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Post by veu on Oct 25, 2019 11:57:02 GMT -5
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Post by veu on Oct 25, 2019 11:57:26 GMT -5
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Post by veu on Oct 25, 2019 12:02:52 GMT -5
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Post by veu on Oct 26, 2019 5:08:12 GMT -5
From E!Online: EXCLUSIVE!
See Auli'i Cravalho Nail Her First The Little Mermaid Live Recording Session
by CHRIS HARNICK | Thu., Oct. 24, 2019 4:30 PM
Auli'i Cravalho is going from one beloved Disney character (Moana) on the big screen to another on the small screen as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live and she couldn't be more excited.
In the above exclusive sneak peek, Cravalho takes viewers behind the scenes of her first recording session for "Part of Your World" with Alan Menken, the Oscar winning composer from the fan-favorite animated Disney film.
"Recording music for this live event has been kind of awe-inspiring," Cravalho says in the sneak peek.
"The first song that I sang was ‘Part of Your World' and my first take went really, really well. I was like, ‘Oh, this feels really good,'" she says. What did Menken think of it? Click play on the video above to see.
The Little Mermaid Live is part animated film, part animated spectacle and "100 percent Disney magic," Cravalho describes. ABC will broadcast the animated movie and break from the cartoon to the performers, including Cravalho, Graham Phillips and Queen Latifah, on stage singing. Elements from the Broadway play, including puppetry, will be part of the live event.Video |
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Post by veu on Oct 29, 2019 15:17:20 GMT -5
From ABCNews: Queen Latifah on becoming Ursula for 'The Little Mermaid Live!'
By ANGELINE JANE BERNABEandKIERAN MCGIRLviaGMA Oct 29, 2019, 8:25 AM ET
Queen Latifah is ultimate Hollywood royalty.
From releasing her debut hip hop album, “All Hail the Queen” nearly 30 years ago, to starring in blockbuster hits alongside other talented stars in films like “Chicago” and “Hairspray,” Queen Latifah has seemingly done it all.
Now she’s embarking on a new project as Ursula in ABC’s live presentation of “The Little Mermaid.”
PHOTO: Queen Latifah applauds during ceremonies at Harvard University awarding the W.E.B. Dubois Medals for contributions to black history and culture, Oct. 22, 2019, in Cambridge, Mass. Elise Amendola/AP
Queen Latifah applauds during ceremonies at Harvard University awarding the W.E.B. Dubois Medals for contributions to black history and culture, Oct. 22, 2019, in Cambridge, Mass.more +
(MORE: 'The Little Mermaid Live!' to air on ABC with Auli'i Cravalho, Queen Latifah and Shaggy)
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What to know on 'Little Mermaid Live'
'The Little Mermaid Live!' to star Auli'i Cravalho
“I had done a photoshoot for Disney a few years back where Annie Leibowitz shot me as Ursula,” Queen Latifah told “GMA” in an exclusive interview. “So when this popped up, it was like, OK, a TV production. Alright … Once they explained to me the way that they wanted to do it, I thought it was interesting.”
Earlier this year, Disney announced a star-studded cast would lead their first-ever television musical production in “The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!” in honor of the film’s 30th anniversary.
Queen Latifah stars alongside actress Auli’i Cravalho who will play Ariel and reggae singer Shaggy who will play Ariel’s friend, Sebastian.
“The Little Mermaid Live!” will be different from other live television performances because it will be a hybrid production where performances of the songs by the actors will be shown with clips from the animated film and puppets.
“They’re going to literally show the movie in front of a live audience of at least 500 people. And then when it comes to musical performances, it’s going to cut to the live performance of those songs and then it’ll go back into the movie and the audience will take part in it and be participants in the actual performance of it,” Latifah said. “They’ll be under the sea with us.”
Latifah, who has never been a part of a production like this before, told “GMA” how she’s preparing for Ursula’s big number from the film, “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
“It’s a serious song,” she said. “When I listen to it, you know - you think you know every Disney movie to watch it again and or you think you know a song until you actually have to sing it and you’re like, oh my god.”
The song, which comes up in the film when Ursula tries to convince Ariel into trading her voice for the chance to become human temporarily, was performed by voice actress and singer, Pat Carroll, in the film’s 1989 version.
Latifah commented on Carroll’s iconic version and said, “This person went every possible direction that you could go with a song. I mean, the diction, you know, the notes that she hit, just being a bad villain … So I got my hands full.”
(MORE: Freeform responds to Halle Bailey's 'The Little Mermaid' casting backlash)
Since signing on to the role, Latifah has been working tirelessly to get the part right but is taking it all in stride, making sure to enjoy the process.
