Character guide
Ursula
from The Little Mermaid
Ursula is the sea witch villain of The Little Mermaid, Alan Menken's 2008 Disney musical.
- Show
- The Little Mermaid
- Broadway premiere
- 2008
- Role
- Lead
- Music by
- Alan Menken
Ursula: from the film to Broadway
Broadway compared with the 1989 animated film and 2023 remake
On Broadway, Ursula is King Triton's sister, an idea from early drafts of the 1989 film that the finished movie left out. The stage version gives her a new song, I Want the Good Times Back, alongside Poor Unfortunate Souls. Her death changes too: she does not grow to monstrous size and get impaled by a ship, but is destroyed when Ariel smashes the nautilus shell holding Ariel's voice.
Sherie Rene Scott originated Ursula on Broadway in 2008. Pat Carroll voiced her in the animated film, whose design was based on drag performer Divine, and Melissa McCarthy played her in the 2023 remake, which also makes her Triton's sister.
Ursula: role facts
- Originated on Broadway by
- Sherie Rene Scott (2008)
- Notable performers
- Pat Carroll voiced Ursula in the 1989 animated film, Queen Latifah played her in The Little Mermaid Live! (2019), and Melissa McCarthy in the 2023 film.
- Voice type and range
- Alto, Eb3 to C5
- Songs Ursula sings
- I Want the Good Times Back (with Flotsam, Jetsam and ensemble)
- Poor Unfortunate Souls (with Ariel)
- I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise) (with Flotsam and Jetsam)
- Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise) (solo)
Who is Ursula?
Ursula is a scheming sea witch, banished from King Triton's court, who preys on Ariel's longing for the human world by offering her a bargain, human legs in exchange for her voice. Ursula's real goal is to use the deal to seize power from Triton, making her manipulation of Ariel part of a larger plan for revenge and control.
Her flair for the dramatic and darkly comic menace make her one of the most theatrical figures in the show, a villain who relishes the performance of villainy as much as the outcome.
Ursula's role in The Little Mermaid
Ursula is a lead role in The Little Mermaid, built around the showstopping number Poor Unfortunate Souls, which demands a powerful, theatrical belt and strong comic timing. The role is often physically demanding as well, staged with an elaborate tentacled costume or puppetry to suggest Ursula's octopus form.
Sherie Rene Scott originated the role on Broadway, bringing sly wit and vocal power to the part. Audiences remember Ursula as one of Disney's most flamboyant villains, equal parts menacing and darkly funny.
Ursula: frequently asked questions
Who is Ursula in The Little Mermaid?
Ursula is a sea witch and the show's villain, scheming to seize the throne of Atlantica from her brother, King Triton. The 2008 Broadway musical establishes Ursula and Triton as siblings who once shared their father's rule until Ursula's use of dark magic got her banished, a backstory the original 1989 animated film never spells out.
What does Ursula want from Ariel in The Little Mermaid?
Ursula wants Ariel's voice, which she takes in exchange for three days as a human. If Ariel has not won true love's kiss from Prince Eric by sunset on the third day, she belongs to Ursula, who plans to use her as leverage to take King Triton's crown and trident.
What songs does Ursula sing in The Little Mermaid?
Ursula's numbers include Poor Unfortunate Souls, in which she tempts Ariel into their bargain, and I Want the Good Times Back, a song written for the Broadway production where she looks back on the power she lost.
What show is Ursula from?
Ursula is a lead character in The Little Mermaid, which opened on Broadway in 2008.
Is Ursula a lead or supporting role?
Ursula is a lead role, serving as the show's central villain.
Who wrote the music for The Little Mermaid?
Alan Menken composed the music for The Little Mermaid.
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