Review: DISNEY BROADWAY HITS FEAT. ALAN MENKEN at Tokyo International Forum

"Disney Broadway Hits," now in its third edition since 2019, has returned once again. This time, Alan Menken, the Disney Legend who has composed numerous Disney song classics, flew to Japan. Five Broadway headliners also gathered. Additionally, Taiga Kyomoto (SixTONES) from Japan joined the concert, along with an orchestra, to illuminate Tokyo's night with Disney's iconic melodies.

This two-part performance commenced with Alan Menken's solo piano and vocal performance in Act One. He kicked off the show with "Prince Ali" ("Aladdin"), sharing that the song was composed in the hospital room of Howard Ashman who write its lyric. Following that, he delivered hit songs from renowned animation movies such as "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin," interspersing them with interesting anecdotes. While listening to "Colors of the Wind" from "Pocahontas," memories of my own cherished moments with Disney flooded back, bringing forth a surge of emotions. Likewise, many in the audience were also deeply moved. It's clear that each song carries numerous heartfelt connections for various individuals. With the composer performing and singing right before our eyes, holding back tears becomes quite challenging.

Act Two arose with a fervent performance of "Be Our Guest" ("Beauty and the Beast") by the Broadway All-Stars and immersed the venue in excitement. The duet performance of "Beauty and the Beast" by Kissy Simmons and Josh Strickland left an enduring mark, with Josh's beautiful singing in the heart. His vocal quality served as a testament to his Broadway lead status. On the other hand, Kissy demonstrated her precise figure of the powerful yet poignant essence of Nala from "The Lion King" during "Shadowland." Even without spoken lines, her passionate acting managed to effectively convey emotions. In "Strangers Like Me," Josh's portrayal was astonishing. His vocal tone and expressive prowess conjured up the imagery of him sprinting through the jungle as “Tarzan”. In the same work, the duet of "You'll Be in My Heart" by Ashley Brown and Josh was captivating, with Ashley's voice resembling that of an opera singer. Later, in "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" from "Mary Poppins," Ashley displayed her skills as an original cast and showcased a seamless transition to British English. While her singing voice was enchanting, her elevated expressive abilities enabled the audience to savor the story through her facial expressions alone.

The sight of Michael James Scott singing "Under the Sea" was filled with joy and merriment, causing the entire venue to overflow with smiles and rhythmic applause. In contrast, tears were shed during Kara Lindsay's rendition of "Part of Your World." Her poignant portrayal vividly conveyed the melancholy of 16-year-old Ariel from "The Little Mermaid." Similarly, during "Someday" from "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," Kissy evoked tears from the crowd. The shimmering glint in her eyes attested to the depth of her acting prowess.

The grand chorus of "Newsies" numbers by the Broadway stars was a spectacle to behold. Despite their diverse expressions, each artist displayed exceptional storytelling abilities. The performances of Taiga, who starred in the Japanese version of "Newsies," and Josh felt like watching the climax of a movie. Taiga's presence, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned Broadway actors at such a young age, left a lasting impression.

And now, the capstone was upon us. The All-Stars' depiction of "Let It Go" was a breathtaking display of grandeur, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Their vocal power, singing prowess, and acting skills culminated in an ensemble of the highest caliber. Amidst falling confetti, the venue quivered with applause and cheers, featuring the end of the performance.

Accompanied by anecdotes of the secret stories behind the birth of each song from the Disney Legend, Alan Menken, who is often referred to as a deity in the world of Disney, the solo piano and vocal performance was a unique delight. An overwhelming performance took place, featuring Broadway's top-tier actors, a rarity even on the original Broadway stage, coming together to showcase their talents. Disney's timeless classics played by the live orchestra added a touch of luxury. The enthusiastic cheers, applause after every song, and the crowd's tears clearly indicated the level of satisfaction brought by this remarkable show. Disney Broadway Hits captivated the hearts of the audience with exceptional performances and a high level of satisfaction.

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