Everything’s Better Under the Sea at Drury Lane
By Cate Rees-Hessel
Drury Lane’s stellar production of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” is simply magnificent; the entire cast is completely superb. Chicago favorite and the master of artful inflection, Sawyer Smith, in the role of Ursula, is first rate, giving a flawless performance that alone is worth the price of admission. Sultry and fabulous, Sawyer is formidable, yet never too sinister to scare children in the audience. Smith’s vocals are extremely strong and they have consummate comic timing. I have had the pleasure of reviewing many an excellent on-stage villain and Sawyer is the finest I have ever seen. Auntie Ursula is brilliantly staged, with very skilled costumed actors representing the Sea Witch’s tentacles. The second act brings us a large projection of Smith, the face of the daunting character – powerful but not overlying menacing. I really enjoyed Melissa Mcarthy in the film version, but Sawyer defines the stage Ursula.
Another Chicago fave, Leah Morrow, and the talented Ryan Michael Hamman play the evil eels, Flotsam and Jetsam, with believable accuracy. They handle their puppets with practiced ease, and are never overly frightening but just scary enough for a family show. I am extremely impressed with the awesome puppetry in this production, including large turtles and other sea creatures. Flounder (Maya Lou Hlava), Scuttle (Landree Fleming), and Sebastian (Michael Earvin Martin) handlers are masterful. Flounder is just a bit shy and very cute; Scuttle is remarkably credible as a bird. Sebastian is perfectly portrayed, especially when he frightened.
Patrick Johnson, making his exemplary Drury Lane debut as Prince Eric, is splendid and realistic, giving the prince enormous depth. His character’s struggle between feelings for the mute Arial and the voice he associates with the woman that saved his life is completely sincere. He never over plays the role – Patrick is believable, has a stunning voice, and is a truly fine actor. The very lovely Broadway performer Sarah Kay as Princess Ariel is tremendous, with enormous stage presence and impeccable comic timing. The King of Sea, Triton, is boldly brought to life by Anand Nagraj, regal and majestic, larger than life. Chef Louis (Matt Edmonds) is over the top hilarious in the completely humorous dinner scene, which almost has Sebastian in hot water. The put-upon guardian of Prince Eric, Grimsby, is characterized by the very brilliant Rob Lindley – he is consistently exceptional in any role he plays.
The musical numbers are lively and energetic, especially involving Ariel’s sisters and the princesses in competition for royal affection. Dance sequences with Ariel and her prince are poignant and demur – they have great chemistry, especially during her voiceless period. An amusing interaction involving combing hair with a fork is rather touching, again showing the delightful interactions the Little Mermaid and Eric share. The Drury Lane orchestra is excellent, the score exquisitely played. I really loved the very charming set, especially a clawfoot bathtub complete with bubbles, as well as exquisite lighting design, colorful costumes, striking hair and makeup. Actors break the fourth wall with ease, bringing the audience under the sea.
I saw some adorable princesses in the lobby – this is a perfect family holiday production with a message of hope and happy endings. Get your tickets before The Little Mermaid floats away on January 12th (2025) – see www.drurylanetheatre.com.
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