document_title: Vocal range

question_text: what is considered a high note to sing

question_tokens: what is considered a high note to sing

text: Vocal range

text: Singing and the definition of vocal range[edit]

text: While the broadest definition of "vocal range" is simply the span from the lowest to the highest note a particular voice can produce, this broad definition is often not what is meant when "vocal range" is discussed in the context of singing. Vocal pedagogists tend to define the vocal range as the total span of "musically useful" pitches that a singer can produce. This is because some of the notes a voice can produce may not be considered usable by the singer within performance for various reasons.[2] For example, within opera all singers must project over an orchestra without the aid of a microphone. An opera singer would therefore only be able to include the notes that they are able to adequately project over an orchestra within his or her vocal range. In contrast, a pop artist could include notes that could be heard with the aid of a microphone.

text: Another factor to consider is the use of different forms of vocal production. The human voice is capable of producing sounds using different physiological processes within the larynx. These different forms of voice production are known as vocal registers. While the exact number and definition of vocal registers is a controversial topic within the field of singing, the sciences identify only four registers: the whistle register, the falsetto register, the modal register, and the vocal fry register. Typically only the usable pitches within the modal register—the register used in normal speech and most singing—are included when determining singers' vocal ranges. There are exceptions,[1] as in opera, where countertenors employ falsetto and coloratura sopranos use the whistle register; notes from these registers would therefore be included in the vocal ranges of these voices.[2]

text: Vocal range and voice classification[edit]

text: Vocal range plays such an important role in classifying singing voices into voice types that sometimes the two terms are confused with one another. A voice type is a particular kind of human singing voice perceived as having certain identifying qualities or characteristics; vocal range being only one of those characteristics. Other factors are vocal weight, vocal tessitura, vocal timbre, vocal transition points, physical characteristics, speech level, scientific testing, and vocal registration. All of these factors combined are used to categorize a singer's voice into a particular kind of singing voice or voice type.[3]

text: The discipline of voice classification developed within European classical music and is not generally applicable to other forms of singing. Voice classification is often used within opera to associate possible roles with potential voices. There are several systems in use including the German Fach system, the Italian opera tradition, and French opera tradition.[1] There are other systems of classification as well, most commonly the choral music system.

text: No system is universally applied or accepted.[4] Most of the voice types identified by such systems, however, are sub-types that fall under seven different major voice categories that are for the most part acknowledged across all of the major voice classification systems.[4] Women are typically divided into three main groups: soprano, mezzo-soprano, and contralto. Men are usually divided into four main groups: countertenor, tenor, baritone, and bass. When considering the pre-pubescent voices of children an eighth term, treble, can be applied. Within each of these major categories there are several sub-categories that identify specific vocal qualities like coloratura facility and vocal weight to differentiate between voices.[1]

text: Vocal range itself does not determine a singer's voice type. While each voice type does have a general vocal range associated with it, human singing voices may possess vocal ranges that encompass more than one voice type or are in between the typical ranges of two voice types. Therefore, voice teachers use vocal range as only one factor among many in classifying a singer's voice.[2] More important than range in voice classification is tessitura, or where the voice is most comfortable singing, and vocal timbre, or the characteristic sound of the singing voice.[1] For example, a female singer may have a vocal range that encompasses the high notes of a mezzo-soprano and the low notes of a soprano. A voice teacher would therefore look to see whether the singer were more comfortable singing higher, or lower. If the singer were more comfortable singing higher, then the teacher would probably classify her as a soprano. The teacher would also consider the sound of the voice; sopranos tend to have a lighter and less rich vocal sound than a mezzo-soprano. A voice teacher, however, would never classify a singer in more than one voice type, regardless of the size of the vocal range of the singer.[2]

text: Within the operatic systems of classification, there are six basic voice types. The ranges given below are approximations and are not meant to be too rigidly applied.[5]

text:
Soprano: the highest female voice, being able to sing C4 (middle C) to C6 (high C), and possibly higher.
Mezzo-soprano: a female voice between A3 (A below middle C) and A5 (2nd A above middle C).
Contralto: the lowest female voice, F3 (F below middle C) to E5. Rare contraltos possess a range similar to the tenor.
Tenor: the highest male voice, B2 (2nd B below middle C) to A4 (A above Middle C), and possibly higher.
Baritone: a male voice, G2 (two Gs below middle C) to F4 (F above middle C).
Bass: the lowest male voice, E2 (two Es below middle C) to E4 (the E above middle C).

text: Some men, in falsetto voice or as a result of certain rare physiological conditions, can sing in the same range as women. These do not fall into the female categories, instead called countertenors within classical music. Within contemporary music, however, the use of the term tenor for these male voices would be more appropriate.[2]

text: Within choral music there are only four categories for adult singers. First, for women: soprano and alto, and for men: tenor and bass.[6]

text: In the UK, the term "male alto" refers to a man who uses falsetto vocal production to sing in the alto section of a chorus. This practice is much less common outside the UK where the term countertenor is more often applied. Countertenors are also widely employed within opera as solo vocalists, though the term "male alto" is never used to refer to a solo vocalist.

text: Children's voices, both male and female, are described as trebles, although boy soprano is widely used as well.[1]


document_title: Semen

question_text: why does seminal fluid have a high content of sugar

root

text: Semen

text: Physiology

text: Fertilization

text: Depending on the species, spermatozoa can fertilize ova externally or internally. In external fertilization, the spermatozoa fertilize the ova directly, outside of the female's sexual organs. Female fish, for example, spawn ova into their aquatic environment, where they are fertilized by the semen of the male fish.

tag: p

text: During internal fertilization, however, fertilization occurs inside the female's sexual organs. Internal fertilization takes place after insemination of a female by a male through copulation. In most vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and monotreme mammals, copulation is achieved through the physical mating of the cloaca of the male and female. In marsupial and placental mammals, copulation occurs through the vagina.

text: Human semen

text: Composition

text: During the process of ejaculation, sperm passes through the ejaculatory ducts and mixes with fluids from the seminal vesicles, the prostate, and the bulbourethral glands to form the semen. The seminal vesicles produce a yellowish viscous fluid rich in fructose and other substances that makes up about 70% of human semen.[1] The prostatic secretion, influenced by dihydrotestosterone, is a whitish (sometimes clear), thin fluid containing proteolytic enzymes, citric acid, acid phosphatase and lipids.[1] The bulbourethral glands secrete a clear secretion into the lumen of the urethra to lubricate it.[2]

text: Sertoli cells, which nurture and support developing spermatocytes, secrete a fluid into seminiferous tubules that helps transport sperm to the genital ducts. The ductuli efferentes possess cuboidal cells with microvilli and lysosomal granules that modify the ductal fluid by reabsorbing some fluid. Once the semen enters the ductus epididymis the principal cells, which contain pinocytotic vessels indicating fluid reabsorption, secrete glycerophosphocholine which most likely inhibits premature capacitation. The accessory genital ducts, the seminal vesicle, prostate glands, and the bulbourethral glands, produce most of the seminal fluid.

text: Seminal plasma of humans contains a complex range of organic and inorganic constituents.

text: The seminal plasma provides a nutritive and protective medium for the spermatozoa during their journey through the female reproductive tract. The normal environment of the vagina is a hostile one for sperm cells, as it is very acidic (from the native microflora producing lactic acid), viscous, and patrolled by immune cells. The components in the seminal plasma attempt to compensate for this hostile environment. Basic amines such as putrescine, spermine, spermidine and cadaverine are responsible for the smell and flavor of semen. These alkaline bases counteract and buffer the acidic environment of the vaginal canal, and protect DNA inside the sperm from acidic denaturation.

text: The components and contributions of semen are as follows:

text:
Gland(s)
Approximate fraction
Description

testes
2–5%
Approximately 200- to 500-million spermatozoa (also called sperm or spermatozoans), produced in the testes, are released per ejaculation. If a man has undergone a vasectomy, he will have no sperm in the ejaculation.

seminal vesicles
65–75%
amino acids, citrate, enzymes, flavins, fructose (2–5 mg per mL semen,[3] the main energy source of sperm cells, which rely entirely on sugars from the seminal plasma for energy), phosphorylcholine, prostaglandins (involved in suppressing an immune response by the female against the foreign semen), proteins, vitamin C

prostate
25–30%
acid phosphatase, citric acid, fibrinolysin, prostate specific antigen, proteolytic enzymes, zinc (the zinc level is about 135±40 micrograms/ml for healthy men.[4] Zinc serves to help to stabilize the DNA-containing chromatin in the sperm cells. A zinc deficiency may result in lowered fertility because of increased sperm fragility. Zinc deficiency can also adversely affect spermatogenesis.)

