Jodi Benson’s Daughter Delaney Follows in Her Mother’s Footsteps — But Finds Her Own Voice
Thirty-five years after Jodi Benson provided the voice of Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, her daughter Delaney is now following in her footsteps.
From July 11 through August 4, Delaney will play Ariel in Loxen Production’s adaptation of The Little Mermaid at Area Stage in South Miami.
In a recent interview, Delaney told Mamas Uncut (via the Miami Herald) that she would not have accepted the role a year ago. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, she is ready.
Photo: Area Stage
“I am at a great stage in life where I know the character so well. I know the story, obviously. And I listened to the songs all my life,” she said.
Finding Her Own Voice
While Delaney will be treading familiar ground, the shows in South Miami will allow her the chance to put a new spin on Ariel’s story.
Photo: Area Theater
“This is new adaptation. It’s 90 minutes. It’s immersive. The audience will be right below [me]. I can see them. I can feel them. I can smell them. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done,” Delaney explained.
While the young actress is thrilled to be playing Ariel, she also wants to find her voice.
Photo: Area Theater
“I try to stray away from ‘the walking in the footsteps’ or ‘she’s just like her mom,’ because I’m not,” Delaney explained to Mamas Uncut. “We’re kind of a similar age of when [my mom] did the voice of Ariel, and I’m doing this, but we’re totally different people, and I’m excited to, like, bring me.”
A New Spin on ‘The Little Mermaid’
The Little Mermaid at Area Stage will be more than a performance. It will be an interactive experience. Audiences will even be able to connect with the actors themselves.
Photo: Area Theater
“It’s a shared experience,” producer Benji Leon said. “And theater should be thought-provoking and a little bit daring when it can be, right? This is done not just for kids, not just for Disney fanatics, but for anybody. It’s a phenomenal night out. And I think most people are really, really going to love it.”
Photo: Area Theater
To get tickets to The Little Mermaid at Area Stage, visit areastage.com/mermaid.
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