Disney Theatrical Productions News

Bayou City Theatrics is continuing their inaugural season with Houston's first locally produced professional staging of Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA. The musical, with a book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls, and David Henry Hwang, was originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions, and ran on there from March 23, 2000 to September 5, 2004 for a total of 1,852 performances. The successes of the Broadway production lead to two national tours. The 2002-2003 equity tour served as a duplicate of the Broadway staging; however, David Henry Hwang revised the book for the 2006-2007 non-equity second national tour, creating a show that was a bit darker by removing some of the campy comedy from the character of Amneris. Having seen both tours, it seems that the version licensed by Music Theatre International is the same book used by the Broadway version.

I must say that there was plenty of Disney magic in this visual extravaganza and it delighted my inner-child ever so much.

The National High School Musical Theater Awards (NHSMTA) has announced that its 5th annual talent showcase will take place on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 7:30pm at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St). At this 'Super Bowl' of amateur musical theater, student winners of awards competitions that take place across the United States will perform songs exclusively from the musical theater canon in the quest to win the coveted title of Best Performance by an Actress or Best Performance by an Actor and a Jimmy Award, named for legendary Broadway producer/theater owner James M. Nederlander, in recognition of his generous support of young artists.

After a lengthy process spread over five months, culminating in a fifteen-hour marathon session that ended in the early morning on May 2, 2013, the IATSE International and The Broadway League/Disney Theatrical Productions have reached a tentative agreement for a new three (3) year contract.

The National High School Musical Theater Awards (NHSMTA) has announced that its 5th annual talent showcase will take place on Monday, July 1, 2013 at 7:30pm at Broadway's Minskoff Theatre (200 W 45th St). At this 'Super Bowl' of amateur musical theater, student winners of awards competitions that take place across the United States will perform songs exclusively from the musical theater canon in the quest to win the coveted title of Best Performance by an Actress or Best Performance by an Actor and a Jimmy(TM) Award, named for legendary Broadway producer/theater owner James M. Nederlander, in recognition of his generous support of young artists.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Oklahoma!' opens, a new 'Porgy,' a one-night 'Tommy,' improvised Sondheim, Darren Criss, 'The Jungle Book' has been cast, two new revues, my Tony perspective and more!

Denver Center Attractions and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh have announced that the award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, returns to The Buell Theatre for one week only today, May 1-5.

Disney Theatrical Productions and PNC Broadway Across America-Pittsburgh announce that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING will go on sale to the public on Monday, May 6, 2013 at 9:00a.m. EDT. Pittsburgh's most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Benedum Center stage on Tuesday, September 3 for a limited engagement of four weeks through Sunday, September 29. The opening night is Friday, September 6 at 8:00 p.m.

Mary Zimmerman returns to the Huntington Theatre Company for The Jungle Book, a world premiere stage adaptation produced in association with Chicago's Goodman Theatre. The production premieres in Chicago on June 21 and plays at the Huntington September 7 - October 6, 2013. Based on Nobel Laureate Rudyard Kipling's 1893 collection of stories set in the Indian jungle and Walt Disney's 1967 animated film, Zimmerman's adaptation of The Jungle Book is a music- and movement-filled adventure of young Mowgli's coming-of-age in the animal kingdom.

Last night, April 22, after arriving in New York for a three game series against the Mets, LA Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and his wife, Ellen, attended the hit Broadway musical Newsies. Following the performance, Clayton and Ellen visited with the cast backstage. Scroll below for a photo of the pair with the cast!

Paper Mill Playhouse presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, winner of the 2002 Drama Desk and Tony Award for Best Musical. This effervescent musical romp will feature Ashley Kate Adams (Miss Dorothy Brown), Brenda Braxton (Muzzy Van Hossmere), Billy Bustamante (Bun Foo), Jeff Kready (Jimmy Smith), Burke Moses (Mr. Trevor Graydon), Lenora Nemetz (Mrs. Meers), James Seol (Ching Ho), Jessica Sheridan (Miss Flannery) and Laurie Veldheer (Millie Dillmount). Thoroughly Modern Millie will be directed by Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee with choreography by Denis Jones. Thoroughly Modern Millie will run at the Millburn, New Jersey, theater from tonight, April 10 through May 5, 2013. The official press opening is Sunday, April 14, at 7:00pm.

Disney's THE LION KING continues to reign across North America with a sold-out, record-breaking engagement in Omaha which concluded on Sunday, April 7, at the Orpheum Theater. The return four-week run grossed $5,621,022 million at the box office and entertained more than 79,000 patrons, breaking the Orpheum Theater's house record and making it the highest-grossing theatrical production in Omaha history. This bests the previous Orpheum Theater record, also set by THE LION KING, when this production grossed $5,506,480 during its five-week engagement in 2007.

Producer and President of Disney Theatrical Productions, Thomas Schumacher and Shiki Theatre Company celebrate their ongoing producing partnership with The Little Mermaid, which opens in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, April 7th, 2013 at Shiki's Natsu Theatre.

Denver Center Attractions and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh have announced that the award-winning musical MARY POPPINS, returns to The Buell Theatre for one week only May 1-5.

The show just celebrated one year on Broadway and you can view their special performance on ABC's Good Morning America below!

In the video below, Youtube personalities Patty & Emily launch their own search for Patrick's Mother- the much-loved role from the NEWSIES movie that was cut from the stage version of the show. Kate Baldwin, Laura Benanti, Jessica Phillips, Ann Harada and more all give it their best shot in hilarous auditions for the role.

Newsies, the hit Tony Award-winning musical celebrated its first year on Broadway with its entire creative team and Mauro Castano from Carlo's Bakery and TLC's 'Cake Boss,' who created a one of a kind cake for the special occasion.

Newsies features a Tony Award-winning score with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, with a book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, Newsies is directed by Tony nominee Jeff Calhoun and choreographed by Christopher Gattelli, who won a 2012 Tony Award for his work. The show just celebrated one year on Broadway and you can check out a photo preview from the festivities below!