Ranking Disney Live Theatrical Musicals
by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder
Disney’s influence on the world of theatre has been nothing short of magical. Over the years, Disney Theatrical Productions has brought beloved animated films to life on stage, capturing the hearts of audiences with stunning visuals, memorable music, and heartfelt performances.
On the most recent episode of the OnStage Blog Theatre Podcast, Rachel and Jacklyn ranked their favorite Disney live theatrical musicals. So I figured I would chime in on this fun topic.
Here's my ranking of Disney's live theatrical musicals. For clarification, I’m only going to list the ones that have made it to Broadway.
9. Mary Poppins
"Mary Poppins" is a delightful blend of the beloved film and the original book series. The musical introduces new songs and plot elements, adding layers to the familiar story.
Despite its charm and imaginative staging, the live musical "Mary Poppins" falls short in a few areas. The new songs, while adding depth, sometimes lack the memorable quality of the original film's iconic tunes, leading to uneven pacing.
But the imaginative staging and choreography, particularly in numbers like "Step in Time," along with the enchanting portrayal of Mary Poppins, make it a standout production that continues to charm audiences of all ages.
8. Tarzan
"Tarzan" is noted for its high-flying acrobatics and jungle-inspired sets. Phil Collins' music, while already familiar from the film, takes on new life in the theatrical setting. Despite its visual and musical strengths, "Tarzan" struggled to achieve the critical acclaim and longevity of Disney’s other stage productions, leading to a relatively short run on Broadway.
7. The Little Mermaid
"The Little Mermaid" brought the underwater world to the stage with creative use of lighting and set design. The musical features beloved songs from the film and new ones that enhance the story.
The production faced challenges in fully capturing the fluidity of underwater movement, and some of the staging choices received mixed reviews, impacting its overall reception.
6. Frozen
Following the phenomenal success of the animated film, "Frozen" made a seamless transition to the stage. The musical expands on the story with new songs and deeper character development. The special effects, especially in the "Let It Go" sequence, are breathtaking. While not as groundbreaking as some earlier productions, "Frozen" remains a favorite, particularly among younger audiences.
5. Aida
Elton John and Tim Rice’s follow-up to “The Lion King is a captivating blend of powerful music and a deeply moving storyline. Songs like "The Gods Love Nubia" and "Written in the Stars" are both haunting and beautiful, showcasing the vocal prowess of the cast. The narrative structure of "Aida" can sometimes feel disjointed, but it remains a poignant and visually stunning production that I hope to see revived on Broadway soon.
4. Newsies
The musical "Newsies," inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899, is a vibrant and energetic production that captures the spirit of youth rebellion and the fight for justice. While it has garnered significant praise for its rousing score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, along with its high-energy choreography by Christopher Gattelli, it is not without its shortcomings. The new songs and characters don’t add much the original material.
3. Aladdin
"Aladdin" brings the magic of Agrabah to life with its dazzling special effects, high-energy dance numbers, and a charismatic performance by the Genie. The stage adaptation includes new songs alongside the classic ones from the film, enriching the narrative and giving more depth to the characters. The vibrant production design and engaging performances make "Aladdin" a crowd favorite.
2. The Lion King
"The Lion King" is a theatrical phenomenon, renowned for its innovative use of puppetry, vibrant costumes, and stunning visual effects. Julie Taymor’s visionary direction transformed the beloved animated film into an extraordinary stage production that has captivated audiences worldwide. The musical stays true to the original story while adding depth through its African-inspired music and choreography. Its critical and commercial success, along with numerous awards including six Tony Awards, secures its place near the top.
1.Beauty and the Beast
As Disney’s first venture into Broadway, "Beauty and the Beast" set a high standard for subsequent productions. The musical stays faithful to the film's enchanting tale, enhanced by lavish sets, elaborate costumes, and the timeless music of Menken and Ashman. It’s a story that balances humor and heart, and its enduring popularity is evidenced by its long run on Broadway and numerous international productions.