When attending live theatre, whether it’s musical or strictly drama, one thing the audience wants is to be able to feel from the production. It should have the capability to cause your emotions to rise up – joy, laughter, sadness, pain – it should be powerful enough that you feel what the characters are feeling, rather than just witnessing it.

Orangeville Music Theatre’s (OMT) production of The Little Mermaid did just that. There were times to laugh, and cry, times I wanted to cheer, and even times I couldn’t help but sing along. It was engaging right from the start, which is exactly what I hope for in live performances.

Unlike the musicals held at the Mirvish theatres, or the theatrical presentations from the Stratford Festival Theatres, the groups working at the Orangeville theatre often have less to work with. There are no extravagant sets, no budgets of thousands of dollars for accurate and lavish costumes. But perhaps, that is a large part of what makes the performance by OMT so magical, because despite not having an endless budget, the costumes and sets are incredible.
Especially Ursula’s dress. It was magical.

The performance was my first time attending an OMT production, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve seen several of their talented performers in action through the Blues and Jazz Festival, so I knew that there would be some incredible voices in the production.

The story, while still based on Disney’s version, had some variations and provided a further look inside the movie. Whereas the movie focused almost entirely on Ariel, involving other characters only when it was in direct relation to her, the musical expanded slightly. In OMT’s production, we had the opportunity to learn a little more about Ursula and what drove her to becoming the sea witch. There’s also far more depth to King Triton, Ariel’s sisters, Flounder, Sebastian, and even Scuttle. Even Prince Eric and Grimsby get a little bit more stage time, helping us see a deeper glimpse into their relationship and personalities than the movie gave us.

Each of the performers were engaging in their roles, bringing the on-screen characters to life in a new, fantastic way. Whether it was through the hilarious portrayal of Flotsam and Jetsam (who in this version attempt to be divas much like their mistress), Ariel’s many sisters battling for attention, the ‘Posituvity’ wonderful Scuttle, or adorable love-lorn Flounder, each character was diverse, entertaining, and rounded out the story.

Lucinda Silva brings to light the full fledged diva personality and attitude one would expect from the sea witch, whose personality and appearance in the film was created in honour of American drag queen, Divine. Big, bold personality is part of what defined this spectacular villain, and Ms. Silva’s performance did not disappoint.

Desmond Baxter (King Triton) and Andrew Bechard (Grimsby) provide an incredible glimpse into these characters, whose care for their charges (Triton’s daughters, and for Grimsby, his promise to Eric’s father to care for and raise the young man), and the hearts that drive them. We find out more about why Triton hates the humans, and see a further look into just how dedicated Grimsby is to the young Prince.

Prince Eric’s youthful exuberance, charm and hunger for adventure are brought to a whole new level through Craig Marshall. And while the animated version of this story glosses over Prince Eric’s willingness to leave Ariel immediately for the girl with the voice (before he is magically bewitched that is), we get to see just how torn he is as he falls for the red-haired, silent beauty, but feels his heart also calling towards this magical voice.

Of course, much like the movie version itself, it was Ariel who stole the show. The role went to Sarah Martin, who recently performed as Margot in Legally Blonde the Musical, and the casting definitely went to the right person. Ms. Martin’s performance captured the incredibly animated role, drawing in Ariel’s affinity to be filled with wonder at the slightest thing. She was fun and delightful, keeping many of the traits fans have come to adore of the animated character while finding ways to add in her own bits to the part to capture a whole new side to Ariel’s personality. And Ms. Martin’s voice was incredible – hitting each and every note in the songs with perfection, and even concluding Part of Your World without wavering on the hard-to-hit last line.

Regardless of whether you are a fan of musical theatre, if The Little Mermaid lands on your favourite Disney movies list, I would highly recommend the performance.

Orangeville Music Theatre’s team is professional and delivers throughout the entire production. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, and if you’re like me, you’ll probably even cry a few times.

The Little Mermaid will wrap up this weekend, with the final performance being held on Sunday, January 17.

To purchase tickets, or find out more about upcoming productions visit www.orangevillemusictheatre.com or contact the box office at 519-942-3423.