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Disney's The Little Mermaid Hans Christian Andersen Pop Culture

The Goddess: Sierra Boggess

 

Sierra Boggess as Ariel in the Broadway Adaptation of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”. Production Photo by Joan Marcus.

For those who truly know me, know that Sierra Boggess has been an inspiration of mine since 2008.  That year, Sierra originated the role as Ariel and made her Broadway debut in Disney’s stage musical adaption of The Little Mermaid.

Something in my heart, knew that my life would change forever when I purchased the soundtrack (compact disc) at Border’s Bookstore. And it did. The soundtrack changed my life and to this day, it’s always on repeat. But more importantly, Sierra’s message of:

You are Enough.

You are so Enough.

It’s Unbelievable how Enough You are! 

 Sierra and her voice, has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, when I had many telling me I couldn’t or I wasn’t good enough. Whenever I listen to her sing Part of Your World or If Only (Quartet), I’m reminded that our dreams are worth striving for, regardless of what others say and that making sacrifices is part of that journey.

I personally use my Light Lessons by Sierra Boggess as motivation and inspiration daily.  Sierra’s Light Lesson’s are daily reminders that you can change the world with kindness and gratitude practice. That we can all lift each other up, by showing the world, our best selves and recognizing our enoughness!

So how did Sierra Boggess land the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway?

Sierra Boggess as Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Las Vegas Production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian Hotel. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.

In 2006, Sierra went to New York to audition for a new production of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical The Phantom of the Opera in Las Vegas.  Before she had boarded her flight, Sierra got a call that she had landed the role of Christine. It was a role of a lifetime!

As an alternate Christine, she would perform alongside Brent Barrett and Anthony Crivello as her Phantom’s. This production was directed by Hal Prince. The show opened on June 24th, 2006.

Sierra dazzled the Las Vegas stage as Christine, embodying the character’s innocence, empathy, and strength, unlike any other actress before her.

Sierra Boggess as Ariel and Sean Palmer as Prince Eric in the Disney 2008 Broadway Production of  The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.

In October 2006, Sierra returned to New York to audition for Disney’s new musical The Little Mermaid for the role of Ariel.  The musical would be based off of Disney’s animated film version of The Little Mermaid. Sierra unfortunately, didn’t receive a call-back for the audition, so she returned to Las Vegas, and continued to play Christine in The Phantom of the Opera.

While she was attending a yoga class in January 2007, Sierra received a call from her agent telling her to “fly to NYC in three days for a final callback for The Little Mermaid. “And that is how she got the iconic role of Ariel on Broadway!

Norm Lewis as King Triton and Sierra Boggess as Ariel in Disney’s Broadway adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Production Photo taken by Joan Marcus.

On November 3rd, 2007 the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in NYC, Sierra Boggess made her Broadway debut as Ariel! The official opening night for the production of The Little Mermaid was January 10th, 2008.

As a fan of Sierra’s, since her Broadway debut, I don’t think she understood the impact, she would later have on musical theater and on the lives of many. I have fond memories of watching Sierra sing Part of Your World on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Tony Awards, and so many other TV programs, desperately wishing I could someday see her perform live.

Sierra received nominations from Drama Desk and Drama League and won the Broadway.com Favorite Breakthrough Performance for her role as Ariel!

Thank you Sierra Boggess, for inspiring so many and to embrace who they are! You are a true inspiration and incredible performer! And remember…You are Enough. You are so Enough. It’s unbelievable how Enough You Are!

 

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Disney's The Little Mermaid Pop Culture

Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live (Performance)

The Little Mermaid Live! debuted on November 5th, 2019, as a special film-hybrid anniversary concert. It was filmed on location at the Walt Disney Studios.

A glowing Jodi Benson (voice of Ariel) opened the show, sharing some of her memories of making The Little Mermaid 30 years ago and how much, the film has been apart of her life.

The Little Mermaid Live! was directed by Ron Clements, John Musker, and Hamish Hamilton.

John Musker and Ron Clements wrote the original script for The Little Mermaid for Disney in the 80s. Like Jodi Benson, anything regarding The Little Mermaid, they’ve written it, such as the The Little Mermaid TV Series, The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea, and so much more. So, it’s no surprise, that they were involved in The Little Mermaid Live! as well as the new The Little Mermaid Live Action film starring Halle Bailey as Ariel.

The Little Mermaid Live! starred Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Shaggy as Sebastian, Graham Philips as Prince Eric, John Stamos as Chef Louis, and Queen Latifah as Ursula.

One of the best performances of the night, was Queen Latifah singing ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls’. She added her own spin to the classic song, for the villain Ursula. Queen Latifah owned the stage and personified Ursula in every way.

Another fan favorite moment of the night was Auli’i (Ariel) and Graham (Eric) singing ‘If Only’. ‘If Only’ first made it’s debut in 2008, for The Little Mermaid on Broadway. It was a wonderful opportunity for fans, who had never heard the song for the very first time.

The Little Mermaid Live! overall, was filled with many magical moments, including John Stamos (Chef Louis) forgetting Prince Eric’s name.

It was definitely a wonderful blend of screen and stage, that many fans will remember as a wonderful way to commemorate the 30th anniversary of The Little Mermaid.

 

 

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Disney's The Little Mermaid Pop Culture

Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live (Promo)

Promo Photo for The Little Mermaid Live

Disney celebrated it’s 30th anniversary for it’s beloved film “The Little Mermaid” with a special live-action/animation hybrid event with “The Little Mermaid Live”.

“The Little Mermaid Live” starred Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel, Graham Phillips as Prince Eric, Queen Latifah as Ursula, Shaggy as Sebastion, and John Stamos as Chef Louis.

The highly-anticipated trailer, featured the cast in their rehearsal costumes with Auli’i singing in the background. It may only be 30 seconds in length,  but it’s full of exceptional detail, depicting iconic places and scenes in the original 1989 film of “The Little Mermaid”.

Auli'i Cravalho as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
Auli’i Cravalho as Ariel in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
Graham Phillips as Prince Eric in The Wonderful World of Disney The Little Mermaid Live
Graham Phillips as Prince Eric in The Wonderful World of Disney The Little Mermaid Live
Shaggy as Sebastion in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
Shaggy as Sebastion in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
Queen Latifah as Ursula in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
Queen Latifah as Ursula in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
John Stamos as Chef Louis in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live
John Stamos as Chef Louis in The Wonderful World of Disney: The Little Mermaid Live