Review: Area Stage Extends Its Redux Of Immersive ‘The Little Mermaid’

Delaney Benson is Ariel in Area Stage Company’s “The Little Mermaid” in South Miami through Sunday, Aug. 11, at the Shops at Sunset Place.  (Photo courtesy of  David Caserta).

They had the best seat in the house, the table in the center of Area Stage Company’s latest incarnation of its immersive “The Little Mermaid.” Two couples, an adult woman on one side, her head frequently titled on her seatmate’s shoulder and wiping tears from her eyes, while on the other side, a man dressed in a Disney fan costume, both entranced, mouthing every word of Ariel’s signature song, “Part of Your World.”

This is the mesmerizing effect of Area Stage Company’s immersive productions on an audience.

Delaney Benson as Ariel with Amanda Harris as Flounder in Area Stage Company’s “The Little Mermaid.” (Photo courtesy of David Caserta)

It’s the up-close performances – in this case actress Delaney Benson, the daughter of Jodi Benson, who was the original voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 animated movie. Benson right there in the middle of the table singing the signature ballad bringing tears to those seated so close to her. On another side of the room, a mother quickly jumped up from her benchseat to nab her toddler who wandered out to be part of the rousing ensemble in “Under the Sea.”

Area Stage Company has made it one of their hallmarks as of late to create these immersive productions – “Beauty and the Beast” in 2022, then its first go ’round of “The Little Mermaid” in 2023, and “Oliver” in 2024.

For this redux of Area Stage’s “The Little Mermaid,” they’ve set up the under-the-sea world – wooden benches and tables in an atmosphere that’s reminiscent of a pirate tavern and a schooner ship by set designer Frank J. Oliva – at South Miami’s Shops at Sunset Place. The company’s headquarters are in the open-air mall and they were able to secure a large empty space nearby and transform it into what they’ve dubbed The Little Mermaid Tavern.

After entering the space, guides lead you through what looks like an underground tunnel. It’s dark and illuminated by candles on the floor. Then they direct you to your seat. Depending on ticket price, seating is on the Top Deck, which are elevated benches, or in The Grotto, floor benches and tables for the up-close, immersive view.

Before the show starts, cast members mill around chatting, some playing instruments, and dressed in sailor costumes (costumes by Maria Banda-Rodaz and Sofia Ortega) while sometimes stopping at tables to give instructions – no programs, playbills, or folded hands on the tables, since they are essentially the stage — playing areas for the actors. And stay out of the way of the action.

The show itself has been cut from the previous run time of two and a half hours to 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. It’s just long enough.

For anyone who doesn’t know the story, here’s a quick recap. A mermaid who lives under the sea and the daughter of the King of the sea, wants to know what it’s like to live on land and be like humans. She wants to be finless. When she ventures to the top, she comes across a prince who has gone overboard and saves him. Her evil aunt, Ursula, who knows the mermaid’s desires comes up with a contract to have her meet the prince and become human. But there’s a catch, of course. He must kiss her within three days or she goes back underwater and remains under the grips of the sea witch for the remainder of her life.

Katie Duerr, left, and Laura Plyer with the seagull puppet Scuttle in Area Stage Company’s “The Little Mermaid.” (Photo courtesy of David Caserta)

Many of the inventive elements that Giancarlo Rodaz, the artistic director of Area Stage and the director and conceptualizer of the immersive productions, are still in place from his original “Mermaid.” The opinionated seagull, Scuttle, is a puppet, maneuvered this time and voiced by actress Laura Plyer. It’s the puppet that was built for Area Stage by a company who excels in puppetry, Phantom Limb of New York City.

Flounder, a fish and Ariel’s best pal, is played by actress Amanda Harris, who wears a sailor suit, carries a beach ball and sways as if floating in the water. King Triton is an oversize wall mount a la the Wizard of Oz with the talented John Luis Mazuelos voicing Triton. But unlike Oz, he’s not behind a curtain instead playing the part out in front. It’s an interesting choice by Rodaz and one of the many exciting pieces of action to watch.

Benson, who graduated in 2023 from Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, was approached by Rodaz this year to join the cast, who was no doubt in awe that her mother was the original Ariel. Benson plays a more mature Ariel, which makes the mermaid less of a stubborn teenager and a more confident woman.

Henry Thrasher as Prince Eric and Delaney Benson as Ariel in Area Stage Company and Loxen Productions “Disney’s The Little Mermaid.” Photo courtesy of David Caserta)

Henry Thrasher (a doppelganger to Justin Timberlake) is Prince Eric, whose stance and demeanor is every bit of royalty. He and Benson, though, are like two ships sailing separately; better chemistry would make the characters’ love story more convincing.

Imran Hylton as the high-energy crab, Sebastian, who works for Triton and is told to keep tabs on Ariel, whirls around the set. In his top hat, he brings a magician-like appeal to his character, popping up, sometimes unexpectedly, in all different places.

Reprising their role as Ursula is Jonathan Chisolm whose character is unmistakably inspired by Jon Waters’ Divine and imbued with a dastardly laugh. When Chisolm is at the center of the show, everything is larger than life. It’s a role they obviously relish.

The other cast members, all stand outs, include Ava Bean, Nicole Becker, Carlos Bravo, Matisse Carmack, Tico Chiriboga, Greta Hicks, Donesha Rose, Luke Surretsky, David Velasco, and Katie Duerr who is also listed in the program as associate music director.

A three-piece orchestra, hidden not far from the entrance, brings a full sound to the score: Michael Day is the conductor on piano, Liubov Ohrimenco on violin, and Tom McCormick, winds.

Delaney Benson plays the title role in Area Stage Company’s “The Little Mermaid.” Delaney is the daughter of Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 animated film “The Little Mermaid.” (Photo courtesy of David Careta)

Choreographer Irma Becker had her work cut out for her creating movement in a non-traditional environment and the skill that she brings out in the cast should not go unnoticed. Also credited with movement are Lauren Gaspard and Luciano Cortes. Sound design by Abraham Oleksnianski recreates the swishes and splashes of the sea that are so incredibly real you may feel as if you are on a boat, and Joe Naftal’s constantly shifting lighting design  – bright for the cheery times then darker to bring out the menacing – sets every mood.

The show is a wonderful treat for the summer and has been extended through Aug. 11 after an initial closing date of Aug. 4. The high price of tickets may be a drawback for some families who might want to enjoy “The Little Mermaid.” With the large cast, the detailed set design, the location, and the drastic cuts to arts funding by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the price is understandable, just unfortunate.

WHAT: Area Stage in association with Loxen Productions presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”

WHERE: The Shops at Sunset Place, on the first floor in the northeast courtyard, 5701 Sunset Drive, Miami

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Aug. 11

COST: $105, adult; $45, child, 12 and younger (immersive The Grotto), $85, adult, $45 child, 12 and younger, (Top Decks elevated seats), $50, adult, $30, (The Reef, corners further away from the action), all have extra $5 booking fee; $20 with no booking fee (obstructed view on stool with chance of free upgrade if available), only for 12 years of age and older.

INFORMATION: 305-666-2078 or www.areastage.org

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