Disney’s Hollywood Studios Makes Waves with Inclusive Casting Call for ‘The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure’
In a move towards greater inclusivity, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has opened casting for its upcoming production, “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” to transgender men and women. The new show, replacing “Voyage of the Little Mermaid,” is seeking to fill various roles, including the lead roles of Ariel and Prince Eric.
Related – New Concept Art Revealed for The Little Mermaid Musical Adventure
A recent casting call in New York specifically invited both cisgender and transgender individuals to audition for the roles. This is a departure from previous Disney casting calls, which typically stated “man” or “woman” without specifying whether transgender performers were welcome.
The casting notice for Ariel seeks a “White woman, transgender woman” between 18 and 30 years old, with a height range of 5’2″ to 5’6″. The character is described as a “spirited, fun-loving, yet curious mermaid princess who longs to be a part of the human world.” For Eric, the casting call is for a “White man, transgender man” between 18 and 30 years old, with a height range of 5’10” to 6’0″. The character is described as “charismatic and fearless,” a “true romantic who never gives up on his heart’s desire.”
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” is scheduled to debut this fall at the Animation Courtyard Theater in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The show will feature the same beloved songs as its predecessor, with the addition of “Kiss the Girl” and “Daughters of Triton.” A sneak peek of some of the new puppets was released earlier this year, generating excitement among fans.
