Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre continues its outstanding season with Disney’s family-friendly The Little Mermaid. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s fantasy story from 1837 – the tale of mermaid Ariel’s transformation into a human – has been offered as an animated Disney film (1989) and as a live action remake (2023) as well as the Broadway musical version, which opened in 2008.
B&B’s production is lavishly rendered by director Elizabeth Payne and her technical crew, including set designer Michael Layton, lighting designer Ryan Koharchik and costumes (magnificent costumes!) from MSMT Costumes. Sound design by Daniel Hasselbrock and projections by Rick Frendt complete the illusions for the piece.
A stellar cast is led by Sarah Daniels as Ariel, with Josh Alvarez as Prince Eric and Michael Ray Fisher as Sebastian. Ms. Daniels revives her role from B&B’s 2019 production and is perfect in her sweet portrayal while Alvarez, in his Beef debut, is the perfectly-matching prince. As a romantic couple, they are enchanting. Everything about them – their looks, voices, and actions are pleasing to watch and to hear. Fisher’s Sebastian adds mirth and frenzy in a notable turn.
Ariel (Sarah Daniels) meets Prince Eric (Josh Alvarez). (Photo by Rob Slaven / IndyGhostLight.com)
The supporting performers are delightful as well. Young Asher Ortman is a very polished Flounder, Chris Trombetta offers a comically flighty Scuttle, Joshua William Grees commands as King Triton, and Craig Underwood goes all out silly as Chef Louis. Eddie Curry adds a solid presence as Prince Eric’s guardian Grimsby, while six very talented ladies perform as Ariel’s sisters. The quality of vocal performances is high throughout the show, and Jill Stewart’s musical direction is a strong contributor to that.
There are villains, of course, and Chelsea Hooker is a wonderfully nasty Ursula, alongside her minions, the evil electric eels played by Riley Dominiak and Gabriel Kanai Nakata.
There are some terrific production numbers, sharply choreographed by Sally Scharbrough and Jennifer Ladner. “Under the Sea” is visually outstanding, much fun is shown by the gulls’ tap-dance filled “Positoovity,” and “Kiss the Girl” is a colorful blast of funny characters.
Bottom line: As family fare, this offering by B&B is a big winner. The children around where I sat were entranced and excited by what they saw. Visually, musically and talent wise, I feel this is one of the best musical productions I have seen at Beef and Boards in the many years I have been attending shows there.
The Little Mermaid continues at B&B through July 13. Dates and times for performances can be found by calling (317) 872-9664 or by visiting BeefAndBoards.com.
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