
control of his ship and crew even as he sings with a
jolly cadence. Baritone.
Vocal Audition: “Fathoms Below”
MAIDS
The Maids are four palace servants who report to
Grimsby. They haughtily assist Ariel in preparation
for dinner with Prince Eric and are a bit jealous of
this pretty stranger in their midst.
Vocal Audition: “Beyond My Wildest Dreams”
CHEFS
The Chefs comprise the sous staff of the eccentric
Chef Louis. Their equally overblown movement
adds to the comedic chaos of dinner as they chase
Louis around the dining room.
Vocal Audition: “Les Poissons (Reprise)”
PRINCESSES
The Princesses try everything they can to win the
heart of Prince Eric. As none possesses the voice he
is searching for, each should have an exaggerated and
comedic personality that is revealed through song.
Vocal Audition: “The Contest”
GULLS
The Gulls comprise Scuttle’s zany back-up flock in
“Positoovity.” These feathered friends of Scuttle’s are
equally as off-beat, though they present an opportunity
to showcase the talented – and very on-beat – dancers
in your cast.
Vocal Audition: “Positoovity”
ENSEMBLE ROLES
in order of appearance8 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
MUSIC DIRECTION
lan Menken and Howard Ashman are considered Disney legends, having created the scores for Beauty and
the Beast and Aladdin, but it was the 1989 animated feature The Little Mermaid that began what was later
called the “Disney Renaissance.” After the success of the Off-Broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors, Disney
approached Howard Ashman and asked if he’d be interested in writing for animation. Ashman suggested the
Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale The Little Mermaid as his first project both to write lyrics for and to produce.
Menken and Ashman applied the concepts of musical theater to the film, letting their songs define character and
advance the action.
While the setting of The Little Mermaid is a mythical kingdom under the sea, Ashman’s lyrics ground the characters
with deeply human emotions. As beautiful (and as fun to sing) as Menken’s music is, always be sure to put the story
first. The more truthful the characters are portrayed, the more moving the show will be for your audience.
SINGING FAMILIAR SONGS
As much of this score is well known, it’s very easy for your cast to slide into a “sing-a-long” mode. Spend extra time
on these songs, ensuring that your performers are singing exactly what is on the page, as opposed to what their
memories tell them is there. Some of these songs serve different functions in the theatrical version than they did in
previous iterations. Paying attention to the dynamics and phrasing written into the score will help achieve this.
PERFORMING WITH AN ORCHESTRA
Danny Troob’s orchestrations for The Little Mermaid are lush, intricate, and romantic. Give your instrumentalists
plenty of time to acquaint themselves with the score. Every instrument is crucial and every part has its own
moment. There are also a lot of character-driven motifs that recur throughout the score, which will be fun
to explore with your musicians, especially in an educational setting. Ariel’s “flowing water theme” (the intro
to “Part of Your World”) is an ascending arpeggio to show her desire to live on land. Ursula’s theme points
downward and reveals her sinister intentions. Find these moments together and discover ways in which they can
influence the action onstage.
Almost all of the big, dramatic actions in the play are underscored, often with specific timings. Walk through the
score with your director to point out any shifts that may affect staging. The most crucial of these moments are
outlined on pp. 11-16 of this handbook.
OVERVIEW9
Schedule enough time during final rehearsals to work on the balance of sound between orchestra and cast.
Surrounding the orchestra pit with some sort of masking will help muffle the sound. Ensure that the cast can
hear what they need from the orchestra in order to make their vocal entrances and find the correct keys, while
the audience can still make out all dialogue and lyrics.
There are two orchestral options available for your production of The Little Mermaid. The standard orchestration
requires 14 players, plus conductor (if needed). The breakdown is as follows:
STANDARD (OPTION A)
• Reed 1 (Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet)
• Reed 2 (Oboe, English Horn)
• Reed 3 (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone)
• Horn
• Trumpet (Flugelhorn)
• Drums
• Percussion
• Keyboard 1 (may alternatively be covered by a Piano-Conductor, if necessary)
• Keyboard 2
• Keyboard 3
• Violin 1
• Violin 2
• Cello
• Bass (Acoustic, Electric)
“Under the Sea”
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TXDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
MUSIC DIRECTION
10
If you wish to reduce the orchestra size, the string parts may be eliminated by adding a Keyboard 4 player (for
the string reduction) as a substitute. This reduced configuration requires 12 players, plus conductor (if
needed), as follows.
REDUCED (OPTION B)
• Reed 1 (Piccolo, Flute, Alto Flute, Clarinet)
• Reed 2 (Oboe, English Horn)
• Reed 3 (Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone)
• Horn
• Trumpet (Flugelhorn)
• Drums
• Percussion
• Keyboard 1 (alternatively may be covered by a Piano-Conductor, if necessary)
• Keyboard 2
• Keyboard 3
• Keyboard 4 (string reduction)
• Bass (Acoustic, Electric)
USING THE ACCOMPANIMENT & GUIDE VOCAL CDS
If you decide to use the performance tracks provided on the Accompaniment CD, remember to approach the
music as if the singer is leading the orchestra rather than following a recording. There are also several helpful
cues in the orchestration pointing to when a singer should enter. As always, allow ample rehearsal time with the
tracks so actors are completely comfortable with them by opening night. In rehearsals, utilize the Guide Vocal
CD a few times with your cast to get a sense of tempo and tone. Then, once notes and rhythms have been
taught, move toward using the Accompaniment CD so your cast can begin creating their own approach to the
characters. Both CDs are available from Music Theatre International.
TRANSITIONAL MUSIC
Many cues were included in the score to accompany onstage transitions for the Broadway and subsequent
Disney stage productions. You may find that you have more music than needed for your physical production. If
there are specific moments you’d like to address, you can contact your MTI representatives for suggestions on
approved cuts. Avoid extending transitional cues beyond what is written in the score. The show is designed to
flow smoothly from location to location – extended scene changes can bog down the pacing of the performance.11
#1 – OVERTURE
Allow your instrumentalists to play this enthusiastically. The overture sets the tone for the rest of the show, and
there will be many themes familiar to your audience. The strings are the stars for the majority of the cue, so
make sure they can be heard.
#2 – THE WORLD ABOVE
m. 5 – Many of Ariel’s songs sit in a high-mezzo range. Encourage your actress to mix whenever possible, as
solely belting or singing in head voice will be tiring on her voice.
m. 27 – Keep the tempo moving. It may have a tendency to lag here, and Ariel’s big introduction to the
audience should be light and buoyant.
#3 – FATHOMS BELOW
This sea shanty helps establish the setting and draws the distinction between the world above and the world
below the water. Keep the lyrics crisp and clear.
m. 3 – Chances are, you will have a few female sailors onstage. They should sing in the same octave as the
men so as not to stand out.
m. 62 – Ariel’s vocalise is heard several times throughout the show. It can be pre-recorded if you have the
capability to do so, or your actress can stand directly offstage. However you produce this part, it should have
the haunting beauty of a siren’s song.
m. 66-81D – Bring the orchestra way down in volume so that the dialogue can be heard over the
underscoring. Lines are always more important than underscoring.
m. 81G – This is Eric’s first “I want” moment and is set to the same melody as Ariel’s song, “The World
Above.” The audience should immediately connect these two “fish out of water” and know they are destined
to be together.
Now on to the specifics of The Little Mermaid’s score. The annotations below are broken down by song and then
measure numbers.
NOTES ON THE LITTLE MERMAID’S SCOREDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
MUSIC DIRECTION
12
#4 – DAUGHTERS OF TRITON
Encourage the Mersisters to sing staccato – it should feel light and frothy. The harpsichord in the orchestrations
will help convey the proper tone.
m. 21-24, 28 – If this is too high for your actresses, sing down the octave.
m. 37-38 – The Mersisters should be genuinely shocked that Ariel is not backstage. They should be visibly
(and vocally) unsure of what will happen next.
#5 – IF ONLY (TRITON’S LAMENT)
As with some other songs in The Little Mermaid, this is a smaller, more pensive moment. Don’t over-sing it. Direct
your actor to practice delivering the lyrics as a monologue and then add in the music.
#5A – URSULA’S LAIR
This transitional cue sends the audience to the murky depths even before they see a single set piece. Continue to
think of the orchestrations as an element of design and point out moments to your instrumentalists where they
can illuminate character, setting, or dramatic action.
#6 – DADDY’S LITTLE ANGEL
Diction is incredibly important in this song. Ursula has a lot of backstory to deliver and it’s not a song that will
likely be familiar to your audience – they’re hearing this part of the story for the first time. Work with your
actress to ensure that the lyrics (and Ursula’s disdain for her family) can be easily understood.
m. 16 – If these notes are too low, have your actress speak-sing the verses.
m. 136 – Most of Flotsam and Jetsam’s parts are written high in the voice. If need be, drop the octave.