bulbourethral glands
< 1%
galactose, mucus (serve to increase the mobility of sperm cells in the vagina and cervix by creating a less viscous channel for the sperm cells to swim through, and preventing their diffusion out of the semen. Contributes to the cohesive jelly-like texture of semen.), pre-ejaculate, sialic acid

tag: table

text: A 1992 World Health Organization report described normal human semen as having a volume of 2 ml or greater, pH of 7.2 to 8.0, sperm concentration of 20×106 spermatozoa/ml or more, sperm count of 40×106 spermatozoa per ejaculate or more, and motility of 50% or more with forward progression (categories a and b) of 25% or more with rapid progression (category a) within 60 minutes of ejaculation.[5]

text: A 2005 review of the literature found that the average reported physical and chemical properties of human semen were as follows:[6]

text:
Property
Per 100mL
In average volume (3.4 mL)

Calcium (mg)
27.6
0.938

Chloride (mg)
142
4.83

Citrate (mg)
528
18.0

Fructose (mg)
272
9.25

Glucose (mg)
102
3.47

Lactic acid (mg)
62
2.11

Magnesium (mg)
11
0.374

Potassium (mg)
109
3.71

Protein (g)
5.04
0.171

Sodium (mg)
300
10.2

Urea (mg)
45
1.53

Zinc (mg)
16.5
0.561

Buffering capacity (β)
25

Osmolarity (mOsm)
354

pH
7.7

Viscosity (cP)
3–7

Volume (mL)
3.4

Values for average volume have been calculated and rounded to three significant figures. All other values are those given in the review.

text: Appearance and consistency

text: Semen is typically translucent with white, grey or even yellowish tint. Blood in the semen can cause a pink or reddish colour, known as hematospermia, and may indicate a medical problem which should be evaluated by a doctor if the symptom persists.[7]

text: After ejaculation, the latter part of the ejaculated semen coagulates immediately,[8] forming globules,[9] while the earlier part of the ejaculate typically does not.[10] After a period typically ranging from 15 – 30 minutes, prostate-specific antigen present in the semen causes the decoagulation of the seminal coagulum.[11] It is postulated that the initial clotting helps keep the semen in the vagina,[8] while liquefaction frees the sperm to make their journey to the ova.[8]

text: A 2005 review found that the average reported viscosity of human semen in the literature was 3–7 cP.[6]

text: Quality

text: Semen quality is a measure of the ability of semen to accomplish fertilization. Thus, it is a measure of fertility in a man. It is the sperm in the semen that is the fertile component, and therefore semen quality involves both sperm quantity and sperm quality.

text: Quantity

text: The volume of semen ejaculate varies but is generally about 1 teaspoonful or less. A review of 30 studies concluded that the average was around 3.4 milliliters (ml), with some studies finding amounts as high as 5.0 ml or as low as 2.3 ml.[6] In a study with Swedish and Danish men, a prolonged interval between ejaculations caused an increase of the sperm count in the semen but not an increase of its amount.[12]

text: Increasing semen volume

text: Some dietary supplements have been marketed with claims to increase seminal volume. Like other supplements, including so-called herbal viagra, these are not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (as licensed medications would be), and none of the claims have been scientifically verified. Similar claims are made about traditional aphrodisiac foods, with an equal lack of verification.

text: Storage

text: Semen can be stored in diluents such as the Illini Variable Temperature (IVT) diluent, which have been reported to be able to preserve high fertility of semen for over seven days.[13] The IVT diluent is composed of several salts, sugars and antibacterial agents and gassed with CO2.[13]

text: Semen cryopreservation can be used for far longer storage durations. For human sperm, the longest reported successful storage with this method is 21 years.[14]

text: Health

text: Disease transmission

text: Semen can transmit many sexually transmitted diseases and pathogens, including viruses like HIV[15] and Ebola.[16] Swallowing semen carries no additional risk other than those inherent in fellatio. This includes transmission risk for sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV) or herpes, especially for people with bleeding gums, gingivitis or open sores.[17][18] Viruses in semen survive for a long time once outside the body.[medical citation needed]

text: Blood in semen (hematospermia)

text: The presence of blood in semen or hematospermia may be undetectable (it only can be seen microscopically) or visible in the fluid. Its cause could be the result of inflammation, infection, blockage, or injury of the male reproductive tract or a problem within the urethra, testicles, epididymis or prostate. It usually clears up without treatment, or with antibiotics, but if persistent further semen analysis and other urogenital system tests might be needed to find out the cause.

text: Semen allergy

text: In rare circumstances, humans can develop an allergy to semen, called human seminal plasma sensitivity. It appears as a typical localized or systemic allergic response upon contact with seminal fluid. There is no one protein in semen responsible for the reaction. Symptoms can appear after first intercourse or after subsequent intercourse. A semen allergy can be distinguished from a latex allergy by determining if the symptoms disappear with use of a condom. Desensitization treatments are often very successful.[19][20]

text: Benefits to females

text: Females may benefit from absorbing seminal fluid. Such benefits include male insects transferring nutrients to females via their ejaculate; in both humans and bovines the fluid has antiviral and antibacterial properties; and useful bacteria such as Lactobacillus have been detected in fluid transferred from birds and mammals.[15]

text: Society and culture

text: Qigong

text: Qigong and Chinese medicine place huge emphasis on a form of energy called 精 (pinyin: jīng, also a morpheme denoting "essence" or "spirit")[21][22] – which one attempts to develop and accumulate. "Jing" is sexual energy and is considered to dissipate with ejaculation so masturbation is considered "energy suicide" amongst those who practice this art. According to Qigong theory, energy from many pathways/meridians becomes diverted and transfers itself to the sexual organs during sexual excitement. The ensuing orgasm and ejaculation will then finally expel the energy from the system completely. The Chinese proverb 一滴精，十滴血 (pinyin: yì dī jīng, shí dī xuè, literally: a drop of semen is equal to ten drops of blood) illustrates this point.

text: The scientific term for semen in Chinese is 精液 (pinyin: jīng yè, literally: fluid of essence/jing) and the term for sperm is 精子 (pinyin: jīng zǐ, literally: basic element of essence/jing), two modern terms with classical referents.

text: Greek philosophy

text: In Ancient Greece, Aristotle remarked on the importance of semen: "For Aristotle, semen is the residue derived from nourishment, that is of blood, that has been highly concocted to the optimum temperature and substance. This can only be emitted by the male as only the male, by nature of his very being, has the requisite heat to concoct blood into semen."[23] According to Aristotle, there is a direct connection between food and semen: "Sperms are the excretion of our food, or to put it more clearly, as the most perfect component of our food."[24]

text: The connection between food and physical growth, on the one hand, and semen, on the other, allows Aristotle to warn against "engag[ing] in sexual activity at too early an age ... [since] this will affect the growth of their bodies. Nourishment that would otherwise make the body grow is diverted to the production of semen. Aristotle is saying that at this stage the body is still growing; it is best for sexual activity to begin when its growth is 'no longer abundant', for when the body is more or less at full height, the transformation of nourishment into semen does not drain the body of needed material."[25]

text: Additionally, "Aristotle tells us that the region round the eyes was the region of the head most fruitful of seed ("most seedy" σπερματικώτατος), pointing to generally recognised effects upon the eyes of sexual indulgence and to practices which imply that seed comes from liquid in the region of the eyes."[26] This may be explained by the belief of the Pythagoreans that "semen is a drop of the brain [τὸ δε σπέρμα εἶναι σταγόνα ἐγκέφαλου]."[27]

text: Greek Stoic philosophy conceived of the Logos spermatikos ("seminal word") as the principle of active reason that fecundated passive matter.[28] The Jewish philosopher Philo similarly spoke in sexual terms of the Logos as the masculine principle of reason that sowed seeds of virtue in the feminine soul.[29]

text: The Christian Platonist Clement of Alexandria likened the Logos to physical blood[30] as the "substance of the soul",[31] and noted that some held "that the animal semen is substantially foam of its blood".[32] Clement reflected an early Christian view that "the seed ought not be wasted nor scattered thoughtlessly nor sown in a way it cannot grow."[33]

text: Women were believed to have their own version, which was stored in the womb and released during climax. Retention was believed to cause female hysteria.[34]

text: In Ancient Greek Religion as a whole, semen is considered a form of miasma, and ritual purification was to be practised after its discharge.[35]

text: Sacred semen

text: In some pre-industrial societies, semen and other body fluids were revered because they were believed to be magical. Blood is an example of such a fluid, but semen was also widely believed to be of supernatural origin and effect and was, as a result, considered holy or sacred.

