NewsNick Adams, Jessica Grové, Liz McCartney, Alan Mingo, Jr., Edward Watts and More Cast in Paper Mill's The Little MermaidPaper Mill Playhouse has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, based on the classic animated film of the same title, which will begin performances at the New Jersey venue May 29.
By
Andrew Gans
May 02, 2013
Jessica Grov
Photo by Charr Crail
The production, featuring a revamped script, additional songs, a new physical production and an entirely fresh interpretation of the piece, will also play at partner theatres Kansas City Starlight and Pittsburgh CLO.
Directed by Glenn Casale with original choreography by John MacInnis, the musical will open at Paper Mill June 2; performances will continue through June 30.
The cast will be led by Nick Adams (Prince Eric), Jessica Grové (Ariel), Liz McCartney (Ursula), Alan Mingo, Jr. (Sebastian), Edward Watts (King Triton), Matt Allen (Scuttle), Sean Patrick Doyle (Jetsam), Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam), Christian Probst (Flounder), Timothy Shew (Chef Louis) and Ron Wisniski (Grimsby) with Kristine Bennett, Ward Billeisen, Lauryn Ciardullo, Thay Floyd, KC Fredericks, Rod Harrelson, Lisa Karlin, Nicole Javanna Johnson, Morgan Kirner, Erica Mansfield, Dennis O’Bannion, Robbie Roby, James Shackelford, Katie Ulrich and Jessica Wockenfuss.
"In a magical kingdom beneath the sea," according to press notes, "the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on the enchanting 1989 Disney animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages."
The score features "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea," composed by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and his longtime collaborator, the late Howard Ashman, as well as new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the musical is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright. The creative team also includes music director Craig Barna, scenic designer Kenneth Foy, costume designers Amy Clark and Mark Koss, lighting designer Charlie Morrison, sound designer Randy Hansen, hair and wig designer Leah J. Loukas, flying sequence choreographer Paul Rubin and production stage manager Kim Vernace.
Single tickets are on sale now and range from $26-$97. Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343.
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Look at This Stuff!" A Week at California Music Circus With Little Mermaid Star Jessica Grové
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PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Look at This Stuff!" A Week at California Music Circus With Little Mermaid Star Jessica Grové
PHOTO EXCLUSIVE: "Look at This Stuff!" A Week at California Music Circus With Little Mermaid Star Jessica Grové
Broadway favorite (and new mommy) Jessica Grové, who stars as Ariel in The Little Mermaid at Sacramento's Music Circus, takes Playbill readers behind the scenes at the famed in-the-round venue. Read the Playbill.com story.
37 PHOTOS
Morning cup of coffee (and an attempt to tan my legs.)
Jessica Grové
Patrons arriving before the matinee.
Jessica Grové
The outside of the Wells Fargo Pavilion
Jessica Grové
Shelly Cohen, our stage management PA, greets us at the door.
Jessica Grové
A lovely opening night message from the Holland production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Jessica Grové
Kevin Smith Kirkwood (Sebastian) gets his mic (and his caffeine buzz)
Jessica Grové
Jack Doyle (Scuttle) waits for his wig, John B. Williford (Ensemble) taking photos and Ron Wisniski (Grimsby) giving Playbill a million dollar smile!
Jessica Grové
Makeup artist Sarah Wolfe bedazzles Merwin Foard (King Triton)
Jessica Grové
Jack Doyle (Scuttle) before getting his beak.
Jessica Grové
I’m here, too! Hello Playbill readers!
Jessica Grové
My gorgeous costume, designed by Mark Koss.
Jessica Grové
Transforming into Ariel
Jessica Grové
Intermission - eating a kale and beet salad I made.
Jessica Grové
Brushing the kale out of my teeth while Sarah puts shimmer on my human legs.
Jessica Grové
Between shows, feeding my little guy Gavin some beets. We are a beet-eating family!
Jessica Grové
Bath time! Grandma will put Gavin to bed, and back to the theatre I go.
Jessica Grové
Back at the theatre for the evening show - putting on my Disney Princess eyelashes.
Jessica Grové
The very handsome and talented Eric Kunze (Prince Eric) and the very handsome and talented Maestro Craig Barna.
Jessica Grové
A quick hello to the very talented male ensemble dressing room: Eric Gunhus (Chef Louis), Jeff Kuhr, John B. Williford, Ivory McKay and Michael McGurk.
Jessica Grové
Henry Hodges (Flounder) showing off his yellow undies, while Melissa puts my wig on.
Jessica Grové
Henry with his skater boy Flounder wig (still in his yellow undies!) breaking hearts and taking names.
Jessica Grové
Becoming Ariel again.
Jessica Grové
Visiting our beautiful ladies in the ensemble as they prepare for the second show (Bradley Benjamin and Jenny Florkowski)
Jessica Grové
Alexa Glover checks her phone and Lisa Rohinsky waits to be zipped up.
Jessica Grové
Jack Doyle (Scuttle) is ready to fly!
Jessica Grové
Vicki Lewis’ tentacles await her.
Jessica Grové
Jellyfish and stingray puppets.
Jessica Grové
Waiting in “the wings” with Henry for the show to start.
Jessica Grové
Michael McGurk, in his ocean camouflage, looking like a sort of superhero.
Jessica Grové
Intermission: Luke Hawkins gets his gull on.
Jessica Grové
Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam) gets touched up.
Jessica Grové
Some of the fantastic wigs (designed by Christine Conklin)
Jessica Grové
Some of our wonderful wardrobe staff at their table.
Jessica Grové
An intermission hug from Kevin Smith Kirkwood!
Jessica Grové
Scott Leiendecker (Flotsam), Ben Roseberry (Jetsam) and Jack Doyle (Scuttle) relax in their dressing room during intermission.
Jessica Grové
I sign some autographs after the show.
Jessica Grové
A fan of the movie and the musical has a tattoo of Ariel and Flounder on her calf! Hey if you find yourself in Northern California, we run through the 22nd!
English Bernhardt, Jasmine Rogers, Nadina Hassan, Morgan Ashley Bryant, Lindsay Heather Pearce, and more star in the musical based on the film of the same name.