Disney Live Entertainment is making a splash with an all-new theatrical production, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” set to premiere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios this fall. Inspired by the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios classic, this reimagined show will feature an array of innovative elements, including brand-new physical sets, a cast of puppets, live performers, and stunning visuals.
Sarah Schmidt, Creative Concept Artist & Illustrator for Disney Live Entertainment, revealed that the team has taken a fresh approach to the show’s design. “We thought about what Ariel’s room may look like and came up with this collage style that you’ll see woven throughout the production,” she explained. “This new look really informed every design decision – from scenic, to the puppets, even the custom digital content being created for the show.”
To bring this artistic vision to life, the team is combining traditional techniques, such as the return of blacklight puppets, with cutting-edge technology. Show Director James Silson shared, “We’re using some really cutting-edge tools like motion capture technology, which you may have seen used in blockbuster films. Basically, we have a live performer in a suit covered in sensors, and the data captured from their performance helps us create a digital animation of the character, which our animators then use to bring them to life on stage.”
This advanced digital imagery will be showcased throughout the show, enhancing the on-stage performances and bringing characters like King Triton, Ursula, and even Ariel’s sisters to life. The production will open with an all-new “Daughters of Triton” number, setting the stage for a truly immersive experience.
“We’re really blending the line between real and digital in ways we’ve never done before to completely fill the stage for these show-stopping scenes,” James added. “You’re going to see these large new physical set pieces we’ve created blend seamlessly with a digital environment in a way that really fills the stage. You’ll see digital puppets transform into real ones right before your eyes. You’ll even see animated characters performing in the same space as real actors. It’s going to feel like magic!”p
As Disney’s Hollywood Studios prepares to dive into this reimagined tale of “The Little Mermaid,” guests can look forward to an enchanting and technologically advanced theatrical experience that will transport them to the magical undersea world of Ariel and her friends.