text: Dew was once thought to be a sort of rain that fertilized the earth and, in time, became a metaphor for semen. The Bible employs the term "dew" in this sense in such verses as Song of Solomon 5:2[36] and Psalm 110:3, declaring, in the latter verse, for example, that the people should follow only a king who was virile enough to be full of the "dew" of youth.[37]

text: It was widely believed in ancient times that gemstones were drops of divine semen which had coagulated after having fertilized the earth. There is an ancient Chinese belief that jade, in particular, was the dried semen of the celestial dragon.

text: Based on the resemblance of dandelion juice to human semen, it was historically believed that the flower magically promoted the flow of sperm. This belief possibly derives from the doctrine of signatures.

text: The orchid's twin bulbs were thought to resemble the testicles, which is the etymology of the disease orchiditis. There was an ancient Roman belief that the flower sprang from the spilled semen of copulating satyrs.[38]

text: In primitive mythology around the world, semen is very often considered analogous to breast milk in some way. In the traditions of Bali, it is considered to be the returning or refunding of the milk of the mother in an alimentary metaphor. The wife feeds her husband who returns to her his semen, the milk of human kindness, as it were.[39]

text: In some systems of medical philosophy, such Herbert Nowell's "vital force" theory, semen is regarded as the product of a complex physiological interaction between a man and a woman, rather than merely the product of the male reproductive system.[citation needed]

text: Semen in espionage

text: When the British Secret Intelligence Service discovered that semen made a good invisible ink, Sir George Mansfield Smith-Cumming noted of his agents that "Every man (is) his own stylo".[40]

text: Ingestion

text: Cultural practices

text: In some cultures, semen is considered to have special properties associated with masculinity. Several tribes of Papua New Guinea, including the Sambia and the Etoro, believe that semen promotes sexual maturation among the younger men of their tribe. To them, semen possesses the manly nature of the tribal elders, and in order to pass down their authority and powers, younger men of their next generation must fellate their elders and ingest their semen. Prepubescent and postpubescent males are required to engage in this practice.[41][42] This act may also be associated with the culturally active homosexuality throughout these and other tribes.[43]

text: Spiritual views

text: The church father Epiphanius records that the Borborites[44] and other libertine Gnostic sects[45] consumed semen as the Body of Christ. The Pistis Sophia[46] and Testimony of Truth[47] harshly condemn such practices.

text: In the modern St. Priapus Church, consumption of semen in the presence of others is a form of worship.[48][dubious – discuss]

text: Sexual practices

text: There are several sexual practices involving the ingestion of semen. They can be done with one or more partners, like snowballing, felching and creampie eating, or with multiple partners, like the practices of bukkake and gokkun, which originate from Japan.

text: Euphemisms

text: A huge variety of euphemisms and dysphemisms have been invented to describe semen. For a complete list of terms, see sexual slang.

text: Common slang terms for semen include cum, jizz, spunk (primarily British English), spooge and/or splooge, load, nut, and less commonly, love juice.[49][50] The term cum sometimes also refers to an orgasm, while load is derived from the phrase blowing a load, referring to an ejaculation.


document_title: Cinco de Mayo

question_text: when did they start celebrating cinco de mayo

text: Cinco de Mayo

text: Background[edit]

text: Events leading to the Battle of Puebla[edit]

text: Cinco de Mayo has its roots in the Second French intervention in Mexico, which took place in the aftermath of the 1846–48 Mexican–American War and the 1858–61 Reform War. The Reform War was a civil war that pitted Liberals (who believed in separation of church and state, and freedom of religion) against Conservatives (who favored a tight bond between the Catholic Church and the Mexican state).[9] These wars nearly bankrupted the Mexican Treasury. On July 17, 1861, Mexican President Benito Juárez issued a moratorium in which all foreign debt payments would be suspended for two years.[3][10]  In response, Britain,  France, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz to demand reimbursement. Britain and Spain negotiated with Mexico and withdrew, but France, at the time ruled by Napoleon III, decided to use the opportunity to establish an empire in Mexico that would favor French interests, the Second Mexican Empire. The empire was part of an envisioned "Latin America" (term used to imply cultural kinship of the region with France) that would rebuild French influence in the American continent and exclude Anglophone American territories.

text: French invasion and Mexican victory[edit]

text: Late in 1861, a well-armed French fleet stormed Veracruz, landing a large French force and driving President Juárez and his government into retreat.[11]  Moving on from Veracruz towards Mexico City, the French army encountered heavy resistance from the Mexicans close to Puebla, at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe.[12]  The French army of 8,000 [13][14][note 1] attacked the poorly equipped Mexican army of 4,000.[15][note 2]  On May 5, 1862,[16] the Mexicans decisively defeated the French army.[17][18][19] The victory represented a significant morale boost to the Mexican army and the Mexican people at large[20][21]  and helped establish a sense of national unity and patriotism.[22]

text: Events after the battle[edit]

text: The Mexican victory, however, was short-lived.  A year later, with 30,000 troops, the French were able to defeat the Mexican army, capture Mexico City, and install Emperor Maximilian I as ruler of Mexico.[23]  The French victory was itself short-lived, lasting only three years, from 1864 to 1867.[23]  By 1865, "with the American Civil War now over, the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French".[23]  Upon the conclusion of the American Civil War, Napoleon III, facing a persistent Mexican guerilla resistance, the threat of war with Prussia, and "the prospect of a serious scrap with the United States", retreated from Mexico starting in 1866.[24] The Mexicans recaptured Mexico City, and Maximilian I was apprehended and executed, along with his Mexican generals Miguel Miramón and Tomás Mejía Camacho in Cerro de las Campanas, Querétaro.[10][23] "On June 5, 1867, Benito Juárez finally entered Mexico City where he installed a new government and reorganized his administration."[10]

text: Significance[edit]

text: The Battle of Puebla was significant, both nationally and internationally, for several reasons. First, although considerably outnumbered, the Mexicans defeated a much-better-equipped French army. "This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years."[25][26][note 3] Second, since the Battle of Puebla, some have argued that no country in the Americas has subsequently been invaded by any other European military force.[27][note 4]  Historian Justo Sierra has written in his Political Evolution of the Mexican People that, had Mexico not defeated the French in Puebla on May 5, 1862, France would have gone to the aid of the Confederacy in the U.S. Civil War and the United States' destiny would have been different.[28][29]

text: History of the holiday[edit]

text: United States[edit]

text: According to a paper published by the UCLA Center for the Study of Latino Health and Culture about the origin of the observance of Cinco de Mayo in the United States, the modern American focus on that day first started in California in 1863 in response to the resistance to French rule in Mexico.[30] "Far up in the gold country town of Columbia (now Columbia State Park) Mexican miners were so overjoyed at the news that they spontaneously fired off rifle shots and fireworks, sang patriotic songs and made impromptu speeches."[31]

text: A 2007 UCLA Newsroom article notes that, "the holiday, which has been celebrated in California continuously since 1863, is virtually ignored in Mexico."[30] TIME magazine reports that "Cinco de Mayo started to come into vogue in 1940s America during the rise of the Chicano Movement."[21] The holiday crossed over from California into the rest of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s but did not gain popularity until the 1980s when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it.[32][33]  It grew in popularity and evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, first in areas with large Mexican-American populations, like Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and San Jose.[34]

text: In a 1998 study in the Journal of American Culture it was reported that there were more than 120 official US celebrations of Cinco de Mayo in 21 different states. An update in 2006 found that the number of official Cinco de Mayo events was 150 or more, according to José Alamillo, a professor of ethnic studies at Washington State University in Pullman, who has studied the cultural impact of Cinco de Mayo north of the border.[35]  Los Angeles' Fiesta Broadway has been billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, which it most certainly was at its peak in the 1990s when it attracted crowds of 500,000 or more.  In recent years attendance has seen a dramatic decrease.[36][37]

text: On June 7, 2005, the United States Congress issued a concurrent resolution calling on the President of the United States to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe Cinco de Mayo with appropriate ceremonies and activities.[38] To celebrate, many display Cinco de Mayo banners while school districts hold special events to educate students about its historical significance. Special events and celebrations highlight Mexican culture, especially in its music and regional dancing. Examples include baile folklórico and mariachi demonstrations held annually at the Plaza del Pueblo de Los Ángeles, near Olvera Street. Commercial interests in the United States have capitalized on the celebration, advertising Mexican products and services, with an emphasis on alcoholic beverages,[39][40] foods, and music.[41][42] According to Nielsen, in 2013 more than $600 million worth of beer was purchased in the United States for Cinco de Mayo, more than for the Super Bowl or St. Patrick’s Day.[43]

text: Mexico[edit]

text: On May 9, 1862, President Juárez declared that the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla would be a national holiday regarded as "Battle of Puebla Day" or "Battle of Cinco de Mayo".[44][45][46][47][48]

text: Today, the commemoration of the battle is not observed as a national holiday in Mexico (i.e. not a statutory holiday).[49] However, all public schools are closed nationwide in Mexico on May 5.[50][51] The day is an official holiday in the State of Puebla, where the Battle took place, and also a full holiday (no work) in the neighboring State of Veracruz.[52][53]

text: In Puebla, historical reenactments, parades, and meals take place to commemorate the battle. Parade participants dress as French and Mexican soldiers to reenact the battle.[54] Every year the city also hosts the Festival Internacional de Puebla, which gathers national and international artists, traditional musicians and dancers.[54] As well as the Festival Internacional del Mole, with an emphasis on the city's iconic mole poblano.[54]

text: In Mexico City, military commemoration is occasionally held at the Campo Marte.[55] A street, Avenida Cinco de Mayo,  in the Historic Center of Mexico City was named after the battle in 1862 by Benito Juárez.

