The story of ’The Little Mermaid’ is a heart-warming tale of two worlds brought together by the power of love. Set in and around the ocean, it’s a tale that easily activates the emotional centre of the average Trinbagonian, in whose lives the sea is ever-present.

Carvalho Productions brings the popular narrative to life on the stage with a colourful cast, complimentary musical score and the expert direction of Raymond Choo Kong. From start to finish, this production ensnares and captivates its audience with a potent combination of drama, music and dancing led by several strong performers.

Virtual newcomer Carl Spencer tops the list with a magnificent portrayal of ’Sebastian The Crab’ that endears him to all, while Kwesi Jeffers’s rendition of the all-powerful King Triton speaks volumes above his already well-recognised musical talents. Young Elijah Wilson is at ease as Ariel’s fish-friend ’Flounder’ and Choreographer Abeo Jackson erases the notion of Disney’s overweight ’Ursula’ from our minds with her slim and trim (yet still mean and merciless) version of the vindictive sea-witch.

The cast is well chosen in general, with the possible exception of the leading lady, ’Ariel’ (Krista Aggerholm), who survives on her acting and dancing strengths, but leaves much to be desired in the vocal arena. Therein lies the major faux pas of this production: in the story, ’Ariel’ is known for her voice and indeed the plot revolves around it, but Ms Aggerholm’s voice is far from spectacular and becomes a downer at pivotal moments when it should be soaring. Ah well two out of three isn’t bad and Aggerholm uses her strengths well to try to cover her weakness.

The costumes are generally well designed and aesthetically representative of the creatures being portrayed. Although Kearn Samuel’s sea-gull ’Scuttle’ suffered a bit due to the elaborate headpiece, which garbled his already ’bird-brained’ vocals. The sound-mix fluctuated between bad and worse on Opening Night, with most of the performers fighting to be heard above the engaging musical score throughout. Nonetheless, the presentation was well received by all and sundry.

’It was very well cast,’ said popular designer Meiling following their performance on Opening Night. ’Great to see all the new talent shining ’

’It was really nice,’ said Ventures Vocalist Jamie La Borde. ’The costumes were fabulous, the singing was great I really enjoyed it!’

Apart from all the glowing reviews, some observant patrons did make note of the rather obvious technical glitches in the sound department, as well as the rather drab stage design and its unsatisfactory elevation overall.

’This sucks,’ commented one diminutive audience member seated midway in the hall during the first act. ’I can’t see a thing!’

’Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do about that,’ said Choo Kong, when asked about the horrid line of sight. ’Really we should have stadium seating with a stage like this, or the stage should be about four feet higher, but given the constraints of the venue, I’m afraid all I can advise the public to do is get here early because the best seats are definitely up front.’

The Little Mermaid is a definite treat for the kids and indeed, the entire family. Whilst tested by her love for the surface and all things human, the relationship between King Triton and his daughter Ariel endures throughout their conflicts and thus becomes endearing in the end. Love is the key emotion here and thus, this production ranks several leagues above Carvalho’s initial foray with The Wizard of Oz staged earlier this year.

’It’s one of those stories that really leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside,’ said Carvalho. ’That’s why we chose it second in the line-up. Theatre can achieve many emotions and a production can run through the full spectrum of them, but when you end on that high note and everyone in the building feels that love, that’s when I think you’ve really achieved something great.’

The Little Mermaid continues nightly at the Chaguaramas Convention Centre until September 27.