For all my '90s babies, we shared a childhood on the cusp of technological innovation. While we had the opportunity to play outside until the streetlights came on and ran through the streets like we were wild, we also learned how to work the VCR young, and were often angry at ourselves for forgetting to rewind the last time we watched a movie. This period of time was also the Disney Renaissance, and if you did not spend your childhood raising innocent housecats above your head, wishing teapots could talk, or combing your hair with a fork, you seriously missed out!
If you are one of the few who never enjoyed these films, you need to catch up. As an adult, the classiest way to do that is dinner theatre.
Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theatre, a longstanding tradition in Fresno history, is located in the Tower District, across from the Tower Theatre. I have never heard a bad thing about the venue, and wanted to put them to the test. After wishing, begging, and being all around annoying, I was finally able to convince someone to sit through a musical with me. Last Saturday I attended and struggled not to belt out classics like “Part of Your World” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”
The doors opened at 5:30, and everyone rushed in to beat the early evening heat. Our waitress took our drink orders and made sure to keep them coming, with specialty drinks themed around the show. I personally recommend trying the King Triton if you’re a coffee fan, or the Under the Sea for a sweet and refreshing complement to dinner. As for the food, if you can spare the extra $12, get Hershey’s Herb and Garlic Filet Mignon. I am a proud carnivore,and I wanted to shake the chef’s hand and kiss his cheek, because my steak was wonderful. I had to close my eyes to savor just how tender it was. I’m still kicking myself for not saving leftovers.
At 7:30, the pre-show started, and I was pleased to watch a talented group of kids make me wish I had taken dance lessons. They performed a medley of songs, with a variety of dance styles, and did a great job with each of them. These kids have talent, and I am excited to see them in future Roger Rocka’s shows. Right at 8 o’clock the show began, and I spent the next few hours laughing, crying, and pretending I was six years old again. As it is Disney, The Little Mermaid is family friendly, and I encourage families to attend. There is something magical in watching a live production, and even long - time fans of the movie will watch this like it was their first time.
I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that casting was on point! Greg Ruud as King Triton was a force to be reckoned with, and his performance was beautiful, emotional, and captured the coming - of - age story line well. Sebastian, played by Juan Danner, gave me a cramp from laughing so hard. His accent was perfect, and his scenes with Chef Louis (Ethel Birrell) were arguably the funniest in the show. Brianne Janae Vogt made me fear for my poor unfortunate soul, especially since I was in the first row. Every time she walked on stage, she completely out shined any other fish in the sea, and I would gladly go again just to watch her perform.
There are so many cast members, and truly they were all wonderful, but you don’t go see The Little Mermaid for a crab and a king. Prince Eric’s casting was great, William Bishop has a sexy voice, and his jawline seemed as though crafted for the role of the bright - eyed prince. I would love to see him tackle the role of the despicable Gaston from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
Last, but certainly not least, is the red - haired teenager from the sea. Emily Pessano did a beautiful job with the role, and she handled dancing in her Heelies well. Her use of facial expression was great, and helped in her land scenes to highlight just how out of her element she was. She did seem to struggle with hitting the higher notes, but the confidence she had when singing definitely made up for that.
All in all, I’d give the experience a 9 out of 10. My only regret for the evening was not giving the actors a standing ovation. You all deserved a room full of people on their feet, but from what I saw last week, you’ll be getting them soon enough.
If you’re hunting for a great date night idea, or looking for a good meal, check out Disney’s The Little Mermaid at Roger Rocka’s. The show runs until May 15.