text: Elsewhere[edit]

text: Events tied to Cinco de Mayo also occur outside Mexico and the United States. As in the United States, celebrations elsewhere also emphasize Mexican cuisine, culture and music. For example, Windsor, Ontario, Canada, holds a "Cinco de Mayo Street Festival",[56][57] some Canadian pubs play Mexican music and serve Mexican food and drink,[58] and a sky-diving club near Vancouver holds a Cinco de Mayo skydiving event.[59]  In the Cayman Islands, in the Caribbean, there is an annual Cinco de Mayo air guitar competition,[60] and at Montego Bay, Jamaica, there is a Cinco de Mayo celebration.[61] The city of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, holds an annual Mexican Festival[62] to honor the day, and celebrations are held in London[63] and New Zealand.[64]  Other celebrations of the day can also be found in Cape Town, South Africa,[65] Lagos, Nigeria,[66] and in Paris.[67]  Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in Japan in Osaka and in Tokyo's Yoyogi Park Event Space as a celebration of Latin American culture.[68][69][70]


document_title: Smith & Wesson M&P

question_text: m & p shield 9mm single action or double

text: Smith & Wesson M&P

text: History[edit]

text: This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (December 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

text: The M&P is a hybrid evolution of the Smith & Wesson Sigma and Smith & Wesson SW99 design but does not share parts compatibility with the Sigma. The M&P design has an improved trigger and enhanced ergonomics that allow for end-user customization. An industry standard picatinny rail and a higher grip has been afforded with an improved grip and beavertail. Many of the ergonomic study elements that had been incorporated into the Sigma and the Smith & Wesson SW99 were brought over to the M&P. The improved trigger weight and feel and the unique takedown method (not requiring a dry-fire pull of the trigger) were meant to set the M&P apart from the popular Glock pistols.

text: Design details[edit]

text: The M&P is a striker-fired semi-automatic pistol. This trigger system prevents the firearm from discharging unless the trigger is fully depressed, even if the pistol is dropped. An internal lock and/or magazine disconnect are available as options and an optional external thumb safety became available in 2009.[2]

text: The pistol frame is made out of Zytel polymer reinforced with a stainless steel chassis. The pistol comes with three removable and interchangeable grips. The slide and barrel are made out of stainless steel that after hardening is treated with a proprietary nitriding process called Melonite. The Melonite process produces a matte gray non-glare surface with a 68 Rockwell C surface hardness rating. The pistol has a very low slide profile which holds the barrel axis close to the shooter's hand and makes the M&P more comfortable to shoot by reducing muzzle rise and allowing for faster aim recovery in rapid shooting sequence. The slide has four contact points with the frame. This was done to make the rail system self cleaning, by leaving room for any dirt or small foreign objects to fall out of the weapon.[3]

text: As the slide of the pistol enters battery, the striker engages the sear. At this point, the sear is held back in a partially cocked condition. When the trigger of the M&P is pulled, the trigger bar first engages the firing pin safety plunger, lifting it upward, and releasing firing pin safety. At the rearward extreme of the trigger bar's travel, it engages the sear. The sear is rotated downward by the trigger bar, fully cocking, then releasing the striker. The striker makes contact with the primer of the chambered round, which in turn ignites the gunpowder and propels the bullet forward. According to renowned M&P gunsmith Dan Burwell, the angle on the rear face of the sear creates a camming action against the striker. This camming action moves the striker to the rear very slightly during the trigger pull, thus finishing the "cocking".[4] This system is similar to the partially tensioned striker found in the Glock series of pistols. When the pistol cycles for the next shot, the striker will be automatically pre-set in a 98% cocked position. Because the striker is only 98% cocked prior to the trigger being pulled, Smith & Wesson classifies the M&P's action as "striker fired (double action only)".[5][6]

text: The M&P factory trigger is of the jointed type and has a trigger travel of 7.6 mm (0.3 in) and is rated at 29 N (6.5 lbf). The M&P45c models have a slightly higher rated trigger pull of 31 N (7.0 lbf). The competition oriented M&P40 Pro Series have a reduced trigger pull of 20 N (4.5 lbf) due to the installation of a Smith & Wesson performance center sear. Massachusetts (MA) approved models have a trigger pull of 45 N (10 lbf).[7]

text: Several safety features are prominent on the M&P. A sear deactivation lever permits the shooter to disassemble the pistol without having to pull the trigger to accomplish disassembly. The pistol also has a loaded chamber indicator viewing opening on top of the slide.

text: Ergonomics were a key focus in the design of the firearm, and as a result, three interchangeable palm swell grips are included (small, medium and large). The trigger guard is designed to accommodate gloves. The frame of the M&P has a magazine release button that can be changed from the left to the right side. The magazine drops free when the magazine release is pressed. The firearm features an ambidextrous slide stop and reversible magazine release for either right or left hand operation.

text: The pistols are delivered with two magazines.[3]

text: The standard iron sights are of the three dot type and made of steel. Both the front and rear sights are dove-tailed into the slide, and can be horizontally drifted to adjust for windage correction.[3]

text: An integrated Picatinny rail can be found underneath the slide on the front of the frame for attaching tactical lights, lasers and other accessories.

text: Accessories[edit]

text: Additionally, there are ten-round magazine versions of each pistol available for the California, Massachusetts, New York, Australian, and Canadian markets. Novak tritium night sights are also an available option for both the full-sized and compact versions. Another optional accessory is the stainless steel lanyard pin. The new pin replaces the original solid plastic pin with one that has a stainless steel ring embedded for use with a lanyard.[8]

text: Variants[edit]

text: The M&P is available in 9×19mm Parabellum, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP, with barrel lengths in 5.0", 4.5", 4.25", 4.1" 4.0", 3.5", and 3.1".

text: The M&P Pro Series is available in 9×19mm Parabellum and .40 S&W with 4.25" and 5" barrels. The M&P9 Pro Series 5" and M&P40 Pro Series 5" pistols feature a Novak fiber optic green front sight and Novak reduced-glare rear sights, instead of the night sights found on the 4.25" models, since the 5" models are aimed at competition.

text: The M&P9 JG is a standard size Champion series variant named for Julie Golob and fitted with a Warren Tactical rear sight and a fiber optic front sight. Besides the three standard black grip inserts it comes with two small and medium-sized pink grip inserts. A portion of the proceeds from sale of these models will go to a breast cancer awareness charity and an awareness ribbon is etched on the slide of the pistol.[9]

text: In 2007 the full-size .45 ACP version of the M&P was introduced sporting a 114 mm (4.5 in) barrel. This model also won Handgun of the Year in 2007.[10]

text: In 2008, Smith & Wesson introduced new versions of the M&P: the M&P45 Mid-size, the M&P45 Compact, the M&P9L, and the M&P Pro Series. The M&P45 Mid-size sports a 102 mm (4 in) barrel and a full-sized grip, and the M&P45 Compact targets the concealed carry market with its 4" barrel and shorter grip (with eight or ten-round capacity).

text: In 2011, Smith & Wesson released the M&P22, a cosmetically similar handgun chambered in .22 Long Rifle. The internal construction and blowback operation of this rimfire cartridge variant is the same as the Walther P22, which Smith & Wesson used to import into the United States, and completely differs from the center fire M&P variants. Rather than the three-dot sights found on other models, the M&P22 has a single dot on the front sight and notch rear that is adjustable for elevation and windage.[11] In 2013 the scaled down M&P22 Compact was released.

text: In 2012, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P Shield in 9mm and .40 S&W. The Shield is a subcompact single-stack magazine variant of the M&P line. The Shield has roughly the same silhouette as the M&P Compact but is considerably thinner at less than 1-inch in width. The Shield is the first M&P to incorporate an improved trigger with positive reset.[12] In 2016 a .45 ACP variant Shield was added to Smith and Wesson's product line.[13] The .45 ACP Shield variant has a 0.2" longer barrel (measuring 3.3") and exhibits larger overall dimensions.

