Jodi Benson beamed with pride as she watched her daughter play Ariel in a stage production of The Little Mermaid, three decades after she did.
Benson, 62, voiced Ariel in Disney’s original 1989 animated film, long before the controversial live-action remake starring Halle Bailey.
Delaney portrayed the character at Area Stage in Miami in a 90-minute musical based on the classic children’s animation.
Delaney Benson played Ariel at Area Stage in Miami in a 90-minute musical based on the classic children’s animation The Little Mermaid.
Her mother, Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 Disney animated film, beamed with pride as she watched.
Benson shared a fan-filmed video of herself watching and waving as Delaney sang Part of Your World, the film’s most famous song, last week.
Another part of the video showed the young actress holding a fork, as part of the play’s twist on the original that involves props that the audience interacts with.
“I was completely blown away by Delaney’s brilliant performance. She was truly born to play Ariel. The whole experience was very surreal,” Benson said. Entertainment Weekly.
“I cried throughout the entire show. I feel so honored to be able to pass my precious Dinglehopper on to my daughter.
Jodi and Delaney Benson dressed up for the musical’s premiere in Miami
“Delaney has created her character of Ariel with so much love, strength, vulnerability, curiosity and honesty. I am incredibly proud of my daughter.”
Delaney previously explained the differences between the film and the musical, which incorporates immersive elements.
“The audience will be right under me. I can see them. I can feel them. I can smell them. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” he said.
She shared photos of herself dressed up as Ariel as a child, adding: “Hey Ariel, my inner child is so happy right now. I get to be my favorite little mermaid all summer long!”
