Disney on Broadway: Current Shows

The Little Mermaid

Disney Theatrical produced its newest musical, "The Little Mermaid," based on the 1989 animated feature, in 2007. The show performed its pre-Broadway tryout in Denver in the summer and opened for previews in New York in November 2007. The show officially opened in January 2008. The show starred Sierra Boggess as Ariel, Eric Palmer as Prince Eric and Sherie Rene Scott as Ursula. The set and costume design attempts to create an underwater world, which is assisted by the cast's wearing of roller skates. As they roll across stage, it appears as if they are gliding or swimming.

The stage version features the same songs as in the movie, with a score by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman. However, new songs were added with lyrics by Glenn Slater including "Human Stuff" performed by Scuttle, "Her Voice" performed by Prince Eric, and "The World Above" performed by Ariel. The show has had success over the last year and a half and shows no signs of closing within the short future. To watch part of the show, click the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RdrQy0j39E&feature=related

The Lion King

"The Lion King" based on the 1994 animated Disney feature opened on Broadway in November 1997 and has had critical and public success in the 12 years since. It has since opened in London and Toronto and has had several national tours, and is currently the ninth longest-running show on Broadway. "The Lion King" won six Tony awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Choreography and Best Director.

Elton John and Tim Rice wrote the score and lyrics for the stage version and animated version, adding new songs to the stage version, including "They Live in You," "The Morning Report," and "Shadowland." The role of Rafiki (the baboon) was changed to a female character in the stage version to provide a leading female character.

Many of the cast portraying animals in the production use extra 'tools' to move their costumes. For example, the giraffes are portrayed by actors carefully walking on stilts. The Lions use mechanical headpieces that can be raised and lowered to create illusions of cat-like behavior. Other characters, such as the hyenas, Zazu, Timon, and Pumbaa, are portrayed by actors in life-sized puppets or costumes.

"The Lion King" is probably the most successful Disney musical to date. To watch collage of scenes from the production click on the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0gw4PluZd8&feature=related

Disney on Broadway: Past Shows

Beauty and the Beast

In March 1994, Walt Disney Theatrical Productions, took its adaptation of the animated feature "Beauty 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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5Y8auVbhdY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0YfE8xQuA8&feature=related

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.

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:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjazxR84vHI&feature=related