#7 – PART OF YOUR WORLD
This beautiful song is Ariel’s most well known. As your actress may have been singing this song since childhood,
you may need to spend more time un-teaching this song than teaching it. Approach the lyrics as a monologue
and guide your actress to work her way through Ariel’s discoveries. The lyricist Howard Ashman encouraged the
original Ariel, Jodi Benson, not to give away too much too soon. You can find a link to the video of his coaching
session on page 44.
m. 5 – Breath support is essential throughout this song. Ariel should have a tone that is crystal clear.
Encourage your actress to do breathing exercises so that every phrase is completely supported.
m. 36 – Ariel really has forgotten the word “feet” as it’s not one she would have grown up with. Part of the charm
of this song will stem from your ability to make sure these discoveries feel fresh every single performance.
m. 83 – This measure needs to be a huge contrast to the section directly before it. Ariel realizes she has
gotten carried away. Reality sets in and so does the dynamic.13
#8 – THE STORM
This song should be treated like a ballet where most of the dramatic action is told through music and
movement. Help your director feel where the big changes happen and let the music influence blocking. At the
same time, the orchestra should never be so loud that you cannot hear the actors’ dialogue. The fun challenge in
this song will be the constant balance between raising the volume of your actors and lowering the orchestra.
m. 72 – There is a ton of dialogue that needs to happen before the storm hits. If your actors get behind,
hold at the fermata until you hear Eric’s cue, “it’ll hit me like lightning.” Conversely, inform your orchestra that
you may need to jump ahead to m. 73 if the actors speak too quickly. It is very important that the downbeat
of m. 73 happens directly after Eric’s line.
m. 98 – The audience’s perspective should transition under water at this point. There should be a sudden
peaceful feeling after the tumultuous winds of the storm.
m. 106 – Make these “Ahs” as ethereal as possible. If they are being sung by the actresses playing the
Mersisters, keep them offstage so as not to confuse the storytelling.
m. 120 – Eric should not make it out of the water until this moment.
#9 – PART OF YOUR WORLD (REPRISE)
While Ariel might not have figured out the “how” just yet, this reprise has all of the resolve the first “Part of Your
World” lacks. Acknowledge the enormous change Ariel has just experienced and let your actress go to town.
m. 57 – Many performers will try belting this or using their head voices – try mixing.
#10 – SHE’S IN LOVE
m. 8 – Rhythm is very important here. Play the intro for your performers so they get the groove in their bodies.
You will see many “pushes” (the end of m. 4) into different measures. This adds to the style of the song.
m. 37 – Use the same part division that you used in “Daughters of Triton” – soprano Mersisters on the top
and alto Mersisters on the bottom. It doesn’t matter which characters are on which part. Keep it all about
where your singers are most comfortable.
m. 51 – The actor playing Flounder may have a voice that is changing. Play with the octaves of his melody to
make sure he is comfortable. By the time he gets to m. 76, make sure he’s in a place where he can really wail.
#11 – HER VOICE
m. 33 – After the complexity of the verse, make the chorus sound grounded and secure. Encourage your
actor to firmly plant his feet and ensure the sound is completely supported from the diaphragm.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
MUSIC DIRECTION
14
#12 – UNDER THE SEA
While this song will be familiar to your cast, the Caribbean rhythms may be more complex than your singers
and instrumentalists remember them to be. It’s important for them not to rush but rather focus on the groove of
each section.
m. 9 – At the top of the song, Sebastian should be trying every tactic he can think of to convince Ariel to
stay – his job depends on it. As the song progresses, he gets caught up in the joy of the moment and
completely forgets Ariel is even there. Work with your actor to determine when the shift happens.
m. 108 – If this section is too high for Sebastian, instruct your actor to sing the melody instead.
m. 171 – Work in tandem with your choreographer so that (at least part of) your cast has ample breath support
left to sing with after the dance break. Enlist singers offstage to make this a real showstopper.
#14 – SWEET CHILD
m. 12 – Flotsam and Jetsam’s lines should almost overlap as if one person was singing them. Encourage your
actors to be as unctuous and creepy as possible. They say the right things to bait Ariel, and she goes along
despite her better judgment.
m. 24, 48 – Flotsam can sing in falsetto throughout most of the song. Both eels should feel free to scoop up
to notes in a way you wouldn’t normally encourage.
#15 – POOR UNFORTUNATE SOULS
m. 4 – If the verses of the song are too low, your actress should speak-sing. Keep it conversational as Ursula
is setting her trap.
m. 6 – This line is best understood by your audience if Ursula puts a tiny lift between “well” and “a witch.”
Otherwise it can get jumbled into sounding like one unintelligible word.
m. 20 – Ursula should be very good at convincing Ariel. She shouldn’t be truly scary until m. 88.
m. 88 – Push the tempo here. The stakes have gotten higher and the forward momentum shouldn’t let up
until the end of the song.
#15A – ACT ONE FINALE
m. 18 – If you are using microphones, play with the effects on Ariel’s “Ahs.” Perhaps they can come from a
different speaker or feel far away as her voice is trapped in Ursula’s shell. You also may want to pre-record
these and have your actress lip-sync onstage.
m. 48 – Ariel should not arrive above the water until this measure.15
#16 – POSITOOVITY
Make sure Scuttle’s diction is super-clear. The audience should be aware that he is singing nonsense words
rather than feel that they can’t hear properly.
#17 – BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS
The melody frequently jumps back and forth between chest and head voice. Help your actress find a nice,
healthy mix to bridge the two. The lyrics have a lot of patter and should sound like a gushing teenage girl.
Encourage Ariel to have fun experiencing all of these new sights.
#18 – LES POISSONS
This song is all about character, so make it as over-the-top as possible. Don’t feel restricted to the exact melody on
the page.
m. 99 – Whether this is in full voice or falsetto, make it big.
#18B – LES POISSONS (REPRISE)
m. 22 – If you add female chefs, have the men sing m. 50-53 and the women sing m. 54-57.
#19 – ONE STEP CLOSER
The audience should see Prince Eric and Ariel fall in love before their eyes. Keep it playful and fun.
m. 92 – Work with your choreographer to ensure Eric isn’t completely out of breath when he has to sing again.
#19A – GOOD NIGHT
Since these “Ahs” happen while Ariel is onstage, consider pre-recording them. If this isn’t possible, have another
actress (who can mimic her sound) sing from offstage. Whichever solution you choose, Ariel’s “voice” should be
recognizable to the audience.
#21 – KISS THE GIRL
Enjoy the calypso groove. Don’t rush!
m. 24 – The ensemble is here to add atmosphere. They should always play back-up to Sebastian’s melody.
m. 86-88 – If this is too high for Sebastian, have your actor sing melody.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
MUSIC DIRECTION
16
#23 – IF ONLY (QUARTET)
Think of this song as an operatic quartet. It works best when each singer is firmly planted and lets the music do the
work. Make sure each actor knows when it’s his or her turn to be featured and when to recede back to harmony.
#24 – THE CONTEST
m. 2 – If Grimsby is not a strong singer, have him speak this section in rhythm.
m. 20 – Encourage each princess to find her own distinct personality. None of these contestants should be
overly talented. Go with character over bel canto.
#25 – ARIEL STEPS FORWARD
From this point to the end of the show, the action is almost completely underscored. This helps the storytelling, but
be sure to pay close attention to details like volume control and pacing. Let the underscoring help instead of hinder,
and encourage your actors to listen to the music and be inspired by the drama. With a good amount of rehearsal, it
will become seamless.
#27 – FINALE ULTIMO
m. 72 – The relationship between King Triton and Ariel is the heart of The Little Mermaid. Don’t rush his big
chance to say goodbye. This section should be tender and authentic, creating one of the most moving moments
of the evening.
m. 103, 120 – Eric should sing at pitch for both of these lines.17
DIRECTING TIPS
he Little Mermaid is a complex musical incorporating numerous sets, myriads of costumes, and a few
magical moments. Staging the show will be a fun and spectacular trick that is sure to impress your
audience. Just remember that plenty of rehearsal is the key to a flawless execution. The following are some tips
to help you along the way to a successful production.
TRANSITIONS
The action of The Little Mermaid occurs across multiple locations. Because there are quick transitions between
these settings, you must make it clear to your audience where the action is occurring. Much of this will depend
upon ease and flexibility of your set design (see pp. 20-23 for design tips). The urge to create beautifully detailed
sets for this fantasy world will be strong, but avoid designs that are unnecessarily complex and difficult to move. Be
especially aware of this in the “human world” (such as the banquet scene), which is more materialistic and easily
bogged down with set pieces. More detail can equate to more clutter – simplicity of design and movement will help
streamline your transitions and allow your audience to focus on the dramatic action rather than the set change.
