Are you Disney obsessed? Make sure to check out these hit Broadway musicals that sound so similar you’d be surprised they’re not Disney.
Stealing our hearts with hits such as Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast Disney continues to dominate the entertainment world with its life lesson stories and unforgettably catchy tunes. Though many might not realize it this past year marks the 25th anniversary of Disney gracing the Broadway stage. Founded in 1993, Walt Disney Theatrical Productions was headed by Disney veteran Ron Logan and quickly gained a reputation for creating professional and wildly popular performances. While many are initially drawn in by the love for the original movies, many keep coming back for the new songs, extended storylines, and captivating choreography.
As much as we love Disney and their unforgettable creations, we would be remiss if we didn’t point out the world of musical theater that lies beyond the Disney favorites. Whether you’re new to the Broadway circuit or a seasoned veteran, let us share this whole new world with you as we present the perfect musicals to complement your favorite Disney classics.
Produced by PACE Theatrical Group, Inc. and Fox Theatricals
Beauty and the Beast: Discovering the Villain Inside With Jekyll & Hyde
If you don’t mind a slightly darker storyline and a not-so-happy ending, Jekyll and Hyde is the perfect musical compliment to Beauty and the Beast. With songs such as “Take Me As I am” and “How Can I Continue On,” Disney fans will be lovingly reminded of some of their favorites such as “Beauty and the Beast” and “Evermore.” An epic struggle between the powers of good and evil comes to life on stage thanks to the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson and an exhilarating pop-rock score by none other than Grammy and Oscar winners Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse. Follow the story of a devoted scientist, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and his drive to find a chemical breakthrough that can remove the evil from humankind. Rejected by the leaders in his community. Dr. Jekyll decides to make himself patient zero. Administering the formula to himself, he accidentally unleashes his inner demons on the world and introduces to the audience, Mr. Hyde.
Produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone
Frozen: Let It Go and Find a New Favorite With Wicked
Though this might seem painfully obvious to the truly devoted, the perfect companion for Frozen lovers would have to be the musical Wicked. With the lead character being originated by none other than Idina Menzel, hit songs such as “Defying Gravity” and “Dancing Through Life” will bring back memories of singing in the shower to “Let It Go” and “Love Is an Open Door.”
While everyone knows the time-worn tale of Dorothy and her adventures through the land of Oz, not many know the backstory of her green-skinned foe, the Wicked Witch of the West. Originally adapted from the novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, Wicked traces the story of Elphaba (the Wicked WItch of the West) and Galinda (Glinda the Good WItch) back before they were rivals, a time when they were actually two best friends.
Produced by Stage Entertainment, Bill Taylor, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold, 50 Church Street Productions
Tangled: Let Your Life Begin With Anastasia
If you’ve got a thing for feisty characters, daring adventures, and a desire to discover one’s true self, you’ve got to check out the Broadway musical Anastasia. While Anastasia did become an official Disney Princess in 2017 when Disney acquired the rights from Fox, the musical version of Anastasia’s story was already well underway. With the first reading taking place in 2012 and the first production hitting stages in 2016, the story of the lost princess was beautifully brought to life by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, and Terrence McNally. While die-hard fans will be able to enjoy 6 of the original songs from the movie, the stage production provides 16 new numbers to fall in love with along with a host of new characters and subplots. Journey to the past and enjoy one of the best shows this season!
Produced by Ken Davenport, Hunter Arnold, Carl Daikeler, Roy Putrino, Broadway Strategic Return Fund
The Little Mermaid: Sail Away and Discover Once on This Island
Discover new obsessions with this wildly original Caribbean adaption of The Little Mermaid. Brought to life by Tony Award winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, Once on This Island gained eight Tony nominations including best musical, best book, and best score.
Journey with Ti Moune, a lowly peasant girl, as she rescues and falls in love with a wealthy boy from the other side of town, Daniel. As Ti Moune follows her heart, the gods who watch over the island make a bet over which is stronger, love or death, with the prize being Ti Moune’s life. Ignorant of the stakes stacked against her, Ti Moune travels to the other side of town to convince Daniel of her love and to earn his love in return.
Produced by Kevin McCollum, Robyn Goodman, Jeffrey Seller, Vineyard Theatre (Douglas Aibel: Artistic Director; Bardo Ramirez: Managing Director)
The Muppet's: Check Out the Raunchier Version by Traveling Down to Avenue Q
Created by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, the Disney-owned media sensation is about as classic as it comes. Originally appearing on Sesame Street in 1969, the beloved characters became a hit with children and adults alike, quickly attaining celebrity status. Avenue Q would be the perfect transition into the musical world for those who can never get enough of the lovable puppet characters.
Drawing massive inspiration from and even in some cases imitating the format of Sesame Street, all four of the original cast’s puppeteers were initially Sesame Street actors helping to create a familiar, but new performance. Join the cast of puppets and humans as a band of young adults face real-world problems and struggle to find the right solutions. Addressing adult themes such as homosexuality (“If You Were Gay”), racism (“Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist”), and pornography (“The Internet Is For Porn”) the story attempts to show its audience that life isn’t as easy as we’re lead to believe.
