Dive Into Wonder! The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill Playhouse – Review
Written by cupor1 on June 4, 2025
By Joely DeMonte
Every element of The Little Mermaid at Paper Mill Playhouse is absolute perfection!
MILLBURN, NJ. Hillary Fisher (Ariel). Photograph by Evan Zimmerman.
Closing its 24-25 season with an absolute splash, delivering a production that is nothing short of magical. From the moment you step into the theater, you’re swept under the sea, literally. The space is transformed into a glowing, bubbling wonderland, a total immersion into a dream world.
Before jumping into the cast, I feel the entire design team deserves ovations first. With scenic design by Kenneth Foy and Kelly James Tighe, costumes by Amy Clark, Mark Koss, and Leon Dobkowski, and lighting by Charlie Morrison, every visual element contributes to the illusion of being beneath the waves. The attention to detail, the vibrant color, and the world they create is both transportive and unforgettable.
At the heart of the production is Hillary Fisher (The Notebook) as Ariel, who delivers a performance filled with warmth and vocal purity. Opposite Fisher is Mark Doyle (Moulin Rouge!) as a dashing and grounded Prince Eric, bringing an effortless charm to the role. Together, their chemistry is sweet and understated, allowing the story’s romance to blossom naturally.
MILLBURN, NJ. (L-R) Hillary Fisher (Ariel), Nick Cortazzo (Jetsam), Haven Burton (Ursula), Sean Patrick Doyle (Flotsam). Photograph by Evan Zimmerman.
Scene-stealing honors could go to Haven Burton (Shrek The Musical, How to Dance in Ohio) as Ursula, who slinks across the stage with a villainous delight that is deliciously wicked. Kyle Taylor Parker (Kinky Boots) as Sebastian is a comedic and vocal powerhouse. Nick Cortazzo and Sean Patrick Doyle as Jetsam and Flotsam are perfectly sinister. At the same time, Jared Goldsmith brings infectious energy as Scuttle, earning laughs with every shimmy, and Aubrey Matalon is an ever-endearing Flounder, full of heart and charm.
But truly, I cannot name a single standout because every performer in this cast delivers a fantastic, fully committed performance. From principal to ensemble, the stage is alive with energy and joy. Even a minor hiccup with a flight rig could not break the spell.
MILLBURN, NJ. Kyle Taylor Parker (Sebastian), Hillary Fisher (Ariel), and the ensemble of THE LITTLE MERMAID. Photograph by Evan Zimmerman.
As Flounder sings, “She’s In Love,“ but the she in question is me, and I am absolutely in love with this production.
As this season comes to an end, audiences can look forward to Paper Mill’s 25-26 season with Bull Durham, Disney’s Frozen, Come From Away, 1776, and West Side Story.
Featured image by Evan Zimmerman.
