Alan Menken’s Classic Disney On Broadway Hit Gets a New Life at The Argyle Theater in Babylon. After its original 2007 Broadway run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre came to an end, fans still couldn’t get enough of The Little Mermaid. Nominated for two 2008 Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the musical captured the hearts of endless Disney loving show goers and helped to pave the way for current Disney on Broadway shows, introducing children and adults of all ages to the sparkling under the sea world of The Little Mermaid. The Broadway performance held an incredible 50 previews and 685 performances, and then proceeded to go on to a national tour and countless out-of-town performances. But don’t worry if you missed any of those productions, as an all new production of the hit show is now on through February 23rd at the Argyle theater in Babylon, Long Island, granting audience members a performance that would make the original Broadway cast proud.
At the Argyle Theatre, the story follows Arielle, a young mermaid played by Kimberly Immanuel, who desires so much more than what her little ocean world gives her. Aided by her loyal friends, the rambunctious and ever so driven seagull Scuttle (Michael Valvo) and energetic, lovesick fish Flounder (Matthew Rafanelli), Arielle tries her best to understand what goes on in the seemingly endless world above her. But with her overbearing father, King Triton (Warren Nolan Jr) and his hatred of humans, her desire to go above water proves to be easier said than done. Upon swimming up to the surface one day, Ariel and Flounder discover a ship, housing the handsome Prince Eric. (Jeff Sullivan) Ariel immediately falls for him and wishes to pursue her love, but knows that it’ll be nearly impossible if she cannot leave the water. Ariel resorts to making a bargain with evil undersea witch Ursula (Courtney Balan). The deal grants her the legs she wishes for, but it comes at a cost; the gift that she received from her mother, her beautiful voice. The deal quickly spirals out of control, leaving Ariel with way more than she bargained for, and it’s up to her and her friends to fix what she started.
The shows choreography is under the direction of Tara Jeanne Valle, who puts a beautiful spin on classic moves. Mixing multiple styles of dance including tap, ballet, and contemporary, Valle create an impressive collection of beautiful moves that truly captures the under-the-sea essence that is essential to the show. A story like The Little Mermaid absolutely needs to have strong choreography, and Valle’s moves genuinely live up to the standards that original Broadway choreographers created.
Kimberly Immanuel has an essence to her that makes you fall in love with the character of Arielle even more than before. Her voice is beautiful and fits the character so well.
The passion of the performers truly shines through in this performance, their ability to transcend their roles is crucial in a Disney story and they truly do not disappoint. Each performer seems to tell a different, powerful story within their role, and to have that much passion for what you do is truly inspirational. Courtney Balan, as seen in The Prom on Broadway, Falsettos on Broadway, and so many more, puts a miraculous and fiery take on Ursula. She is as powerful as her performance is entertaining and her version of Poor Unfortunate Souls is a can’t miss on its own.
Of course, this isn’t the only reason why this brilliant show is a can’t miss. Its stunts and effects truly stand out, Valle’s choreography, implemented by unique ideas unique; roller skates, scooters, moving ships, digital lighting storms and so much more create a lively and action packed experience for audience members, night after night. The set carries little details that add to this experience, housing over 3 different locations, two boats and ocean inspired paraphernalia throughout the course of the show. These details add to the pre-existent immersive undersea experience created by the cast.
The Costume design by Kurt Alger features a series of brightly colored wigs, detailed outfits, and a stylish take on mermaid tails. Alger puts an individual and unique take on the design of each mersister, and the variety makes for a visually wonderful view of each number that they appear in. Designers incorporated little details in the costumes that made each one truly stick out. When not done with the amount of care that Alger seems to have put in, costumes occasionally appear as an afterthought, but certainly not for this performance.
Of course, The Little Mermaid wouldn’t be itself without the beautiful romance that takes place within its heart warming story, and Jeff Sullivan’s portrayal of Prince Eric feels like it’s straight out of Disneyland. Sullivan and Immanuel play off each other brilliantly, adding to the beautiful story. Overall, the combination of a passionate and incredibly talented cast, beautiful choreography, and immaculately thought out costume design makes this performance incredible.
Don’t miss this lively, action packed show at the Argyle theatre in Babylon! Limited engagement is on now until February 23rd!
