If you like a show that’s big and splashy, The Little Mermaid will be right up your alley — or should I say “sea lane.” That’s the kind of punning humor that’s in store for you if you drop by the Aronoff through Jan. 29 to see the touring production of this Disney animated film turned into a Broadway musical. That means more of everything than the cartoon version — more music, more singing and more dancing. It’s a bit of a challenge to put an undersea story onstage, but with some clever scenic, costume and lighting design — plus stage flying that replicates aquatic movement — this show offers a lot of eye candy. There are bright colors and broad humor. The talent’s OK, too, especially Diana Huey as Ariel and Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric: They’re both great singers and look exactly right for their roles. The humor is provided by Melvin Abston as Sebastian, the crabby crab, and Jennifer Allen as Ursula, the nasty squid/witch who’s the villain of the piece — and a special Keystone Kops-styled madhouse of seafood prep and service featuring Dane Stokinger as an overwrought chef. Nothing very profound, but high entertainment value. Tickets: 513-621-2787.
If you prefer your musical humor a tad more grown-up and contemporary, you should check out First Date at Ensemble Theatre (through Feb. 5). It’s a simply premise: Aaron is a novice guy on a blind date with Casey, who’s done this a lot — and never been pleased with the result. When they’re not simply sitting around as other guests or servers in the restaurant, five more actors play pushy waiters, grandmas, exes, BFFs and figments of Aaron's and Casey’s imaginations — egging on the pair and commenting on the challenges of relationships in today’s world. An evening full of possible romantic derailment is chronicled from “First Impressions” to “The Check!” with plenty of stops in between and a lot of honest, hilarious moments. Just when you think this show is about to get truly sappy, it makes a hard right turn and thwarts your expectations. That keeps it fun. Director Vince DeGeorge (who generally stages shows at the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music) has put his versatile cast into a believably assembled production that keeps you waiting for what’s coming next. Tickets: 513-421-3555.
Also opening this week: Doubt at the Covedale Center and The Music Man at the Carnegie in Covington. And if you’re in the mood for a sampler of all the performing arts, show up this evening at CCM for A Moveable Feast, an evening-long smorgasbord of snacking and performances that showcases extraordinary talent in training for professional careers.
Rick Pender’s STAGE DOOR blog appears here every Friday. Find more theater reviews and feature stories here.
