A Ranking of Disney on Broadway
Disney on Broadway is 25 Years old this month, and I wanted to celebrate. For those unfamiliar, Disney on Broadway is Disney musicals on stage, the play Peter and the Starcatchers is also Disney on Broadway. The name is also given to works like Hercules and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, as a member of Disney Theatrics. The best way I would think to do this was to make a ranking of all the Disney Theatrics shows that have a cast recording, and were, or are currently on Broadway. This ranking is from my top favorite to least favorite.
1- Beauty and the Beast
As a fan of the animated movie, I was delighted to find out, they would make a full stage production when I was younger. While the movie was my original draw to this musical, what kept me coming back time and time again were the added elements, like new music and adapting live choreography. The Beast gets a new song “If I can’t Love Her” which helps the audience to see his personal turmoil.”Human Again” is a new song for the enchanted objects reminiscing about what it was like to be human. Music, story, and dancing make this the best Disney Theatrics production.
2- Mary Poppins
When I was a child, Mary Poppins was one of those movies I would watch repeatedly. The stage musical has the magic of the original, with Mary Poppins flying over the audience, while adding some new elements for the audience to love.The new elements include new songs which help the audience to know Mr and Mrs. Banks better, and the added character of Ms Andrew, the nanny George Banks had when he was a child. New characters and new songs help bring this story to life on the stage for a whole new generation to enjoy.
3- Newsies
If you’ve read my past pieces, you know that I am drawn to period musicals, or a musical that is based on historical events. Newsies has all the aspects I look for in a musical. The ensemble of characters with backstory and personalities, so you’re not just hearing from the leads, everyone plays a part in the story. The dance numbers take the show over the top with show stopping musical numbers. As a journalism major when this musical came out, Katherine Plumber (the journalist who covers the NewsBoys on Strike) really stuck with me, and she remains one of my favorite musical theater characters. Katherine is a character who reminded how important it is to be a journalist and tell real stories. The moment that sticks out for me the most is the song “Watch What Happens”, when Katherine is writing the story because it is her first big news story.
4- The Lion King
This was a Disney on Broadway Musical I saw when I was a kid, and even then I was floored by the production value. Everyone can find something to love about this show. The movie was the original draw to seeing the show full stage production, with elements from the movie, and new music to enjoy. The integration of puppetry into the show is seamless. The Lion King is a must see for any fan of Disney musicals.
5- Frozen
When the Frozen movie came out, it became of my favorites. The musical takes the story of sisterly love from the movie and adds new elements to make the audience love it more. “Dangerous to Dream” gives us a look inside Elsa on her coronation day, giving the audience a new level of sympathy for her character. “Monster” is a new song for Act 2, giving a look at how Elsa sees herself later in the musical, adding another layer of compassion for her character. Anna has a solo in the musical called “True Love”, which gives us introspection on what she wants. They bring the songs to life with new arrangements and the edition of the ensemble rounding out a new sound. While the story was what drew me to Frozen the new songs are the reason, I feel in love.
6- Aida
They based Aida on an opera of the same name, and I didn’t know much about the story when I saw it. Once you know the story, you can enjoy the musical more, even though it’s more mature than a typical Disney on Broadway show. While a child can enjoy the songs and dancing, they may not understand some of the nuances of the storyline. This is the perfect Disney musical for adults to enjoy a night out.
7- The Little Mermaid
Ariel is one of my favorite Disney characters so this was a must see when I found it they would make a full stage musical. The musical is bright and fun, and when looking at all the Disney on Broadway shows, I would say this is the brightest design wise, because you need to see the contrast of the two different worlds, above and below the sea. The new music works with the songs you know to tell a cohesive story. Ursula being the sister of King Triton in this piece takes the information already established and adds an extra layer of story because they directly relate Ursula to Ariel.
8- Aladdin
Another classic movie from when I was growing up. The story of how love can change your life is something that has always been the aspect I enjoyed the most about this story. The music of the Broadway production adds more layers, such as Jasmine’s solo “Behind These Palace Walls,” where we learn more of Jasmine’s intentions and goals. Aladdin’s song “Proud of Your Boy” makes it clearer that Aladdin is an orphan trying to make his parents proud. They introduce new characters in a backstory which make the audience see that Aladdin did at one point have friends he cared for.
9- Tarzan
The aspect of the story I love is how Jane and Tarzan found love in the jungle. As unexpected as it was, it is also beautiful and different from your typical love story. The music by Phil Collins differs from your traditional music found in a Disney show with the more rock and pop feel. The characters are a bit unexpected, because as seen with The Lion King, most of the characters in the story are jungle animals. The unique family aspect is another draw.
I hope you enjoyed this editorial and the memories of Disney shows of the past. If you’re not familiar with one of these, I hope this inspires you to look up and become familiar with the musical.
Photo by Joan Marcus of the original Broadway cast of Beauty and the Beast.
