The Little Mermaid National Tour Delayed?

Posted: 2/19/10 at 1:09pm

The shows website no longer says the tour starts in Fall of 2010. Cities have not yet been announced. The site currently says: Check back here for information of the launch of the National Tour.

Any thoughts?

The Little Mermaid Updated On: 2/19/10 at 01:09 PM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 1:43pm

Who cares. It was a piece of crap that is best left in the past.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 1:58pm

If they end up not doing this tour, I don't think that thats a smart choice. This show would do great on tour IMO.

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 2:00pm

It would do BETTER on tour, but I'm not sure about "great." Broadway gave it some bad buzz...

Still, it's Disney and the film has a large following, so it has an awaiting audience...

[BroadwayBenny]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 2:39pm

Eh...I say let it rest for 10 years, do a rewrite on some of the material and a complete visual overhaul and revive it for a tour with a possible Broadway close.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 3:45pm

Looks liek Disney might have another failed musical that didn't launce a national tour. "Tarzan" was the first one.

[rmusic11322]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 3:53pm

If they actually do have the tour, then we all know that Sierra Bogges and Annaleigh Ashford (she was rumored) won't be playing Ariel.

[James885]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 5:06pm

Maybe they're trying to find a new director, which wouldn't be a bad thing. But I'm inclined to agree with BroadwayBenny. Forget the tour and just revive it in a decade with a new creative/design team and some rewrites of the book.

Updated On: 2/19/10 at 05:06 PM

[philly03]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 5:08pm

I'm thinking was James885 is. That's what Jekyll & HYDE did, took a little longer to launch the tour than previously expected, and that was only a new director. Most of the designs were similar if not the same. But this is one show I really think needs to do something different about the whole underwater concept!

[adamgreer]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 5:09pm

This is no great loss if it's true.

[IAMmyownMUSICAL]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 5:23pm

Its taking so long because they are re-conceputalizing (sp?) the show.

A completely new creative team (Director, choreographer, costumer, designer.)

Its essentially going to be a much stronger, much different looking tour.

[BrianS]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 6:25pm

Where did you get that information?

I'm not sure if the Broadway sets could be used for a tour, but even just using the props/costumes/etc again would mean spending very little to get a tour on the road and attempt to recoup some of what they lost on Broadway.

To completely re-conceive it would require a TON of money and still be taking a risk. Not to mention the crazy protracted legal issues with the existing creative team.

I think this is a case of another anonymous chat room poster talking out of their ass.

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 8:23pm

If this does eventually tour will they still use the giant shower curtain as part of the set?

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 8:34pm

what about the giant plastic bongs that cast members sat in? are those still in the show?


(p.s. the little mermaid is my favorite movie of all time, I used to dream about the day this made it to the stage and even went to the Denver Premiere.....sad times...)

[James885]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 8:56pm

If the tour does happen I hope they get rid of those giant monolithic bong towers, as those were by far the ugliest parts of the set.

Updated On: 2/19/10 at 08:56 PM

[Felm_heart]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 9:07pm

I don't understand all the hate for this production. The score was great - especially some of the new songs! I really hope it does go on tour, because it will do quite well. Never underestimate the power of Disney.

[James885]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 9:16pm

I don't have a problem with the score. In fact, the score was probably the best element of the show. But a good score does not a good show make. My problems were with the bad direction and choreography, ugly sets and costumes, and the book (specifically the second act).

Updated On: 2/19/10 at 09:16 PM

[CapnHook]

Posted: 2/19/10 at 10:31pm

I can tolerate a horrible show if it's a good script. THE LITTLE MERMAID's book was beyond hideous. The score is what made the show passable. The Quarter number is stunning!

[Fanb]

Posted: 2/20/10 at 11:10am

This is a strong property that feels like it could play well on tour. They already have some terrific songs, and I feel a pretty solid book compared to many musicals. And little girls love Ariel. The Broadway production was unfortunately just so earthbound, with those huge plastic set pieces, and the bold, but ill-fated idea to put the actors on wheelies. If Disney could find a new director and design team who could give kids the idea that they are seeing a creative way to make the actors look like they are swimming (Nation did a great job of this at the National this past season), then they could have a commercial property. I think it is most likely this show will next tour in Europe, where Disney has a strong track record with shows including "Hunchback" which never even played in the states.

[AndAllThatJazz22]

Posted: 2/20/10 at 12:36pm

A show like "MERMAID" will sell really well on the road, regardless of its flaws.

[evic]

Posted: 2/20/10 at 3:30pm

How is Adrien Bailey doing?...He is such a sweet guy- what a horrible accident....I hope he is healing well and collects a ton of money from Disney.

[evic]

Posted: 2/20/10 at 3:30pm

How is Adrien Bailey doing?...He is such a sweet guy- what a horrible accident....I hope he is healing well and collects a ton of money from Disney.

[winston89]

Posted: 2/20/10 at 4:56pm

I believe Bailey is doing fine and closed the show with Mermaid. I am saying that because I remember going to the show towards its final days and seeing his name on the cast board in the lobby.