The Little Mermaid Splashes Into The Dr.Phillips Center

The Little Mermaid During "Under The Sea"

 

BY JALESSA CASTILLO

ORLANDO - The 5th Avenue Theatre brought the story of Disney’s, “The Little Mermaid,” to life at the Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts. The production delivered light doses of nostalgia all the while incorporating new, and overall entertaining, elements and plot points that differed from Disney’s 1989 classic.

The piece was directed by Glenn Casale and starred Diana Huey as Ariel. Huey’s portrayal of Ariel emphasized the naïve and adventurous spirit of the character and made her very likable. While Huey used the role to showcase Ariel’s childlike nature, her voice was anything but. The performance of, “Part Of Your World,” gave me chills with Huey’s powerful voice at the helm, not to mention the awe of Paul Rubin’s choreographed flying sequences during the presentation.

Another very good portrayal was that of Matthew Kacergis as Prince Eric. Not only did Kacergis sell the role of being a young prince seeking adventure but his voice was also a standout, especially with his solo balled, “Her Voice”.

My favorite performance of the night was unmistakably that of, “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” sung by Jennifer Allen as Ursula. While a microphone malfunction nearly derailed the presentation Allen was posed and rather sassy as she saved the song by walking slightly off stage to grab a hand mic and then blowing us all away with her rendition. Her calm demeanor during the mishap landed her a standing ovation at the end of the night.

As for the changes made to the original story, new character arcs and back stories are introduced. For instance, there was more focus on King Triton (played by Steve Blanchard) reminiscing on his late wife and coming to grips with his daughter getting older, a sibling rivalry between Triton and Ursula, as well as Flounder secretly being in love with Ariel. While Triton’s revelations pulled on the heart strings and the sibling rivalry created an interesting dynamic between the two characters, unfortunately, the introduction of Flounder’s affections for Ariel did not fit in with the rest of the story. Rather than creating an interesting love triangle it only made for awkward dialogue that didn’t seem to resonate with the audience and caused the story to lack the close friendship of the pair that was prevalent within the original film.

Other than that, the rest of the show was so much fun to watch. Melvin Abston as the over protective Sebastian, Jamie Torcellini as the wildly misinformed Scuttle, and Dane Stokinger as the outrageous Chef Louis consistently made the audience laugh at their silly antics and instantly became crowd favorites.

Something I have not mentioned yet is the orchestra. Conducted by Colin R. Freeman, Disney’s The Little Mermaid Touring Orchestra, played perfectly. The orchestra sounded beautiful whether playing slow tempo songs such as, “Kiss The Girl,” or high energy songs such as, “Under The Sea”. However, I was most impressed with the orchestra and the cast during the song, “If Only,” which included the orchestra playing while Huey, Kacergis, Abston, and Blanchard all sang at the same time.

Overall, “The Little Mermaid,” was a very beautiful and fun show to watch. It was great for the whole family and provided the audience with plenty of laughs. For information about future performances at The Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts visit www.drphillipscenter.org.

Black Panther Changes the Way People View Superhero and Black-Led Films

Black Panther Movie Poster

BY JALESSA CASTILLO

February 16 marked the release of one of Marvel’s most anticipated movies ‘Black Panther’.

The film follows T'Challa (Chadwick Boseman), The Black Panther, as he returns to his homeland a after helping The Avengers in previous films. Since his father has passed away he must take on the mantle of King of Wakanda and begin his role over the inconspicuous, yet highly advanced nation.

After a new enemy rears his head in the form of Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) T’Challa needs the help of his ex-lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and his sister Shuri (Letitia Wright) to regain his throne and the role of The Black Panther.

What makes this film so special is the fact that most of the star-studded cast are African-American, including the main characters. Additionally, the director Ryan Coogler and the artist in charge of the movie’s soundtrack, Kendrick Lamar, are African-American as well.

'Black Panther' delivered the fifth largest opening of all-time, earning nearly $218 million in its opening weekend alone. This disproves the popular Hollywood myth that minorities can’t produce movies that can meet both critical and commercial success. I look forward to seeing more movies like this one, with a good plot, amazing minority directors, and an outstanding minority cast.

Top 5 Movies You Need to See In March

Movie Theater

BY JALESSA CASTILLO

As we reach the midpoint of February, anticipation is building for March movies to be released. With the highly anticipated Black Panther coming out next week, there are few other showings in February that people are looking forward to. However, March is looking to be a great month for films, here are five movies that you need to see next month.

