Disney fans were treated to a magical performance by Halle Bailey, the talented singer-actress set to portray Ariel in the highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.” Bailey took center stage in front of Sleeping Beauty’s castle at the Disneyland Resort, where she mesmerized hundreds of fans with her rendition of the iconic song “Part of Your World.” The performance served as a preview of the enchanting journey that awaits audiences when the film hits theaters nationwide on May 26, 2023.
“The Little Mermaid” has captivated audiences for decades with its timeless tale of Ariel, a spirited and beautiful young mermaid who yearns for adventure beyond the sea. As the youngest and most rebellious daughter of King Triton, Ariel’s curiosity about the world above leads her to fall in love with the charming Prince Eric during a visit to the surface. Despite the strict prohibition on mermaid-human interactions, Ariel follows her heart and strikes a dangerous deal with Ursula, the nefarious sea witch. This pact offers her a tantalizing taste of life on land but puts her own life and her father’s kingdom at stake.
Halle Bailey, known for her role in “grown-ish,” takes on the iconic role of Ariel, while Jonah Hauer-King, recognized for “A Dog’s Way Home,” portrays Prince Eric. The star-studded cast also includes Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian, Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle, Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder, Noma Dumezweni as The Queen, Art Malik as Sir Grimsby, Javier Bardem as King Triton, and Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, a character brought to life by her exceptional talent.
Directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall, acclaimed for his work on “Chicago” and “Mary Poppins Returns,” “The Little Mermaid” showcases a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee. The film features the beloved music of Alan Menken, a multiple Academy Award® winner known for composing unforgettable melodies for “Beauty and the Beast” and “Aladdin,” with lyrics by the late Howard Ashman and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. With a team of accomplished producers including two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt, Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, alongside executive producer Jeffrey Silver, the film promises to bring the beloved tale to life in a spectacular and heartfelt way.
Fans can now immerse themselves in the enchanting world of “The Little Mermaid” through Halle Bailey’s captivating performance of “Part of Your World.” The single is available for streaming on popular platforms such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music, where fans can also enjoy the mesmerizing visualizer video. Additionally, Disney enthusiasts can dive deeper into the magical soundtrack of the film, set to release on May 19. The soundtrack can be pre-added on Apple Music, pre-ordered on vinyl at Disney Music Emporium, and pre-ordered on CD.
As the release of “The Little Mermaid” draws near, anticipation and excitement continue to grow. Audiences of all ages eagerly await the opportunity to embark on Ariel’s extraordinary journey, filled with love, bravery, and the enduring power of following one’s dreams.
Can’t wait to see this.