The Little Mermaid

Theater By The Sea presents Disney's "The Little Mermaid," a colorful, energetic, heartwarming production that reminds us not only why we love the ocean -- Rhode Island is the Ocean State, after all -- but also why everyone loves Disney, and rightfully so.

Adapted for the stage from the 1989 animated film and based on a story by Hans Christian Andersen, "The Little Mermaid" tells the tale of Ariel (Adrienne Eller), a young mermaid with the voice of an angel who doesn't feel like she belongs underwater and wishes she could experience life on dry land. Ariel's fascination with two-legged creatures angers her father, King Triton (Joseph Torello), who blames humans for the disappearance and death of her mother.

Against her father's wishes, Ariel continues to spend time near the surface, where her singing catches the attention of the handsome Prince Eric (Austin Colby), who just so happens to be looking for a wife. As the story goes in most Disney sagas, the two become acquainted by accident and sparks fly, until they are separated or kept apart by one obstacle after another.

This romantic fairy tale unfolds with a continuous sequence of splashy production numbers, featuring the music of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's lyrics, including the sentimental "Part of Your World," when Ariel longs for a life different from her own, "Poor Unfortunate Souls," sung by Triton's foreboding and estranged sister, Ursula (Keisha Gilles), and the show-stopping and Oscar-winning, "Under the Sea," an affectionate reminder from Ariel's spirited caretaker, Sebastian (Nkrumah Gatling), that "it's better down where it's wetter."

Lest we not forget, at its core "Mermaid" is a fairy tale, following the standard once-upon-a-time, boy-meets-girl (or mermaid, rather), they live happily-ever-after timeline. Despite its predictability, the formula is tried and true, so even if you're not a romantic, the deluge of spectacular songs, costumes and choreography -- particularly the simulated underwater acrobatics -- make for a rollicking good time.

Eller, who very much reminded me of Ann-Margret in "Bye Bye Birdie," is superb as Ariel, with stage presence that can fittingly be described as glistening, and Colby is equally charismatic (and so darn cute) as her counterpart, Prince Eric. Both are an absolute joy to watch and listen to.

The entire cast makes for a tidal wave of talent, with standout performances from Torello, keen and commanding as King Triton; Gilles, whose Ursula is a force to be reckoned with, and Gatling, a winning combination of wit and whimsy, as Sebastian. AJ Hunsucker deserves a special shout-out for his over-the-top, impassioned rendition of "Les Poissons" from Chef Louis.

Fans of the movie will relish seeing these characters brought to life on stage, and those meeting Ariel for the first time will never forget having made her acquaintance at the Theater By The Sea.

"The Little Mermaid" runs through August 15 at Theater By The Sea, 364 Cards Pond Road in Wakefield. For tickets and information, call 401-782-8587 or visit Theater By The Sea's website.