Thomas Schumacher, longtime president and producer of Disney Theatrical Group, is stepping down from his role overseeing business operations and will instead focus on the creative elements as chief creative officer.
Schumacher, who helped shape Disney Theatrical into a powerhouse on Broadway and develop productions such as The Lion King, has been at Disney Theatrical since its inception and has been president since 1999. His two deputies, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, will take over his duties, acting as joint executive vice presidents.
With the new role, Schumacher will retain the same title as Jennifer Lee at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter at Pixar.
The Disney executive started as executive vice president of Disney Theatrical, working alongside Peter Schneider, as Disney made its first big foray into Broadway with Beauty and the Beast in 1994. Schumacher, who was also working as president of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time,...
Schumacher, who helped shape Disney Theatrical into a powerhouse on Broadway and develop productions such as The Lion King, has been at Disney Theatrical since its inception and has been president since 1999. His two deputies, Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, will take over his duties, acting as joint executive vice presidents.
With the new role, Schumacher will retain the same title as Jennifer Lee at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pete Docter at Pixar.
The Disney executive started as executive vice president of Disney Theatrical, working alongside Peter Schneider, as Disney made its first big foray into Broadway with Beauty and the Beast in 1994. Schumacher, who was also working as president of Walt Disney Feature Animation at the time,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thomas Schumacher’s longtime reign atop the business operations of Disney Theatrical Group saw the division become a major player on Broadway and in the nation’s regional theaters, with such powerhouse productions as The Lion King and Aladdin becoming longrunning and touring stage staples.
Today, Schumacher, 65, announced that he’s leaving his role of Dtg’s president and producer after three decades, telling staff this morning that he’ll segue into a purely creative role as the division’s chief creative officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who have long worked closely with Schumacher, will jointly run the Dtg as executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has overseen not only Disney’s Broadway offerings such as the longrunning smashes The Lion King and Aladdin but past hits including Beauty and the Beast, along with any number of less enduring productions, such as its most recent, 2018’s Frozen, which did not rise to the level,...
Today, Schumacher, 65, announced that he’s leaving his role of Dtg’s president and producer after three decades, telling staff this morning that he’ll segue into a purely creative role as the division’s chief creative officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, who have long worked closely with Schumacher, will jointly run the Dtg as executive vice presidents.
Schumacher has overseen not only Disney’s Broadway offerings such as the longrunning smashes The Lion King and Aladdin but past hits including Beauty and the Beast, along with any number of less enduring productions, such as its most recent, 2018’s Frozen, which did not rise to the level,...
- 9/28/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Walt Disney never quite had a “court composer” for his movies, although legends like Leigh Harline, Frank Churchill and Paul J. Smith contributed iconic scores and song melodies to Disney classics from Snow White and Pinocchio to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. But for the past three decades, the music in Walt Disney features — and the features themselves — has been redefined to recapture and rebrand the musical, a medium long thought dead in film and even on the Broadway stage. And if there is one man who is largely responsible for this resurgence, it’s Alan Menken.
The composer’s melodies for songs — “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid, the title song to Beauty and the Beast, “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, “True Love’s Kiss” from Enchanted — have become as indelible as anything produced in the world of popular music. Says...
Walt Disney never quite had a “court composer” for his movies, although legends like Leigh Harline, Frank Churchill and Paul J. Smith contributed iconic scores and song melodies to Disney classics from Snow White and Pinocchio to 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. But for the past three decades, the music in Walt Disney features — and the features themselves — has been redefined to recapture and rebrand the musical, a medium long thought dead in film and even on the Broadway stage. And if there is one man who is largely responsible for this resurgence, it’s Alan Menken.
The composer’s melodies for songs — “Under the Sea” from The Little Mermaid, the title song to Beauty and the Beast, “Colors of the Wind” from Pocahontas, “True Love’s Kiss” from Enchanted — have become as indelible as anything produced in the world of popular music. Says...
- 12/21/2022
- by Jeff Bond
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hocus Pocus casting its spell on Broadway? The Sanderson Sisters might be flying their brooms a bit closer to the stage after all.