“You know, you got one shot at this thing. You got to make it right. You know you cannot blow it,” she said. “But you prepare. You practice, practice, practice. Lots of rehearsal. And then you - just like for me, I just let it go.”
Despite the challenges of the new role, Latifah is excited about the production and the costume she’ll be wearing. She said, “It’s going to be a blast to play this character with this hair. Black purple, sort of. Skin dress. I don’t even know what to call it with my tentacles and all this … I think it’s going to be amazing.”
“The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!” will air at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5, live on ABC.
Disney is the parent company of ABC News and "Good Morning America."Video |
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Post by veu on Oct 29, 2019 15:18:57 GMT -5
From Playbill: The Little Mermaid Live! Star Queen Latifah Talks the Importance of Live Audiences and Previews Her Ursula Cackle
BY DAN MEYER
OCT 29, 2019
The Grammy and Emmy winner dropped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert October 28.
Recording artist and film star Queen Latifah swam over to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert October 28 as she discussed her upcoming performance as Ursula in The Little Mermaid Live, airing November 5 on ABC.
The Oscar nominee and Chicago star said doing live performances is why she got into the business in the first place. For her, the audience is just a vital part of the experience as the performer. "When you're live, we're all in this together," she said. "It's not just me. I'm feeding off of them; they're giving me energy." With that in mind, there will be 500 audience members in the studio during the TV spectacle.
The Grammy and Emmy winner added that every time a song plays during the film, it will instead be performed live. As far as Latifah is aware, there are no understudies either, so the pressure is on. She's more than up for the challenge though, as she proves with a sneak preview of Ursula's evil cackle.
The Little Mermaid Live! will also star Auli'i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, John Stamos as Chef Louis, and Shaggy as Sebastian. |
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Post by veu on Oct 29, 2019 15:22:49 GMT -5
From Justjared: Auli'i Cravalho & Graham Phillips Gives Fans Sneak Peek Into Recording 'Little Mermaid' Songs For Upcoming Special
We are so ready to see Auli’i Cravalho and Graham Phillips as Ariel and Prince Eric in the upcoming, The Little Mermaid Live!
In a few new videos posted to ABC’s Instagram, Auli’i, Graham and the cast of the special give fans an inside look at recording the songs for the concert, including “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Her Voice,” “Les Poissons” and, “Part of Your World.”
“Recording music for this live event has been awe-inspiring,” Auli’i shared in one of the videos. “The first song that I sang was ‘Part of Your World’, and my first take went really, really well. I was like ‘oh, this feels really good’, and I turned to Alan [Menken] and he was just like ‘Yasss!’”
You can check out sneak peeks of the upcoming special and the music below now!http://instagram.com/p/B4MDrzLAFCC http://instagram.com/p/B4NdLJaFZkW |
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Post by veu on Oct 29, 2019 15:24:30 GMT -5
From TvLine:
Little Mermaid Live!: Listen to Clips of 'Under the Sea' and More Iconic Songs
By Andy Swift / October 29 2019, 9:56 AM PDT
With exactly one week until the curtain rises on The Little Mermaid Live! (Nov. 5, 8/7c), ABC has released a new collection of behind-the-scenes videos offering first listens of the musical’s biggest numbers.
In the videos posted to Instagram on Monday night, we’re given samples of show stoppers (from both the original movie and Broadway musical) like “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Her Voice,” “Les Poissons” and, of course, “Part of Your World.” Enjoy:
ABC is describing the event as a “never-before-seen hybrid format that will take viewers on a magical adventure under the sea as live musical performances by a star-studded cast are interwoven into the broadcast of the original feature film. The live musical event will feature beautifully intricate sets and costumes by three-time Emmy Award-winning designer Zaldy, with music from the original animated film and the Tony Award-nominated Broadway stage version, originally composed by eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken.”
The cast includes Auliʻi Cravalho (Rise) as Ariel, Queen Latifah (Star) as Ursula, recording artist Shaggy as Sebastian, John Stamos (Fuller House) as Chef Louis and Graham Phillips (The Good Wife) as Prince Eric. Meanwhile, Amber Riley (Glee) will serve as the night’s emcee. You can click here for a closer look at the cast.
Watch the videos below to hear some of The Little Mermaid Live!’s biggest numbers, then drop a comment with your thoughts. How high are you setting your expectations for the big event? |
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Post by veu on Nov 1, 2019 11:38:18 GMT -5
From EW: The Little Mermaid Live! director reveals everything to expect from ABC's musical
By Sydney Bucksbaum November 01, 2019 at 11:30 AM EDT
It’s almost time to dive under the sea with ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live!
