Two musicals top Rochester Opera House summer offerings

The Rochester Opera House is located inside Rochester City Hall on Wakefield Street (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Two musicals will be featured at the Rochester Opera House this summer, including "The Little Mermaid" and "The Producers."

Making a Splash: The Little Mermaid
Opening Friday, July 11 at 7:30 PM, Disney's The Little Mermaid sails onto the Rochester stage with beloved hits like "Kiss the Girl," "Under the Sea," and "Part of Your World." This enchanting musical adaptation of the 1989 animated film premiered on Broadway in 2008, earning Tony Award nominations for Best Lighting Design of a Musical and Best Original Score.

With a book by Doug Wright, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, the story follows Ariel, a curious and spirited mermaid who dreams of life on land. After rescuing Prince Eric from a shipwreck, she makes a daring deal with the sea witch, Ursula--trading her voice for legs. Ariel has just three days to win Eric's kiss, or risk losing her soul forever. With the help of her friends, she navigates the human world in a race against time.

The Rochester production stars Opera House favorites Eloise Ellis as Ariel, Chris Bradley as Ursula, and Marcus Provost as King Triton, under the direction of the infamously talented Scott Severance.

Following the Opera House's wildly popular production of Beauty and the Beast in Summer 2024, The Little Mermaid continues the tradition of Disney magic. The show runs through Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 PM.

Cue the Laughter: The Producers
The summer fun continues as The Producers takes the stage beginning Friday, August 8 at 7:30 PM. This wildly irreverent musical comedy, adapted by Mel Brooks from his 1967 film, premiered on Broadway in 2001 with Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick. The production became a sensation, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards--including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score--surpassing Hello, Dolly!'s long-standing record.

The plot follows Max, a washed-up Broadway producer, and Leo, his nervous accountant. Together, they concoct a scheme to produce the worst musical ever, raise a fortune in investments, and flee with the profits once the show flops. But when their offensive and absurd production unexpectedly becomes a smash hit, chaos ensues. Will they be exposed?

The Rochester production stars local legend Bill Hartery as Max, with Marcus Provost returning as Leo. Directed by Rochester Opera House's own Jenry Towle, this hilarious production is not to be missed!