A long-rumored stage adaptation of the popular 1993 film starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker just got another vote of confidence. A day before Disney+ unveils the Hocus Pocus 2 sequel with the original cast reunited, executive producer David Kirschner says a musical version is once again in the works.
“This started before Covid, but now it seems to be back on,” Kirschner says in an interview on today’s episode of the Broadway Podcast Network’s The Art of Kindness podcast, “and that is that they are building a Broadway version of Hocus Pocus.” Kirschner created and produced the 1993 original and exec produces the sequel.
Kirschner did not disclose details about the project’s creative team or a production timeline, but told podcast host Robert Peterpaul,...
A long-rumored stage adaptation of the popular 1993 film starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker just got another vote of confidence. A day before Disney+ unveils the Hocus Pocus 2 sequel with the original cast reunited, executive producer David Kirschner says a musical version is once again in the works.
“This started before Covid, but now it seems to be back on,” Kirschner says in an interview on today’s episode of the Broadway Podcast Network’s The Art of Kindness podcast, “and that is that they are building a Broadway version of Hocus Pocus.” Kirschner created and produced the 1993 original and exec produces the sequel.
Kirschner did not disclose details about the project’s creative team or a production timeline, but told podcast host Robert Peterpaul,...
- 9/29/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: The 1/52 Project, a new financial grant program founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, has selected the first seven early-career designer recipients to benefit from 100,000 in grants. Each of the inaugural recipients will receive grants up to 15,000, with applicants chosen based on talent, creativity, innovation, and potential for future excellence in the professional theatrical field.
The 2022 recipients are Brittany Bland, projection designer; Everett Elton Bradman, sound designer; Stefania Bulbarella, projection designer; Jessica Alexandra Cancino, set designer; Frank Cazares, costume designer; Jordan McCree, sound designer; and Jingyi Johanna Pan, costume designer.
“I know I am extraordinarily lucky to be able to make a living as a theatre designer, much less to have the opportunity to do it on Broadway,” said Boritt. “Part of that luck was being born a middle-class white boy. The goal of The 1/52 Project is to give a little encouragement to a talented group of early...
The 2022 recipients are Brittany Bland, projection designer; Everett Elton Bradman, sound designer; Stefania Bulbarella, projection designer; Jessica Alexandra Cancino, set designer; Frank Cazares, costume designer; Jordan McCree, sound designer; and Jingyi Johanna Pan, costume designer.
“I know I am extraordinarily lucky to be able to make a living as a theatre designer, much less to have the opportunity to do it on Broadway,” said Boritt. “Part of that luck was being born a middle-class white boy. The goal of The 1/52 Project is to give a little encouragement to a talented group of early...
- 9/7/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Andrew Keenan-Bolger will direct “Mikey’s Army,” a coming-of-age story that is described as “fierce and fabulous.”
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
“Mikey’s Army” is produced by Jamie Forshaw, executive producer of Madison Wells Live and Evan Mayer, the company’s associate producer. They are joined by Kyle Beckley (“Submissions Only”), Mike Mosallam (“Breaking Fast”) and Thomas Laub (“Slave Play”).
The short film boasts a script by Eric Ulloa (“The Nana Project” and Nickelodeon’s “Meet the Alphabeats”). It tells the story of 16-year-old Mikey Alvarez who finds himself at a pivotal moment where he must decide whether or not to be open and honest about what he is feeling inside. Not feeling quite ready for such a moment, Mikey unwittingly conjures courage from a trio of guides who appear in an explosion of glitter and glitz. Can a Drag Queen, an international pop star and an action film heartthrob tackle a mission this...
- 8/1/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
It is truly the end of another era at Walt Disney Studios. In a move that many were expecting, Alan Horn, 78, is retiring as Chief Creative Officer of Disney Studios Content, effective Dec. 31 after a nine-year run at the Burbank, CA lot in an executive TV and motion picture industry career that has spanned close to 50 years.
Back in December, Alan Bergman was named Disney Studios Content Chairman; after co-running the division with Horn as a Co-Chairman since May 2019, as the media conglom made a commitment to spend $14 billion to $16 billion over the next four years. Horn remained on as Chief Creative Officer at the time, shedding some of his duties to zero on the studio’s creative pipeline.