The latest live TV musical event arrives Tuesday, just ahead of the Disney movie’s 30th anniversary — The Little Mermaid debuted Nov. 13, 1989 — so what better way to celebrate than with a new interpretation of the classic tale? Starring Disney royalty Auli’i Cravalho (Moana) as Ariel, Graham Phillips (The Good Wife) as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, John Stamos as Chef Louis, and Shaggy as Sebastian, The Little Mermaid Live! isn’t going to be a shot-for-shot retelling of the beloved animated feature. In fact, director and executive producer Hamish Hamilton tells EW that this live TV musical production “is very, very different to any of the musicals that have been done before because essentially it’s 50 percent the original feature and 50 percent live musical performance.”
While Fox and NBC have previously dominated the live TV musical events, ABC is dipping its fins into the water and making a splash with a unique structure for its first foray into the genre. “Obviously all the previous live musicals have all been fully live and the dialogue has been done live with the live cast. We are not doing that,” Hamilton says. “That is the fundamental difference. And obviously we’re underwater and they’re above. Being underwater is kind of difficult! We’re trying to bring something to life underwater and that’s tough. But it’s been marvelous.”
Because The Little Mermaid is such a beloved property, Hamilton — who has directed the Super Bowl halftime show annually since 2010 as well as major awards shows like the Oscars, Olympics opening and closing ceremonies, and more — reveals that everyone from the cast, to the crew, and beyond has been more passionate about bringing this production to life than any other project he’s worked on. And that’s saying something considering how extensive his resume is!
“Everybody on the team has a love for the movie so everybody has worked extra hard on this,” he says. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime project. It’s something that’s very special in the hearts of many and there’s a huge weight of responsibility that comes with that, as the person directing the live adaptation of it. We’re very conscious of that as we build this.”
Below, Hamilton breaks down everything you can expect from ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live!
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: It sounds like this is going to be very different from what people have seen so far from live TV musicals on Fox and NBC. How did you go about staging The Little Mermaid Live! for TV?
Hamish Hamilton: In its most basic explanation, it’s actually quite simple. We will start the animated feature on a giant screen presented in a room. The television audience is almost at a concert where the star is the movie on a screen. Very quickly we’re going to go full frame into the movie so the audience on television are watching the animated feature as they have done a few times if they’re fans. The point we get to a song, we will transition from the animated feature back into our room where we will reveal our cast performing the songs. At the end of the song, huge applause, and we transition back into full frame animated feature. It’s about 55 percent of what we’re creating is the animated feature and then about 45 percent of what the TV audience will see are live performances.
That sounds like exactly how the Hollywood Bowl put on a production of The Little Mermaid with Sara Bareilles in the past.
I wasn’t going to give you that reference because people reading this, they may not be familiar with the Hollywood Bowl. But that’s absolutely, exactly the principle that we are following. One of the executive producers of our show, and actually one of the two people who birthed this particular interpretation is the producer of those Hollywood Bowl live spectacles. What we’re making is like that, but a more elaborate interpretation with our cast.
Having seen the Hollywood Bowl production myself, it’s a great way to marry the original iconic movie while still doing something new and exciting.
Honestly, hand on heart, I really hope so. We’re doing everything in our power to make the blend beautiful. The Hollywood Bowl clearly demonstrates that it can work and it does work, and we’re taking a stage further. We hope that when we present it, people like yourself — well, actually everybody, but particularly people like yourself who love the movie so much will love our take on it.
But the big question on everyone’s minds when it comes to televised live musical productions is after what happened with Rent: Live where a star got injured during the final rehearsal and they didn’t have understudies, do you have understudies for all the major roles?
We’ve got a plan in place.
Okay, phew. And speaking of that, what lessons have you learned from other live TV musical events that you remembered while bringing this one to life?
There’s a great joy and electricity in live that you can’t replicate in any other kind of form, really. It’s an electricity that infuses everybody on the show and 99 percent of people really rise to the occasion, they know that it’s all or nothing. It’s the big game. Everything is pinned on everybody’s performance — some people have a very large role to play, some people have what may be perceived as a lesser role to play but actually everybody on the production, and this is something that I’ve learned from the Super Bowl, everybody, the whole team, has a really, really important part to play. If one person makes a mistake, it can have huge and profound impact on the entire production. People do make mistakes but the great thing about these live teams is that everybody’s got everybody else’s back. We work together to overcome the problems. The beautiful thing about these shows is that it’s so great for people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come together to create something magical. It fills my heart with joy. We’re definitely being ambitious with this one, trying things, and that’s bold. We really are setting our sights high, basically because we’re inspired by the original movie which was brilliant. They tried new things and they took risks and we are honor bound to do the same.
How do you think your version of The Little Mermaid is going to surprise longtime fans?
