The Holland production, which is currently in previews in Groningen, will open June 16 in Rotterdam with plans to play seven additional engagements throughout the country. The Russian production, the first musical to play the ROSSIA Theatre on Pushkin Square, will feature a local, all-Russian cast. Opening is set for Oct. 6.
Both productions will utilize a new version of the show. The family-friendly musical is being helmed by a creative team that includes director Glenn Casale (Beauty and the Beast) and Tony-winning set and costume designer Bob Crowley (Tarzan, Mary Poppins, Aida), who join composer Alan Menken, lyricist Glenn Slater and book writer Doug Wright.
Roel Vente, managing director at Stage Entertainment, said in a statement, “After the successful collaboration between Stage Entertainment and Disney Theatrical Productions on the musical Tarzan in Holland and Germany, we are now continuing with Disney’s The Little Mermaid. We are looking forward to bringing an entirely new version of this well-known, timeless story to the stage for the first time in the Netherlands.”
Thomas Schumacher added, “We are thrilled to be embarking on this venture with our treasured partner Stage Entertainment, bringing one of Disney’s most beloved stories to Holland. The Little Mermaid is a musical of undeniable power and with the incredible talents of Alan Menken and the exceptional team of talented creatives involved in the project, we are delighted to be making our European debut in Groningen.”
Disney's lavish Broadway musical, The Little Mermaid, played its final performance at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre Aug. 30, 2009, following 50 previews and 685 performances. The stage version of the hit animated film borrowed Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's movie songs and added new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Opera director Francesca Zambello directed. Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright (I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens) wrote the book. "In a magical kingdom beneath the sea," according to Mermaid production notes, "a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father — the king of the sea — escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a prince that she's the girl with the perfect voice." The musical is based on both the Disney animated film (written and directed by John Musker & Ron Clements) and the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale.
Song titles include "Fathoms Below," "Daughters of Triton," "The World Above," "Human Stuff," "I Want the Good Times Back," "Part of Your World," "Storms at Sea," "She's in Love," "Her Voice," "Under the Sea," "Sweet Child," "Poor Unfortunate Souls," "Positoovity," "Beyond My Wildest Dreams," "Les Poissons," "One Step Closer," "Kiss the Girl," "If Only," "The Contest" and "Finale Ultimo."