MOVEMENT
One of the most important elements of directing The Little Mermaid is creating a distinct movement for the
underwater characters. Costuming and set design will assist, but it is vital that your performers develop their
characters with movement in mind. Work with your actors – or have your choreographer work with them – on a
sea-based gestural vocabulary, while also ensuring that costumes allow for movement and that each actor maintains
her pre-determined character gesture throughout the show’s ocean scenes. It’s important to bring costumes (or
rehearsal versions) into the process early on, as they affect not only the general movement of the actors, but also
the special effects. On Broadway, the actors wore Heelys to create the effect of floating through water, while in in
subsequent productions, flying and other special effects were employed to create underwater illusions. You certainly
don’t need fancy footwear or complicated devices to tell your story effectively. However you choose to create your
oceanic world on stage, put safety at the top of your list of priorities. Consult with trained professionals – be they
skaters, flying effects companies, or other special effects professionals. Never insist an actor perform an effect she is
uncomfortable with, and never try to create homemade rigs. Your audiences will accept whatever conventions you
set up at the beginning of your show, however literal or suggestive.
While each character should master an underwater movement, be mindful of distractions during ensembleheavy scenes. Musical numbers like “Under the Sea” can become cluttered and confusing if each performer
is moving in a completely different way. Discuss the large choral numbers with your choreographer before
rehearsals begin and agree on a specific concept for each so that your audience’s attention is focused where youDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DIRECTING TIPS
18
Below are some suggestions to assist you as you tackle The Little Mermaid’s special effects. Let your imagination
guide you as you develop theatrical solutions to serve the story in your production.
GROTTO DESTRUCTION
See p. 22 for tips on building a grotto that is easily
destructible. As an alternative to building hinged
shelves, attach fishing line to some lightweight props
so that they can be pulled off the unit. In addition,
you can rig the Sea King’s trident with lights (see
p. 26 for tips), layer in laser-like sound effects and
flashing lights, and use a confetti cannon and fog
machine to generate an explosive effect. If your
production is employing aerial techniques, performers
can stand on either side of the grotto, wrapped and
hidden in aerial silks. When Triton strikes the grotto,
they can spin around to create a whirlpool-like effect.
ARIEL’S TRANSFORMATION
There are multiple ways to stage this, depending on
your cast and budget. You can opt to use projections
for Ariel’s transformation, or, if your budget allows and
you have a game performer, there are a number of
professional companies you can hire, including Flying
By Foy and ZFX, to “fly” Ariel – or a body double –
to the surface as she sheds her mermaid tail (see p. 27
for tips on creating a easily transformable costume).
Similarly, you can work with an aerial arts company
and utilize Spanish web, which Ariel can “climb” to
the surface. (These techniques can also be employed for
Eric’s drowning in “The Storm.”) Do a little research
to see which company and aerial or flying option might
be right for your production (see p. 44). Do not attempt
to make any of your actors fly in homemade rigs or
without the help of trained professionals. Keep in mind
that this kind of effect will require a good amount of
rehearsal time to master and make seamless. No matter
how you choose to handle Ariel’s transformation, always
keep safety your number one priority.
The Grotto Destruction
Roosevelt High School; Seattle, WA
A projection of Ariel’s transformation
Marian High School; Omaha, NE
SPECIAL EFFECTSAERIAL PERFORMANCE
The two safest optional aerial options than can
enhance your production magically are Spanish
web and aerial silk. With Spanish web, the
aerialist climbs to a small loop in a rope hanging
from the ceiling through which she threads a wrist
or ankle for security. Then, another performer on
the ground quickly spins the rope in circles. With
aerial silk, an aerialist performs acrobatics, such
as climbs, wraps, and drops, while hanging from
multiple strong, flexible fabrics. These brightly
colored fabrics – low-stretch are best for beginners
– can come past the ground, allowing actors to
perform wraps at a lower, safer level.
Whatever you decide, remember that safety
comes first and each performer must be
professionally trained and comfortable with the
movement required. Contact your local aerial arts
or trapeze school for training and rigging options.
Flying systems are very expensive and are not required
to create Ariel’s transformation. Other options include
experimenting with lighting tricks, fog, scrims, or using
a projection of Ariel’s silhouette. Keep in mind that
the dramatic underscoring helps a great deal in selling
the action. Whatever method you choose, be sure to
consider costume design in tandem with your staging
concept, as one will affect the other.
19
Aerial silk and Spanish web help create an undersea world.
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
Ariel Transforms using Spanish web.
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
URSULA’S DEMISE
Staging Ursula’s death will depend on your costuming
concept. If the Sea Witch is positioned on a movable
unit with actors controlling her tentacles, those
performers can simply spin her off stage when Ariel
smashes the magic shell. If your stage has a trapdoor,
and your actress has full mobility, have her “melt” into
the floor à la the Wicked Witch of the West in The
Wizard of Oz. Alternatively, flashing lights, fog effects,
and thunder can help hide her as she exits the stage
with a scream.20 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
here are many ways to approach the scenic design of The Little Mermaid. Be sure that the set pieces are
designed to move quickly into position – nothing drains the energy and stagnates the flow of a show faster
than clunky, complicated, and noisy scene transitions. Use painted drops to change locations, or columns that
can rotate with different scenes painted on each side. Consider building smaller units that can roll on and off
to create a new location. To economize, construct units that serve as two locations. For example, King Triton’s
throne can be wheeled around to reveal Ursula’s lair. However you differentiate locations, ensure transitions are
thoughtful and seamless so you can keep your audience engaged with the story.
SEA, SURFACE, & SHORE
The action of The Little Mermaid occurs across
multiple locations, but each specific location belongs
to one of three larger settings: undersea, the water’s
surface, and land. These three settings are in
communion with one another, so begin with a base
design, using backdrops or a cyc that changes with
the help of lighting (see p. 33 for tips) from the cool
blues of the ocean to the warm tones of a sunrise
depending on the underwater or land location. While
you can add details by projecting digital images onto
your backdrop, be careful not to overwhelm your
audience with too much imagery. Instead, keep your
design as simple and clean as possible – this will help
theatergoers situate themselves quickly and easily in each setting.
For the ocean, create a large wave that stretches across the stage to help delineate location. This can be a length
of blue fabric (China silk, inexpensive and found at most fabric stores, is a soft but durable material that looks
good under theatrical lighting), a painted wave-shaped piece, or a few LED waves. Whatever material you
choose can represent the surface when touching the stage floor, the undersea world when flown to the top of the
proscenium, or the beach when placed up or center stage at floor level. When flown out, or removed from the
audience’s line of sight, you can easily create the palace scenes.
Flounder and Scuttle observe Ariel and Prince Eric on shore.
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX
SETS21
PRINCE ERIC’S SHIP
The ship can be as complex or simple as you wish.
Build a boat with levels (allowing for more dynamic
stage pictures of your sailors) on a unit with casters.
Stagehands or ensemble members (perhaps dressed
like the ocean in shades of blue) can wheel it on and
off stage. For added effect, construct the ship to be
split in half and spun about during the storm. For
a simpler alternative, use a large, round, wheeled
platform with a painted ship-like façade on each side
that joins together at the front of the platform.
Another option is simply to suggest a ship to your
audience. Position your sailors on a moveable platform
with a ship’s wheel and mast. To hide the mechanics
of the platform and give the feel of sailing the high
seas, place your “wave” downstage of the platform at
floor level. Similarly, if employing a smaller stage like
a black box, you can construct a catwalk across the
top of the stage for your sailors, with a ship’s wheel
mounted on an axel at front. This will keep the stage
from appearing too crowded, while allowing for Ariel’s
scene to occur simultaneously below.
If your theater has an orchestra pit that you don’t intend to use for musicians, you can use the apron as your
surface locale. Simply screen off the pit with a blue fabric curtain (use the “waves” you created, if possible). Ariel
can hoist herself upon the “land” of the stage floor, or “float” in the pit as Prince Eric’s ship emerges in the sea
behind her.
Now that you have your base set design, add additional set pieces to represent the various specific locations
undersea and on land. To create more levels and depth on land and in the ocean, construct one or two
climbable ground rows that can be painted as sandbars for Ariel to perch on while she sings underwater and that
can also double as sand dunes on land for beach scenes. These pieces should be on casters so that they are easy
to move on and off stage.
Prince Eric’s Ship
Green Valley High School; Henderson, NV
KING TRITON’S COURT
While your waves fly to the top of the proscenium,
move your sandbars – perhaps dressed in coral,
seaweed, and other ocean plant life – onstage to
support the underwater setting. To set this royal
scene, position the Sea King on a shell-shaped throne
elevated on a platform.
King Triton’s Court
Lancaster High School; Lancaster, NYDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
22
ARIEL’S GROTTO
For Ariel’s underwater sanctuary, build a simple unit
– or adapt one of your sandbar pieces – with a series
of hinged shelves displaying human trinkets that can
fall when King Triton destroys the grotto. Dress the
grotto with some marine life such as coral and algae
in addition to her human trinkets and the bust of
Prince Eric (for prop tips, see p. 25).
Ursula’s Lair
Green Valley High School; Henderson, NV
URSULA’S LAIR
Ursula’s domain should be the antithesis of King
Triton’s court. The dark and ominous atmosphere
can be created largely via a change in lighting to deep
blues, purples, and greens. If your Sea Witch costume
doesn’t include a moveable unit, give her a throne
of her own. Instead of, or in addition to, a shell, take
inspiration from her octopod shape with a more
primitive design and a tentacle-like backing.
