In March 1994, Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, took its adaptation of the animated feature "Beaut
y and the Beast" to Broadway. The musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice ran for 5, 464 performances, closing in 2007 as Broadway's sixth-longest running production. The musical's rights have recently been released, making this Disney musical a hit with high schools and community theater groups.
y and the Beast" to Broadway. The musical, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice ran for 5, 464 performances, closing in 2007 as Broadway's sixth-longest running production. The musical's rights have recently been released, making this Disney musical a hit with high schools and community theater groups. While the story closely follows the animated hit, new songs were added, including "Home," "If I Can't Love Her," and "A Change in Me." Some notable Belle stars included: Susan Egan as the original Belle (Egan was also the voice of Meg in Disney's animated "Hercules"), Toni Braxton, Christy Carlson Romano, and Kerry Butler.
To watch excerpts from the Broadway production follow the links below:
Tarzan
The Broadway production of the Disney's "Tarzan" opened on May 10, 2006. Featuring music by Phil Collins, Tarzan never really did well at the box office, and closed a year later in
July 2007 after 486 performances. The show was nominated for a Tony award for Best Lighting Design in a Musical and had fantastic special effects, but audiences didn't take to it the way they had other Broadway Disney productions. No real notable names appeared in the production and although other productions of "Tarzan" have appeared in countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, a tour has yet to appear in the United States.
July 2007 after 486 performances. The show was nominated for a Tony award for Best Lighting Design in a Musical and had fantastic special effects, but audiences didn't take to it the way they had other Broadway Disney productions. No real notable names appeared in the production and although other productions of "Tarzan" have appeared in countries such as Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands, a tour has yet to appear in the United States. I know people made fun of this production, but I saw it and I must say I enjoyed it. Of course, I like Phil Collins songs and didn't expect too much from a script written for 5 year olds. However, the special effects, set design, costume design, and scenic design were absolutely phenomenal, making up for a lacking story and acting. Below is a link featuring snippets from the show. Check it out:
Wish I could have caught Beauty and the Beast on Broadway its always been a favorite! Plus Tim Rice always produces quality work. I am glad to see actors of all ages will get to bring the magic of this beloved tale to cities all across the country
ReplyDeleteI think taking an Edgar Rice Burroughs novel and turning it first into an animated feature and then a Broadway show was just too much of a stretch- the audience is too narrow.
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