Variety reports that Disney Theatrical has begun work on a live Broadway musical starring The Muppets. A 15-minute “elaborate presentation” already took place May 31 in near-secrecy at the New Amsterdam Theater—a “test of concept”, according to division president Thomas Schumacher. “The brief showcase… incorporated… Read More »Disney is Working on a Muppets Musical
As Disney fans, we love the magic, fantasy and wonder that come with the company. Whether it be the first time you see fireworks explode over the castle, or watch Cinderella get her ballgown, it is all incredible and can only be experienced through Disney. The most magical, however, comes from the Disney on Broadway branch of the company and must be experienced at least once in everyone’s life.
First off, live theater is the most incredible experience on the planet, Disney or otherwise. The singing, dancing, production…it is mind boggling how fantastic it can be. When you factor in Disney to the equation though, the incredible element increases.
My first Broadway show was Mary Poppins in Disney’s New Amsterdam Theatre. Going in, I was excited. The grandeur of the theater mixed with the butterflies in my stomach created some pretty high expectations. As the curtain rose, Bert appeared on stage and I was transported to Cherry Tree Lane. The classic songs in these new arrangements paired with gorgeous vocals and amazing dance numbers (Bert tap danced on the ceiling!) made me fall in love with theater. As Mary Poppins flew over the audience during the finale, I knew, this is where Disney shines brightest.
Disney’s The Lion King musical has made its way down under. To help promote the occasion, they placed Buyisile Zama in her role as Rafiki atop the Sydney Opera House. Here’s the inspiring video:
They actually did a whole video series on the casting and production of The Lion King in Australia. Check out the most recent episode below the jump:
Congrats to Disney Theatrical President Thomas Schumacher who recently gave a terrific talk on inclusivity in a speech titled: Embracing All Audiences at TEDxBroadway. It’s a wonderful insight into what drives him to produce terrific theater. It’s obvious Schumacher has a passion for theater but… Read More »Thomas Schumacher at TEDxBroadway on Embracing All Audiences
Above: Newsies Cast Members sign autographs on opening night on Broadway. I really wish I had figured out a way to go see Disney’s Newsies the Musical on Broadway at some point over the last year. It was originally scheduled for a 90 day run,… Read More »Disney’s Newsies Celebrates 1 Year on Broadway
Newsies fans will want to get their hands on a new App from Disney on Broadway. The Newsies Photo Booth is the new official app where you can add members from the cast of Newsies to your photos and share with friends for instant joy!… Read More »Newsies Photobooth App equals Endless Fun
Good things come to those who wait. Disney Theatrical Productions has officially announced that Aladdin, a new musical based on the Academy Award winning animated film, will play its pre-Broadway engagement at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly the Canon) November 13, 2013 to January 12, 2014 and will open at Broadway’s New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014. The show will feature music by Alan Menken; lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin with a book by Beguelin. Casey Nicholaw will direct and choreograph.
Mary Poppins currently is installed at the New Amsterdam. It will close on March 3, 2013 and the theatre will get a much needed refurbishment.
Disney Theatrical’s production of Peter and the Starcatcher ended its run on Broadway yesterday. It will move off-Broadway in the spring and start a tour of the production. The Peter and the Starcatcher Novel is a prequel to the Peter Pan story and was written… Read More »Peter and the Starcatcher ends Broadway Run