Theatre Under the Stars opens Disney's The Little Mermaid at Malkin Bowl July 3
Vancouver production runs through August 22; director says stage version gives Ariel 'deeper' journey than film.
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Theatre Under the Stars is diving under the sea with Disney's The Little Mermaid, opening Friday, July 3, at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park and running through August 22.
Madison Simms plays Ariel, the young mermaid fascinated by the human world who trades her voice to a sea witch for a chance at love and humanity. The 1989 animated film launched the Disney Renaissance and remains a cultural touchstone — Ariel's relatability and awkwardness resonate with audiences who see themselves in her search for identity.
The stage musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2008, reworks the story with a different lens. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Doug Wright wrote the book, and director-choreographer Nicol Spinola says the added time lets Ariel's character deepen. "The stage version gives Ariel more agency. We get to see a fuller journey. The musical allows her to discover herself in a deeper way than the film has time for."
For TUTS, adapting Broadway spectacle without big-budget resources is part of the thrill. "That's actually one of the most exciting parts of being a director and choreographer," Spinola said. "You get the script and the material, but then you get to build your own version of that world."
The production features movie hits — Part of Your World, Kiss the Girl, Under the Sea — plus new songs. "She's in Love" didn't appear in the film, and Prince Eric gets a new song, "Her Voice."
Both Simms and Spinola have worked with TUTS before. Simms performed in Legally Blonde the Musical last year; Spinola choreographed Mary Poppins (2017), Cinderella (2018), and Something Rotten! (2022).
Tickets: $35–69. Call 1-800-514-3849 or visit tuts.ca.
