The Little Mermaid: Heidi Blickenstaff assumes the role of 'Ursula'

Heidi Blickenstaff assumes the role of 'Ursula' from 27 Jan 2009 in Walt Disney's Broadway musical, The Little Mermaid.

Blickenstaff assumes the role from original cast member Sherie Ren� Scott, who played her final performance on 25 Jan 2009.

'Ursula' is not the first role Blickenstaff has played in The Little Mermaid, she was the musical's original 'Carlotta.' Blickenstaff recently starred on Broadway as herself in the musical '[title of show]' (2008). She made her Broadway debut in 'The Full Monty' (Susan Hershey - replacement: 2000)

The Little Mermaid opened at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on 10 Jan 2008, following previews from 7 Nov, and is currently booking through to 2 Aug 2009.

The Little Mermaid is loosely based upon the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Ariel, youngest daughter of King Triton, is dissatisfied with life in the sea. She longs to be with the humans above the surface, and is often caught in arguments with her father over those 'barbaric fish-eaters'. She goes to meet Ursula, the Sea Witch, to strike a deal, but Ursula has bigger plans for this mermaid and her father.

The score features the songs 'Part of Your World,' 'Kiss the Girl' and the Academy Award -winning Best Original Song, 'Under the Sea,' composed by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and his frequent collaborator, the legendary Howard Ashman. There are 11 new songs by Mr. Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. The book for the new musical is by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning playwright Doug Wright.

The show now features Sierra Boggess (Ariel), Heidi Blickenstaff (Ursula from 27 Jan), Sean Palmer (Prince Eric), Norm Lewis (King Triton), Rogelio Douglas, Jr (Sebastian), Eddie Korbich (Scuttle), Jonathan Freeman (Grimsby), Derrick Baskin (Jetsam), Tyler Maynard (Flotsam) and, Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario (alternating as Flounder).

The Little Mermaid is directed by Francesca Zambello and features choreography by Stephen Mear. The creative team includes set design by George Tsypin, costumes by Tatiana Noginova and lighting by Natasha Katz and sound by John Shivers.