Jodi Benson was filled with pride as she watched her daughter star as Ariel in a stage production of The Little Mermaid, more than three decades after she voiced the title character in the original animated film.
Benson, 62, narrated and voiced the role of Ariel in the original 1989 Disney animated film, long before the live-action remake starring Halle Bailey.
Her daughter Delaney has now reprised the same role at Area Stage in Miami for a 90-minute musical based on the children’s animated classic.
Delaney Benson played Ariel on the Area stage in Miami in a 90-minute musical based on the classic children’s cartoon The Little Mermaid
Her mother Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in the original 1989 Disney animated film, was filled with pride as she watched
Last week, Benson shared a fan-shot video of herself watching and greeting Delaney as she sang Part of Your World, the film’s most famous song.
Another part of the video shows the young actress holding a fork, as part of the variation of the original piece that involved props that the audience interacted with.
“I cried throughout the show. I am so honored to pass on my precious Dinglehopper to my daughter.
Jodi and Delaney Benson dress up for the musical’s Miami premiere
“Delaney 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 below (me). I can see them. I can feel them. I can smell them. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever done,” she said.
She shared photos of herself in Ariel costume as a child, adding: “Hi Ariel, the little girl in me is so happy right now. I can be my favorite little mermaid all summer long!”