{"id":369386,"date":"2025-06-15T14:48:56","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T18:48:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/?p=369386"},"modified":"2025-06-15T14:48:56","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T18:48:56","slug":"a-wondrous-little-mermaid-to-fall-in-love-with-at-tobys-dinner-theatre","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dctheaterarts.org\/2025\/06\/15\/a-wondrous-little-mermaid-to-fall-in-love-with-at-tobys-dinner-theatre\/","title":{"rendered":"A wondrous ‘Little Mermaid’ to fall in love with at Toby\u2019s Dinner Theatre"},"content":{"rendered":"

This magical underwater Disney classic, The Little Mermaid,<\/em> presented by Toby\u2019s Dinner Theatre, <\/em>is sure to evoke childhood nostalgia in adults and spark wondrous excitement in the kiddos. The visually stunning and immersive setting, the mermaid costumes, the big musical numbers, and the iconic scenes reminded me of why I continue to fall in love with this aquatic journey of dreams and happy endings.<\/p>\n

A most beloved heroine, our mermaid Ariel, superbly portrayed by Abby Middleton, is at the heart of this story. Her journey to walk in the sun with the very human Prince Eric, performed by the idyllic Carter Crosby, is a strange and twisted one. This journey, fraught with a vengeful sea witch, Ursula, embodied by the talented Lynn Sharp-Spears, and an unmovable father, the foreboding King Triton, admirably played by Adam Grabau, takes her through wonder, hopelessness, determination, and a last-ditch effort to gain it all or lose everything. Originally based on the book by Doug Wright and under the masterful direction of Mark Minnick, the story is skillfully told and presented amid such surreal beauty that it could stop your breath.<\/p>\n

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Eric (Carter Crosby), Ariel (Abby Middleton), Scuttle (Jeffrey Shankle), and Sebastian (Elijah Henderson) sing \u2018Kiss the Girl\u2019 in \u2018The Little Mermaid.\u2019 Photo by Jeri Tidwell Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I will always appreciate the scenic design by Shane Lowry. It takes a special talent to create an underwater feel in the middle of a restaurant. The blue fabric and fan veils that recreate waves on a turbulent sea, the overhead jellyfish, the beautifully decorated entrances, and the moving d\u00e9cor \u2014 I was completely awestruck. It was just downright beautiful. Especially the scene for \u201cKiss the Girl.\u201d I loved it. I will say that most of the iconic moments from the original were well done and present in this adaptation. I was very pleased with that. The only miss was that the original death of Ursula was downplayed, and I was slightly disappointed in that regard, but it was still a well-executed production.<\/p>\n

The lighting by Lynn Joslin was another key element. It was on time and instrumental in creating the various moods throughout the play. But it was done so well, you weren\u2019t even necessarily aware it was happening.<\/p>\n

Another fun element was the costumes, particularly the tails for the mermaids. Hats off to Sarah King and Janine Sunday for their work as the costume coordinators. I understand to some extent why Ariel and her sisters had tails while the other merfolk didn\u2019t. And I must be honest: I did chuckle when I first saw Ariel\u2019s tail. It may not have been meant to be funny, and I apologize if it offends, but it was funny, cute, and in keeping with what I expected to see.<\/p>\n

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TOP: Ursula (Lynn Sharp-Spears) and Ariel (Abby Middleton); ABOVE: Sebastian (Elijah Henderson) and company sing \u2018Under the Sea,\u2019 in \u2018The Little Mermaid.\u2019 Photos by Jeri Tidwell Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Speaking of Ariel, Abby Middleton did the most amazing job. Her voice was bewitching, strong, and clear, just what you would expect from a siren of the sea. The more well-known musical number \u201cPart of Your World\u201d was a ten out of ten. It was hard to contain my glee and urge to sing out during those moments. Because who hasn\u2019t tried to recreate that moment when they\u2019ve gone to the beach? Just me? OK.<\/p>\n

Prince Eric, Ariel\u2019s true love, gave a legendary performance. His vocals were exemplary, and his rendition of \u201cHer Voice\u201d and \u201cOne Step Closer\u201d was hauntingly alluring. From the top of his head to the tippity tap of his toes, he was the ideal vision of what I pictured when I think of Prince Eric. His voice was the chef\u2019s kiss to the overall picture.<\/p>\n

But the real standout was the show-stopping Sebastian, depicted by the incomparable Elijah Henderson. He almost became the star of the show; his singing was that good. Even with the heavier patois of the Caribbean, you could understand him, and when he sang, he opened up and gave you everything. The big numbers \u201cUnder the Sea\u201d and \u201cKiss the Girl\u201d were astonishingly delightful and honestly some of the best live renditions I have heard. I was quite impressed.<\/p>\n

And of course, this wouldn\u2019t be a dinner theater without the food. I\u2019m always amazed at how well everything is organized at Toby\u2019s and how good the food is. The ribs were so very good! So seasoned and tender! Honestly, I really want that recipe. The Key Lime Pina Colada drink called the Show Stopper (non-alcoholic version) was a drinkable summertime dessert. Plus, it comes with a collectible take-home glass. The Little Mermaid<\/em>\u2013themed food names added extra fun. The variety of food is also appreciated. It\u2019s not too much, not too little; it\u2019s just the right amount. And there\u2019s plenty of it, so you don\u2019t have to worry about them running out.<\/p>\n

Quick note: Toby\u2019s is undergoing construction, but once you get past the parking lot, you won\u2019t notice it. It didn\u2019t affect the performance or the top-notch service they provide.<\/p>\n

Overall, I enjoyed the evening out, and the show was exactly what I wanted and needed it to be. I couldn\u2019t have asked for a better time. Toby\u2019s Dinner Theatre continues to deliver high-caliber shows and amazing delectables to its audiences. They should feel proud of what they accomplished. It was the perfect evening for all ages, bringing a bit of sea magic to add joy to our lives. Thank you.<\/p>\n

Running Time: 90 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.<\/p>\n

Disney’s The Little Mermaid<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>plays through August 17, 2025, at Toby\u2019s Dinner Theatre<\/a>, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD. Tickets, including dinner and show (adult, $74\u2013$92; child, $64\u2013$67), can be purchased by calling 410-730-8311 or online<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The menu is here.<\/a> The playbill is here.<\/a><\/p>\n