Experience Disney Magic Through July 27 at Summer Theatre of New Canaan's The Little Mermaid
By Kiersten Bjork (July 19, 2025)
Disney’s The Little Mermaid, currently playing at Summer Theatre of New Canaan through July 27, is a joyful splash of Disney magic. From glittering mermaids to high-flying, tap-dancing seagulls, it’s a wonderful production that brings all the glitz and glamour of a Broadway show to the auditorium at New Canaan High School.
Based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and the Disney film of the same name, The Little Mermaid features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright, with orchestrations by Danny Troob, dance arrangements by David Chase, and incidental music and vocal arrangements by Michael Kosarin.
Ariel, the little mermaid in question, longs to be a part of the world up above. Despite the warnings of her father and friends, she knows that there is something more to be discovered up there, and that humans aren’t all that bad. When a chance encounter with Prince Eric sets her heart fluttering, Ariel is determined to see him again and to get her chance to walk on land. Unable to fit in under the sea, Ariel finds herself making a deal with the wicked sea witch Ursula for the chance to win her prince, but at what cost?
Arbender J. Robinson, a member of the original Broadway company of The Little Mermaid, directs this delightful musical with Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd as choreographer, Doug Shankman as tap choreographer, and Alex Parrish as music director. The team has crafted a fast-paced, spirited show that elevates the themes of family, love, and finding one’s place beautifully. They have assembled a talented company of performers to tell this heartwarming story, and with iconic songs such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl” as the backdrop, it’s an all-around terrific production.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid, currently playing at Summer Theatre of New Canaan through July 27, is a joyful splash of Disney magic. From glittering mermaids to high-flying, tap-dancing seagulls, it’s a wonderful production that brings all the glitz and glamour of a Broadway show to the auditorium at New Canaan High School.
Based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and the Disney film of the same name, The Little Mermaid features music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Doug Wright, with orchestrations by Danny Troob, dance arrangements by David Chase, and incidental music and vocal arrangements by Michael Kosarin.
Ariel, the little mermaid in question, longs to be a part of the world up above. Despite the warnings of her father and friends, she knows that there is something more to be discovered up there, and that humans aren’t all that bad. When a chance encounter with Prince Eric sets her heart fluttering, Ariel is determined to see him again and to get her chance to walk on land. Unable to fit in under the sea, Ariel finds herself making a deal with the wicked sea witch Ursula for the chance to win her prince, but at what cost?
Arbender J. Robinson, a member of the original Broadway company of The Little Mermaid, directs this delightful musical with Isaiah Tyrelle Boyd as choreographer, Doug Shankman as tap choreographer, and Alex Parrish as music director. The team has crafted a fast-paced, spirited show that elevates the themes of family, love, and finding one’s place beautifully. They have assembled a talented company of performers to tell this heartwarming story, and with iconic songs such as “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl” as the backdrop, it’s an all-around terrific production.
Laura Renee Mehl as Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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Aidan Cole as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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Laura Renee Mehl leads the company as Ariel, capturing her soft strength, fiery spirit, and kind heart. She lights up the stage in each scene, evoking the expected character that had the young audience members cheering, while also leaning into the depths of the role and making intentional, strong choices to create a layered performance. She shines opposite Aidan Cole as Prince Eric, and the two have great chemistry. Cole’s Prince Eric is gentle yet powerful. His performance of “Her Voice” is moving, and even already knowing the ending, we can’t help but spend the whole show rooting for him and Ariel to finally get their happy ending.
Prince Eric’s right-hand man, Grimsby, is portrayed by Jason Guy, who is endearing as the always fussing father-like figure. Ariel’s father, King Triton, is played by Joseph Torello. With a booming voice and a strong presence, Torello is everything you’d hope for from the King of the Seas. His relationship with Mehl’s Ariel is incredibly touching, holding strong through all of the father and daughter duo’s ups and downs.
At Ariel’s side are Carlos V. Escamilla as Flounder (played by Miles Langrick at certain performances), Jason Williams as Sebastian, and Mike Katz as Scuttle. Escamilla is adorable, scampering about as the young fish with a crush on his friend. I was especially impressed with his solo work in the number “She’s in Love.” Williams is a passionate, energetic Sebastian, the crustacean trying his best to keep an eye on Ariel. “Under the Sea” is, as expected, a wonderful number, and Williams leads the company with a great voice and presence. Katz’s Scuttle is funny, from the voice to the physical choices, and he lives in the humorous nature of the role well. I always love a tap number, and Katz and the ensemble’s work on “Positoovity” is delightful.
The sea witch, Ursula, is played by the dynamic Keisha Fraser. Fraser is a powerhouse in the role, nailing the over-the-top physicality of the character while belting out her songs. She commands the stage in each and every moment and delivers a great rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” As her slippery henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gray Mortier and Logan Mortier are so fun to watch. These two twist and turn and wriggle their way through the sea, causing mayhem in the best way. Their physicality and movement choices throughout the show are perfect for the characters, and their choreography is some of my favorite in the production. The gleeful chaos that they exude is perfect!
Though we don’t meet him until Act II, Christopher Isolano knocks it out of the park as the hilarious Chef Louis. His comedic timing is excellent, and he is incredibly expressive throughout his number “Les Poissons” and beyond.
