Everyone knows and loves the story of The Little Mermaid. Maybe the centuries-old fairytale was your favorite childhood bedtime story. Or perhaps you loved the Disney animated version (I may have watched it so many times when I was little that I somehow damaged the VHS tape in the process). Or you might have tuned in for the star-studded live-action remake last summer. Regardless, one thing is for certain: when it comes to the brand-new adaptation currently being performed at Florida Atlantic University’s Theatre Lab, you’ve never seen The Little Mermaid quite like this before.
Beautifully and cleverly written by award-winning playwright and librettist Jacqueline Goldfinger, and expertly directed by Matt Stabile, The Little Mermaid tells the story of a close-knit family on the night of a summer storm. Little Sister (Thaylin Maria) struggles to sleep as the thunder rages outside. With the help of Big Sister (Dayana Morales), Mom (Kimberly Harvey), Dad (Anthony Blatter), and Charlie (Sabrin Diehl), she distracts herself by dreaming up a magical story of a mermaid (Maria) who wonders if it’s the right decision to abandon her world under the sea for a new life on land—and to trade her shimmering tail for a pair of legs. Luckily, she has a wonderfully wacky cast of characters to help her on her journey, from her supportive sister mermaid (Morales) to a hilarious two-headed seahorse (Harvey and Blatter) to a prince ashore, who, like the little mermaid, loves to make music (Diehl). But when time runs out, what will the mermaid choose?
While the play’s cast appears relatively small, at only five people, that only works to get the audience even more invested in this family. And what’s more, the talent and versatility of these actors ensures that they shine in whatever role they play—whether it’s a family member in the real world or a fantastical creature in the fairytale. Needless to say, each one is a standout in their own right. Dayana Morales wows the audience as the all-knowing, wise Big Sister, who still gets scared of storms and needs her Little Sister around, too, even if she’s a little reluctant to admit it. Sabrin Diehl’s Pikachu-obsessed, comic-relief Charlie makes everyone laugh from start to finish, as he gets pulled from his place on the top bunk bed into this spellbinding story. Kimberly Harvey and Anthony Blatter will also have the audience in stitches throughout as the fun-loving parental unit (their take on the famous Abbott and Costello routine “Who’s on First?” was a definite highlight). Finally, the Little Sister/Little Mermaid, played by Thaylin Maria, serves as the total heart of the show…or should I say, its anchor. Throughout her performance, Maria shows viewers that it’s okay to feel anxious, unsure, or scared (depicted in the production as having the “wibble-wobbles,” paired with a catchy song and dance to boot). It’s okay to question a decision you’re making or wonder if you’re on the right path. But sometimes, the true answer was inside you all along…all you have to do is listen. That message will undoubtedly resonate with any audience member, whether you’re a child watching the show or simply young at heart. Goldfinger does a fantastic job of catering the story to the younger audience, while also ensuring that adults can relate to it, too. After all, universal, enduring themes like these are part of what have made The Little Mermaid so timeless.
Beyond its cast, The Little Mermaid certainly boasts an impressive crew—and the production truly dazzles with their amazing work. Scenic Designer Aubrey Kestell fully immerses the audience in Little Sister’s bedroom, and thanks to Properties Designer Jameelah Bailey, each carefully chosen prop plays its own unique role in the story. Every book on Little Sister’s shelf and stuffed animal on her bedroom floor matters immensely to the overall narrative. Lighting Designer George Horrocks, Sound Designer Matt Corey, and Associate Sound Design Joel Rodriguez further draw viewers into this world—in no time, you feel as if you’re truly stuck in a thunderstorm with the family, using your imagination to spin this magical story along with them. Costume Designer Tom Bowman’s work took me right back to the days when I pretended to be a mermaid or a princess myself, placing a sequined tail over pajamas or a shiny crown over bedhead. And of course, Choreographer Nicole Perry will have you dancing in your seat!