Ariel’s Grotto
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
Ariel’s Chambers
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
ARIEL’S CHAMBERS
In her chambers, Ariel is scrubbed clean by the
maids. Rather than constructing or purchasing an
old-fashioned claw-foot bathtub, create a simple
façade that Ariel can sit behind. For added effect,
create bubbles from bubble wrap or iridescent basket
filler (which shines like real soap bubbles) with fake
pearls or clear ornaments scattered throughout. You
will also need a bed for Ariel during “If Only.”
THE PALACE
We never see the palace itself, only specific rooms
within, so there’s no need to construct an elaborate
edifice. Keep it simple, continuing to utilize your
warm-toned cyc (or use a generic palace backdrop),
and differentiate the rooms with one or two units that
can be moved easily on and off stage.23
The Palace Ballroom
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX
Chef Louis’s Kitchen
Lancaster High School; Lancaster, NY
BALLROOM
Nothing additional is necessary for “One Step Closer”
or “The Contest” besides a general palace backdrop,
but feel free to drop in chandeliers for a little sparkle.
BANQUET HALL
A banquet table with seating for Ariel, Eric, and
Grimsby is all that is needed for the dinner scene. To
stage the “whack-a-mole” action during “Les Poissons
Mayhem” – when Chef Louis attempts to smash
Sebastian with his mallet – cut a hole in the table
large enough for your actor’s head to be revealed
when Chef Louis raises a silver dome from a serving
platter on the table. Alternatively, the table can be
a simple façade that Sebastian can kneel behind,
popping his head up when necessary.
KITCHEN
Chef Louis needs a simple counter unit to act as his
butcher block during “Les Poissons.”
The Bay, showcasing aerial silk work
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
THE BAY
For “Kiss the Girl,” utilize your blue-toned backdrop
or cyc to create an evening look. Ariel and Eric
will need a small wooden rowboat, which you can
construct on casters so it can be rolled across the stage.
For a dreamy, romantic feel, experiment with darker
lighting permeated with beams of moonlight, and
employ a light fog effect (for more lighting tips, see
pages 33). If you’re using silks or Spanish web for
your production, this is a fine opportunity for your
performers to add to the atmosphere.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
24
he props for The Little Mermaid needn’t be complicated. Besides a few key items that are necessary to the
storytelling, everything else is icing on the cake. All human props should look realistic, while those found
under the sea can be more fantastical. Below is a list of essential props along with the page number(s) on which
they appear in the script.
• Silver Chalice: 3
• Candelabra: 3
• Fork: 4-7, 22, 72
• Old-Fashioned Tobacco Pipe: 8, 72
• Trident: 9, 13, 48-49, 95-98
• Human Artifacts: 22, 47-49
• Spyglass: 29, 47-49
• Contract: 56-58, 94
• Ursula’s Shell: 56-59, 78, 98
• Hand Bell: 73
• Serving Platters with Silver Domes: 73-74
• Staff: 89-90
• Cake: 102
If available to you, you may want to consider adding
the following props to increase the authenticity of your
production:
• Conductor’s Baton:10
• Underwater Flower (with removable petals): 41
• Garland of Red Sea Anemones: 22, 49
• Teacup Fragment: 49
• Broken Telescope: 49
• Butcher Knife: 70
• Big Copper Pot: 71
• Faux Food (under platter domes): 73
PROPS
Chef Louis presents the wedding cake.
Marian High School, Omaha, NE
Chef Louis wields his knife in “Les Poissons.”
Levels at the Great Neck Library; Great Neck, NY25
HUMAN ARTIFACTS
Most of the human items used in the show are
from Prince Eric’s ship or the palace itself, so they
should be high-quality, ornate, antique-looking
pieces (no digital clocks, for example). Use glossy
gold paint, which will reflect light spectacularly, to
adorn commonplace items. Add detailing with paint,
beads, tassles, lace, and other texture-rich materials
to create an antique look for modern items. Also, it’s
wise to substitute oversized items for many of the
human artificats in order to help the audience see
them better. For example, Eric’s fork becomes Ariel’s
“dinglehopper” and can be a serving fork rather than
a table fork, and Chef Louis’s knife collection can be
as exaggerated as his personality.
BUST OF PRINCE ERIC
Depending on your design team, this may be more
of a scenic element than a prop. In any case, you
can construct a life-like papier-mâché bust or even
carve a bust out of a block of Styrofoam. Consider
breaking the bust apart and reassembling the pieces
to create a prop that can break apart safely during
each performance. Much of the destruction of this
piece can be done with lights, fog, and other special
effects. You may discover you do not need to see
the “destroyed” version of the bust at all, if King
Triton’s anger makes the bust disappear in a cloud of
pulverized human artifacts. A carefully-placed smoke
effect and a quick crew member’s hand may be the
simple solution.
Below are some design tips that will come in handy as you acquire, build, or otherwise source the more intricate
and fantastical props in your production.
Ariel examines her human artifacts.
Green Valley High School; Henderson, NV
Bust of Prince Eric
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TXDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
26
TRIDENT
Purchase Triton’s trident at a costume shop or build
your own using PVC tubing and a mold for the tines,
which can be spray-painted a glittery silver. Be sure
to measure the trident so that it is approximately the
same height as the performer playing King Triton –
it should be light enough to handle easily but have
enough weight to signify its power. You can also
consider adding LED lights, which can be used when
the trident’s “magic” is activated, like in the grotto
destruction scene and in Ursula’s lair.
MAGICAL SHELL
This prop may be hard to locate, but you can start at a
craft store, home décor shop, or even a pool or beach
store (an inflatable pool toy could be painted to look
real). If need be, any round, clear acrylic container
can be modified to look like a shell with some papiermâché and hot glue. Also consider wrapping bubble
wrap or cellophane around a wooden or cardboard
frame holding “magical” LED lights inside. This prop
is the source of Ursula’s power, so the shell should be
large enough to convey the weight of its power, but
still easy enough for one performer to handle.
PIPE
Look for an old-fashioned, wooden tobacco pipe with
a large bowl. A black or toy pipe can also be painted
to look wooden. Alternatively, make your own pipe
with papier-mâché, a soda bottle, and some vinyl tubing.
Ideally, you’ll want your pipe to have a hole in both
ends to blow through. To create an ash effect when
Ariel blows into it, place a bit of powdered makeup
into the bowl. Grimsby’s pipe can double as Scuttle’s
“snarfblatt.” Simply attach strips of coiled green fabric
to the inside of the bowl, which will unravel and pop
out when blown through.
King Triton prepares to destroy Ariel’s Grotto.
Green Valley High School; Henderson, NV
Ariel makes a deal with the Sea Witch.
Marian High School; Omaha, NE
Ariel plays the snarfblatt.
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX27
ARIEL
Feisty and independent, Ariel’s costuming should
reflect her vivid personality even as it provides
the more practical function of changing her from
mermaid to human. Her top and skirt can be shiny
to suggest fish scales, and the latter should flair out
at the feet, in the same material or tulle, suggesting
a mermaid tail. Accessorize with a shell necklace or
bracelets for some added sea-inspired flair. For her
transformation, dress your actress in a skirt or shorts
that expose her new legs underneath her mermaid
tail. Using a second tail for the transformation
scene will make the transition easier for your actress.
The second skirt should wrap around and fasten
with snaps or Velcro at the back. Onstage, Ariel will
be able to pull off the top skirt easily to reveal her
legs underneath. Though iconically Ariel has been
portrayed as a redhead, the script does not specify this.
Feel free to use your actor’s natural hair.
COSTUMES
he Little Mermaid’s vibrant land and ocean environments provide limitless costuming possibilities. By
keeping your designs simple, you’ll inspire your audience’s imagination and transport them into this
beloved fairy tale. Many of the sea characters are anthropomorphic, so your costumes should reflect the human
traits of these characters as well as their animal forms. Just as the sets should distinguish the worlds above and
below the sea, so too should the costumes, through color and texture.
Ariel
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
• Long blue or green
mermaid skirt
• Colorful top
• Wedding dress and veil
• Ballet flats
• Simple, elegant gown
Ariel and Friends
Roosevelt High School; Seattle, WADisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
28
PRINCE ERIC
Prince Eric’s attire should be looser and more
casual when he’s sailing the high seas than when
he’s holding court at the palace. For the latter, more
formal setting, add some royal accessories like a
detailed vest and sash.
• Billowy white shirt
• Black pants
• Sturdy black boots
• Long jacket
• Vest
• Sash
Ursula with Flotsam and Jetsam
Greece Arcadia High School; Rochester, NY
KING TRITON
Give this ruler of the merfolk a royal and masculine
Grecian-robe look. Start with dark, structured top
and dark green or blue sheath from the waist-down.