Rounding out the company are a talented ensemble of triple-threats who bring the many sea creatures, sailors, chefs, maids, mermaids, and more to life. The mersisters, played by Hayden Barsamian, Grace Brad “GB,” Jenna Flaherty, Ashley Hiester, Payge Shaw, and Sofia Swensen, shine particularly on “She’s In Love.” The ensemble also features Chafik Jay, Stephen C. Kallas, Vincent Law, Carlos Pérez, Pablo Pernia, Ruby Griffin, Simon Grogan, Cooper Sadler, Isabella St. Philip, Nicole Talamo, and Peyton Zaletsky.
Prince Eric’s right-hand man, Grimsby, is portrayed by Jason Guy, who is endearing as the always fussing father-like figure. Ariel’s father, King Triton, is played by Joseph Torello. With a booming voice and a strong presence, Torello is everything you’d hope for from the King of the Seas. His relationship with Mehl’s Ariel is incredibly touching, holding strong through all of the father and daughter duo’s ups and downs.
At Ariel’s side are Carlos V. Escamilla as Flounder (played by Miles Langrick at certain performances), Jason Williams as Sebastian, and Mike Katz as Scuttle. Escamilla is adorable, scampering about as the young fish with a crush on his friend. I was especially impressed with his solo work in the number “She’s in Love.” Williams is a passionate, energetic Sebastian, the crustacean trying his best to keep an eye on Ariel. “Under the Sea” is, as expected, a wonderful number, and Williams leads the company with a great voice and presence. Katz’s Scuttle is funny, from the voice to the physical choices, and he lives in the humorous nature of the role well. I always love a tap number, and Katz and the ensemble’s work on “Positoovity” is delightful.
The sea witch, Ursula, is played by the dynamic Keisha Fraser. Fraser is a powerhouse in the role, nailing the over-the-top physicality of the character while belting out her songs. She commands the stage in each and every moment and delivers a great rendition of “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” As her slippery henchmen, Flotsam and Jetsam, Gray Mortier and Logan Mortier are so fun to watch. These two twist and turn and wriggle their way through the sea, causing mayhem in the best way. Their physicality and movement choices throughout the show are perfect for the characters, and their choreography is some of my favorite in the production. The gleeful chaos that they exude is perfect!
Though we don’t meet him until Act II, Christopher Isolano knocks it out of the park as the hilarious Chef Louis. His comedic timing is excellent, and he is incredibly expressive throughout his number “Les Poissons” and beyond.
Rounding out the company are a talented ensemble of triple-threats who bring the many sea creatures, sailors, chefs, maids, mermaids, and more to life. The mersisters, played by Hayden Barsamian, Grace Brad “GB,” Jenna Flaherty, Ashley Hiester, Payge Shaw, and Sofia Swensen, shine particularly on “She’s In Love.” The ensemble also features Chafik Jay, Stephen C. Kallas, Vincent Law, Carlos Pérez, Pablo Pernia, Ruby Griffin, Simon Grogan, Cooper Sadler, Isabella St. Philip, Nicole Talamo, and Peyton Zaletsky.
Keisha T. Fraser as Ursula with Gray Mortier and Logan Mortier as Flotsam and Jetsam in The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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Jason Williams as Sebastian with the company of The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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No scenic designer is credited, but both the undersea and surface worlds are captured nicely by the various pieces that are set and struck over the course of the show, from Prince Eric’s ship to his dining table, King Triton’s throne to Ariel’s grotto. Other scenic elements and backdrops are conveyed via upstage projections by designers Grace Griffin and Alexa Lunney.
Kansas City Costume Company provides the stunning array of costumes, with additional costume design by Diva Star Production and costume supervisor/designer Lauren Nicole Sherwood. Kevin Gleason’s lighting design is a colorful display that builds on the other design elements to fully immerse us in Ariel’s world. Sound design by Daniel Bria is solid, with a good balance between the performers and the score. No musicians are credited, but the overall sound quality of what seems to be tracks is good.
Flying effects by ZFX are top-notch and definitely add an extra layer of theatricality and magic to the show!
Kansas City Costume Company provides the stunning array of costumes, with additional costume design by Diva Star Production and costume supervisor/designer Lauren Nicole Sherwood. Kevin Gleason’s lighting design is a colorful display that builds on the other design elements to fully immerse us in Ariel’s world. Sound design by Daniel Bria is solid, with a good balance between the performers and the score. No musicians are credited, but the overall sound quality of what seems to be tracks is good.
Flying effects by ZFX are top-notch and definitely add an extra layer of theatricality and magic to the show!
The company of The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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Mike Katz as Scuttle and Laura Renee Mehl as Ariel with the company of The Little Mermaid at Summer Theatre of New Canaan, 2025 (Dutch Doscher)
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The Little Mermaid is a dazzling display of Disney at its finest: fun and catchy songs, big theatrical moments, and a bright and colorful design. It’s an incredibly fun show and is perfect for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to see The Little Mermaid, playing at Summer Theatre of New Canaan now through July 27!
Disney’s The Little Mermaid plays July 12-27, 2025, at Summer Theatre of New Canaan in New Canaan, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at stonc.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 966-4634.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Disney’s The Little Mermaid plays July 12-27, 2025, at Summer Theatre of New Canaan in New Canaan, CT. Learn more and purchase tickets at stonc.org or by calling the Box Office at (203) 966-4634.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.