What we are not doing is changing the structure or the story or the magic. What we’re doing is we are blending a live perspective and a live energy and a live interpretation to the original feature. I certainly don’t want to shock anybody when they’re watching this piece of art that is so special to them so we’re not taking any liberties. I’m hoping to delight people and to warm people’s hearts. It’s a new way to watch The Little Mermaid — it will never replace the original. We are hopefully adding a slightly new take. It’s a celebration, ultimately. It’s just filled with so much joy and magic and honestly, the world can do with a little bit of that right now.
Let’s talk about casting — did you always know who you wanted for the cast or were there some surprises for you?
The cast are all absolutely perfect. I couldn’t be more thrilled. These were the people we went after. They were all our absolute No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 choices. For them to be so universally acclaimed by fans of the movie and the general public alike, that was great. That gives all the fans out there an illustration of our take on how we’re going to celebrate the feature. Each one of the artists cast so far have an affinity with the original character. You can imagine each of those people playing the roles and you’re excited by them. We’re not doing any shock-and-awe or radical surprises. Auli’i is just the perfect live Ariel.
How are you making sure to set your production apart from the upcoming live-action movie?
They’re completely different. What they have is a completely blank sheet of paper. What we have is a concept that is almost 50 percent of the original content and 50 percent live in the room, live on television. The parameters that both productions have got are vastly different that both properties will be incredibly different. Boy, am I excited to see what they come up with! And pretty soon they’re going to see what we’ve done.
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far in developing and staging this production?
The biggest challenge actually has been trying to make sense of it all because you’ve got half the original animated feature and half live. What we’ve had to do is make sure that the story of The Little Mermaid is told all the way through our musical performances. That sometimes has its challenges — how do we create performances that are spectacular and joyful and magical but also tell the story? And then also the story takes place underwater. How do you bring some of those characters to life? We’ve got some interesting, interesting solutions to that. I’m really excited. I’ve been very blessed to be involved with all kinds of amazing productions — Super Bowls, awards shows, live concerts — and Little Mermaid is right up there.
The Little Mermaid Live! airs Tuesday, Nov. 5. at 8 p.m. on ABC. |
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Post by veu on Nov 1, 2019 13:39:37 GMT -5
From TvGuide: Today’s News
Watch Queen Latifah Sing 'Poor Unfortunate Souls' in This The Little Mermaid Live! Sneak Peek
By Lindsay MacDonald | Nov 1, 2019 2:36 PM EDT
ABC's debut of The Little Mermaid Live! is just around the corner, and waiting to see this show is like waiting for Prince Eric to just kiss the girl already! TV Guide has your exclusive first look at the behind-the-scenes action, and things appear to be going swimmingly as the cast prepares for the live show.
The Little Mermaid Live! will have 12 show-stopping songs, some of which will be performed for the first time. The rehearsal clips from this sneak peek tease exactly how the show will take you to the ocean floor with acrobatics and wire choreography that really do seem to simulate an underwater experience. As for the vocal performances, this show could not have selected a more perfect cast!
We got our first peek at Auli'i Cravalho singing a soulful rendition of "Part of Your World," and Queen Latifah bringing the house down with her version of "Poor Unfortunate Souls." Any worries we had about these actors not doing the original songs justice has officially disappeared. If the live show is anything like these rehearsals, we're in for a major treat!
The Little Mermaid Live! airs Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 8/7c on ABC. |
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Post by veu on Nov 2, 2019 5:03:39 GMT -5
From Star Advertiser: Auli‘i Cravalho dives into live version of ‘Little Mermaid’
LOS ANGELES >> Auli‘i Cravalho is one of the few actors who can boast that they will have played two different Disney princesses. Her voice work brought the animated character of Moana to life. Now she’s speaking and singing for Ariel in “The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!”
The hybrid production to mark the 30th anniversary of the film will blend live performances with moments from the animated film. Joining Cravalho, a Kamehameha graduate, in the cast for the broadcast Tuesday on ABC are Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastian and Graham Phillips as Prince Eric.
Sets are being constructed on the Disney lot, where performers will sing before a studio audience. What they and the home audience will see are moments of the animated film that will give way to certain scenes being performed by the actors. After the scene, the animated film will pick up and continue until the next live action scene.
“Moana,” Cravalho’s first professional acting job, had the 18-year-old from Hawaii doing standard voice recording work. It’s a whole new world with Ariel, both because the production will be performed live and because Cravalho is such a huge fan of Jodi Benson, Ariel’s original voice. She has gotten to know Benson and says the veteran actor has become almost like an older sister to her.
“Luckily, I get to bring my own feelings to the character,” Cravalho says. “When it comes to Jodi, she has that beautiful classic sound, whereas the songs I sang in ‘Moana’ had a pretty strong belt to them. I am working with Alan Menken on it and I think we are going to find something in between.