text: In 2014, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P Bodyguard 380 in .380 ACP. The M&P Bodyguard is functionally identical to the previous released Bodyguard 380, which it replaces. The M&P branded Bodyguard removes the integrated laser sight of the previous pistol and brings the aesthetics in line with the rest M&P product line. Unlike the rest of the M&P pistols, the M&P Bodyguard is not striker-fired. It is a more traditional double-action-only hammer-fired pistol intended for personal protection, concealed carry or as a law enforcement "back-up" gun.[14]

text: In 2017, Smith & Wesson introduced the M&P 2.0 series. Changes include a full-length steel chassis, a rough textured grip, and the improved trigger system of the Pro series. [1]

text:
Model
Barrel length
(in inches)
Cartridge
Capacity
(rounds per magazine)
Dimensions
(width × height × length, in inches)
Weight
(without magazine, in ounces)
Frame color

M&P22
4.1
.22 LR
10 or 12
1.6 × 5.5 × 7.5
(with thumb safety, 1.2 wide w/o)
24.0
Black

M&P22 Compact
3.6
.22 LR
10
1.5 × 5.0 × 6.7
(with thumb safety)
15.3
Black

Compact
3.5
9mm
.40 S&W
.357 SIG
10 or 12
10
10
1.2 × 4.3 × 6.7
21.7
21.9
22.2
Black or Dark Earth

Full Size
4.25
9mm
.40 S&W
.357 SIG
10 or 17
10 or 15
10 or 15
1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5
24.0
24.25
25.5
.357 SIG Black
.40 S&W & 9mm Black or Dark Earth

M&P9L
5.0
9mm
10 or 17
1.2 × 5.5 × 8.25
25.2
Black

M&P9 Pro Series
4.25
9mm
17, 15, & 10
1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5
24.0
Black

M&P9 Pro Series 5"
5.0
9mm
17, 15, & 10
1.2 × 5.5 × 8.25
24.0
Black

M&P40 Pro Series
4.25
.40 S&W
15
1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5
24.0
Black

M&P40 Pro Series 5"
5.0
.40 S&W
15
1.2 × 5.5 × 8.5
26.0
Black

M&P45c – Compact Size
4.0
.45 ACP
8
1.2 × 4.8 × 7.125
26.2
Black or Dark Earth

M&P45 – Mid-Size
4.0
.45 ACP
10
1.2 × 5.5 × 7.5
27.7
Black or Dark Earth

M&P45 – Full Size
4.5
.45 ACP
10
1.2 × 5.5 × 7.75
29.6
Black or Dark Earth

M&P Shield
3.1
3.3 (.45 ACP)

9mm
.40 S&W
.45 ACP
7 or 8
6 or 7
6 or 7
0.95 × 4.6 × 6.1
(excluding .45 ACP)

19.0
19.0
20.5

Black

M&P Bodyguard 380
2.75
.380 ACP
6
.75 × 4.1 × 5.25
12.0
Black

text: Users[edit]

text:
Australia - M&P40

South Australia Police[15]
Victoria Police[16][17]

 Belgium: 8,000 M&P9 pistols were purchased by the Federal Police in 2011, replacing the Browning Hi-Power. Encountering jamming problems, Belgian police decided to send back 6000 pistols to S&W for repair.[18][19]
 Canada:

Gatineau Police Department[20][21][22]
Greater Sudbury Police Service[23]
Halton Regional Police,ref>Press release</ref>
Peel Regional Police[24]

 Colombia: Administrative Department of Security[20]
 France: Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety Institute (IRSN)[20]
 India: Mumbai Police[25]
 Italy: M&P9; Ministry of Interior[20]
 Iraq:

Iraqi Military[26]

 Lebanon:

Lebanese security forces[20]

 Malaysia: Malaysian Prison Department [20][21]
 Mexico: Mexican police[20]
 Pakistan: Sindh Police Agency[27]
 Puerto Rico: M&P40; Puerto Rico Police Department in 2009[28]
 South Korea: Korean National Police (KNP)[20]
 Spain: Spanish Transport Police[20]
 Taiwan: Certain officers of the Taiwan National Police[29]
 Trinidad and Tobago: Police Service[27]
 Thailand:

Ministry of Interior[20]

 United Nations: Security Forces in the Netherlands[20]
 United States: M&P9, M&P40, M&P45, M&P357
Various U.S. police departments[1][30]

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD), M&P9[31]

Phasing out as optional on-duty and off-duty weapons due to operational concerns[32][not in citation given]

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)[33]
Vermont State Police (VSP), M&P40[34]

tag: ul


document_title: Alan Halsall

question_text: who is tyrone out of coronation street married to

text: Alan Halsall

text: Early life[edit]

text: Halsall was brought up in Walkden, Salford[1][2] and attended Walkden High School. He lives in Swinton.

text: Career[edit]

text: Halsall has been in Coronation Street since November 1998, but had previously appeared in a variety of television shows including Heartbeat, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates and Queer As Folk (1999). He also featured in the CITV four-part series Matt's Million.

text: Halsall won the 2013 National Television Awards Outstanding Serial Drama Performance award for his role on Coronation Street.

text: Awards and nominations[edit]

text:
Year
Nominated work
Award
Category
Result

2013
Coronation Street
National Television Awards
Outstanding Serial Drama Performance
Won

Coronation Street
The British Soap Awards
Best Actor
Won

Coronation Street
The British Soap Awards
Best On-Screen Partnership (with Jennie McAlpine
Nominated

text: Personal life[edit]

text: Halsall is married to former Coronation Street and Wild at Heart actress, Lucy-Jo Hudson. They met on set and began dating in 2005.[3] They married on 13 June 2009 in Cheshire.[4] On 18 February 2013, via Twitter, the couple announced they were expecting their first child, a baby girl. On 8 September 2013, Hudson gave birth to their daughter, 9 days after her due date, named Sienna-Rae.[5] The couple announced they were splitting in March 2016, and they got back together after several weeks apart.[6]


document_title: The Little Mermaid (musical)

question_text: who played ariel in the little mermaid on broadway

text: The Little Mermaid (musical)

text: Development[edit]

text:
"It [then] becomes about how does she live underwater, and how do you make that world? It's about the truthfulness to the story and that, in essence, gave me the idea to create something that was really a jewel-box – something that was very simple and in terms of the set, very translucent, takes light beautifully and [is] architectural and sculptural to suggest an underwater world without actually being in real water or having people swimming.'"[1]

— Francesca Zambello, director

text: Disney Theatrical had success with stage adaptations of its animated musical films Beauty and the Beast in 1994 and The Lion King in 1997. Thomas Schumacher, head of Disney Theatrical, proposed another adaptation, this time of the 1989 film The Little Mermaid, approaching songwriter Alan Menken, who had composed the music for the film, to be part of the production team.[1] Schumacher initially brought on director/choreographer Matthew Bourne to helm the musical, but Bourne left when their visions on the project differed.[2] Schumacher then approached Francesca Zambello, telling her that "We haven't found a way to do the water". Zambello's experience with the fantasy elements of opera made her open to the project, and the decision was made that there would be no water, wires or flying in the production.[2] Playwright Doug Wright was brought on as book writer, focusing the story line on Ariel's longing not for her prince, but for "a world in which she feels truly realized in her own terms. ... Her ambitions are bigger than any one man."[2] For the songs, Menken brought on lyricist Glenn Slater, whom he'd worked with on Home on the Range, and together they wrote ten new songs for the stage musical, adding '60s rock, vaudeville and 1920s Brechtian cabaret to the sound of the show.[2]

text: In creating the underwater world on stage, director Zambello asked her design team to use translucent materials to create abstract shapes and manipulate light to give the watery illusion.[3] The design team consisted of George Tsypin for sets, Natasha Katz for lighting and Tatiana Noginova for costumes, all three of who had previously worked with Zambello.[2] For the performers' movements, choreographer Stephen Mear had the actors wear Heelys wheeled footwear, dubbed "merblades", while tails on sprung-steel rods, designed by Michael Curry, were attached to their hips.[4] Sierra Boggess, who originated the role of Ariel, was an ice-skater and had no trouble with the Heelys, but the rest of the cast took some getting used to the footwear.[2] Ariel's tail originally had a motor inside that allowed the fluke to move independently, but the mechanics made the tail heavy and loud and were removed.[2]

text: Rehearsals for the Broadway production began on May 29, 2007 at the New 42nd Street Studios in New York. The cast had six weeks of rehearsals before the pre-Broadway tryout.[2]

