Live 'Little Mermaid' Special Airs Tuesday On ABC

BURBANK, CA — A hybrid version of "The Little Mermaid" interspersing live musical performances with a broadcast of the original animated film will air on ABC at 8 p.m. Tuesday evening, 12 days before the 30th anniversary of its release.

Auli'i Cravalho, who supplied the voice of the title character in the animated film "Moana," will star as Ariel and Emmy-nominated actress and Grammy-winning rapper Queen Latifah as the sea witch Ursula in "The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!"

Grammy-winning reggae musician Shaggy will supply the voice of the beloved crustacean, Sebastian. John Stamos will reprise his role of the eccentric French cook from the Hollywood Bowl production of "The Little Mermaid." Graham Phillips, best known for his work on the CBS legal drama "The Good Wife" after originating the role of Evan in "13" on Broadway, will portray Prince Eric.

The production will be directed and executive produced by Hamish Hamilton, who has directed the Super Bowl halftime show annually since 2012. It will be performed on a 360-degree theater at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank before a live audience "of active and wonderful fans," Hamilton said.

"It will be spectacular, unlike anything ever done in this space and on television," ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke said.

Like other recent television musicals, ``The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live!" will only air live in the Eastern and Central time zones.

City News Service