The idea to bring Disney’s 1992 film Newsies to the great white way has been floating around practically since the film was released. The rumors kicked into high gear recently with the rise of Kenny Ortega’s star, tied to the High School Musical money machine.… Read More »Can Newsies Musical become King of New York?
Just read the news that a Broadway version Newsies is in pre-production at Disney Theatrical. On one hand the mind boggles. The movie was a flop, few of the songs memorable, and it was made almost 20 years ago. On the other hand this is the biggest ‘no duh’ move that Disney Theatrical has ever made. Newsies has a small but obsessive fan following, it helped launch Christian Bale’s career (although I’ve heard he regrets his participation), and Kenny Ortega was the director and choreographer. Thankfully, they’re planning to make some changes, add some songs, and re-write the book before it hits the stage and they’ve got serious talent, like Alan Menken etc… lined up to produce the new show.
This has me thinking. What other Disney movies are just waiting for their Broadway Treatment?
All these years I’ve been listening to the Original Broadway Recording of Stephen Sondheim’s “Company” I never made the Disney connection. Turns out Dean Jones, who performed in Disney films such as “The Love Bug” and “That Darn Cat”, originated the role of Robert. Jones… Read More »Dean Jones sings Sondheim
Since Beauty and the Beast debuted on Broadway there has been a lot of debate about what exactly Disney is bringing to the Theatre. Your opinion is your own on the matter, but there can be no doubt that Disney has been successful in bringing… Read More »Did Disney Save Broadway
Disney has been invading New York City’s Times Square ever since Beauty and the Beast opened at the Palace Theater in 1994. With the closure of Tarzan and Little Mermaid, it may appear Disney’s influence is on the ebb, but with my visit yesterday, I found that to be anything but true.
The whole area has been turned into a metropolitan version of Main Street U.S.A. complete with pedestrians walking in the middle of the street, a giant emporium, amusement attractions and, it wouldn’t be Time Square without it, millions of glowing light bulbs. (I’d hate to be the person responsible for replacing those that burn out.)
The ‘Disneyfication’ of New York is astounding and nearly complete. There are still some rough edges, but that’s to be expected in New York. It’s part of the city’s charm. Either way, the tourists didn’t seem to mind, I half expected to see a band marching around or some walk-around characters… Turns out, I wasn’t disappointed.
Join me below the jump and let’s go on a little walking tour and see for ourselves.
I’ve long been a fan of Eden Espinosa, whose career I watched from her start in the stage shows at Disneyland and later as she showcased her talents on Broadway in Wicked, BRKLYN, and RENT. She won many awards, but not a Tony. The Orlando… Read More »Disney World Entertainment Alum nominated for Tony Award
Of all the Disney Animated classics, Dumbo has the most ‘Song of the South’ moments. The crows and a drunk elephant are not what I would call ‘classic Disney’. And yet, they do make for two of the most powerful moments of the film. The… Read More »Dumbo heading to Broadway?
Variety reports that the Los Angeles production of the “Mary Poppins” stage musical has brought in over $11 million in box office during the first 6 weeks of its 13 week engagement. I just found some tickets via Stubhub if you want to go see… Read More »Mary Poppins LA Show earns many spoons of sugar for Disney