The Little Mermaid Live!

The Little Mermaid Live! (2019) is a spectacular retelling of the classic Disney animated film that perfectly blends live action, animation and music. Brought to you by ABC in honor of the original movie's 30th anniversary, it aims to capture a new generation of viewers by faithfully reproducing beloved elements of the storyline and complementing them with the vibrancy and energy of live performances.

Auli'i Cravalho, known for her role as the voice of Moana in another Disney animated movie, helms this production as Ariel, the heroine of the story. Cravalho's performance seamlessly translates Ariel's youthful exuberance, curiosity and determination. Simultaneously embodying Ariel's charm and her longing for a world different from her own, Cravalho enchants audiences, drawing you into every moment of her journey.

Shaggy, an esteemed Grammy Award-winning music artist, portrays Ariel's trusted friend, Sebastian. His distinctive voice lends a unique touch to the unforgettable, bubbly tunes of the Caribbean-style "Under the Sea" and the lighthearted "Kiss the Girl". His portrayal of the unhurried, witty crab wholly absorbed in the underwater kingdom he calls home lends a playful streak that adds layers to the unfolding narrative.

Additionally, the talented Graham Phillips stars as Prince Eric, the handsome, steadfast object of Ariel's affection. Best known previously for his work in "Riverdale," Phillips does justice to the role, balancing the prince’s gallantry and humility with a natural flair. The chemistry between Cravalho and Phillips is palpable – adding an authentic, heartfelt touch to Ariel and Eric's budding love story.

One of the most distinctive features of The Little Mermaid Live! is its impressive merging of live action and animation. In many ways, the show is an homage to the 1989 animated feature film. It balances showing memorable scenes from the original animation interspersed with live-action performances by the cast, maintaining the nostalgia associated with the original while adding a unique touch of realism and immediacy. The transitions between the two mediums are seamless and contribute to the storytelling rather than distracting from it.

The music and songs are another highlight of the show. Who could not be moved by the beautiful score and sing-along favorites like "Part of Your World" and "Under the Sea"? The iconic songs are integrated skillfully into the live performances, performed by a musically talented cast that brings a fresh vitality to the celebrated score. The blend of vibrant dances, extravagant sets, and imaginative costumes adds further depth to the compelling music.

The production also introduces viewers to a wide variety of supporting characters, each brilliantly and authentically portrayed by the cast. From Ariel's strict but well-meaning father, King Triton, to the wicked sea witch Ursula, every character is well-defined and contributes significantly to the emotional depth of the story.

Throughout its runtime, The Little Mermaid Live! retains its focus on the central theme of the narrative – Ariel's yearning for a life beyond her underwater home and her courage in the face of adversity. The story not only tugs at viewer's hearts with the beautiful romance between Ariel and Eric but also inspires by portraying Ariel’s bravery and determination to realise her dreams, irrespective of the obstacles she faces.

In conclusion, The Little Mermaid Live! (2019) is an invigorating dive back into a well-loved classic. With potent performances, exemplary direction, and a lyrical score, it captures the magic and whimsy of the original animated movie, while injecting its fresh energy through live performances. Whether you’re a longstanding fan of the original or new to Ariel's enchanting underwater world, it is sure to captivate your imagination, pulling you into Ariel's journey, and leave you humming its timeless tunes long after the credits roll.