This bottom half of the costume can be cut of the
same cloth as his daughters’ to similarly suggest a
merman tail. A silver belt, armbands, and crown will
complete his sovereign look, while, optionally, a long
wig or beard will give him an older, wiser presence.
• Dark structured top
or sash
• Crown
• Dark blue or green
sheath skirt
URSULA
The Sea Witch is powerful, feminine, and evil. Begin
with an elegant, long, black dress accented with shades
of purple or green that drapes in layers, suggesting
tentacles. This voluminous skirt will give Ursula the
intimidating presence she desires. Alternatively, craft
a waistband with eight huge tentacles that can be
manipulated by ensemble members dressed in black
Morphsuits or spandex. To create an even more
threatening look, position the Sea Witch on a unit
with casters that allows her greater height to look
down on Ariel. Always be sure that your actress feels
• Dramatic wig and
makeup
• Long, black dress
• Waistband of tentacles
(optional)
Prince Eric and Ariel
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX
King Triton with Windward and Leeward
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI29
SCUTTLE & GULLS
To give Ariel’s flighty friend the full fowl treatment, add
white and gray feathers to Scuttle’s sleeves, chest, and
cap. The bill of a baseball cap can become an orange
beak, or the same effect can be created with orange
and white makeup. The gulls should complement
Scuttle with similar pants and orange tights, but set
them apart with a different style or color of vest.
• Cropped white or
gray pants
• Orange tights
• Orange or black shoes
• Vest
• Feathered headpiece
SEBASTIAN
Give this maestro a nice suit that he can conduct in.
Layer a red jacket over a tuxedo shirt and cropped
red pants over tights. Complete his professional
look with a bowler cap and claw-like gloves. (When
costuming his hands, consider whether you wish
Sebastian to hold a baton while conducting. “Claws”
could make this optional prop tricky to hold.) Add a
dash of red eye makeup to give him some flair.
• Red shirt and jacket
• Red pants
• Red tights
• Red bowler hat
• Red mittens or gloves
• Red or black shoes
Sebastian with Windward and Leeward
Green Valley High School; Henderson, NV
Scuttle and Gulls with Ariel
Marian High School; Omaha, NE
Flounder and Mersisters
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
FLOUNDER
• Yellow shirt and shorts
with blue accents
• Yellow or blue sneakers
• Yellow headpiece with
blue fin
safe and is secured properly. Also, don’t forget to
have fun with Ursula’s makeup and hair – give her a
sinister eye with a dramatic, arching eyebrow; dark
purple lips; and a strikingly styled wig.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
30
FLOTSAM & JETSAM
These slippery eels need to move as smoothly as
possible. Start with electric-green dance pants and
add a green shirt or jacket. Add gloves and a green
wig or bowler hat, as well as some fin-like accents to
finish off their slick look. Alternatively, you can create
hand puppets out of translucent-green material that
run the length of your actors’ arms and are easy to
manipulate. Whichever design you choose, Flotsam
and Jetsam’s costumes should look identical and
complement Ursula’s. To give these sinister spies an
even more electrifying look, add some strips of green
LED lights using double-sided tape, Velcro, and a
battery pack.
Flounder may not be a guppy, but he should have a
youthful look. Dress him in yellow basketball shorts
held up with blue suspenders and add fin-like blue
accents across his torso and back. To complete the
fishy effect, attach a blue “fin” to a yellow baseball
cap (cut off the brim) or swim cap and add a few
touches of yellow and blue makeup to his face.
• Green dance pants
• Green top
• Green wig or hat
• Green gloves
• Black shoes
CHEF LOUIS & CHEFS
Dress this frantic French chef in black pants, a white
chef coat, black shoes, and a colored neck scarf for
some culinary flair. For extra comedic effect, add an
exaggerated mustache.
Costume the Chefs similarly to Louis, but use different
colored neckerchiefs or pants to set them apart from
the head chef.
• Black pants
• White jacket
• White cap
• Red neckerchief
• Black shoes
Flounder and Scuttle
Lancaster High School; Lancaster, NY
Ariel with Flotsam and Jetsam
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
Chef Louis and Chefs
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX31
PILOT & SAILORS
The Sailors’ costumes should be similar to Prince
Eric’s sailing costume, though their shirts can be
distinguished with stripes, and the Pilot can sport a
captain’s cap to signal his higher rank.
GRIMSBY
This high-ranking valet should have a very stuffy
costume to reflect his buttoned-up personality and
older generation. Add a vest and long coat, adorned
with stately trim and buttons, to his base costume of
white shirt and dark pants. Complete the look with
buckled shoes and a frilly cravat (attach strips of lace
to the front of white cotton fabric and add Velcro to
the back so the performer can easily and comfortably
attach it behind his neck).
MERSISTERS
Create a similar look to Ariel’s while individualizing each
sister with her own color, accessories, and hairstyle.
• White shirt
• Dark knickers
• White tights
• Vest and long coat
• Buckle shoes
• Cravat
SEA CREATURES
There’s an ocean of possibilities to choose from when
creating life under the sea. Iridescent fabric along
performers’ arms can represent fins, while a green
leotard and a shell-patterned jacket can be a sea
turtle. An umbrella with streamers can be a jellyfish,
and inflatable sharks and clownfish kites on sticks
controlled by performers can swim above everyone’s
heads. Remember, your designs need not be literal –
using a variety of colors and textures in creative ways
can be enough to suggest a diversity of sea life. (For
oceanic inspiration, see p. 47.)
• White billowy shirt
• Black pants
• Black boots
• Captain’s cap (for Pilot)
The Maids and Grimsby
Lancaster High School; Lancaster, NY
Mersisters
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX
Prince Eric, the Pilot, and Grimsby
Lancaster High School; Lancaster, NYDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
DESIGN
32
WINDWARD & LEEWARD
Long-bodied with an upturned mouth, these skinny
trumpetfish often swim vertically. The most colorful
of the species, the Chinese trumpetfish, is a vivid
yellow. Drape your actors in straight, sleeveless,
colorful tunics with black long-sleeved leotards and
tights underneath. Create hoodie-like headpieces
that extend at the top to form their mouths.
• Black leotard
• Black tights
• Yellow tunic with a hood
MAIDS
These palace servants should wear simple, anklelength dresses that they can work in. Add aprons to set
them apart from the royalty.
• Long, black dress
• Apron
• Black flats or character
shoes
PRINCESSES
• Ball gown • Black character shoes
These dresses should be very colorful and
flamboyant. Add beads and trim to embellish these
extravagant royals, and don’t forget the dramatic updos and tiaras. Each princess should be distinct as she
tries to impress Prince Eric with over-the-top fashion
that reflects her personality.
Windward and Leeward with King Triton
Flower Mound High School, Flower Mound, TX
Grimsby and Maids
Bradford High School; Kenosha, WI
Princesses with Prince Eric
Marian High School; Omaha, NE33
LIGHTING
he vibrant underwater environment has a constant flow and vivacity compared to life on land, which
is generally more reserved and structured. The Little Mermaid presents a myriad of opportunities to use
dynamic lighting that can enrich storytelling while creating smooth transitions and establishing location. Don’t
be afraid to think big when it comes to lighting your production.
Sunlight has difficulty penetrating to the depths of the ocean floor. Use fractured lighting to evoke the flashes
of color that find their way through layers of murky waves and plant life. A similar underwater effect can be
accomplished by utilizing revolving gobos. Shadows play a big role, too – think of the darkness cast by Prince Eric’s
ship passing overhead – and Ursula’s lair should be dark and moody, with more texture. Generally, though, cooler,
saturated tones in blues and aquas created by LEDs and spotlights will be what sets sea scenes apart from those on
the shore. Be sure, though, not to saturate your actors’ skin tones in green and blue. Use neutral-colored front and
sidelights to keep your actors from blending into the background. To establish scenes on the water’s surface and on
land, employ warmer tones along with white side lighting to suggest bright sunlight.
Lighting can also help you create Ariel’s transformation from mermaid to human. If you choose to utilize aerial
silk or Spanish web to achieve Ariel’s struggle to the surface, you can use lighting to pull focus from – or hide –
any wire rigging (a dark background can also help with this).
“If Only (Quartet)”
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX34 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
Ariel observes Eric from afar.
Flower Mound High School; Flower Mound, TX
SOUND
hile strong lighting choices will create distinctions between your sea and landscapes, your sound design will
help fill in the details of those locations. Sound should be as environmental and naturalistic as possible. A
complete soundscape of waves crashing on the shore, bubbling and splashing water, seagulls, crackling electricity of
eels, etc., can play intermittently throughout appropriate scenes. Work with your designer to create an atmospheric
quality that gently supplements the music and dialogue of the show. Use sound to enhance scene transitions and
to punctuate key dramatic moments, such as the storm that causes Prince Eric’s shipwreck and King Triton’s
destruction of Ariel’s grotto.
Decide early on if you will use body microphones for your production. Take into account the acoustics of your
space and the vocal projection of your actors. It is important that audience members are able to properly hear and
understand the song lyrics, particularly for “Daddy’s Little Angel,” which reveals Ursula’s entire backstory in patter.
