10 Disney movies that should be made into Broadway musicals

As a long-time theater enthusiast who has witnessed the transformation of numerous films into captivating stage performances, I can confidently say that these adaptations hold immense potential for Broadway success.

For over three decades now, Disney has consistently brought its movies to the stage, starting with “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway in 1994. The results have been nothing short of extraordinary; “The Lion King,” which first premiered on Broadway, is still running today in both New York and London, while “Frozen” has proven to be a successful touring production.

Some Disney films, such as Tarzan, Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, among others, haven’t quite hit the mark, but given their extensive use of music and fantastical settings, it seems natural for many of them to transition smoothly to a Broadway adaptation. There are rumors that Tangled might be next, and I suspect other films from Disney’s vast library are also under consideration for adaptation. With so many movies available, there’s plenty of potential for more adaptations in the future.

As a lifelong theater enthusiast who grew up with Disney films, I can’t help but marvel at how some of these movies could translate beautifully into Broadway musicals. Having seen countless productions and spent years watching Disney classics, I firmly believe that the company should seriously consider adapting ten of their most beloved films for the Great White Way. The magic of Disney storytelling combined with the power of music and live performance would undoubtedly create a truly unforgettable experience. From “The Little Mermaid” to “Mulan,” these films have great stories that could captivate audiences on Broadway, just as they did in our living rooms when we were young. With the current trend of turning movies into musicals, I think Disney is uniquely positioned to create some truly spectacular productions.

Hocus Pocus

Initially a box office disappointment, “Hocus Pocus” has since gained massive popularity as a cult classic and a staple for Halloween celebrations. This makes it an appealing choice for one of those “Seasonal” musicals that often appear on Broadway. The film’s music is already enjoyable, and audiences enjoy watching the Sandersons at the Magic Kingdom’s Halloween party. The stage adaptation could expand upon the music and provide a deeper backstory for the witches, giving them a more twisted personality.

It might be tricky to figure out how the special effects work, yet Disney has proven capable of pulling that off nicely. Even if it’s not Halloween, seeing this cult favorite hitting the Broadway stage would be a wonderful treat for theatergoers. 

The Emperor’s New Groove

Originally intended as a musical film with a different storyline, the 2000 comedy “The Emperor’s New Groove” underwent a complete transformation. Despite being underrated, it has become a gem known for its humor. Add in the original tunes, and you have a Broadway hit, although turning a character into a llama might be tricky to execute effectively.

The performance may need to modify several large props, such as the river chase scene and certain visual jokes, but it remains adaptable for numerous versions while retaining the original’s witty spirit. This production warrants greater recognition, and a theatrical adaptation could be an excellent platform to achieve this.

Encanto

It’s only a matter of time before an Enchanted stage musical from Disney makes its debut, considering its recent success in animated films. With the popular song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” practically begging to become a full-scale Broadway production, and more numbers added for even more enchantment, the vision of that magical house as a towering set rotating and transforming would undoubtedly be captivating and magical in its own right.

The play could explore the characters more thoroughly, incorporate unused scenes, and further emphasize the powerful family dynamics. Given that such an adaptation appears imminent in Disney’s plans, it would be strategic to execute it sooner rather than later.

The Santa Clause 

As the 1994 comedy starring Tim Allen, known for its iconic humor, approaches its 30th anniversary, it’s an opportune moment to transform it into a stage musical. This version could incorporate a more satirical tone, reflecting Scott’s initial dislike of holidays before his transformation into Santa Claus. The makeup team would undoubtedly relish the challenge of portraying his gradual metamorphosis into Santa throughout the production, and the North Pole provides an ideal setting for grand musical performances.

The stage adaptation could stick closely to the original story or combine elements from the second movie featuring Scott’s search for Mrs. Claus. Both approaches offer a fresh perspective on the festive season and some delightful twists on classic Christmas tunes. Regardless of the approach, this production promises to be an entertaining holiday spectacle.

The Princess and the Frog

2009’s underappreciated Disney film featuring a log ride is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Creating a stage musical for characters who are frogs poses a challenge, but if they can pull off The Lion King, this task should be manageable. At the very least, the grand spectacle of a special effects-heavy production of “Friends on the Other Side” would undoubtedly be a breathtaking experience.

The performance might incorporate the lively tunes of New Orleans, including jazz, creole, and additional genres. This would create a captivating journey, resulting in a breathtaking stage musical that truly showcases the potential of this endeavor.

Coco

Since Coco’s story is deeply rooted in music, a musical adaptation would further amplify its charm. Visualizing Coco journeying into the enigmatic Land of the Dead and the skeletal spirits donning vibrant stage costumes is quite captivating. The film already has an abundance of catchy tunes, and additional compositions can undoubtedly be developed to make the musical experience even more engaging.

In the same vein as other screen-to-stage adaptations, the producers have an opportunity to delve deeper into aspects like Coco’s emotional connections with his father, grandmother, and the realm beyond life. Given its exceptional status among Pixar’s films, Coco could indeed be a fitting addition of Pixar to the world of Broadway productions.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

As a longtime fan of Tim Burton’s enchanting and imaginative works, I find it quite puzzling that his 1993 masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, hasn’t yet graced the stage as a live production. With its unique blend of dark humor, captivating stop-motion animation, and unforgettable soundtrack, this film has left an indelible mark on my childhood memories.

1. Option: Burton might agree to participate, and Danny Elfman could effortlessly compose new songs in his dreams. The movie will maintain the witty cynicism of the original Christmas tale, while preserving its distinctive warmth. Given the film’s strong fanbase, transitioning it to Broadway appears unavoidable.

The Princess Diaries

2001’s breakout film for Anne Hathaway, “The Princess Diaries,” holds promising possibilities for a theatrical adaptation. The narrative, revolving around Mia’s metamorphosis from high school wallflower to royalty, is captivating on its own. Including several musical numbers is fitting, especially a transformative number to signify her makeover. Additionally, delving deeper into Mia’s emotions about this transformation and her bond with her grandmother could enrich the production.

Despite the fact that Hathaway and Andrews might not participate, given the trend of 2000s films being turned into new movies, this particular adaptation is worth considering. With its established fan base from both the movies and books, the Diaries could make for an engaging royal tale on Broadway.

Enchanted

One potential rephrasing could be: Transposing the 2007 film into a stage production presents an challenge, as the appeal lies in witnessing Giselle’s transition from a traditional Disney animated fairy tale to the real world. Perhaps the stage adaptation could offer a fresh take by starting off like a grand, spectacle-filled musical of the 1950s. Once Giselle arrives in New York, the production could shift towards a more minimalist style.

We’d still get the fun songs like “That’s How You Know” with more added and it’d be awesome to see Queen Narissa get her own villain song. It can offer some sly in-jokes about the Broadway format and Disney itself. This really should be considered as a fun musical to break a few rules of the genre. 

Finding Nemo 

There’s a strong possibility that Pixar’s 2003 Academy Award-winning film could become successful on Broadway, considering its popularity among audiences since its adaptation into a 40-minute musical in the Dinoland area of Animal Kingdom in 2007. This production skillfully combines puppetry and special effects to narrate the story. Remarkably, this musical version works well despite the original film lacking any songs. It appears as if this stage adaptation serves as a sort of trial run for a potential Broadway expansion, similar to Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Frozen.

The expanded performance will incorporate additional melodies, introduce new characters, and further explore Dory’s background. It will also feature exciting sequences such as the turtle wave race, shark scenes, and much more. This production promises to be a distinctive piece, blending talented actors and captivating puppets, following in the footsteps of past Disney park musicals as they transition onto the grand Broadway stage.

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2024-08-17 17:27