The little wooden puppet's journey to becoming a real boy is aiming for a debut at the National Theatre next Christmas, following a workshop later this year.
The plot will also draw from the Disney film's original source, THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO by Carlo Collidi. Disney reportedly already held a private workshop to allow Tiffany a chance to experiment.
Much of Leigh Harline and Ned Washington's original score -- including the tunes "When You Wish upon a Star", "Little Wooden Head", "Give A Little Whistle", "Hi Diddle Dee Dee" and "I've Got No Strings" -- will propel the story onstage, alongside unused musical material from the film, as well as a new song or two, or possibly other songs from the Disney catalog.
Pinocchio has maybe the most trunk songs of any Disney musical, and I have to say, not many of them are any good. Then again, the original score itself is pretty hit and miss- it's got a few of the greatest Disney songs- "When You Wish Upon a Star" is THE big Disney song (plus a perfect two-octave vocal exercise for the male voice), but "I've Got No Strings" and "Hi Diddle-Dee-Dee" are pretty C-list. Beyond that, nothing registers at all.
My favorite Disney movie, and also it will be the first pre-Rennaisance movie they will be adapting for the stage. I seriously hope they don't add any Schwartz music.
Wasn't Julie Taymor originally set to direct this several years ago when it was first announced Disney was turning this into a musical? I think she would create some really cool visual for the show seeing how she is know for using puppets and mask .
This musical seems like, rather than using "trunk" songs, they could have a contemporary composing team write the new songs (like Drewe & Stiles did for Mary Poppins). Above that, it seems kind of like it could be a disaster. It could pay off though. Think of the giant whale!
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
THE JUNGLE BOOK was also a pre-renaissance adaptation. Even though people on here act like that wan't a thing because it didn't immediately transfer to Broadway.
Any particular reason why you don't like it, or is it just not your thing? I personally think that all of the movies that Disney himself worked on are miles better than anything after he died.
If you read the report correctly, it is not a 'Disney' project as such. It will be based on the films 'source material'. This is a NT production. Knowing the NT, it will be a magical experience.
"If you read the report correctly, it is not a 'Disney' project as such. It will be based on the films 'source material'. This is a NT production. Knowing the NT, it will be a magical experience. "
It's like Hunchback: a mix of both the movie & the book wit the Disney songs. It just won't be titled DISNEY'S...
"I thought Dumbo was the next Disney musical?"
That was announced years ago (3-5?). I'm assuming (and hoping) that it's dead.
It has huge potential and for Disney to entrust one of their properties to the National Theatre can only be a good thing and if it's a hit then it's a win win for both companies.
My biggest question is what are they going to do with Jiminy Cricket without looking stupid or cheap? They can't cut him out, he's one of the most beloved Disney characters
"My biggest question is what are they going to do with Jiminy Cricket without looking stupid or cheap? They can't cut him out, he's one of the most beloved Disney characters "
This the National theatre your talking about.
I recall disbelief, when they said they were doing 'Warhorse' with puppets.
I don't think Jiminy Cricket would be cut as he's important to the story. The transformation scene where Lampwick becomes a donkey would be something I think could be cool if a little scary if done right
Disney always has multiple shows in various stages of development. Father of the Bride is also in the works per Schumacher himself a week ago. Freaky Friday also had a workshop recently. Shakespeare in Love is also a Disney show. And, of course, you can't forget Frozen.
"Any particular reason why you don't like it, or is it just not your thing? I personally think that all of the movies that Disney himself worked on are miles better than anything after he died."
I honestly couldn't give you a solid reason. Just never took a shining to it.
I can't say I agree re: before and after his death. I have a soft spot for a number of the admittedly clunky '70s Disney movies and of course the Renaissance ones are a league in themselves. I think most if not all of the Disney features excel but only to an extent, dropping the ball terribly somewhere else.
joined:2/10/13
joined:
2/10/13
Posted: 7/2/15 at 7:31pm