If you choose to outfit your actors with body mics, do some research before renting. Ensure the rental package you
choose can fit into your budget while giving you the quality you need. No one wants audible cracking and popping
sounds to spoil the performances of the actors. Also, consider putting a a monitor – a standard feature of most
sound rental packages – onstage so actors can hear themselves.
Take care when choosing where the orchestra will be in relationship to the stage. Ask the orchestra members to join
you for an early rehearsal with your actors to inform your decision. If you decide to use the Accompaniment CD
instead of musicians, try putting the speakers at the back of the stage so the actors can hear the music clearly.35
BEYOND THE STAGE
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
The Art of Adaptation
Use this activity in the ELA classroom to explore the process of adapting a short story – in this case, a fairy tale – for
the stage or use it in rehearsal to cultivate a deeper awareness of source material in the theatrical process. Provide
students with an excerpt from Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Try choosing a section that was
not adapted for the Disney musical.
Examine the different methods that short stories and dramatic literature employ to shape a narrative. What
techniques do they utilize to address character, plot, setting, and conflict? What qualities does a fairy tale possess that
a stage musical does not and vice versa? What are the limitations of each? Discuss various storytelling elements like
narration (omniscient narrator vs. a sung soliloquy, for example), dialogue (realistic vs. sung or choreographed), and
setting (visual description vs. set design) when exploring how to adapt a written story for the stage.
Ask each student to write a stage adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” excerpt, taking into consideration the
freedoms and limitations of theatrical conventions. Which parts of the fairy tale excerpt are essential? Which can
be streamlined or cut? In what ways is character conveyed and how must that be altered for the stage? Encourage
students to include songs or choreography as desired.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
taging The Little Mermaid will provide your cast and crew with a valuable education in the art of theatermaking. Your production is an excellent arts education in and of itself – young performers, designers,
musicians, and stage crew are bound to grow and learn throughout the rehearsal and performance process. But
The Little Mermaid can also be a springboard for learning beyond the rehearsal room.
With its literary and mythological source material, as well as its oceanic setting and environmental effects, The
Little Mermaid presents a unique opportunity to engage your cast across academic disciplines. Arts integration is
the technique of teaching through the arts, allowing students to explore varied subjects through an engaging and
accessible forum.
The following lessons are just a few suggestions to help get you started. You might hand them off to science,
English, or social studies teachers. Alternatively, you can use them in your theater class or during rehearsals as a
method for developing vivid characters and for encouraging academic transfer. Take what works, adapt freely, and
encourage your colleagues to embrace the arts as a teaching tool.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
BEYOND THE STAGE
36
Next, have students work in small groups to choose one scene to stage and present to the rest of the class. After
each group’s presentation, analyze the differences between the source material and the students’ stage adaptations
as a class. Ask the class to identify the similarities and differences between the scenes presented. Which parts of the
scenes engaged them the most and why? Allow time for each group to explain the choices they made in adapting
the scene. Is there anything they would change now that they have seen their scenes performed?
JOURNAL ACTIVITY
Ask students to reflect on adaptations they have encountered across media (books, movies, television, stage
shows, etc.). Which were successful, which were not, and why? Is it necessary for an adaptation to be largely
faithful to its source? Why or why not?
JOURNAL ACTIVITY
Ask each student to reflect on the movement of the character she has been cast to play. Does the character
have a signature movement or gesture? What does that gesture reveal about the character? How does it
appear as the character moves through water? On land? Direct the students to select a scene or song in which
their character appears and to describe that character’s movement over the course of that scene.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Speaking Through Swimming
Whether swimming under the sea or bounding across the beach, each movement reveals a character’s personality,
highlights the mood and setting of the scene, and develops the story. In The Little Mermaid, character movement
merges with choreography and is vital to the storytelling of the musical. This is especially true when Ariel trades
her beautiful voice for human legs, thus forcing her to find non-verbal methods of communicating.
Select a few dialogue-heavy scenes, such as Scene Six after “She’s in Love” or Scene Twelve: Ursula’s Lair from Act
One. After breaking your class into groups, ask each group to rewrite the scene using only stage directions while
considering the following:
• What is the most important information relayed in this scene?
• What is the tone or atmosphere like? Does it remain consistent or change throughout the scene?
• What is the setting? How can location be relayed without dialogue or a set?
• How does choreography create character and tell the story of the scene?
Afterward, ask each group to perform its scene for the class. After each performs, have the students guess which
scene was performed. What movement was most helpful in recognizing a scene? Were any moments unclear? How
could the scenes be developed further in order to more clearly tell the story?37
SOCIAL STUDIES
Myth and (Mer)man
Use this activity in social studies or world history classes to examine the dramaturgical background of The Little
Mermaid. Alternatively, use this activity in the rehearsal process so that students more fully understand the world of
the musical.
Much of The Little Mermaid takes place under the sea and many of its aquatic characters are based in Greek
mythology and European folklore. Understanding where these characters come from will illuminate the culture of
Ariel’s ocean home as well as those of the believers living on the land above.
Working in small groups, charge your students with researching mythology, specifically Greek mythology. What role
did mythology play in ancient cultures? How did mythology relate to religion, environment, education, and natural
phenomena like the passing of time? How were myths passed on from one generation to another?
Using this base knowledge of how myths operated in ancient societies, ask the groups to investigate mythological
figures that appear in The Little Mermaid: Triton, mermaids, the Sea Witch. Where and how did these figures
originate? What are their key characteristics? What would they have symbolized culturally or religiously to Prince
Eric and his sailors?
Now have each group write its own folktale or myth inspired by a local or international cultural or environmental
phenomenon. What kinds of characters populate their tale? What does each character symbolize? When the stories
are complete, have each group present its idea to the class.
SCIENCE
The Movement of Marine Life
Use this activity in a biology or ecology class or in early rehearsals when students are beginning to develop
character movement and work on choreography. The Little Mermaid takes place in several ecosystems: Pelagic
zone, or open sea; Aphotic zone, just above the sea bed; the Bethnic zone, or the sea bed itself; and the surface
of the ocean, including the beach and coast. Set both on land and sea, The Little Mermaid hosts a myriad of
animals and plants.
Break the class into four groups, assigning a different ecosystem to each. Ask each group to research the following:
• The region of land or ocean that the ecosystem comprises.
••
The defining characteristics of the ecosystem: depth, shape, temperature, oxygen levels, type of water (fresh
water, brackish, salt water) or land, etc.
••
The types of animals and plant life inhabiting the ecosystem. Describe three examples, with photos,
considering: Where do they dwell or grow? What does their diet consist of ? Do they inhabit one or multiple
ecosystems? What are their noted physical features? Life expectancies? Predators? Etc.?Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
BEYOND THE STAGE
38
Now discuss with your class how these defining factors – especially temperature, tides, winds – can affect the
movement of creatures both on land and in the sea. Ask each group to select one of the animals or plants that
they researched and create stylized movement for it. For example, ask them to consider the differences between the
movement of plants under the sea versus on the beach. Have each group present its choreographed movement to
the class.
Finally, ask your students to reflect on how they could incorporate these types of creatures and movement into
The Little Mermaid. How would Ariel show, with the movement of her body, that she’s underwater? How might
Sebastian’s movement change from “Under the Sea” to “Les Poissons”? What kind of plant life would line the ocean
floor in “Under the Sea”?
The Design of the Storm
Use this activity in general science classes to explore the cause and effect of weather, or during the design process to
develop imaginative ways to depict the storm in Scene Four.
The Little Mermaid offers a myriad of opportunities to explore environment and creative design in both underwater
and above-water kingdoms. One phenomenon that affects both realms of the musical is the storm that throws
Prince Eric overboard from his ship. In groups, tell your students to research tropical cyclones. What designates
a cyclone as a hurricane? How are these storms formed? What elements do they consist of and how are they
categorized?
Next, inform your students that it is now their opportunity to create a storm design for their production of The Little
Mermaid. Ask them to consider the following: What type or category of storm capsizes Prince Eric’s ship? Providing
a variety of materials – fabrics, paper, lights, etc. – direct each group to come up with its own design. Encourage
students by reminding them that an effective spectacle doesn’t always equate to a high-tech design, but sometimes
to the creative use of found objects and body movement as well. Each group should present its design to the class.
After the shipwreck, Eric struggles to the surface using Spanish web.
Bradford High School, Kenosha, WI39
THE HALL OF OCEANS: CONNECT TO YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Producing The Little Mermaid is a great way to give back to your school community – you can do something as
simple as scheduling a student matinee and inviting local elementary and middle schools. To generate even more
excitement, consider having your performers mentor the younger students prior to the matinee. Assign pairs of cast
members to small groups of younger students. Have your performers share facts about the characters they play in
The Little Mermaid and work with the younger students to create artwork based on what they’ve learned. Each piece
of sea-art should be accompanied by a written description of the animal’s traits and habitat. Alternatively, schedule
a “family night” with special activities – like a “sea station” for creating and coloring ocean artwork.