Horn, similar to former NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, was renowned for his relationships with filmmaking talent and smoothing feature productions out. He is known for his gracious and astute approach to film production situations.
Back in December, Alan Bergman was named Disney Studios Content Chairman; after co-running the division with Horn as a Co-Chairman since May 2019, as the media conglom made a commitment to spend $14 billion to $16 billion over the next four years. Horn remained on as Chief Creative Officer at the time, shedding some of his duties to zero on the studio’s creative pipeline.
Horn, similar to former NBCUniversal Vice Chairman Ron Meyer, was renowned for his relationships with filmmaking talent and smoothing feature productions out. He is known for his gracious and astute approach to film production situations.
- 10/11/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Theatrical Productions’s Aladdin will reopen on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Tuesday, September 28, producers announced. Tickets go on sale today – and the service fees are on Disney.
The latest Broadway production to announce its return since New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the go-ahead for a Fall return at 100% capacity (providing prevailing Covid guidelines are met), Aladdin is Disney’s second long-running musical to announce its reopening today: The Lion King was one of three big productions – along with Hamilton and Wicked – to unveil a Sept. 14 return this morning.
In announcing the Aladdin return, Disney also disclosed some changes to its ticketing practices for the shows, including news that the company will pay 100% of Ticketmaster service and order fees. And in keeping with Broadway’s greater flexibility in exchange policies during at least the early months of reopening, Disney has announced that Lion King and Aladdin...
The latest Broadway production to announce its return since New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the go-ahead for a Fall return at 100% capacity (providing prevailing Covid guidelines are met), Aladdin is Disney’s second long-running musical to announce its reopening today: The Lion King was one of three big productions – along with Hamilton and Wicked – to unveil a Sept. 14 return this morning.
In announcing the Aladdin return, Disney also disclosed some changes to its ticketing practices for the shows, including news that the company will pay 100% of Ticketmaster service and order fees. And in keeping with Broadway’s greater flexibility in exchange policies during at least the early months of reopening, Disney has announced that Lion King and Aladdin...
- 5/11/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In an unusual joint announcement, producers for Broadway powerhouses Hamilton, The Lion King and Wicked said the three shows will resume performances on Tuesday, Sept. 14 – the first day allowed under New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s reopening guidelines announced last week.
Tickets are on sale today. All three shows are housed in Nederlander Organization theaters (see below for details).
The triple announcement was made on ABC’s Good Morning America today by cast members from each production: Alexandra Billings, Madame Morrible from Wicked; Krystal Joy Brown, Eliza from Hamilton; and L. Steven Taylor, Mufasa from The Lion King.
In a press announcement, the producers noted that “this rare alliance between three of Broadway’s fan favorites sends a message that Broadway is united in its commitment to ending a devastating period of hardship for the tens of thousands who make their living directly on Broadway shows and the tens of thousands in dependent industries.
Tickets are on sale today. All three shows are housed in Nederlander Organization theaters (see below for details).
The triple announcement was made on ABC’s Good Morning America today by cast members from each production: Alexandra Billings, Madame Morrible from Wicked; Krystal Joy Brown, Eliza from Hamilton; and L. Steven Taylor, Mufasa from The Lion King.
In a press announcement, the producers noted that “this rare alliance between three of Broadway’s fan favorites sends a message that Broadway is united in its commitment to ending a devastating period of hardship for the tens of thousands who make their living directly on Broadway shows and the tens of thousands in dependent industries.
- 5/11/2021
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Change effective January 1, 2021.
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
Alan Bergman has been named chairman, Disney Studios Content, and Alan Horn will continue to serve as the division’s chief creative officer, Disney CEO Bob Chapek announced on Monday (December 21).
The changes are effective January 1, 2021. The executives have led the Studios group as co-chairmen since May 2019, and both report to Chapek.
Bergman will oversee creative, production, marketing, and operations for Disney Studios Content, which encompasses the production hubs at Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures and Blue Sky Studios, as well as Disney Theatrical Productions.
Horn will focus...
- 12/21/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney this morning has named Alan Bergman as Chairman, Disney Studios Content, with Alan Horn continuing to serve as the division’s Chief Creative Officer.