“I think there is just so much room to play with that while, of course, still paying homage to the original character. That’s me anyway. And, of course, there’s so many beautiful set designs and so much of, really, a visual buffet that I am part of this, but there’s also just so much more that I know people will enjoy that I won’t have to worry too much about what I bring to the character because I bring myself, and I feel like that’s enough.”
The live production is a new experience for Cravalho. Because she landed the role in “Moana” at such a young age, she didn’t have many opportunities to do live productions in school. Since “Moana,” Cravalho starred in the short-lived NBC musical drama “Rise,” her first on-screen job.
There has been little time for Cravalho to get nervous, as rehearsals for “The Little Mermaid Live!” started only weeks before the telecast. As for the advice Benson gave Cravalho in regards to doing a live version of the animated film classic, all she said was “Buckle up, buttercup.”
The creative team has faith in Cravalho. Executive producer Hamish Hamilton is certain a lot of young women dream of playing the role, but they knew they had the right person when Cravalho walked into the room bringing “joy and wonder.”
Going from Moana to Ariel feels like a natural transition for her.
“I grew up maybe about 20 minutes from the beach, so I would say I was pretty water active as a kid, I’m very, very grateful to be able to play Ariel from beyond the reef to under the sea, I suppose, and yes, I’m boy, oh, boy, I feel there are so many, I feel like, similarities that I can relate to as far as curiosity and wondering what’s just beyond my reach, you know? So I’m very grateful again,” Cravalho says. “The song I relate to the most in ‘Little Mermaid’ is ‘Part of Your World.’
“I can relate to what she is singing because I grew up on a very small island and never thought I was going to get very much of anything. And, my life has truly changed but it means standing up for yourself.”
The one thing she doesn’t agree with when it comes to Ariel is the pact she makes with Ursula to trade her voice for the legs needed to be part of the dry land world. Cravalho says in no uncertain terms there is nothing in the world she would trade her voice to get.
There could come a time when a similar production of “Moana” would lead to another actor singing the lead role. Cravalho would find that a joyous situation.
“I think it is fantastic when we have new renditions,” Cravalho says. “I think every Disney film is reflective of their time but almost always we can pull different morals and ideas and bring them into the future. I can’t wait to see the next Polynesian girl play Moana.”Auli’i Cravalho and Graham Phillips star in “The Little Mermaid.” |
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Post by veu on Nov 2, 2019 5:05:10 GMT -5
From Channel Guide Magazine: The Wonderful World Of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live!
A Hybrid Live Event Celebrates 30 Years Of A Classic Tale.
November 1, 2019 Jeff Pfeiffer
Ariel, the title character of Disney’s classic animated film The Little Mermaid, famously sings about wanting to become “Part of Your World” in relation to the prince she loves and the surface-dwelling existence she thinks is preferable to her life undersea. While Ariel’s efforts to achieve that new life for herself lead to conflict and drama, the masterfully produced movie didn’t have much difficulty instantly becoming a lasting part of our world after it hit theaters 30 years ago, in November 1989. Thanks in large part to infectiously catchy Alan Menken/Howard Ashman tunes like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” the film kicked off the Disney Renaissance in traditional animation.
The beloved tale will be retold in Disney’s upcoming Little Mermaid CGI/live-action feature-film remake, but this month’s ABC live musical special The Little Mermaid Live! — airing as a tribute to the original film’s 30th anniversary — is unrelated to that. In fact, after listening to the production’s director and executive producer Hamish Hamilton explain it at a press conference, it seems The Little Mermaid Live! isn’t quite like anything that has been attempted on live television before.
Having directed every Super Bowl halftime show since 2010, Hamilton is no stranger to producing live events on a huge stage, but even with that technical experience he seems to have found a fascinating new challenge with this production.
“It’s an interesting hybrid,” Hamilton said. “It’s a celebration. We’re celebrating this incredible animated feature, and we’re going to do it on the Disney lot … live-to-air in front of a live audience.
“We will have a giant projection surface, and on that projection surface we will play the [original] feature. When we get to one of Alan and Howard’s wonderful songs, essentially we will transition beautifully and smoothly into a world of live performance.”
Whether Hamilton is successful in the technical aspects of bringing to life an underwater world live onstage during these musical numbers will remain to be seen. One thing we do know already, though, is that the production’s star-studded cast will certainly do justice to the legendary songs.
