Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater is a magical journey that transports the audience into the enchanting world under the sea.

Melanie Fernandez‘s portrayal of Ariel in The Little Mermaid was nothing short of enchanting, stealing the spotlight with her angelic voice that alone justified the price of admission. The chemistry between Fernandez and Nate Promkul (Sweeney Todd, Next to Normal), who portrayed the charming Prince Eric, added a layer of romance that resonated throughout the performance. Both performers really hit their strides during the quartet “If Only” along with Jesse Smith playing the lovable crustacean, Sebastian, and Wilkie Ferguson‘s portrayal of Ariel’s concerned father, King Triton. Melanie’s exceptional talent seemed to propel her out of the sea, accompanied seamlessly by Nate.

However, beyond Jesse Smith’s lively rendition of Sebastian, plenty of other cast members shined. The playful antics of Kyle Kemph as Flounder and the over-the-top performance of Rodney Holmes as Scuttle provided delightful transitions from the animated movie to the stage, capturing the very essence of the beloved characters.

Maintaining the essence of the original movie, the inclusion of the fan-favorite scene with Sebastian and Chef Louis, played by Ryan Crout, along with an ensemble of chefs, in “Les Poissons” added a hilariously fitting touch to the Broadway adaptation. Jesse Smith’s portrayal of Scuttle, in contrast to the live-action movie, avoided unnecessary modernizations, delighting the audience and keeping true to the character’s charm.

Heather Jane Rolff delivered a captivating performance as Ursula, the villainous sea witch, showcasing her intense singing prowess, particularly in the mesmerizing “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” While it’s unconventional to cheer for a villain, Rolff’s Ursula had the audience spellbound throughout the show.

The production skillfully balanced nostalgia with fresh elements, incorporating new songs and vibrant costumes while retaining the best songs and lines from the original Disney movie. Director, Patrick Fitzwater, orchestrated a swimmingly delightful production, complete with playful choreography that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen‘s beloved story and the classic animated film, this fishy fable, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, captures the heart with its irresistible songs, making it a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. The presence of giggling kids in the audience highlighted the timeless appeal of The Little Mermaid for both young and old alike.

Close out the New Year with this incredible production.