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
The two previously served as Co-Chairmen since May 2019. News was swirling heading into Disney Investor Day on Dec. 10 that Horn might possibly retire, but that’s not the case for the motion picture industry vet of 50 years. He remains integral to the Disney production pipeline as the company will commit $14 billion-$16 billion to Disney+ streaming content over the next four years.
Both Bergman and Horn will continue to report to Disney CEO Bob Chapek, and all production studio heads will continue to report in to Bergman and Horn as they oversee big-screen features and Disney+ movies and series.
Together Bergman and Horn have seen the 2012 integration of Lucasfilm and the 2019 absorption of 20th Century studios, and have propelled The Walt Disney Studios to industry box...
- 12/21/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
U.S. Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and the Broadway League renewed the call for dedicated federal funding for Broadway and other New York live venues today, reiterating the push for the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages campaign.
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
“Today we are fighting hard to keep stages alive, stories told and shows going on,” Schumer said at an outdoor press conference in New York’s theater district near the Tkts Booth. The senator joked that he would demand “a Lion King’s share of federal relief” for Broadway.
Citing the $15 billion contributed by Broadway to New York’s economy last year, the 100,000 jobs, and the millions of tourists, Schumer called live performance “our pulse, our energy.” He said theater was particularly vulnerable to Covid since live venues were “the first to close under Covid and the last to open.”
Last month, Schumer endorsed the $10 billion bipartisan Save Our Stages bill co-authored by Senators Amy Klobuchar,...
- 9/18/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
As expected, Broadway will remain dark through 2020, with the Broadway League announcing today that theater owners will refund or exchange all tickets purchased for productions through Jan. 3, 2021.
“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher. “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be...
“The Broadway experience can be deeply personal but it is also, crucially, communal,” said Chairman of the Board of The Broadway League Thomas Schumacher. “The alchemy of 1000 strangers bonding into a single audience fueling each performer on stage and behind the scenes will be possible again when Broadway theatres can safely host full houses. Every single member of our community is eager to get back to work sharing stories that inspire our audience through the transformative power of a shared live experience. The safety of our cast, crew, orchestra and audience is our highest priority and we look forward to returning to our stages only when it’s safe to do so. One thing is for sure, when we return we will be...
- 6/29/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s Frozen has become Broadway’s first long-running casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic and industrywide shutdown. The production, which opened March 22, 2018, at the St. James Theatre, announced today that it will not return when Broadway reopens — whenever that might be.
In the closure announcement, producers said the musical will not re-open “as a result of the industry-wide shutdown and resulting economic fallout.” The production’s final performance was Wednesday March 11, having played 825 performances and 26 previews.
“In the summer of 2013 when Frozen began its road to Broadway,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions, “two things were unimaginable: that we’d soon have five productions worldwide, and a global pandemic would so alter the world economy that running three Disney shows on Broadway would become untenable.
“The extraordinary contribution of Broadway’s original company,” he continued, “plus those who have joined more recently cannot be overstated. Frozen, like all shows,...
In the closure announcement, producers said the musical will not re-open “as a result of the industry-wide shutdown and resulting economic fallout.” The production’s final performance was Wednesday March 11, having played 825 performances and 26 previews.
“In the summer of 2013 when Frozen began its road to Broadway,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer Disney Theatrical Productions, “two things were unimaginable: that we’d soon have five productions worldwide, and a global pandemic would so alter the world economy that running three Disney shows on Broadway would become untenable.
“The extraordinary contribution of Broadway’s original company,” he continued, “plus those who have joined more recently cannot be overstated. Frozen, like all shows,...
- 5/14/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A day ahead of when Calvin Harris first said his new project Love Regenerator would drop, the Scottish Grammy-winning producer shared the first two tracks from the new project, 'Cp-1' and 'Hypnagogic (I Can't Wait)'.
The project contains four tracks, 'Hypnagogic (I Can?t Wait)' and 'Cp-1' and edits of both.
Also Read:?Got stars Richard Madden and Kit Harington reunite for upcoming Marvel film
Speaking about the project, Calvin said: "'Hypnagogic (I Can?t Wait)' and ?Cp-1' are the first tracks from my new project Love Regenerator. I wanted to rediscover the way I originally began producing music 22 years ago before I ever thought about how it might be perceived by outside forces. Just pure fun and experimentation with what sounded good to me."