text: Reimagining[edit]

text: After the Broadway production under-performed at the box office and closed in 2009, director Glenn Casale was brought on to reinvent the musical for the 2012 Dutch production. He made changes to the score and book, including introducing a new song, "Daddy's Little Angel" to replace "I Want the Good Times Back" (which gives Ursula and Triton a new backstory), and replacing the Heelys worn by the actors to introduce aerial effects and flying harnasses to create the illusion of being underwater.[5] The new stage design was made by Bob Crowley, with the world above water made to look like a pop-up book, using cardboard waves and rocks.[6][7] Following the success of the Dutch production, Casale then worked with California Musical Theatre to present a regional production of the musical in the round.[5] The various changes introduced by Casale in these productions have been incorporated into the official version of the show that Disney Theatrical currently licenses for regional and professional productions.[5]

text: Productions[edit]

text: Original production[edit]

text: Tryout[edit]

text: The show had a pre-Broadway tryout at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts' Ellie Caulkins Opera House from July 26, 2007 through September 9, 2007. Every seat available (approximately 95,000 seats) for the 6-week run was sold out.[8]

text: Broadway[edit]

text: The musical began previews on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on November 3, 2007 and was temporarily shut down on November 10, 2007 due to the 2007 Broadway stagehand strike.[9] The strike ended on November 28, 2007, and the show resumed previews the next day.[10] The official opening date was postponed from December 6, 2007 to January 10, 2008.[11] Jodi Benson and Pat Carroll, who starred in the 1989 animated film as Ariel and Ursula, respectively, attended the opening night ceremony.[12]

text: Direction was by Francesca Zambello, making her Broadway debut, with choreography by Stephen Mear. Scenic design was by George Tsypin, costumes by Tatiana Noginova and lighting by Natasha Katz. The original cast featured newcomer Sierra Boggess in the title role of Ariel, Sean Palmer as Prince Eric, Brian D'Addario and Trevor Braun alternated as Flounder, Norm Lewis as King Triton, Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula, Tituss Burgess as Sebastian, Tyler Maynard as Flotsam, Derrick Baskin as Jetsam, Jonathan Freeman as Grimsby, and John Treacy Egan as Chef Louis. Notable replacements included Faith Prince as Ursula and Drew Seeley as Prince Eric. The production closed on August 30, 2009, after 50 previews and 685 performances.[13] Thomas Schumacher, producer and president of Disney Theatrical Productions said, "it would be fiscally irresponsible to our shareholders to risk operating losses with such a big show in the historically challenging fall months. We are closing the Broadway production to concentrate on the long future life of this title."[14]

text: Postponed US Tour[edit]

text: The first national US tour of the musical had previously been scheduled to start in the fall of 2010,[15] but was postponed in August 2014 for the fall of 2015.[16]

text: Regional US and Canada productions[edit]

text: Regional US productions include the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in Ivins, Utah (2011, 2014);[17] The Muny, St. Louis, Missouri (2011);[18] the California Musical Theatre, Sacramento (2012);[5] the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey (2013),[19][20] the Chanhassen Dinner Theatres in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota (2014),[21] the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas (2014),[22] and the White Plains Performing Arts Center, New York (2014).[23] There have also been limited tours of regional productions, such as a 2015 tour by Theatre Under the Stars,[24] and a 2016 tour which launched at the 5th Avenue Theatre on November 23, 2016 and will make stops in Orlando, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Louisville, among other cities.[25] The production staged at the California Musical Theatre (Sacramento), directed by Glen Casale, is notable for having been performed in the round.[5]

text: The Canadian premiere opened on August 13, 2014 and ran until August 29th, 2014 at Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg, MB. Colleen Furlan starred as Ariel along with Marc Devigne as Prince Eric and Jennifer Lyon as Ursula. The production was directed by Ann Hodges, choreographed by Linda Garneau and the music director was Elizabeth Baird. The costumes used were made for this original cast by Kansas City Costumes.[26] Another Canadian production opened on November 19, 2014, at the Dunfield Theatre in Cambridge, Ontario, where it ran until December 21, 2014.[27]

text: International productions[edit]

text: Israel (2010-2011)[edit]

text: A Hebrew production ran in Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel during the 2010/2011 season, directed by Moshe Kaftan and starring Rinat Gabai as Ariel and Guy Zu-Aretz as Prince Eric.[28]

text: Philippines (2011)[edit]

text: Atlantis Productions staged its own version on the show at the Meralco Theater in Manila, where it ran from November 18, 2011 to December 11, 2011, with Rachelle Ann Go as Ariel and Erik Santos as Prince Eric. The production incorporated Asian elements into its costume design by Eric Pineda. A majority of the cast members played as puppeteer-actors, who controled wayang or shadow puppets, bunraku or traditional Japanese puppets, and nang kaloung or Cambodian puppets during certain parts of the show.[29]

text: The Netherlands (2012-2013)[edit]

text: The Dutch version, produced by Stage Entertainment, officially opened on June 16, 2012 at the Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam and after touring The Netherlands, it performed a whole season at the Beatrix Theater in Utrecht, from September 5, 2012 to July 7, 2013, playing more than 400 performances.[30][31] This is the first production of the revised version of the musical, directed by Glen Casale and featuring new set design by Bob Crowley.[32] New songs ("Daddy's Little Angel") were written, and some of the songs were omitted ("Sweet Child" Reprise, "I Want The Good Times Back"). The set design was changed to include flying harnesses and aerial effects to create the underwater illusion, and the world above is depicted with a storybook design. Casale's changes to the production have since been incorporated into the official licensed version of the musical.[5]

text: Russia (2012-2014)[edit]

text: In Russia The Little Mermaid opened on October 8, 2012 at the Rossiya Theatre Theatre in Moscow, using the Dutch designs and directions by Bob Crowley and Glenn Casale, respectively. Produced by Stage Entertainment, the show took its final curtain call on April 13, 2014, after 502 performances and having seen by more than 700.000 people. This production won two Golden Mask National Theatre Awards, for Best Production for an Operetta/Musical and Best Actress for Manana Gogitidze's portrayal of Ursula.[33][34]

text: Japan (2013-)[edit]

text: A Japanese production ran at Shiki's Natsu Theatre in Tokyo from April 7, 2013 to Abril 9, 2017, with the designs and directions used in the Dutch production by Bob Crowley and Glenn Casale, respectively. After closing in Tokyo, the show was transferred to Fukuoka from August 11, 2017.[35] Concurrently, a second production opened in Nagoya on October 15, 2016.[36]

text: Denmark (2014)[edit]

text: After its successful production of Aladdin during the 2012/2013 season, the Fredericia Teater teamed up once again with Disney Theatrical to stage a local version of The Little Mermaid in Denmark, where it ran from July 17 to August 17, 2014 at the Copenhagen Opera House, and from August 28 to October 26, 2014 at the Fredericia Teater.[37]

text: Synopsis of the Broadway Production[edit]

text: Act I[edit]

text: Prince Eric, his adviser, Grimsby, and sailors are aboard a ship at sea, discussing the "mythical" merfolk that supposedly live under the sea. Grimsby wants Eric to return to court to fulfill his birthright as king. However, Eric hears a beautiful voice and commands it to be followed ("Fathoms Below").

text: Deep on the ocean floor in the merfolk kingdom, a concert in honor of a thwarted coup d'état by Ursula is underway, being performed by the daughters of Triton the sea king. King Triton's court composer, Sebastian the crab, has composed a song for girls to perform ("Daughters of Triton"). However, the youngest daughter, Ariel, is not there for her solo, bringing the concert to a halt. Ariel has forgotten about the concert and is swimming around the surface, admiring a new item for her collection, a fork. She reveals that she is fascinated with the human world ("The World Above"). Together with her best friend Flounder, Ariel visits Scuttle and his fellow seagulls to ask about the human things she's collected, and he explains them somewhat erroneously ("Human Stuff").

text: Elsewhere, the sea witch Ursula is planning revenge against her brother, King Triton. She was banished from the palace for using black magic, and tells her minions Flotsam and Jetsam to keep an eye on Ariel, whom she thinks will be the key to getting the crown and trident ("I Want the Good Times Back").

text: When Ariel returns home, she is berated by King Triton, who is angered to learn that she has been on the surface: King Triton is xenophobic towards humans, believing them to be nothing but savage fish-eaters. Ariel rushes off upset, and King Triton assigns Sebastian to watch over Ariel to make sure she doesn't get into trouble. Ariel sits alone in her grotto, which contains her collection of human things, and imagines living in the human world ("Part of Your World"). Ariel and Flounder meet Scuttle at the surface to see Prince Eric's ship up close. On board, Grimsby tells Eric that he must find a bride and take his place as king. A storm suddenly hits, and Eric is tossed overboard. Ariel saves him from drowning and drags him to shore. She realizes that she is falling in love with him, and vows to find a way to be with him ("Part of Your World (Reprise)").

