“I wanna be where the people are …”
Earlier this week, where the people were was NYC’s World of Disney. This past Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of musical theatre fans crammed into that 5th Avenue flagship …
Photo by Chris Barry
… So that they could then be on hand for a very special event. You see, in honor of the release of the original cast recording for “The Little Mermaid,” members of the cast of Disney’s newest Broadway musical would be dropping by the store that day to perform a few numbers from the show.
By the event’s 4 p.m. start time, the line to get into the performance space had literally wrapped itself around the first floor of the building.
Photo by Chris Barry
But still, the mood of the crowd was upbeat. As they patiently waited for the performers to arrive, people eyeballed all of the displays of “Little Mermaid” -related merchandise that were scattered about the store.
Photo by Chris Barry
And — of course — the very best seats in the house were reserved for Ariel’s biggest fans.
Photo by Chris Barry
Then — as the clock struck four — the magic began. First Broadway’s Ariel, Sierra Boggess, belted out this amazing version of “Part of Your World”
Photo by Chris Barry
Then Tituss Burgess (Who plays Sebastian in the stage version of “The Little Mermaid”) did a great rendition of “Under the Sea.”
Photo by Chris Barry
And then the floor was thrown open for questions. With Sherie Rene Scott and other members of the cast responding to shoppers’ queries about the show.
Photo by Chris Barry
And then (once a table was set up ) it was CD signing time. As Boggess, Burgess & Scott (Along with “Mermaid” cast members Eddie Korbich and Tyler Maynard) met with fans and then signed copies of the original cast recording. As well as all sorts of “Little Mermaid” -related items that the fans brought along with them. Things like programs, posters and even the occasional collectors card.
Photo by Chris Barry
You know what really struck me about this event at the World of Disney? As I watched Sierra & Tituss standing there in their t-shirts belting out their numbers from this new Disney Broadway show, I was still swept away by the songs.
I mean, here was “The Little Mermaid” in its purest form. No huge sets, no elaborate costumes. Just the performers and those great Ashman / Menken tunes. And based on the roar of the crowd & that wave of applause that came crashing down as Boggess & Burgess finished their songs, I wasn’t the only one who really enjoyed this stripped down version of “The Little Mermaid.”
Which is why I decided to treat myself to a copy of the show’s CD.
Photo by Chris Barry
At 6 p.m., the event was over. The cast thanked the fans who remained in the store and then hurried out the door. For they still had to do a performance that night down the street at the Lunt-Fontanne.
And me? I had a great time that afternoon. And I couldn’t help but think that — if I didn’t already have seats for “The Little Mermaid” (My family and I will actually be seeing this show for the very first time next month) — Sierra & Tituss’ performances among the merchandise racks at the World of Disney would have been enough to convince me to go buy tickets for Disney’s latest musical. Their performances of “Under of the Sea” & “Part of Your World” were really that good.
Speaking of which … I’ve got a CD that I’ve got to go listen to.
Your thoughts?