One of the most mesmerizing shows in years has claimed the Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater stage at Navy Pier.
If you go
The Little Mermaid runs through Aug. 16 on Chicago Shakespeare Theaters Courtyard Theater stage at Navy Pier.
Tickets are -34 with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Everyone receives a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages.
For more information, (312) 595-5600 or visit chicagoshakes.com.
The new musical adaption of The Little Mermaid, directed by award-winning director/choreographer Rachel Rockwell, has a cast full of stars.
The stage version of the Han Christian Andersen fairy tale floats closely to the Disney production and Little Mermaid fans will want to sing along to Alan Menken’s “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” – especially when the live four-piece musical ensemble backs them up.
Ariel, played by Rachel Eskenazi-Gold, was adorably sweet – and the audience cheered her along during her journey to become a human.
But what really made this show so mesmerizing was that each and every supporting cast member also was outstanding.
Especially captivating was Rebecca Finnegan, who performed a sassy Ursula, and Joseph Anthony Byrd, the Jamaican crab, who was as much a pushover as he was a romantic matchmaker.
Everything from the (somewhat traditional with a touch of extra spunk) mermaid costumes, to the set, to the action (we don’t want to give it all away, but expect a few circus moves) make this a must-see show.
It’s obvious that there was a lot of thought, time and money put into this 75-minute production, and it was one show that everyone from ages 3 to adults will enjoy.
This is Rockwell’s fourth summer family music. She directed Shrek last year, Beauty and the Beast in 2012, The Adventures of Pinocchio in 2011 and The Emperor’s New Clothes in 2010.
