Character guide
Ariel
from The Little Mermaid
Ariel is the mermaid princess at the center of The Little Mermaid, Alan Menken's 2008 Disney musical.
- Show
- The Little Mermaid
- Broadway premiere
- 2008
- Role
- Lead
- Music by
- Alan Menken
Ariel: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1989 animated film and 2023 remake
The stage Ariel defeats the villain herself. On Broadway she grabs Ursula's nautilus shell, regains her voice, and destroys the shell, which destroys Ursula; in the 1989 film Prince Eric kills the sea witch with a ship's bowsprit. Broadway also gives Ariel new songs, The World Above and Beyond My Wildest Dreams, plus a part in the Act 2 quartet If Only.
Sierra Boggess originated Ariel on Broadway in 2008. Jodi Benson voiced her in the animated film, and Halle Bailey played her in Rob Marshall's 2023 live-action remake, which gives Ariel the new song For the First Time and has her impale Ursula herself.
Who is Ariel?
Ariel is a young mermaid princess, daughter of King Triton, who dreams of life on land and becomes fascinated with the human world after collecting objects from shipwrecks. When she saves a prince named Eric from drowning and falls in love with him, she strikes a bargain with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for a pair of human legs.
Ariel's curiosity, stubbornness, and willingness to defy her father's wishes drive the entire story, as she risks everything she knows for a chance at a different life and a love she barely understands.
Ariel's role in The Little Mermaid
Ariel is a lead role in The Little Mermaid, anchored by the signature ballad Part of Your World, one of the best known songs in the modern Disney musical theatre catalogue. The role demands a bright, agile soprano voice along with strong physical comedy skills once Ariel loses her voice and must communicate without words.
Sierra Boggess originated the role on Broadway, bringing warmth and youthful longing to the part. Audiences remember Ariel for her determined, headstrong pursuit of a life beyond the world she was born into.
Ariel: frequently asked questions
What show is Ariel from?
Ariel is the lead character of The Little Mermaid, which opened on Broadway in 2008.
Is Ariel a lead or supporting role?
Ariel is a lead role and the central character of the musical.
Who wrote the music for The Little Mermaid?
Alan Menken composed the music for The Little Mermaid.
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