DON’T TRASH WHERE YOU SPLASH: CONNECT TO YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
The ocean contains rich and vital ecosystems. Around the world, entire communities live off the bounty of the sea,
and close to one billion people depend on the ocean for nutrition. Yet the oceans are not an inexhaustible resource,
and despite their importance to us, marine resources are being abused. But you can help – even if you don’t live
near an ocean, your cast of The Little Mermaid can raise awareness about keeping our waterways clean and healthy.
Create an information sheet to insert into your programs – and distribute to parents and the broader community –
regarding steps individuals can take to keep our oceans safe. If your school or community has a recycling program,
your students can create a 3D-informational board in the lobby that details what can be recycled – using samples
of actual materials – and how. Even if you are landlocked, inform your community that pollutants put down the
drain, poured into the earth, or let loose in the air eventually reach the open sea and can harm marine life, sea
birds, and human beings. Plastic waste such as empty bottles or grocery bags that are not properly recycled will also
make their way to the sea and cause damage.
If you are near an open waterway, consider arranging a visit to a water purification plant or wildlife rescue where
your students can learn more about the dangers of pollutants and what they can do to help the local ecosystems
first-hand. Empower your cast to spread the word. We are the stewards of our national resources and it’s up to us
to protect the ocean and its inhabitants.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONSDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
BEYOND THE STAGE
40
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
In 1835, the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen published his first collection of short stories: Fairy Tales,
Told for Children. Two years later, the second edition featured a new story about a little mermaid. As the youngest
daughter of the Sea King, the mermaid witnesses a terrible storm and saves a young prince from drowning. She
falls in love with the prince and trades her voice to the evil Sea Witch for a chance to be human. Like most fairy
tales, though, Andersen’s weaves dark and dangerous elements into its love story: to give up her voice is to have
the Sea Witch cut out the mermaid’s tongue, and to save herself when the prince chooses another bride, the
mermaid must stab him and bathe in his blood. But unable to kill the man she loves, she leaps into the ocean and
dissolves into sea foam. This story became one of Andersen’s most popular tales and went on to be published in
almost 150 languages. Today, the little mermaid is a Danish cultural icon and has been commemorated with a
statue overlooking the Copenhagen harbor.
MERMAID MYTHOLOGY
Some 4,000 years ago, Ea, the Babylonian god of the sea, possessed the lower
body of a fish and upper body of a human. Atargatis, the Syrian goddess of
fertility, boasted a similar form. Considered the first merman and mermaid, these
two deities inspired a long line of mythological merfolk. Ancient Romans wrote of
nereids – half-human, half-fish nymphs – and sea-men who, at nightfall, were said
to climb into ships, sinking them. In Greek culture, mermaids were beautiful sirens
who lured men to their deaths with their seductive singing. Christopher Columbus
claimed to spot a mermaid in 1493 in what is now the Dominican Republic, and
John Smith had his own sighting off of Newfoundland in 1614. “The Mermaid,” 1901
by John William Waterhouse
BACKGROUND OF THE LITTLE MERMAID
SIRENIANS
Manatees and dugongs – of the scientific order Sirenia – are named after the sirens of ancient Greek
mythology. What early European explorers imagined as mermaids were probably manatees and other
Sirenia – large aquatic, herbivorous mammals with pectoral breasts, agile forelimbs, and fish-like tails.
This might explain Christopher Columbus’s remark that the mermaids’ faces “had some masculine traits”
and were not as beautiful as he expected. Some say that Sirenia came from human ancestors who were
transformed into the creatures by a curse for living near the water. These legends might have contributed to
the idea of the mermaid as a bad omen for sailors, which likely came from ships sailing too closely to shore –
where Sirenians gather – and running aground.
West Indian Manatee41
DISNEY’S ANIMATED FILM
As a great admirer of classic fairy tales, Walt Disney
looked to bring “The Little Mermaid” to the screen in
1940. Unfortunately, the timing and concept were not
quite right and the project was abandoned. Almost 50
years later, Disney animators Ron Clements and John
Musker decided to try again. They hired Howard
Ashman and Alan Menken, authors of the recent
off-Broadway hit Little Shop of Horrors, to create a
musical theater score for the film. The Little Mermaid,
an uplifting adaptation of Andersen’s famed tale,
became Disney’s 28th animated feature and opened
to rave reviews on November 17, 1989. Menken and
Ashman were awarded the Oscar®, Golden Globe,
and GRAMMY® for their score and for the song
“Under the Sea.” The Little Mermaid marked the
beginning of a renaissance in Disney animation and
paved the way for such films as Beauty and the Beast,
Aladdin, and The Lion King.
DISNEY’S STAGE MUSICAL
Originally structured like a Broadway musical, the
film was a solid candidate for stage adaptation,
especially in the wake of the enormous success of
Beauty and the Beast. Disney Theatrical Group brought
book writer Doug Wright together with director
Francesca Zambello, set designer George Tsypin,
costume designer Tatiana Noginova, and lighting
designer Natasha Katz to create an undersea world
onstage. Alan Menken reprised his role as composer
and worked with lyricist Glenn Slater to add new
songs to the film’s score. The Broadway production
opened on January 10, 2008, running for 685
performances before closing on August 30, 2009. The
stage musical was adapted for middle school children
as The Little Mermaid JR. in 2012. The full-length show
was then revised and enjoyed sold-out productions
in Holland, Moscow, and Tokyo. The Little Mermaid
continues to charm audiences around the globe.
1989 Disney animated film
Photo © Disney
Sierra Boggess as Ariel
Original Broadway Production of The Little MermaidDisney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
BEYOND THE STAGE
42
Alan Menken (Music) Theater scores: God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; Real Life Funnies; Atina: Evil Queen of the
Galaxy; Little Shop of Horrors; Kicks; Patch, Patch, Patch; The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz; Beauty and the Beast; A
Christmas Carol; King David; Weird Romance; Der Glöckner von Notre Dame; The Little Mermaid; Leap of Faith; Sister Act;
Newsies; Aladdin; and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Film scores: Little Shop of Horrors; The Little Mermaid; Beauty
and the Beast; Aladdin; Newsies; Pocahontas; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; Life with Mikey; Hercules; Home on the Range;
The Shaggy Dog; Noel; Enchanted; Tangled; and Mirror, Mirror. TV: Lincoln, Galavant. Honors: Eight Academy
Awards®(19 nominations), seven Golden Globe Awards, eleven GRAMMY® Awards, two Outer Critics Circle
Awards, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, Tony Award®, Olivier Award, London’s
Evening Standard Award, membership in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, a doctorate in fine arts from New York
University, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Howard Ashman (Lyrics) wrote the lyrics for the Disney animated films The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast,
and Aladdin (three songs). He was a producer on The Little Mermaid and executive producer on Beauty and the Beast.
With Alan Menken, he received two Oscars® and two Golden Globes® for Best Song (“Beauty and the Beast”
and “Under the Sea”) and four GRAMMY® Awards. He received an Oscar® nomination with Mr. Menken for
“Friend Like Me” from Aladdin. As author, lyricist, and director for the record-breaking stage musical Little Shop
of Horrors, he received two Outer Critics Circle Awards, a New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, a London
Evening Standard Award, and a Drama Desk Award. For the film version of Little Shop of Horrors, he received a
Best Screenplay nomination from the Writers Guild and, with Mr. Menken, an Oscar® nomination for Best Song.
He was author, lyricist, and director of Smile for which he received a Tony Award® nomination for Best Book. His
other credits include God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater; The Confirmation; and artistic director, WPA Theatre (1976-1982).
Born in Baltimore, Mr. Ashman died at age 40 of complications due to AIDS.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken43
Glenn Slater (Lyrics) Broadway: School of Rock, Leap of Faith, Sister Act (2011 Tony Award® nomination – Best
Score, Drama Desk Award nomination – Outstanding Lyrics, Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination – Outstanding New Score); Disney’s The Little Mermaid (2008 Tony Award® nomination – Best Score, GRAMMY®
nomination – Best Cast Album). West End: Sister Act (2009), Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies (2010,
Olivier Nomination – Best Musical). Regional: Leap of Faith (Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, 2010). Off-Broadway: Newyorkers (Manhattan Theatre Club, 2001, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle nominations).
Film: Disney’s Home On The Range (2004), Disney’s Tangled (2010, Oscar® and Golden Globe Nominations – Best
Song). Other musicals: Beatsville, with composer/lyricist/wife Wendy Leigh Wilf. TV: Galavant with composer
Alan Menken. Awards: The Kleban Award for Lyrics, the ASCAP/Richard Rogers New Horizons Award, and
the Jonathan Larson Award. Upcoming: Happy Trails with composer Alan Menken and The Hudsucker Proxy with
composer Stephen Weiner. Glenn lives in New York City and has two sons, Benjamin and Daniel.
