Disney has released a new 10-minute behind-the-scenes video for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, the upcoming live stage production debuting May 27th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Hosted by Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel, the video offers a backstage look at scenes from the show, interviews with the creative team, and a tour of the newly updated theater. You can watch the full video here:
After Jodi surprises the show’s cast at a preview of the performance, she takes us over to Chris, the Puppetry Director. He introduces a new Max puppet (Max was previously a performer in costume), who will show a range of emotion through the show – and of course, bark. Chris notes the ‘Under the Sea’ scene is once again going to be the showstopper where the entire scenic elements change, and the theater becomes a bright, beautiful world with plenty of practical puppets and hundreds of moving digital puppets to recreate the film’s scene.
(You can spot Nemo in this still, who will make a cameo appearance!)
The ‘Kiss the Girl’ scene will be recreated with the menagerie of critters encouraging Eric to go on and kiss the girl — including the iconic kissing frogs.
The animation crew recorded motion capture on performers to create true-to-life movements for the digitally animated characters in the show, including King Triton, Ursula, and Ariel’s sisters.
The stage itself was designed and dressed up to feel like it’s all coming from teenage Ariel’s perspective. Within the details and mixed mediums used around the theater, the entire theater is reminiscent of a collage – including textural glitter, embroidery, fabrics, doodles, and… thingamabobs.
James Silson, the show’s director, was seated next to Jodi for her first reaction during the show’s first full preview. Jodi was very emotional afterward, thanking the cast for honoring Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s work.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure opens on Tuesday, May 27th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
