Disney’s animated classic, 'The Little Mermaid' will be given new life for a special evening.
As 'The Little Mermaid' plays on a giant movie screen, Conductor Nicholas Buc will lead Adelaide Symphony Orchestra performing the film’s Oscar and Grammy-winning score.
One of the most beloved films and soundtracks, 'The Little Mermaid' features songs and score by Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman.
Conductor Nicholas Buc divulges his top five magical moments from the Disney classic.
Part Of Your World
Ariel’s first major song in the film provides the heart and soul of the entire score. Like many Disney musicals (and even non-Disney ones – think Dorothy’s 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' from 'The Wizard Of Oz'), it conforms to the classic “I want” structure and speaks of a longing desire to move out of the comfort zone of one's present situation.
Under The Sea
Arguably the most famous song from the film, the Caribbean flavour and Reggae grooves underpin some sage advice from Sebastian the crab, who extols the virtues of the life that Ariel is about to leave behind.
Ariel Transforms
The scene where Ariel gets her wish granted and transforms into a human with real feet is a perfect lesson in musical duality. It is both threatening and dazzling, riddled with trepidation and excitement at the same time, with a wonderful exchange between Ursula’s booming voice and Ariel’s soaring, angelic tones.
Crash the Wedding
Menken’s underscore is in full “animation mode” during the scene in which Scuttle warns Ariel of the duplicitous nature of Ursula’s grand plan. As the friends all race to stop the wedding, the music covers a range of frenetic styles, with dancing woodwinds, a throaty pipe organ and muted brass conveying the increasing sense of urgency.
Happy Ending
It wouldn’t be a Disney film without a grand finale and Menken concludes his score by wrapping things up nicely, including a gorgeous, full choral performance of 'Part Of Your World'.
'The Little Mermaid In Concert' plays Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena 7 December.
