Joshua Banbury, as Sebastian in the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre's performance of "The Little Mermaid," got rave reviews for his singing and performance from SR reviewer Caroline Lobsinger. Here, he tries to escape the cleaver wielded by "Chef" Jeff Sanders. Mrs O and I watched the opening night performance last Thursday and then ran into Banbury with 2 other cast members on Tubbs Hill Friday. (Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre Facebook photo)

People who really love the animated Disney film “The Little Mermaid” will find a lot to like in Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s production of the stage musical.

There are some ridiculously talented performers on the stage, lending their pipes to some catchy songs, including the beloved tunes “Kiss the Girl,” “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.” There are talking fish of several varieties, a single-minded French chef, love at first sight and a dastardly villain.

The highlights of the movie are all there: The mermaid Ariel, youngest daughter of King Triton, falls for a human, Prince Eric, and in order to be with him makes a deal with the devilish sea witch Ursula, giving up her voice in exchange for a pair of legs.

As for those who don’t really know “The Little Mermaid,” they might spend the show confused. What are those dancers supposed to be dressed as? Kelp? Why do the suction cups on Ursula’s tentacles look like baby bottle nipples? Why do the white seagulls have yellow tail feathers? Why is the tallest actor onstage (Joshua Banbury) playing the smallest character, Sebastian the crab?

And as I wrote in all capital letters in my notebook during Act II of Thursday’s opening night performance, WHY IS ARIEL SINGING after giving her voice to Ursula? And why does she sing NOT ONCE, but TWICE?

Logically, I know why: Because you can’t have the title character of a musical stand mute for half the show. But that doesn’t change the fact that having her on the stage singing doesn’t work from a narrative standpoint, even if she is “singing” her internal dialogue. (Don’t get me started on when she “sings” in her head with three other people. It’s just silly.)

It’s a good thing, at least, that CST’s Ariel, Natalie Colvin, has a lovely voice and an engaging stage presence. Actually, this production is filled with lovely voices. Banbury brings energy and a well-trained baritone to “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl.” Tim Suenkel as Prince Eric is utterly charming and wonderful singing “Her Voice.” As Triton, Brandon Michael displays real emotion and depth – and a powerful voice – in “If Only.” And as Ursula, Kate Jaeger has a lot of fun with “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.” More here (subscription).

DFO: "The Little Mermaid" will be performed again during the next two weekends. You can learn more about the performances at the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre Facebook site here.