If I told you that swimming like a mermaid in magnificent draping mermaid silks, suspended from rigging lines up in the air on the stage, was a dream of mine. You wouldn't believe it. Hear me sing "Under the sea…wish I could be…" in my shower-- then you might change your mind friends. You might also go running for the hills but that's neither here nor there!
Last night we had the opportunity to fall in love all over again with Disney's The Little Mermaid during opening night at the Benedum here in Pittsburgh.
I remember the release of the movie on the big screen. We loved it so. I just can't tell you. I think the whole of animation was in a dry spell and with the release of the Lion King and The Little Mermaid--- an entirely new history was being written.
The Little Mermaid was such a magical animation piece and what's even more-- the score and the music were dreamy. I remember my sister bought the "audio cassette tape." Oh yes, I'm dating myself somewhat. ( NO COMMENT FROM THE UNDERWATER GALLERY) We played that soundtrack until it was melted I think. Was I 3? No, I was a teenager. That's how much we loved it. To say it made an impact in my life, is an understatement.
A perfect preparation for last evening. My editorial partner Kim will testify that I do, in fact, know many of the songs. Well. And loudly.
I'm just kidding. I saved those moments for the car.
The fairy tale, one I remember so vividly on the television screen as the first of the "new beginning" for Disney was perfectly portrayed on stage last night.
The acts topped each other over and over leaving me breathless. A few pops, booms and lightening bolts here and there were enough for most of the MANY children in the audience to handle and the scare factor was minimal. My 7 year old was able to handle the INCREDIBLE Ursula's (Liz McCartney) devious ways without question. The cannon at the end that shoots off confetti-- ( ]stage left middle area) was far more frightening than any song or portion of the show.
Jessica Grové 's (Ariel) voice was just as I anticipated it would be. 
I wanted it to be exactly like my cassette tape and she didn't disappoint. Her haunting "Part of Your World" left my heart aching at times and many of the ensemble pieces, different from the movie score, were so enjoyable!
What seemed like a fantabulous battle of the heavies-- were Ursula (Liz McCartney) and Sebastian (lan Mingo, Jr.)
What incredible talent. She was just so slimy -- but her voice knocked it out of the park with "Poor Unfortunate Fools." 
Just once I want to touch her costume. It was phenomenal as were all of the costuming pieces.
Sebastian, (lan Mingo, Jr.) -- DA MAN CAN SING! 
I have no doubt saying that his voice vs Ursula's -- would be one great knock down drag down battle of awesomeness if they were somehow in competition to see who could knock you out of your seat first. I'd pop popcorn for sure!
To say that we are culturally blessed as a city as far as theater opportunities-- an understatement. Chalk another one up for The Pittsburgh CLO. They continue to bring the best of the best to Pittsburgh and Disney's The Little Mermaid is a bright light in the season's line up.
From the mermaids magically swimming to the water's surface (AMAZING) to the Vegas like ensemble pieces touting life "Under the Sea." It's colorful, fast paces and an easy storyline.
I loved every moment of it , so did my 7 year old daughter. I know that you too will love it.
Tickets
Tickets are available online at pittsburghCLO.org, by calling 412-456-6666 or at the Box Office at Theater Square. Half-price tickets are available for children ages 3-14 for weekday performances in Section C, sponsored by Giant Eagle. Groups of 10 or more enjoy exclusive discounts and specialty packages. Call our Group Sales Hotline at 412-325-1582 for more information. Visit pittsburghCLO.org for further information.
