Walt Disney World shared a look at two of the new puppets that will be used during “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
‘The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure’ Puppets
As Disney announced on Monday morning, the show will use all new puppets. One of the puppets they shared a photo of was Max, Prince Eric’s dog.
Another puppet is a green, pink, and purple turtle. This will be one of the puppets used in a blacklight sequence, just like the old “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show that “A Musical Adventure” replaces.
The show also uses cutting-edge digital imagery and motion capture for characters like King Triton, Ursula, and Ariel’s sisters. Ariel’s sisters will perform “Daughters of Triton,” which wasn’t included in the previous stage show.
“We’re using some really cutting-edge tools like motion capture technology, which you may have seen used in blockbuster films,” said James Silson, Show Director. “Basically, we have a live performer in a suit covered in sensors, and the data captured from their performance helps us create a digital animation of the character, which our animators then use to bring them to life on stage.”
Ursula will also appear live on stage.
“We thought about what Ariel’s room may look like and came up with this collage style that you’ll see woven throughout the production,” said Sarah Schmidt, Creative Concept Artist & Illustrator for Disney Live Entertainment. “This new look really informed every design decision – from scenic, to the puppets, even the custom digital content being created for the show.”
“We’re really blending the line between real and digital in ways we’ve never done before to completely fill the stage for these show-stopping scenes,” said James. “You’re going to see these large new physical set pieces we’ve created blend seamlessly with a digital environment in a way that really fills the stage. You’ll see digital puppets transform into real ones right before your eyes. You’ll even see animated characters performing in the same space as real actors. It’s going to feel like magic!”
The show opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year.
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