Thursday, January 10, 2008

An opening tonight!

Like alot of people, I rolled my eyes when I heard that Disney was adapting "The Little Mermaid" for the stage. "Do they really need to milk their classics for every dime," I thought. "Has anyone really been clamoring for a mermaid musical?" I snarked. And if so, why not adapt "Splash" -- a more compelling story -- instead?

Well, the show opens tonight. And in contridiction to my expectations, this article in USA Today actually makes me curious about the show. There are 10 new songs in it!? Doug Wright worked on the libretto!? Hmmm...

Also, I found out the other day that Richmond native Emily Skinner played Ursula when the show was workshopped. There's a YouTube video somewhere that dubs Emily's voice in over a scene in the original animated version (I'll link to it when I get a chance...). It's interesting. Maybe still not compelling enough to get me up to see it but interesting just the same...

3 comments:

Thespis' Little Helper said...

I couldn't wait. It's too good. All should hear. The brilliance of Pat Carroll and Emily Skinner together is...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=iQMiyXYowEc

Another of Ms. Skinner's songs (not from the movie:)http://youtube.com/watch?v=YpheY5_ihjc

Sherie Renee Scott (Ursula in the Broadway production:)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=gGjF5Eskwec

Think there are definitely other things I would spend my buck on, but some great talent in the cast, nonetheless.

Often tempted by actors I admire to go see shows (saw Lestat just to see Carolee Carmello, which actually had an incredible score, even though the show was quite horrible, so maybe something useful may come out of this as well). And it probably will have enough of a fan base to recoup it's investment at least. I mean...look at Legally Blonde!

Anonymous said...

Just an interesting FYI...The Little Mermaid got awful reviews (mostly pans, or negative) after its opening last night. Will be interested to see how long it lasts!

Unknown said...

I vote Darryl hannah for the poopenscore! Why would Disney invest in such abfall. Everyone there nimmt Drogen. Arschloche!!!