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?
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
Have a few links I think you’ll definitely want to check out:
Vintage Disneyland Tickets has scanned in a 1963 Popular Science article that features Imagineer Rolly Crump, the model for Ford’s Magic Skyway and the working test environment for the attraction. It would debut at the 1964 World’s Fair. Then the technology would lager become the People Mover attraction at Disneyland.
I’ve really been enjoying the blog “The Best Possible Job” by former Disneyland cast member Anne. Easy to read and full of insight.
I missed this the other day, but USA Today had a great interview with Aaron Kelly after was voted off American Idol. Kelly talks about his experience with Disney’s American Idol Experience and how it helped prepare him for the real thing. I imagine we’ll see even more idol hopefuls on stage at AIE as word gets out about it’s role in Kelly’s journey.
The OC Register has been doing a great series of articles on the upgrades Disneyland’s Rivers of America recently received. There are now new scenes and plant life that ties into actual American rivers. A great idea I hope they attempt to replicate out east.
Every few years Disneyland highlights it’s after-dark crew and this year the LA Times got the honor of writing up the story. It’s a good one. If you like this stuff, I recommend you track down the book “One Day At Disneyland“.
Disney Theatrical has been regularly adding new videos to its YouTube Channel. Some great behind the scenes stuff there. I’ve put the most recent one, The Lion King: Meet The Characters – Zazu/Rafiki, below the jump
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?
I was walking through the “One Man’s Dream” attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios the other day when I noticed that they’ve added a Wildebeast Mask from the Disney Broadway show The Lion King. It’s a huge piece and incredibly crafted. So it is no surprise… Read More »Lion King Musical joins the Smithsonian
It started with an idea — why can’t we take the successful theme park stage show version of Beauty and the Beast and turn it into a full fledged Broadway show. Of course, people laughed at the idea of the Walt Disney Company doing stage… Read More »Disney Celebrates 15 Years on Broadway with deal
From Broadway World: Disney Theatrical Productions today announced that it is extending its Kids Go Free! ticket offer until 11:59 PM on Tuesday, December 23, 2008. The offer, which has generated over $2 million in ticket sales, gives buyers one free ticket for kids under… Read More »Disney Extends Kids Go Free on Broadway Deal