Puppet renderings for Disney’ s The Little Mermaid by Lucie Greene. Puppet design and fabrication by Joe Link.
Costume rendering for Disney’ s The Little Mermaid by Costume Designer Jess Helberg
with structure, while subtle integrated lighting allows the ensemble to glow from within— creating a vibrant, phosphorescent world that quite literally comes to life.
Ariel’ s loss of voice sits at the heart of the story. Today, in a world where we are constantly negotiating how we present ourselves— online, in our communities, in our relationships— her choice feels especially resonant. Voice isn’ t just about speaking; it’ s about being recognized, being understood, and having the power to define oneself. As Ariel gives that up, she steps into a space of uncertainty that feels deeply human: the tension between who we are and who we think we need to be in order to belong.
At its core, The Little Mermaid is a story about becoming. It’ s about the risk of change, the pull of something more, and the courage it takes to step into the unknown without any guarantee of who you’ ll be on the other side. Maybe the question isn’ t just whether we can reach another world— but whether we can hold onto ourselves when we get there.
And while this story explores longing and transformation, it is also full of joy, play, and delight. This is a world of dancing sea creatures, a lively crustacean band, tapping gulls, and a community that bursts with color, rhythm, and humor. In a real world that often feels heavy and overwhelming, this story is an invitation to escape to the surface, or to dive deep into the fathoms below, where anything is possible.
ANGIE TOOMSEN
TCR Executive & Artistic Director
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