The Little Mermaid Swims Away From Broadway Today

Disney's The Little Mermaid concludes its run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre today. The musical, based on the Disney animated film of the same name (which in turn was based off the Hans Christian Andersen tale), opened in January 2008 and has played over 700 performances. Although The Little Mermaid was one of Disney's most acclaimed and beloved animated movies, the stage musical version did not fare as well. Having run less than two years, The Little Mermaid is one of Disney on Broadway's least successful ventures so far, begging the question of whether or not the company is beginning to reach a saturation point. Nonetheless, Mary Poppins and especially The Lion King both continue to run strong on Broadway, so Disney fans still have more than one film-turned-stage-musical to choose from.

The Little Mermaid Opens On Broadway Tonight

The Little Mermaid, Disney's latest attempt to conquer Broadway by adapting its animated films for the stage, opens at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre this evening. The Lunt-Fontanne was the site of Disney's first Broadway triumph (after it moved from the Palace), Beauty and the Beast, which closed there in July 2007. Directed by Francesca Zambello, The Little Mermaid stars Norm Lewis, Eddie Korbich, Sherie Rene Scott, and Broadway newcomer Sierra Boggess in the title role.

The Little Mermaid Starts Broadway Previews

Disney's new Broadway musical version of its animated film The Little Mermaid began previews tonight at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. In addition to Mermaid, Disney is currently represented on Broadway by The Lion King and Mary Poppins. (Past Disney Broadway musicals include Tarzan, Beauty and the Beast, and Aida.)

Opening Night Out West

Two of the season's biggest Broadway shows are opening tonight -- just not on Broadway. The new Mel Brooks musical, Young Frankenstein, is opening in Seattle, where it is having its pre-Broadway tryout. Meanwhile in Denver, Disney's The Little Mermaid opens this evening as well. Out-of-town tryouts are common for Broadway-bound musicals as a way to fine tune the production before getting within earshot of merciless New York theatergoers. Frankenstein and Mermaid will have their official Broadway openings in November and December, respectively.