"The records are inspired by early rave, breaks, techno and house, the music I was obsessed with growing up.
The project contains four tracks, 'Hypnagogic (I Can?t Wait)' and 'Cp-1' and edits of both.
Also Read:?Got stars Richard Madden and Kit Harington reunite for upcoming Marvel film
Speaking about the project, Calvin said: "'Hypnagogic (I Can?t Wait)' and ?Cp-1' are the first tracks from my new project Love Regenerator. I wanted to rediscover the way I originally began producing music 22 years ago before I ever thought about how it might be perceived by outside forces. Just pure fun and experimentation with what sounded good to me."
"The records are inspired by early rave, breaks, techno and house, the music I was obsessed with growing up.
- 1/24/2020
- GlamSham
Be More Chill and Beetlejuice notwithstanding, the average Broadway theatergoer hasn’t gotten much younger over the last couple decades: Of the 14.8 million people who attended a Broadway show during the 2018-19 season, the average age was 42 years old, about a year older than during the previous season.
The average age has stayed in the 40-45 range for two decades.
That’s one of the findings in the 22nd annual demographics report issued by the Broadway League today. The report is an analysis of the make-up of the record-setting 14.8 million Broadway attendees of the ’18-19 season.
But in a rising tide lifts all boats manner, the overall number of young people mirrored the upward trend of Broadway attendance, with 3.4 million theatergoers under age 25 taking in a show last season, the third consecutive season that the demo surpassed 3 million.
Similarly, the number of non-Caucasian theatergoers hit a record high of 3.8 million,...
The average age has stayed in the 40-45 range for two decades.
That’s one of the findings in the 22nd annual demographics report issued by the Broadway League today. The report is an analysis of the make-up of the record-setting 14.8 million Broadway attendees of the ’18-19 season.
But in a rising tide lifts all boats manner, the overall number of young people mirrored the upward trend of Broadway attendance, with 3.4 million theatergoers under age 25 taking in a show last season, the third consecutive season that the demo surpassed 3 million.
Similarly, the number of non-Caucasian theatergoers hit a record high of 3.8 million,...
- 1/13/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
President Producer of Disney Theatrical Productions Thomas Schumacher Caissie Levy Frozen on Broadway Nicholas Christopher Hamilton on Broadway Jennifer Locke Hamilton national tour creatorExecutive Producer Tim Federle, Olivia Rodrigo, and Joshua Bassett High School Musical The Musical The Series on Disney Luca Padovan and Isabella Russo School of Rock Jeff Calhoun Newsies, Between The Lines Rob Rokicki The Lighting Thief The Percy Jackson Musical and Lotte Wakeham Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical are some of the stars and creatives confirmed for the 2020 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival Atlanta Jtf.
- 1/2/2020
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Natalie Zutter Nov 20, 2019
In terms of Disney making animated sequels, The Return of Jafar walked so that Frozen 2 could run.
If you’re a millennial—or perhaps a parent or babysitter of a millennial in the 1990s—you might remember the weird fever dream of Walt Disney direct-to-video sequels: Ariel and Eric’s daughter Melody rebelling against her parents to get a tail and be part of that oceanic world; Pocahontas’ awkward love triangle with John Smith and John Rolfe; Cinderella and her evil stepmother going all Avengers: Endgame to change the past. These follow-ups to Disney classics fell far short of Empire Strikes Back status, with nearly universal weak plotting and off-putting animation, and seemed proof that in the cases of little mermaids and street rats with magic lamps, it was impossible to make lightning strike twice. And yet, there were so many of them being churned out until...
In terms of Disney making animated sequels, The Return of Jafar walked so that Frozen 2 could run.