Doug Wright (Book) received Tony® and Drama Desk Award nominations for his book for the Broadway
musical Grey Gardens. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, a Tony Award®, the Drama Desk Award, a GLAAD
Media Award, an OCC Award, a Drama League Award, and a Lucille Lortel Award for I Am My Own Wife,
which premiered at Playwrights Horizons in 2003. In 1995, Doug won an Obie Award for his play Quills. His
screen adaptation was named Best Picture by the National Board of Review and nominated for three Academy
Awards®. Plays include The Stonewater Rapture, Interrogating the Nude, Watbanaland, and Unwrap Your Candy. For career
achievement, Doug was cited by the American Academy of Arts and Letters and awarded the Tolerance Prize
from the Kulturforum Europa. Currently, he serves on the board of the New York Theatre Workshop and the
Dramatists Guild Council. He is married to singer/songwriter David Clement.44 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
THE LITTLE MERMAID ONSTAGE
Jodi Benson Recording “Part of Your World”: youtube.com/watch?v=DbHe1wOEt64
Howard Ashman coaches the original Ariel on how to sing one of the musical’s most memorable songs.
Two well-respected theatrical flying services that can help you fly Ariel to the surface as she transforms into a human:
Flying by Foy: flybyfoy.com
ZFX: zfxflying.com
MTI PRODUCTION RESOURCES
Music Theatre International: mtishows.com
Any questions regarding your license can be directed here, where you can also find information on licensing The
Little Mermaid JR., a 60-minute adaptation for middle school students, and a variety of resources, including those
listed below and on the following pages.
Keyboard Patch Solutions™: Play those hard-to-find keyboard/synthesizer sounds with specially created
patches integral to the orchestration. Keyboard Patch Solutions™ are designed specifically to meet the needs
of productions that want convenient, cost-effective access to the special sounds unique to The Little Mermaid
(like “Ursula’s Sound” in the Piano/Vocal Score), which may be difficult to reproduce on your own. All of the
patches required are packaged as one easy-to-use program. Available for Windows or Macintosh computers with
a MIDI Keyboard.
Logo Pack: Promote your production with the officially licensed logo. Maximize your marketing efforts by
using The Little Mermaid’s official logo on your website, social media, posters, programs, handbills, fliers, and
commercials. Our logo was designed by professional artists based on the original Broadway production art.
Each Logo Pack includes logos in color and black-and-white with multiple digital format files (JPG, TIFF, PNG),
which are available on CD or as digital files.
Logo T-Shirts: Show your pride with t-shirts featuring The Little Mermaid’s official logo. MTI’s official logo
t-shirts are licensed to your school or theater and make for a great fundraising item to sell to cast, crew, parents,
and audience members before the show and during intermission. Logos are printed on black t-shirts, making
them perfect for actors and backstage crew. Available in packs of six in sizes that range from a child’s small to an
adult XXL.
RESOURCES45
Performance Accompaniment and Guide Vocal CDs: Perform the entire musical with a pre-recorded
score created by a full orchestra of professional musicians. When you don’t have enough musicians to play the
show’s score, there’s nothing more useful than having accompaniment tracks to facilitate a performance. Every
single song, underscore, and note of the orchestration is available on CD, making for easy cueing and a seamless
production backed by professional musicians! Also included is a Guide Vocal CD featuring a cast of actors performing the licensed version of the score and any underscored dialogue, so you can easily decipher the detailed
nuances of the score.
Reference Recording: Listen to the cast recording before licensing the show. This recording may not
completely mirror the final licensed version of the score, but it is an excellent representation of the material.
ShowTix4U: Manage ticket sales online and maximize your box office. Your patrons want to select their own
seats and purchase tickets online and you want an inexpensive, safe, and flexible way to manage your box office
and deepen your marketing efforts. Featuring online ticket sales, a fully-staffed national call center, versatile
pricing for custom seating configurations, box office management, and more, ShowTix4U is the complete box
office system for you!
Stage Manager Script: Facilitate cueing, blocking, and all of your production needs with a customizable copy
of the libretto. Stage Manager Scripts are authorized, production-friendly, legal copies of the show’s libretto that you
can personalize for your production. You can write in pen, ink, or highlighter and not have to worry about erasing
the books before returning them to MTI. Featuring enlarged printing and single-sided pages, this script allows triple
the amount of space for writing cues, blocking notes, and complicated choreography charts. Three-hole punched and
bound in a standard black binder, it’s the perfect tool for a stage manger to call cues from backstage.
Transpositions-On-Demand: Change the key of any song to optimize your performer’s vocal range. It
happens all the time: You get the right actor for the role, but the right actor has the wrong vocal range for the
character’s songs. With Transpositions-On-Demand, get almost any song in virtually any key. Establish your
performer’s key early during the rehearsal process and MTI will send you transposed parts in three to four weeks.
Video License: Legally capture your production on video with this special license. Preserve and commemorate
your production the right way after all the hard work your cast and creative team have put into the show.
MTI’s Video Licenses allow you to make non-commercial (home-use only) video recordings of your production
for your archives. Video Licenses also allow you to authorize other participants in your production (cast,
crew, families) to make recordings for their personal non-commercial use. Please note that your normal stage
production license does not include the video rights due to copyright law. Video Licenses are the only legal way
to video record your production.
Virtual Stage Management: Manage every detail of your production by sending instant updates to your cast
and crew. Virtual Stage Management combines show management, artist accessibility, and social networking into
one powerful and user-friendly online application. By eliminating a majority of the time spent managing scheduling
conflicts and communicating changes, stage managers can focus on more critical aspects of the production.Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook
RESOURCES
46
SOURCE MATERIAL
Annotations for The Little Mermaid: surlalunefairytales.com/littlemermaid/index.html
An annotated translation of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale points out themes of Christianity, symbolic
elements and their meanings, and parts of the story that are possibly autobiographical.
The Hans Christian Andersen Center: andersen.sdu.dk
Offers a complete index of Andersen’s work, many of which, including The Little Mermaid, can be found in their
entirety on the site; scholarly articles on his work; a chronology of his life; and more.
The Little Mermaid: The 2014 edition of Andersen’s fairy tale, published by Hythloday Press, combines H.
B. Paull’s famous translation with two sets of classic illustrations – the engravings of Vilhelm Pedersen from the
original Danish edition and Helen Stratton’s illustrations from the first English edition of The Fairy Tales of Hans
Christian Andersen.
The Little Mermaid: From the Deep Blue Sea to the Great White Way: Michael Lassell’s lushly
illustrated coffee-table book, published by Disney Editions in 2009, explores the genesis of the stage adaptation
and introduces the characters and the creative team behind the Disney musical.
MYTHOLOGY & FOLKLORE
11 Famous Mermaids and Their Creators:
mentalfloss.com/article/52673/11-famous-mermaids-and-their-creators
A descriptive list of mermaids across literature and popular culture.
Breverton’s Phantasmagoria: A Compendium of Monsters, Myths and Legends: Divided into eight
sections, Terry Breveron’s 2011 book – which, published by Lyons Press, covers everything from “Weird People”
to “Flying Monsters” to “ Tales of Secret Treasures” – includes tales of the first merman (Ea, the Babylonian
god of the sea) and mermaid (the Syrian goddess Atargatis).
Mermaids: The Myths Legends, and Lore: Skye Alexander’s 2012 collection, published by Adams Media,
explores the origins of mermaids from ancient Babylonia to the New World.
Theoi Greek Mythology: Exploring Mythology in Classical Literature & Art: theoi.com
Includes a page dedicated to Triton, the fish-tailed sea god, with a description and a list of references to him
across literature.
18TH CENTURY EUROPE
The Disney film and stage adaptations of The Little Mermaid depict Prince Eric’s home and staff in 18th century
attire. Fairy tales, however, are considered timeless, and so can take place in any period or location of your
choosing. If you wish to maintain the traditionally depicted style for your production, the following resources
can help guide you.
18th-Century Fashion: vam.ac.uk/page/0-9/18th-century-fashion/47
Dedicated to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection of 18th century clothing, this page contains
photos and detailed descriptions of the fashionable silhouette and style of the men and women of the time.
European Castles: vam.ac.uk/page/0-9/18th-century-fashion/
This site offers photos and histories of European castles across the centuries.
SEA LIFE
Citizens of the Sea: Wondrous Creatures from the Census of Marine Life: Marine scientist Nancy
Knowlton annotates National Geographic photos, capturing the astonishing diversity of the ocean, with facts
about sea creatures’ defenses, migration, mating habits, and more in this 2010 publication.
The Ocean: ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/
Information on ocean life, conservation, and underwater exploration, as well a colorful photo gallery from
National Geographic.
Planet Ocean: Voyage to the Heart of the Marine Realm: Authors Laurent Ballesta and Pierre Descamp
collect more than 25 essays from leading scientists highlighting topics spanning aquaculture to global warming,
as well as more than 400 photos of marine life in this 2007 National Geographic publication.48 Disney’s The Little Mermaid Production Handbook

Last Update:September, 08th 2025

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