text: After Ariel returns home, her behavior makes her sisters and Flounder suspect that she has fallen in love ("She's in Love"). On land, Eric is determined to find the woman who saved his life, but the only clue he has is ("Her Voice"). Sebastian reveals to King Triton that Ariel has saved a human. Triton angrily confronts her about it ("The World Above (Reprise)") and uses his trident to destroy Ariel's human collection. After the king leaves, Sebastian tries to comfort Ariel by pointing out the wonders of the undersea world ("Under the Sea"), but she is furious with him for reporting to her father and sneaks off with Flounder during the song. Once she's away, she's stopped by Flotsam and Jetsam, who sweet talk her into seeking help from Ursula ("Sweet Child").

text: Ariel goes to meet Ursula, who presents a deal: Ariel will be turned into a human for three days, during which she has to win the kiss of true love from Eric. If she does, she will be human permanently; if not, her soul will belong to Ursula. In exchange, Ariel must give up her voice, which will stay in Ursula's magic nautilus shell ("Poor Unfortunate Souls"). Ariel signs the agreement and sings into the shell, after which she is transformed into a human and swims up to the surface.

text: Act II[edit]

text: Sebastian and Flounder bring Ariel, newly human, to shore. Scuttle and the seagulls give her a pep talk to raise her spirits and help her get used to her new legs ("Positoovity"). Eric arrives, but when Ariel tries to talk to him, she cannot speak. Eric brings Ariel back to his palace, where Carlotta, the head mistress, and the maids bathe and dress Ariel. Ariel is fascinated by the human world, while the maids wonder why Eric has brought such a girl to the palace ("Beyond My Wildest Dreams"). That night Chef Louis cooks dinner for Ariel, Grimsby, and Eric, and almost cooks Sebastian for the grand finale ("Les Poissons"/"Les Poissons (Reprise)").

text: Eric and Ariel spend time together, during which Eric teaches her to dance ("One Step Closer"). Meanwhile, Ursula is anxiously waiting for the three days to end and sends Flotsam and Jetsam to hurry things along ("I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)"). After a tour of the kingdom, Eric takes Ariel on a quiet boat ride through a lagoon. Sebastian and Scuttle watch anxiously and try to create a romantic atmosphere for Eric to kiss Ariel ("Kiss the Girl"). As they are about to kiss, Flotsam and Jetsam give the boat an "electric shock" and swim away gloating ("Sweet Child (Reprise)"). As the second day ends, Ariel wishes she had more time and could tell Eric everything, Triton worries about where his daughter has gone, Sebastian is concerned that Ariel's time as a human is almost up, and Eric still dreams of finding the girl who saved him even though he does not want to lose Ariel ("If Only (Quartet)"). Sebastian returns to the sea and tells an angry King Triton about Ariel's deal with Ursula.

text: On Ariel's last day as a human, Grimsby has arranged a contest for all foreign princesses to sing for Eric, so he may choose one for his bride ("The Contest"). Eric isn't interested in any of them, and Ariel asks to participate, dancing for him. Eric picks her, but before they can embrace, Ursula appears, declaring that the sun has set and Ariel now belongs to her. Flotsam and Jetsam grab Ariel to take her back to the sea. King Triton arrives to confront his sister, agreeing to take Ariel's place. Ursula claims the trident and declares herself queen ("Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)"). She banishes Triton with a wave of the trident. During a battle with Eric's ship, Ariel grabs Ursula's Nautilus shell and regains her voice (which causes a horrified Flotsam and Jetsman to swim away). Ursula begs Ariel to return the shell to her, as her power is contained within it, and even tries to sweet-talk her into doing so, saying she can turn her human again and reunite her with her prince. Ariel is torn, but ultimately destroys the shell just in time, which destroys Ursula and restores King Triton to his throne and daughter.

text: Eric and Ariel are reunited on the beach, and Eric asks King Triton for his blessing to marry Ariel. King Triton says that it is Ariel's place to answer, and she accepts Eric's proposal. King Triton then says goodbye to his daughter ("If Only (Reprise)"). In honor of his daughter, Triton declares peace between the humans and merfolk. Ariel and Eric are married and sail away on a ship ("Finale").

text: Changes from the 1989 film[edit]

text: In adapting the film into a live stage musical, the following significant changes are made:

text: The shark chase sequence that introduced Ariel and Flounder early in the film has been replaced by a new introductory song for Ariel in which she admires a fork from "The World Above". Other new songs are "Human Stuff", "I Want the Good Times Back", "She's in Love", "Her Voice", "Sweet Child", "Positoovity", "Beyond My Wildest Dreams", "One Step Closer", "If Only" and "The Contest", and some songs from the film are extended, such as "Fathoms Below". "Under the Sea" is the same as the film version, but in the film it was performed while Sebastian is trying to stop Ariel from daydreaming about Eric; in the musical it occurs later, after King Triton destroys Ariel's collection of human things. In some later productions, however, the song is sung to try to stop Ariel from thinking about Eric like in the film.

text: The musical depicts Ursula as King Triton's sister, a concept that was included in an early version of the film but did not make the final product.[38] The musical's writer Doug Wright was given the early notes and scripts of the film, and used this element in adapting the story.[39] In the final stage version, Ursula and Triton are explicitly equal, and upon the death of their father, Poseidon, she received a magic nautilus shell while he received the trident. Each ruled half the oceans, until her cruelty and use of black magic led to him deposing her and assuming full reign over the entire ocean world. Her nautilus shell embodies her power, while in the film it was merely a necklace she used to store Ariel's voice. Ursula also uses the shell to spy on Ariel, while in the film she used Flotsam and Jetsam for that purpose. In the musical Ariel defeats her by destroying the shell. She is destroyed when her shell is broken; she does not grow to monstrous proportions as in the film.[40]

text: In the reinvented version of the musical, Ursula and Triton had multiple older sisters, who were all killed by Ursula out of jealousy. When Ursula became the ruler of the seven seas, Triton overthrew her and became king, which is why she wants revenge. The magic nautilus shell was a gift to Ursula from Poseidon, to ease his guilt because he didn't give her as much attention as his other daughters.[41] At the climax of the show it's revealed that Ursula is also responsible for the death of Ariel's mother.

text: In the musical, the storm at sea sequence is simplified, and Eric merely falls overboard; his sheepdog, Max, is not included, and there is no gunpowder explosion. Ursula's alter ego, Vanessa, is also not included, thereby omitting the subplot of Eric's brainwashing, leading to "The Contest". In the film, Flotsam and Jetsam are killed when Ursula accidentally zaps them with the trident; in the musical they swim away after Ariel takes Ursula's nautilus shell.

text: Musical numbers[edit]

text:
Act I

"Overture" – Orchestra
"Fathoms Below"† – Pilot, Sailors, Prince Eric, Grimsby
"Daughters of Triton"* – Mersisters
"The World Above" – Ariel
"Human Stuff" – Scuttle, Gulls
"I Want the Good Times Back" – Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam, Eels
"Part of Your World"* – Ariel
"Storm at Sea" – Orchestra
"Part of Your World (Reprise)"* – Ariel
"She's in Love" – Mersisters, Flounder
"Her Voice" – Prince Eric
"The World Above (Reprise)" – King Triton
"Under the Sea"* – Sebastian, Sea Creatures
"Under the Sea (Reprise)"* – Sebastian, Sea Creatures
"Sweet Child" – Flotsam, Jetsam
"Poor Unfortunate Souls"* – Ursula, Ariel

Act II

"Entr'acte" – Orchestra
"Positoovity" – Scuttle, Gulls
"Beyond My Wildest Dreams" – Ariel, Carlotta, Maids
"Les Poissons"* – Chef Louis
"Les Poissons (Reprise)" – Chef Louis, Chefs
"One Step Closer" – Prince Eric
"I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)" – Ursula, Flotsam, Jetsam
"Kiss the Girl"* – Sebastian, Animals
"Sweet Child (Reprise)" – Flotsam, Jetsam
"If Only (Quartet)" – Ariel, Prince Eric, Sebastian, King Triton
"The Contest" – Grimsby, Princesses
"Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)" – Ursula
"If Only (Reprise)" – King Triton, Ariel
"Finale" – Prince Eric, Ariel, Ensemble

text: Music by Alan Menken and All Lyrics by Glenn Slater, except as noted:

text: * Lyrics by Howard Ashman

text: † Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater

text: The songs "Where I Belong" (Eric) and Ursula's reprise of "Her Voice" were cut and the "Finale" was re-worked after the Denver tryout. It included a short reprise of "Fathoms Below". Also, the duet between Ariel and Eric was originally a bit longer with a poetic device about him being her land and her being his sea. Three other songs were cut from the show before the tryout but were available on the leaked demo tape. These included Ursula's "Wasting Away", "All Good Things Must End", and an alternate version of "Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)".

