How do you re-create a vibrant underwater world that's swimming with magical sea creatures on a stage where there's, well, no water? That was the question on Stephen Mear's mind as he brainstormed ways to transform Disney's popular 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid into a Broadway musical.
The new show retells the tale of Ariel, a young mermaid who longs to be human. Mear, 43, is the choreographer for the production, which opened last month in New York City. A choreographer creates musical dance routines and unique movements for the characters.
Capturing the lively fun of songs like "Under the Sea" came easily to Mear, who is used to creating elaborate dance numbers. But representing the flowing motions of the merpeople was another story, he told TFK. He wanted the movements to give a sense of buoyancy, but he didn't know where to start. Mear was on vacation at Disneyland when inspiration struck. "A little kid walked by, and then, suddenly, glided past me," he recalls. Excited, Mear chased after the family and learned that the boy was wearing Heelys, shoes with wheels built into the heels. They were perfect.
Mear quickly used this concept for special dance shoes he calls "merblades." At first, the shoes took some getting used to. Sierra Boggess, who plays Ariel, admits that she fell a few times. But now, she says, "It's second nature." Mear also devised movements for characters that don't wear merblades. Ursula, the evil sea witch, has a waddle that makes her tentacles move back and forth. And everyone's favorite crab, Sebastian, scuttles about sideways.
So, was Mear happy with the final product? "Very much," he says. "It was a big challenge, but such a pleasure, too."