Sierra Boggess Cast as Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid
Denver native Sierra Boggess has won the coveted role of Ariel in the upcoming stage production of The Little Mermaid, based on the Disney film and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. The new show will begin a seven-week engagement at Denver's Ellie Caulkins Opera House beginning July 26, and officially open on August 23, directed by Francesca Zambello. Additional casting will be announced shortly.
"We are delighted to announce Sierra Boggess is our Ariel," Thomas Schumacher, head of Disney Theatrical Productions, said in a statement. "She is a thrilling young talent and I am certain audiences will discover that she was destined to play the beautiful young mermaid."
The Little Mermaid takes place in a magical kingdom beneath the sea, where a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father the king, escape the clutches of an evil sea witch and convince a prince that she's the girl with the perfect voice.
The musical features beloved songs by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, including "Part of Your World," "Kiss the Girl" and the Academy Award-winning Best Original Song, "Under the Sea." There are also 11 new songs by Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright Doug Wright.
Boggess is currently starring in Phantom—The Las Vegas Spectacular, where she originated the role of Christine under the direction of Hal Prince. She joined Phantom direct from the national tour of Les Miserables. Regional credits include West Side Story Maria, The Boy Friend Polly and Pirates of Penzance Mabel. Boggess created the role of Binky in Princesses at Goodspeed and again at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. She was also a part of Lincoln Center's American Songbook Series performing in Go the Distance: The Lyrics of David Zippel. According to the news release, "Her first acting job was in a shark costume at Denver's indoor aquarium, educating children who came to learn about life under the sea. Sierra's excited to be promoted to mermaid!"
The Little Mermaid's design team includes Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear choreography, George Tsypin scenic design, Tatiana Noginova costume design, Tony winner Natasha Katz lighting design, Angelina Avallone make-up design and David Brian Brown hair design.
As previously announced, The Little Mermaid is expected to start previews at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 3, with opening night set for December 6.