Auli’i Cravalho, who had a breakout role voicing the main character in Disney’s Moana, headlines the special as Ariel. Reggae/rap star Shaggy, with not only his singing talent but also his Jamaican background, is a fitting choice to bring Caribbean flair to the voice of Sebastian the crab. And we are absolutely looking forward to Queen Latifah, who plays sea witch Ursula, belting out that villain’s show-stopping number “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
“I’m excited about the whole thing,” Shaggy said. “I have three daughters, and I had to sit down and watch this movie, the original movie, over and over and over and over and over again. And I feel like Sebastian is me because after a while, you are watching it and your girls are there, and because they are reciting every line to it, you’ve got to join in at some point because that’s the only way you’re getting points as a dad.”
Turns out, this isn’t Shaggy’s first encounter with performing a classic Little Mermaid song, either.
“Years ago [in 1996], actually, I recorded ‘Under the Sea,’” he explained, “and I kind of did, like, almost a rap version. It’s funny how things come full circle, that now I’ve been granted this amazing opportunity, and I think even for the whole Caribbean, just having this Caribbean feel and this Caribbean rep over here. Doing it is pretty exciting, and I’ve just got to embody it.”
Cravalho expressed similar excitement about embodying a classic character, coming across with the same confidence as the Little Mermaid herself despite the uncertainties of a live performance coupled with the expectations some fans might have for Ariel.
“I had the absolute honor of meeting Jodi Benson [the voice of Ariel in the 1989 feature],” Cravalho offered, “who brought this wonderful character to life. … I think that I share the curiosity, and I share the joy that Ariel has. And I think there is just so much room to play with that while, of course, still paying homage to the original character.
“I won’t have to worry too, too much about what I bring to the character because I bring myself, and I feel like that’s enough.”
The Wonderful World Of Disney Presents The Little Mermaid Live!
ABC
Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7pm |
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Post by veu on Nov 2, 2019 5:11:04 GMT -5
From EntertainmentToday: Wonderful World of Disney brings The Little Mermaid Live on ABC
MARGIE BARRON Nov 1st, 2019 0 Comments
A unique tribute to the animated classic The Little Mermaid will be presented by “The Wonderful World of Disney” on ABC, Tuesday, November 5.
The Little Mermaid Live will showcase the timeless music of Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman for the 30th anniversary of one of the most beloved Disney films of all time. The ABC production will take viewers on a magical adventure under the sea as live musical performances by a star-studded cast are interwoven into the broadcast of the original film.
Auli’i Carvalho, (of Disney’s Moana fame) was born and raised in Hawaii surrounded by water and is very comfortable in the role of Ariel. She said, “It’s almost every little girl’s dream to be the Little Mermaid. I think I share her curiosity, wondering what’s just beyond my reach. I share the joy that Ariel has, and I had the absolute honor of meeting Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel in the 1989 animated movie) who just brought this wonderful character to life, and I will pay homage to the original character. I won’t have to worry too much about what I bring to the character because I bring myself, and I feel like that’s enough.”
Auli’i was on hand for the ABC interview panel at the Television Critics Association’s Summer 2019 press tour to talk about being part of the beloved musical. Also on the panel were composer Alan Menken, executive producers Hamish Hamilton (who directs) and Ian Stewart, plus the Grammy winning Reggae musician Shaggy, who plays the Caribbean crab Sebastian. Also part of the talented cast are Queen Latifah (as Ursula), Graham Phillips (Prince Eric), John Stamos (Chef Louis), and Amber Riley (Glee) as the show’s emcee.
Hamilton called The Little Mermaid Live! an immersive experience and explained how the interesting hybrid production will be presented. He said, “We’re going to do it on the Disney lot in front of a live audience. We’ve invited a few hundred real fans to come to our Little Mermaid theater. We will have a giant projection surface to play the feature. When we get to one of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s wonderful songs, essentially we will transition beautifully and smoothly into a world of live performance.”
The 12-song spectacle will include aerialists, choreography, and puppets along with the live performers. Part of the magic will be a variety of actual sets that bring the underwater scenes to life with the same vibrancy that appeared in the original movie. Ariel’s cave with all of her friends, Ursula among her “poor unfortunate souls,” and the excitement of Prince Eric’s ship will be part of the live action, recreating some truly iconic shots. Reinforcing the original feature will be amazing visuals all the way through the live show up to “they lived happily ever after.”
It will be incredible to see Ariel, Sebastian, Prince Eric, Ursula, and the other characters pop out of the movie and come to life. Little Mermaid Live is “part animated film, part live spectacle, and 100% Disney magic,” said composer Alan Menken.
The music has resonated since the fantasy movie debuted 30 years ago, appealing to kids and adults alike. Menken said, “I try to always let my music come from characters and stories, and that speaks to people. I’d like to think that the craft of what we create bring that to life in a memorable way. I always try to have interesting inspiration for songs. In the case of “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast” or “Aladdin,” it’s the collaboration with Howard Ashman, an incredible genius. It was a privilege in my life to work with him. The work we created together has this life that has amazed me. I just sit back and go, ‘wow.’”