If you’re a millennial—or perhaps a parent or babysitter of a millennial in the 1990s—you might remember the weird fever dream of Walt Disney direct-to-video sequels: Ariel and Eric’s daughter Melody rebelling against her parents to get a tail and be part of that oceanic world; Pocahontas’ awkward love triangle with John Smith and John Rolfe; Cinderella and her evil stepmother going all Avengers: Endgame to change the past. These follow-ups to Disney classics fell far short of Empire Strikes Back status, with nearly universal weak plotting and off-putting animation, and seemed proof that in the cases of little mermaids and street rats with magic lamps, it was impossible to make lightning strike twice. And yet, there were so many of them being churned out until...
- 11/20/2019
- Den of Geek
The Broadway League said Wednesday that the Committee of Theatre Owners will dim the lights of its New York theaters for one minute Wednesday night at 7:45 Pm Et to commemorate the life of Harold Prince, the Broadway icon who died today at 91.
Prince was a former chairman of the board of the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. He died in Reykjavik, Iceland, after a brief illness.
“To be a both a genius and a gentleman is rare and extraordinary,” said Thomas Schumacher, the current chairman of The Broadway League, in a release announcing the honor, a Main Stem tradition. “Hal Prince’s genius was matched by his generosity of spirit, particularly with those building a career. Sitting on the T Edward Hambleton Fellowship panel of Mentors alongside Hal was both a lesson in producing and a lesson in humanity. He was a giant.”
Prince...
Prince was a former chairman of the board of the Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. He died in Reykjavik, Iceland, after a brief illness.
“To be a both a genius and a gentleman is rare and extraordinary,” said Thomas Schumacher, the current chairman of The Broadway League, in a release announcing the honor, a Main Stem tradition. “Hal Prince’s genius was matched by his generosity of spirit, particularly with those building a career. Sitting on the T Edward Hambleton Fellowship panel of Mentors alongside Hal was both a lesson in producing and a lesson in humanity. He was a giant.”
Prince...
- 7/31/2019
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jelani Alladin, a star of the Broadway musical Frozen, will take on the title role in this summer’s new stage adaptation of Disney’s Hercules, with Roger Bart (Broadway’s The Producers) cast as the villainous Hades.
Casting was announced today by The Public Theater for the previously announced adaptation of Disney’s 1997 animated film. The musical, to be presented as part of the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park season, will feature six songs from the Oscar-nominated Alan Menken/David Zippel film score in addition to new songs by the songwriting team.
Hercules will include a new book by Kristoffer Diaz (Glow), choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock, and direction by Lear deBessonet. The musical will run for seven nights – Aug. 31-Sept. 8 – at Delacorte Theater, concluding this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park season.
Also in the cast announced today: Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart...
Casting was announced today by The Public Theater for the previously announced adaptation of Disney’s 1997 animated film. The musical, to be presented as part of the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park season, will feature six songs from the Oscar-nominated Alan Menken/David Zippel film score in addition to new songs by the songwriting team.
Hercules will include a new book by Kristoffer Diaz (Glow), choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock, and direction by Lear deBessonet. The musical will run for seven nights – Aug. 31-Sept. 8 – at Delacorte Theater, concluding this summer’s free Shakespeare in the Park season.
Also in the cast announced today: Jeff Hiller (Panic), James Monroe Iglehart...
- 6/20/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Disney film chief Alan Horn told Fox staffers on Thursday morning to expect ‘quite a bit of change’.
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
After a ruthless first wave of senior Fox executive redundancies on Thursday (March 21), Walt Disney Studios released a sanitised announcement detailing its senior leadership team following the acquisition of the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox earlier this week.
Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn sent a note to the circa 3,000 Fox staff on Thursday telling them to expect ”quite a bit of change” before news of the first Fox senior executive lay-offs leaked out. Among Thursday’s more dramatic headlines, Fox International...
- 3/22/2019
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Nearly one year ago, on March 22, 2018, the new Broadway musical Frozen opened at New York’s historic St. James Theatre and became an instant hit. Frozen has been in the top 10 best-selling shows every week since its opening, grossing more than any new Broadway musical since Hamilton and setting four St. James Theatre house records in less than a year. Now, in celebration of the musical’s first smash year on Broadway, Disney Theatrical Productions has announced worldwide expansion plans for Frozen, with international productions planned for Australia, London and Germany.
“Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have crafted a gorgeous stage musical and we’re so grateful that Broadway has taken it to its heart,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “That’s why every production will be handmade, with our brilliant director Michael Grandage and original creators working alongside the local teams to create the...
“Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez have crafted a gorgeous stage musical and we’re so grateful that Broadway has taken it to its heart,” said Thomas Schumacher, President & Producer, Disney Theatrical Productions. “That’s why every production will be handmade, with our brilliant director Michael Grandage and original creators working alongside the local teams to create the...
- 3/20/2019
- by Andrew Wendowski
- Age of the Nerd
With the Broadway production of Frozen about to mark its first anniversary, Disney Theatrical Productions has announced versions of the show will be performed in Australia, London and Germany in 2020 and 2021.
The international rollout follows the previously announced plan for a North American tour of the show starting this fall.
Frozen will premiere in Sydney, Australia at the Capitol Theatre in July 2020. In London, it will reopen the refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in fall 2020 and in Hamburg, Germany, a new production will be mounted in 2021.
At New York’s St. James Theatre, the Broadway musical opened on March 22 of last year and has been in the top 10 best-selling shows every week, grossing more than any new Broadway musical since Hamilton. It has been seen by nearly one million people since its pre-Broadway run in Denver.
The news about the stage expansion comes during a year which Disney has already...
The international rollout follows the previously announced plan for a North American tour of the show starting this fall.
Frozen will premiere in Sydney, Australia at the Capitol Theatre in July 2020. In London, it will reopen the refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in fall 2020 and in Hamburg, Germany, a new production will be mounted in 2021.
At New York’s St. James Theatre, the Broadway musical opened on March 22 of last year and has been in the top 10 best-selling shows every week, grossing more than any new Broadway musical since Hamilton. It has been seen by nearly one million people since its pre-Broadway run in Denver.
The news about the stage expansion comes during a year which Disney has already...
- 3/19/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s 1997 animated hit “Hercules” will flex its muscles as a stage musical, set to debut this summer at the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park in New York City.
Composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, who earned an Oscar nomination for “Go the Distance” from the film, have written additional songs for the production, which will feature a new script by Christopher Diaz (“Glow”) and choreography by Chase Brock (“Be More Chill”).
Lear deBessonet, founder and resident director of the theater’s Public Works initiative, will direct the production, set for a limited run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8.
Also Read: 'True West' Broadway Review: Ethan Hawke Soars, Paul Dano Flits in Sam Shepard Drama
No casting is set for the show, which follows the adventures of the half-God, half-mortal Hercules as he goes through a series of test to reclaim his place on Mount Olympus beside his father,...
Composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, who earned an Oscar nomination for “Go the Distance” from the film, have written additional songs for the production, which will feature a new script by Christopher Diaz (“Glow”) and choreography by Chase Brock (“Be More Chill”).
Lear deBessonet, founder and resident director of the theater’s Public Works initiative, will direct the production, set for a limited run from Aug. 31 to Sept. 8.
Also Read: 'True West' Broadway Review: Ethan Hawke Soars, Paul Dano Flits in Sam Shepard Drama
No casting is set for the show, which follows the adventures of the half-God, half-mortal Hercules as he goes through a series of test to reclaim his place on Mount Olympus beside his father,...
- 2/6/2019
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
A new adaptation of Hercules based on Disney’s 1997 animated film and featuring additional music by Alan Menken and David Zippel, a new book by Glow writer Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Be More Chill choreographer Chase Brock will conclude this summer’s season of the Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare In The Park, the Public announced today.
Hercules will close out the season at the Delacorte theater in Central Park following productions of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by American Son director Kenny Leon, and Coriolanus, directed by Daniel Sullivan.
The Hercules staging will be the latest of the Public’s Public Works initiative productions that invite community groups throughout the city to participate in the development of theater works. Last summer the initiative produced the very popular Twelfth Night with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
“Our Public Works community promises to connect this brilliantly conceived story back...
Hercules will close out the season at the Delacorte theater in Central Park following productions of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by American Son director Kenny Leon, and Coriolanus, directed by Daniel Sullivan.
The Hercules staging will be the latest of the Public’s Public Works initiative productions that invite community groups throughout the city to participate in the development of theater works. Last summer the initiative produced the very popular Twelfth Night with music and lyrics by Shaina Taub.