text: Reinvented version[edit]

text: Glenn Casale reinvented the show after the Broadway production closed, with an altered songlist (different order, omitted, shortened, replaced or combined songs), and this later version is the basis for the regional US productions and international productions in the Netherlands, Russia, and Japan. "I Want the Good Times Back" and its reprise are replaced by a song called "Daddy's Little Angel", and "Under the Sea", which was previously performed after Triton destroys Ariel's grotto, is moved to before that sequence. Ariel sings a reprise of "If Only" after the grotto destruction and the "Human Stuff" sequence is dialogue-only. Carlotta is entirely omitted, leaving Grimsby with her lines. In the international productions "Daughters of Triton" is the opening number of the musical, and it leads into Ariel's introduction "The World Above", followed by Eric's introduction "Fathoms Below". In the regional US productions Ariel sings "The World Above" as the show's opening number and there is another reprise of "If Only" in which King Triton laments over the loss of his wife.[5][42]

text: Roles and original cast[edit]

text:
Character
Original Broadway Cast
Character Description

Princess Ariel
Sierra Boggess
She dreams of life on land instead of "under the sea". She is the youngest daughter of King Triton, and the apparent niece of Ursula.

Prince Eric
Sean Palmer
He is destined to recover the girl that saved him from drowning, ignorant to the fact that it is Ariel, with whom he eventually falls in love.

Sebastian
Tituss Burgess
Ariel's musical and practical guardian, Triton's faithful servant, and court composer. He serves as the musical's primary comic relief, and reluctantly assists Ariel in her efforts to charm Prince Eric.

Ursula
Sherie Rene Scott
She tricks Ariel into trading her voice for a pair of human legs in order to hopefully win Prince Eric's heart, only to attempt to take advantage of Ariel's naivety. She is the apparent sister of King Triton, and aunt of Ariel.

King Triton
Norm Lewis
The strict but caring father of Ariel, and ruler over Atlantica. He originally hates humans, due to the loss of his wife, causing him to commonly reprimand Ariel for her constant human explorations, but eventually realizes it is best to let her follow her dreams. He is the apparent brother of Ursula.

Scuttle
Eddie Korbich
He believes he is an expert on human artifacts, although he is mainly incorrect, and is often consulted by Ariel for information on her discovered "treasures". He also serves as a comic relief, alongside Sebastian.

Flounder
Cody Hanford and J.J. Singleton †, Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario
Ariel's loyal companion. He often accompanies Ariel on her excursions in search of human artifacts.

Flotsam
Tyler Maynard
One of Ursula's sly and slippery henchmen.

Jetsam
Derrick Baskin
Another one of Ursula's cunning henchmen.

Grimsby
Jonathan Freeman
Prince Eric's faithful servant and friend. Seemingly a close friend of Eric's late father, Grimsby's main initiative is to ensure that Eric marries a princess to maintain his promise to the deceased king. He realizes Ariel is a princess, and is more than happy to let them wed.

Chef Louis
John Treacy Egan
The castle chef, who tries to capture Sebastian and cook him for dinner.

Carlotta
Heidi Blickenstaff
Carlotta is seemingly the castle's primary maid and housekeeper. Despite the remarks of her fellow maids and servants, she is exceptionally kind to Ariel and does her best to make her feel comfortable.

text: † Cody Hanford and J.J. Singleton were first cast as Flounder, but had to leave the show shortly after opening because they had grown taller than Sierra Boggess. Trevor Braun and Brian D'Addario replaced them. D'Addario was the vocalist on the original cast recording and performed on the show's opening night.

text: Original Broadway cast recording[edit]

text: Disney's The Little Mermaid: Original Broadway Cast Recording is the cast album for the 2008 musical. It was released on February 26, 2008 by Walt Disney Records, produced by Alan Menken and features performances from the show's cast, which includes Boggess, Burgess, Scott, Lewis and Korbich. The recording contains twenty-nine songs from the musical. It was nominated for a Grammy Award.[43] It ranked No. 26 when it entered the Billboard 200 albums chart in March 2008, the second highest position for a cast album in 25 years (after Rent).[44]

text: All music composed by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

text:
Disney's The Little Mermaid: Original Broadway Cast Recording[45]

No.
Title
Performer(s)
Length

1.
"Overture"
Alan Menken
2:52

2.
"Fathoms Below"
Sean Palmer, Jonathan Freeman, Ensemble
2:34

3.
"Daughters of Triton"
Kay Trinidad, Chelsea Morgan Stock, Cathryn Basile, Zakiya Young Mizen, Michelle Lookadoo, Cicly Daniels, Tituss Burgess
1:19

4.
"The World Above"
Sierra Boggess
1:34

5.
"Human Stuff"
Eddie Korbich, Tituss Burgess, Ensemble
2:31

6.
"I Want the Good Times Back"
Sherie René Scott*, Tyler Maynard, Derrick Baskin
4:57

7.
"Part of Your World"
Sierra Boggess
3:24

8.
"Storm at Sea"
Alan Menken
2:00

9.
"Part of Your World (Reprise)"
Sierra Boggess, Eddie Korbich
2:02

10.
"She's in Love"
Brian D'Addario, Kay Trinidad, Cicly Daniels, Michelle Lookadoo, Zakiya Young Mizen, Chelsea Morgan Stock
3:39

11.
"Her Voice"
Sean Palmer
3:15

12.
"The World Above (Reprise)"
Norm Lewis & Sierra Boggess
1:17

13.
"Under the Sea"
Tituss Burgess, Ensemble
4:06

14.
"Under the Sea (Reprise)"
Tituss Burgess, Ensemble
1:14

15.
"Sweet Child"
Tyler Maynard, Derrick Baskin, Sierra Boggess
1:53

16.
"Poor Unfortunate Souls"
Sherie René Scott, Sierra Boggess
5:20

17.
"Positoovity"
Eddie Korbich, Ensemble
4:04

18.
"Beyond My Wildest Dreams"
Sierra Boggess, Heidi Blickenstaff, Ensemble
3:03

19.
"Les Poissons"
John Treacy Egan
1:54

20.
"Les Poissons (Reprise)"
John Treacy Egan, Ensemble
1:56

21.
"One Step Closer"
Sean Palmer
4:22

22.
"I Want the Good Times Back (Reprise)"
Sherie René Scott, Tyler Maynard, Derrick Baskin
1:38

23.
"Kiss the Girl"
Tituss Burgess, Eddie Korbich, Sean Palmer, Ensemble
3:10

24.
"Sweet Child (Reprise)"
Tyler Maynard, Derrick Baskin
1:12

25.
"If Only (Quartet)"
Sierra Boggess, Sean Palmer, Tituss Burgess, Norm Lewis
4:55

26.
"The Contest"
Jonathan Freeman, Ensemble
1:33

27.
"Poor Unfortunate Souls (Reprise)"
Norm Lewis, Sherie René Scott
1:51

28.
"If Only (Reprise)"
Sierra Boggess, Norm Lewis
1:45

29.
"Finale Ultimo"
Sean Palmer, Sierra Boggess, Company
2:33

text: Response[edit]

text: Audience response of the targeted family demographic to the musical has been generally positive.[46] Critics gave the show a mixed response, with some praising it,[47] and some calling it "less than witty"[48] and "bloated".[49] Ben Brantley of the New York Times was especially critical, saying that the "charm-free" musical is "stripped of the movie’s generation-crossing appeal. Coherence of plot, endearing quirks of character, even the melodious wit of the original score (supplemented by new, substandard songs...) have been swallowed by an unfocused spectacle."[50] Time Magazine, however, commented, "It was one of the most ravishing things I have ever seen on a Broadway stage."[51]

text: Awards and nominations[edit]

text:
Year
Award Ceremony
Category
Nominee
Result

2008
Tony Awards[52]
Best Original Score
Alan Menken (music), Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater (lyrics)
Nominated

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Natasha Katz
Nominated

Drama Desk Awards[53]
Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Sierra Boggess
Nominated

Outstanding Set Design
George Tsypin
Nominated

Outstanding Lighting Design
Natasha Katz
Nominated

Outer Critics Circle Awards[54]
Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical
Sherie Rene Scott
Nominated

Drama League Award[55]
Distinguished Performance Award
Sierra Boggess
Nominated

Grammy Awards[43]
Best Musical Show Album
Nominated