For a unique experience tune in The Little Mermaid Live! Tuesday, November 5 on ABC. |
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Post by veu on Nov 2, 2019 17:30:47 GMT -5
From Spokesman: Around the Remote: Disney takes viewers ‘Under the Sea’ with live ‘Little Mermaid’
Sat., Nov. 2, 2019
Auli'l Cravalho, shown at the 2018 Teen Choice Awards, will star as Ariel in the live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid.” (Jordan Strauss / Associated Press)
By Chuck Barney
Tribune News Service
DON’T MISS: “The Wonderful World of Disney Presents: The Little Mermaid Live!”: This should be interesting. Producers hope viewers are ready to go under the sea via a magical adventure that combines footage from the 1989 animated classic with live performances from the film and Broadway musical. Performed in front of a live studio audience, the hybrid production features Auli’i Cravalho (“Moana”) as love-struck mermaid Ariel, Queen Latifah as Ursula and reggae musician Shaggy as Sebastian the crab. Will you want to be part of their world? (8 p.m. Tuesday, ABC). |
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Post by veu on Nov 2, 2019 17:32:46 GMT -5
From Inside The Magic: Jodi Benson, original voice of Ariel, to appear in ABC’s “The Little Mermaid Live!”
Posted on November 2, 2019 by Kelly Coffey Leave a comment
In honor of the 30th anniversary of one of the most beloved and popular Disney animated films ever, ABC and The Wonderful World of Disney will air a spectacular, live musical event showcasing The Little Mermaid.
We already know that the line up includes Moana star Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Shaggy as Sebastian, Full House star John Stamos as Chef Louis, Graham Phillps as Prince Eric, and Queen Latifah as Ursula. But now we have even more reason to be excited!
Jodi Benson, who provided the original speaking and singing voice of Ariel, announced on Facebook that she, too, will be involved in the live musical spectacular. Benson said that fans can look forward to her giving a special welcome message during ABC’s The Little Mermaid Live!
Jodi Benson wrote “So blessed to be a part of our celebration on ABC Tuesday night The Little Mermaid Live event for our film’s 30th Anniversary! Tune in and dive “Under The Sea” with me!”
ABC and The Wonderful World of Disney is describing this one-of-a-kind spectacular as:
This special tribute to the original animated classic and its timeless music will take viewers on a magical adventure under the sea as live musical performances by a star-studded cast will be interwoven into the broadcast of the original feature film. This never-before-seen hybrid format will feature beautifully intricate sets and costumes, with music from the original animated film and the Tony Award®-winning Broadway stage version, originally composed by eight-time Oscar®-winning composer, Alan Menken. Howard Ashman’s iconic film lyrics will also be showcased, while lyricist for the Broadway adaptation, Glenn Slater, will contribute to the star-studded spectacular.
Disney fans, including myself, are looking forward to seeing live musical performances by this star studded cast, which airs on November 5th on ABC.
Are you excited to see Jodi Benson make a special appearance during this spectacular live musical event? Let us know in the comments.
Source: Facebook |
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Post by veu on Nov 3, 2019 8:21:40 GMT -5
The Little Mermaid Live! Sneak Peek at Amber Riley's New Character
Amber Riley takes us behind the scenes of her The Little Mermaid Live! character, the emcee, as she sings a song to present King Triton's daughters, including Ariel. The Little Mermaid Live! airs Nov.5 on ABC.
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Post by veu on Nov 3, 2019 8:24:05 GMT -5
Touring The Little Mermaid Live Set with Graham Phillips! | Disney Princess
Nathalia and Sage from the Disney Princess Club go behind the scenes of the Wonderful World of Disney Presents: The Little Mermaid Live! with an exclusive set tour from Graham Phillips!
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Post by veu on Nov 4, 2019 11:12:27 GMT -5
From D23: Graham Phillips Makes a Splash in The Little Mermaid Live!
OCTOBER 31, 2019
By D23 Team
Next week, The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! will take us to the magical fathoms below with a new tail, weaving the original film with live musical performances by a star-studded cast of comprised of Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel; Queen Latifah as the menacing sea witch Ursula; John Stamos as an eccentric French cook, Chef Louis; Shaggy as Sebastian; Graham Phillips as Prince Eric and Amber Riley as the emcee, presenting the Daughters of Triton with a special performance for King Triton and his subjects.
D23 recently sat down with Phillips to talk all things The Little Mermaid Live! before the premiere of the ABC live production on November 5.
D23: How does it feel to be cast as Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Live!
