Disney adaptations for the stage?

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 6:31pm

In the midst of the Frozen buzz, I've been wondering what Disney movies you'd like to see adapted for the stage. For me, Hercules is big (I know it might be coming in the future), but Tangled and Alice in Wonderland- this one would take some major creative vision and a good book to avoid being another Wonderland- are huge standouts. If done right, then I think these could be amazing productions a lá BATB and Newsies; in terms of quality. Imagine the lanterns in a Tangled musical (Donna has to be Mother Gothel again) or the Mad Hatter's Tea Party/Queen of Hearts' castle in an Alice show! There's lots of potential.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 6:35pm

There are a number of threads about this.   Try the search function. 

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 6:46pm

dramamama611 said: "There are a number of threads about this.   Try the search function. 

 

Many of them are fairly old though. I figured it was better to start a new thread instead of bringing them back. 

 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 7:20pm

Itonlytakesajourney said: "In the midst of the Frozen buzz, I've been wondering what Disney movies you'd like to see adapted for the stage. For me, Hercules is big (I know it might be coming in the future), but Tangled and Alice in Wonderland- this one would take some major creative vision and a good book to avoid being another Wonderland- are huge standouts. If done right, then I think these could be amazing productions a lá BATB and Newsies; in terms of quality. Imagine the lanterns in a Tangled musical (Donna has to be Mother Gothel again) or the Mad Hatter's Tea Party/Queen of Hearts' castle in an Alice show! There's lots of potential."

 

Hmmm...maybe Brave or Moana? Although I think both could be difficult to stage. Doesn't Princess Merida's mom  turn into a bear? That could be a challenge to do well. And with Moana, people will expect realistic depictions of the ocean scenes. 

 

[Fan123]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 9:06pm

I rewatched 'Tangled' recently and was surprised by how adult-friendly it was, in large part. Themes such as non-overt parent/guardian manipulation and abuse, could be interesting to see extended in a stage version. Personally I found it to be miles better from what I remember of 'Frozen' (the film). I think this would be my preference for the next Disney stage show.

(Edit: Since this thread has floated to the surface again, I'll also mention that the movie's theme of an overly-sheltered young person gaining the confidence to make their way in the world, would also resonate these days IMO.)

Updated On: 11/15/17 at 09:06 PM

[JennH]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 9:09pm

Hercules is a HUUUGEEEEEEE must for me right now. If Tangled by some miracle comes, great, if not, I own' be upset, or anything, but Hercules is the necessary one. But if it does....LESLI MARGHERITA FOR MOTHER GOTHEL. 

And I'm not sure which Alice you're referring to, but the 2010 one has been in talks for a stage adaptation.

[CallMeAl2]

Posted: 8/19/17 at 9:25pm

I think a good stage production could be made from the Sherman brothers musical The Happiest Millionaire, which is based on the Kyle Crichton play. The fact that there is theatrical source material would give the Broadway creators a leg up on the adaptation.

[inmyprime]

Posted: 11/14/17 at 11:47pm

It's happening! December 3 at Joe's Pub!

The Happiest Millionaire 50th Anniversary Concert

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/14/17 at 11:52pm

I can't imagine Hercules would come to Broadway. But the same fate as "Hunchback."
Which is sad because I love them both.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 1:35pm

I saw Coco on Friday and I was completely blown away by it. The will definitely be a perfect Broadway musical

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 1:43pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "I sawCoco on Friday and I was completely blown away by it. The will definitely be a perfect Broadway musical"

I loved it, but I’m not too sure how this can be done on the stage. Like the skeletons and all. Loved the music, though. It would be a nice property for lin to adapt, but I know the lopezes were involved with this

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 1:48pm

High School Musical is overdue for Broadway despite we now have a regional version. Other good Disney movies would be Brother Bear, Descendants, the Parent Trap, Hocus Pocus and Halloweentown

[Itonlytakesajourney]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 3:08pm

JennH said: "Hercules is a HUUUGEEEEEEE must for me right now. If Tangled by some miracle comes, great, if not, I own' be upset, or anything, but Hercules is the necessary one. But if it does....LESLI MARGHERITA FOR MOTHER GOTHEL.

And I'm not sure which Alice you're referring to, but the 2010 one has been in talks for a stage adaptation."

I was leaning towards the 2010 version, so it’s good to hear. I would love to see how they would work that set and the costumes! 

Coco would make such a beautiful show. That and Tangled are textbook Broadway musicals waiting to happen. 

[Tag]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 3:18pm

Disney needs to do a review and/or jukebox show with their catalogue.  I know On The Record failed, but there is just so much potential there.

[RippedMan]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 3:24pm

Would a Disney juxebox musical work? Or would that be too terrible?

[darquegk]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 5:11pm

I spoke to a Disney representative about "On the Record," because I wanted to license it. He said the show was locked away and would never be revisited or licensed, because they were working on a less abstract, more commercial Disney jukebox revue. On the Record was stuck between trying to be a crowdpleaser and being a more musically cerebral revue, with the heavy jazz focus; they're working on something that makes more sense "right out of the box."

[mikey2573]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 8:01pm

The Love Bug

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Old Yeller

The Absent Minded Professor

The Shaggy Dog

That Darn Cat!

Nikki, Wild Dog of the North

The Incredible Journey

The Ugly Dachsund

Charlie the Lonesome Cougar

The Million Dollar Duck

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

The Apple Dumpling Gang

No Deposit, No Return

One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing 

and of course, Superdad.

 

 

[MaddieBB12]

Posted: 11/26/17 at 8:27pm

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "I sawCoco on Friday and I was completely blown away by it. The will definitely be a perfect Broadway musical"

I absolutely agree! The skeltons do pose a bit of an issue, but there is a "Celebration of Coco" promo show at Disneyland right now, and they have giant puppets that, with some tweaks, could be an option. Here is the link to a video of the Disneyland show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=em5mS5SFv0o 

[Cesare2]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 12:18am

"Coco" has already been done on Broadway.  I'd like to see Julie Taymor take a crack at Disney's  "Monkeys, Go Home!" or "The Love Bug."  Disney's "Million Dollar Duck" would also be great (maybe with Kristin?).

Updated On: 11/27/17 at 12:18 AM

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 12:20am

Cesare2 said: ""Coco" has already been done on Broadway. I'd like to see Julie Taymor take a crack at Disney's "Moneys, Go Home!" or "The Love Bug.""

What show has to do with dia de los muertos?

[gypsy101]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 12:51am

i could definitely see Lin-Manuel writing a stage adaptation of Moana and it would be a great opportunity for stage magic

i’ve always wanted a stage adaptation of Enchanted, and i once had a great idea for how to do the animated portion that i’m now blanking on... but think of the great things Menken and Schwartz could write for it!

[BwayLB]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 12:59am

^ I'm having trouble picturing Enchanted working for Broadway despite the music and nostalgia factor being theatre material. Moana I would love to see with some tweaking in terms of plot development and making certain things make more sense.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 8:59am

I believe Princess Bride is next up in the queue.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 9:03am

^do we know who is writing it? I just really hope they find a way to bring Adam back.

[Tag]

Posted: 11/27/17 at 9:59am

Bedknobs & Broomsticks is also in the works, as is the Muppet musical (Disney owned).