In the tradition of television networks airing live performances of Broadway musicals, ABC will air a live concert of The Little Mermaid on November 5. This will be a featured episode of The Wonderful World of Disney, the first since 2016. Originally scheduled to air in October of 2017, it was canceled and no update had been given until now. Auli’i Cravalho, the star of Moana, has been announced to play Ariel. Other cast members include Queen Latifah as Ursula and Jamaican reggae artist Shaggy as Sebastian.
Rather than merely replicating the film, this live event will take inspiration from the Broadway adaptation as well, including songs written for the stage. It is described as a hybrid event which will feature some segments from the animated film as well as new performances specifically for this event.
2019 is an ideal year to air this special as it marks the 30th anniversary of the original film. Of course, a live-action remake of The Little Mermaid is also in development starring Halle Bailey and featuring new songs by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda. We expect to learn more later this month at the D23 Expo.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