Graham Phillips (GP): Well, it’s been about 15 years since I was cast as a prince [in The Little Prince], so it’s exciting for me to go back to my roots. The Little Mermaid was the first Disney film I remember watching. I was about 5 years old, and I have a really distinct recollection of watching that film with my family, so it was kind of surreal to even just audition for that role. Because at that age you don’t think they’re just characters, you see them as real people. So to breathe life back into that character—that I loved at an early age—was pretty awesome.
The Little Mermaid Live!
D23: How have you prepared to be Prince Eric?
GP: The preparation has been quite rigorous. I’ve been swimming a lot and am basically trying to get in touch with my aquatic self. Prince Eric is obsessed with the water, and I think that’s pretty telling. He’s on a search for the unknown. He’s looking for adventure and something new. He’s happy to be free from the castle walls. I grew up in Laguna Beach so I’ve always been around the ocean, but I figured why not take some sailing lessons? I’ve always wanted to do that. But also, most of this role is vocal because we’re not just doing the scenes—we’re also doing the songs, so the singing is very important. I read the original Hans Christian Andersen story and that gave a little more insight to the prince, but honestly there’s so much in the lyrics that were written, too. Just listening to Howard Ashman’s lyrics tells you everything you need to know about what’s rattling around the prince’s head with his memory of Ariel and his search to be reunited with her. There’s a lot more material in the songs that we’re going to be performing than maybe there is in the original film. In the original, there’s not too much to [help] deduce what’s going on in Prince Eric’s head, so I’m really thankful that we’re getting to also do the songs that were written after the fact, because they shed more light on Prince Eric.
D23: With this unique experience using both screens and stage, how are all of you preparing for the live musical performances?
GP: What’s interesting is that there are certain transitions where we really have to match our body language to the frames of the film that we’re using from the original film. For instance, there’s one moment where we transition from Prince Eric and Max on the beach, when he’s playing his flute and saying something along the lines of ‘her voice, I just can’t get it out of my mind’ and that’s what we’ve taken as the cue to insert a song that wasn’t in the original film, “Her Voice [from the Broadway musical].” We’re matching that little tableau with him and Max. But really, it’s just the same preparation for anything that’s live—making sure you know it backwards and forwards.
D23: Who is your favorite character from The Little Mermaid?
GP: My favorite character has got to be Ursula. Although it does shift from day to day, but today it’s Ursula. I think she’s one of the best Disney villains that there are, and I just love her powerful, sultry, conniving manner, and Queen Latifah is nailing that.
Auli'i Cravalho and Graham Phillips
D23: Speaking of your other cast members, who are you most excited to be working with?
GP: Obviously, most of my interactions are with Ariel, so getting to work with Auli’i has been a delight. She’s incredible. She’s got this amazing voice and brings so much of her emotion to that voice. She’s such a giving actress. We’re doing “Kiss the Girl,” which is a big number for Sebastian, but for us, we’re just sitting in a boat for two minutes looking at each other. I’m sure you can imagine how that can be either awkward or boring or any combination, but with her, it’s dynamic and interesting. It has an arc, which is something I was initially a little worried about, but not now.
D23: She’s now a two-time Disney princess, so she has some experience.
GP: Yeah! I have some big shoes to fill.
D23: Is there something you’re most excited for audiences to see in The Little Mermaid Live!
GP: For anyone who has fallen in love with the film but hasn’t seen the Broadway musical, there are a few songs that I think they’re really going to like. Perhaps I’m biased, but I love “Her Voice.” I think that song is such an interesting part of the story. It’s the other side of the coin, in the sense that you hear a lot about what Ariel is going through, but you don’t really explore what Prince Eric is going through. Getting a sense for what he feels about Ariel, I think, makes the romance more powerful and the magnetism between the two characters more powerful. I think it helps the story out, so I think that’s something people will really enjoy.
D23: Would you say that’s your favorite song from The Little Mermaid Live! ?
GP: It’s definitely my favorite new song, but I mean, “Part of Your World” has got to be my favorite song. It’s so iconic. And it resonates with me in a way that I’m sure resonates with a lot of people because there will be these moments where you think you’ve got it all figured out, yet you still feel like there’s something that you’re missing. Just getting in touch with the idea that the things that you need the most are the things you can’t necessarily see is a really powerful message. I mentioned playing a prince before; that was when I was 12 years old and played the Little Prince. That book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has a saying, “anything essential is invisible to the eye,” and I think “Part of Your World” encapsulates the yearning for that essence. |
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Post by veu on Nov 4, 2019 11:18:56 GMT -5
From D23: D23 Inside Disney Episode 10 | Prince Eric speaks out—and sings!—about The Little Mermaid Live!
Podcast |
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