The award-winning Serenbe Playhouse kicked off its year long VOYAGE with the iconic film – Disney’s The Little Mermaid – and they brought it! Under the direction of Ryan Oliveti, this rendition was one of the most mesmerizing shows that I have ever seen. The show features costume design by Erik Teague and scenic design by Shannon Robert. To put it mildly, it was visibly ingenious and satisfying in every way.
For those of you who haven’t seen The Little Mermaid: In a magical kingdom fathoms below, a beautiful young mermaid longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. As Ariel knows, there is beauty in the everyday human objects all around us. This motto rings true with complete scenic and costume elements made from recycled materials – going from trash to pure treasure!
Adapted from Disney’s 2008 Broadway production, this show features the hit songs "Part of Your World," "She’s in Love," and the Oscar-winning "Under the Sea."
Not only was this site-specific production visually beautiful as it is set on a man-made beach amidst the amazing and serene Serene community, but the storyline, music, and inventive staging was very pleasing. I loved the costumes. They weren’t flamboyant, but very simple and creatively embellished with vibrant colors and even trash. For as long as I live in Atlanta, if I can help it, I will never miss another Serenbe Playhouse production. The adventure, the refreshing creativity, and the pleasant atmosphere has me hooked and wanting more. The show exudes the magic that real Disney fans have come to expect. I just wanted to dive right in because I believed that it was better down where it’s wetter. Well not really, but it sounded good.
I was in high school, I believe when the original film was released. I loved it then, but as the mother of two boys, I haven’t had anyone to share it with. From start to finish, I was like a child and was very surprised to find that my son, the cliched “all boy” kind of kid who doesn’t enjoy much outside of video games and sports enjoyed it just as much as I did. The audience was filled with little girls dressed as mermaids and everyone was eager to see the show. The cast doubles as the theater staff. Everything about this experience was so inviting as small as it was, The talent there is so big. Everyone was amazing, but my personal favorite was India Tyree as Sebastian as this comical crustacean was also my favorite in the film. Austin Tijerina as Scuttle was another standout character. The show was fabulous - a must-see for the whole family!
The Little Mermaid, running through Sunday, April 22 is the first production of the ninth season entitled “VOYAGE: After the Rebellion. We Sail On!” Each show will be in or around water.
Other productions include:
Peter Pan - May 31-August 26
Titanic The Musical - July 11 - August 12
The Seagull - September 5 - 30
