In 1837 Hans Christian Anderson wrote a fairy tale about a young mermaid who wanted to become part of the human world and last night at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts the audience, the children, the adults with some kid still in them, all became enchanted with “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” no matter how well they know the story. We were taken under the sea to meet, and get to know, Ariel, the mermaid, her friends and the human being Prince Eric she falls in love with and watch as they become part of each other’s worlds.

The music by Alan Menken with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman in the original songs from the 1989 animated film and Glenn Slater for the additional songs range from a love duet between Prince Eric and Ariel  to Ariel’s wish to be part of Eric’s world in “Part of Your World”.

Whether it is the songs or the costumes by Amy Clark and Mark Koss or the scenic designs by Kenneth Foy, the remarkable lighting by Charlie Morrison and the choreography by John Macinnis and Paul Rubin, it isn’t long before you forget you are in a theatre and are joining Ariel, her family and friends living “Under The Sea”.

The cast from sweet voiced Diana Huey as Ariel to strong voiced Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric and Steve Blanchard as King Triton, a father enchanted and puzzled by his daughter as most fathers are, and Melvin Abston as Sebastion, more than just comic relief, joins bombastic Jennifer Allen as the wicked sea witch who handles humor as if it is second nature along with a supporting cast bringing creatures below the sea and humans above to life with strong voices and ensemble work they all bring “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” alive on stage.

The book by Doug Wright and direction of Glenn Casale does have a few lagging moments by they are quickly diminished by a song, a dance or just wonder at ‘how did they do that?”

“The Little Mermaid” is filled with laughter, a few tears, a lot of tuneful music and a cast giving their all. It is a show for the whole family.

“The Little Mermaid” runs 2 hours and 25 minutes with a 20 minute intermission and will be at the BCPA until  March 25. Tickets available at browardcenter.org or call 954-462-0222

Definitely a show for the whole family and kids of all ages!