Behind the Scenes: The Making of the Ursula Costume for Disney's The Little Mermaid Live

In 2019, Disney's The Little Mermaid Live aired on ABC, bringing the beloved animated film to life on stage. One of the most talked-about aspects of the production was the elaborate costumes, particularly that of the iconic sea witch, Ursula. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the making of the Ursula costume for Disney's The Little Mermaid Live.

Design Inspiration

The costume for Ursula was designed by Emmy Award-winning costume designer, Zaldy Goco. Goco has worked on several high-profile projects over the years, including costumes for Lady Gaga's tours and performances.

According to Goco, the inspiration for Ursula's costume came from a variety of sources. He wanted to create a costume that was true to the character's original design, while also adding his own unique flare. Goco drew inspiration from drag queens and burlesque performers, as well as underwater sea creatures.

One of the most important aspects of the Ursula costume was the color palette. Goco wanted the costume to be as bold and vibrant as possible, with a focus on rich purples and deep blues. He also incorporated iridescent fabrics and sequins to give the costume a shimmery, otherworldly appearance.

Materials and Construction

The Ursula costume was constructed using a variety of materials, including foam, sequins, and latex. The costume was designed to be as lightweight as possible while still maintaining its shape and structure.

One of the most challenging aspects of the costume was the tentacle-like appendages. Goco wanted the tentacles to move and sway as Ursula moved, but he also wanted them to maintain their shape and structure. To achieve this, the tentacles were made from foam and then covered in latex. The latex was then painted with a metallic purple paint to give the tentacles a shimmery appearance.

The bodice of the costume was constructed using a corset-like structure, which was then covered in sequins and iridescent fabric. The skirt was made from layers of tulle and iridescent fabric, which gave it a flowing, ethereal quality.

One of the most striking features of the Ursula costume was the headdress. The headdress was designed to resemble Ursula's hair, with several tentacle-like appendages extending from the top. The headdress was constructed using foam and latex, and was then covered in sequins and iridescent fabric.

Fit and Comfort

One of the most important aspects of any costume is fit and comfort, especially for a live production. The Ursula costume was designed to be as comfortable as possible while still maintaining its shape and structure.

The costume was constructed using a corset-like structure, which allowed for a custom fit for each performer. The tentacle-like appendages were also designed to be lightweight and flexible, which allowed them to move and sway as Ursula moved.

To ensure that the performers were able to move and dance comfortably in the costume, several fittings were conducted throughout the production process. The costume was adjusted as needed to ensure that it fit each performer perfectly and allowed for ease of movement.

Makeup and Hair

In addition to the costume, the makeup and hair for Ursula were also key components of her overall look. The makeup was designed to make Ursula look fierce and intimidating, with a focus on dark, dramatic eyes and a bold lip.

The hair for Ursula was designed to resemble the character's original design, with bold, voluminous curls and several tentacle-like extensions. The hair was styled using a combination of wigs and extensions, which were styled to create the iconic Ursula look.

One of the most challenging aspects of the makeup and hair design was ensuring that they worked seamlessly with the costume. The makeup and hair had to complement the bold colors and textures of the costume without overpowering them.

Performance and Reception

When Disney's The Little Mermaid Live aired on ABC in 2019, the Ursula costume was one of the most talked-about aspects of the production. Fans and critics alike praised the elaborate and intricate design of the costume, as well as the overall production value of the show.

The Ursula costume was also praised for its attention to detail and its ability to capture the essence of the character. From the bold purple colors to the tentacle-like appendages, the costume was a perfect representation of the iconic sea witch.

In conclusion, the making of the Ursula costume for Disney's The Little Mermaid Live was a true work of art. From the design inspiration to the materials and construction, every detail was carefully considered and executed to perfection. With its bold colors, unique textures, and intricate design, the Ursula costume was a standout feature of the production, and a true testament to the art of costume design.