1.     Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider is set to be released March 16. The movie follows the courageous heroine Lara Croft. Despite turning 21 and dealing with the various trials f day-to-day life, she is still determined to find out the cause of her adventurous father’s disappearance. Going against his past wishes she sets out to solve the mystery but to do so she must push her boundaries and become the tomb raider. Could this finally be a good video game movie?

2.     PacificRim: Uprising

This exciting sequel follows the story of dystopian future. Monster-like creatures now attack mankind and the only way to fight back is for the government to create giant robot soldiers. These robots are controlled by two human soldiers who must come together both emotionally and mentally to control it. The success of the previous action-packed sci-fi film in the franchise gives this sequel promising potential.

3.     ReadyPlayer One

The premise of this movie is based off Ernest Cline’s 2011 novel of the same name. The plot follows Wade Watts as he lives in a world in which people no longer live in the normal world. Rather, they log into the OASIS and live their lives virtually while poverty and disease run ramped in the real world. A video game “Easter egg” leads Wade to discover fortune and information that could change the world forever. An interesting premise, especially in our time with the advancement of technology.

4.     RedSparrow

This Jennifer Lawrence lead film is sure to be an action-packed drama. Not much has been revealed regarding the story-line of this movie but with such a cast it is sure to be great. A seemingly innocent woman is forced to join one of the most infamous groups of female assassins. The training sequences are sure to be brutal, but the action scenes are sure to be incredible. With spy characters like James Bond being so popular it was only a matter of time before a female of the same kind came along.

5.     AWrinkle In Time

This movie is based off the 1962 classic of the same name. Madeleine L’Engle’s fantasy follows Meg Murray, her brother and their friend Calvin as they travel through space and time to save their scientist father. This movie is sure to be spectacular with an amazing cast including: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, and more.

While there are other movies coming out soon, these are the ones that I personally think you need to see in March. Feel free to comment which movies you are looking forward to!

‘Love Never Dies’ Brings Melodrama And Operatic Talents To The Dr. Phillips Center

The Phantom (Bronson Norris Murphy) and Christine (Meghan Picerno) reunite in "Love Never Dies" (Joan Marcus)

BY JALESSA CASTILLO

It is undeniable that the cast and crew of “Love Never Dies” did an incredible job bringing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sequel of his classic work “The Phantom of the Opera” to life.

The narrative picks up 10 years after the Phantom, portrayed by Bronson Norris Murphy, left Paris. Now a famous theater head at the famed Coney Island in New York, he is accompanied by Madame Giry (Karen Mason), her daughter Meg (Mary Michael Patterson), and various circus freaks.

Despite his success in the states, he still yearns for his first true love and musical protégée Christine Daaé, played by Meghan Picerno. In the opening number “‘Til I hear You Sing” the Phantom’s continued obsession with Daae is revealed. Murphey blew the audience away with his fantastic vocal performance which incorporated the dramatic and bruiting musical flairs that we have come to love from the original.

In a highly coincidental turn of events Christine comes to New York to sing at the opening of a new theater. She is accompanied by her husband Raoul (Sean Thompson) and their son Gustave (Jake Heston Miller on opening night).

When the Phantom discovers that Christine is in New York he reminds her of their old flame in the duet “Beneath a Moonless Sky” but after she still refuses to sing for him he uses her son to force her to perform his new song.

Raoul’s concern grows as he reflects on his actions throughout the years of his marriage. Knowing that Christine will surly return to the Phantom if she sings his song, the Phantom confronts Raoul. This leads to one my favorite songs of the night “Devil Take the Hindmost” in which the stakes of the love triangle continue to mount.

In addition to the actors, those behind the scenes shined as well. Gabriela Tykesova’s magnificently immersive set designs and the orchestra’s outstanding melodic talents brought the show to the next level. Whether on Christine’s balcony while the Phantom serenaded her or in the middle of the busy Coney Island, you felt as though you were there.

Graeme Murphey Ao’s choreography was amazing as well, especially during the performance of “The Beauty Underneath” when the Phantom takes Gustave to see the horrors that lie beneath Coney Island and his infamous mask.

Without spoiling any major plot points, I highly recommend seeing the show. The performance delivers a tale of mystery, love, and betrayal. Plot twists turn old friends into enemies and secrets once thought to be in the past can no longer stay hidden.

For information regarding upcoming shows and more visit www.drphillipscenter.org