“Our Public Works community promises to connect this brilliantly conceived story back...
- 2/6/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Broadway will dim its lights for Carol Channing tomorrow night at 7:45 pm Et, The Broadway League announced today.
“Carol Channing personified everything we love about American musical comedy: big, funny and joyous. To see her hold an audience in her thrall was a master class in star power,” said Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of The Broadway League. “Hello, Dolly! opened 55 years ago tomorrow. She always was famous for her timing.”
The decision to dim Broadway’s lights is made by the League’s Committee of Theatre Owners. For Channing, the lights will dim for one minute on Wednesday, January 16 at exactly 7:45pm.
Channing’s Broadway credits include Hello, Dolly! (1995 Revival), Hello, Dolly! (1978 Revival), Lorelei (1974), Four on a Garden (1971), Hello, Dolly! (1964), Show Girl (1961), The Vamp (1955), Wonderful Town (1953), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949), Lend an Ear (1948), Proof Thro’ the Night (1942), and Let’s Face It! (1941).
According to The League, Channing played the role...
“Carol Channing personified everything we love about American musical comedy: big, funny and joyous. To see her hold an audience in her thrall was a master class in star power,” said Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of The Broadway League. “Hello, Dolly! opened 55 years ago tomorrow. She always was famous for her timing.”
The decision to dim Broadway’s lights is made by the League’s Committee of Theatre Owners. For Channing, the lights will dim for one minute on Wednesday, January 16 at exactly 7:45pm.
Channing’s Broadway credits include Hello, Dolly! (1995 Revival), Hello, Dolly! (1978 Revival), Lorelei (1974), Four on a Garden (1971), Hello, Dolly! (1964), Show Girl (1961), The Vamp (1955), Wonderful Town (1953), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1949), Lend an Ear (1948), Proof Thro’ the Night (1942), and Let’s Face It! (1941).
According to The League, Channing played the role...
- 1/15/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Last night Friday, January 11, 2019 Disney Theatrical Productions hosted Disney Theatrical at 25 The Stars Align at BroadwayCon in Manhattan. The lively panel was made up of some of the stars who created these indelible shows and characters in their original productions. Moderated by Disney Theatrical Productions head Thomas Schumacher, the panel was a fascinating and hilarious discussion filled with behind-the-scenes stories. Panelists included Christian Borle Tony-winning Black Stache in Peter and the Starcatcher, Ashley Browntitle role in Mary Poppins, Merle Dandridge Kala in Tarzan, Susan Egan Belle in Beauty and the Beast, James Monroe IglehartTony-winning Genie in Aladdin, and Patti Murin Anna in Frozen.
- 1/12/2019
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Disney’s live-action “Lion King” teaser trailer dropped on Thanksgiving Day, giving lions, meerkats, warthogs and even humans a cinematic surprise to be thankful for.
The trailer touches on familiar images from the animated version. But it all feels more real, thanks to spectacular CGI re-imaginings that accompany James Earl Jones’ narration, and introduce us to the hyperrealistic live-action versions of Simba, Rafiki and Scar.
Watch it above, if you somehow haven’t already.
Also Read: Beyonce Will Voice Nala in Live-Action Adaptation of 'The Lion King'
The live-action “Lion King” lets us see images etched into our younger minds in an entirely new way — especially the moment when Rafiki holds up Simba to introduce him to the kingdom (and the world) for the first time.
The trailer debuted during the NFL matchup of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, because releasing it during the Detroit Lions game would have been too obvious,...
The trailer touches on familiar images from the animated version. But it all feels more real, thanks to spectacular CGI re-imaginings that accompany James Earl Jones’ narration, and introduce us to the hyperrealistic live-action versions of Simba, Rafiki and Scar.
Watch it above, if you somehow haven’t already.
Also Read: Beyonce Will Voice Nala in Live-Action Adaptation of 'The Lion King'
The live-action “Lion King” lets us see images etched into our younger minds in an entirely new way — especially the moment when Rafiki holds up Simba to introduce him to the kingdom (and the world) for the first time.
The trailer debuted during the NFL matchup of the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, because releasing it during the Detroit Lions game would have been too obvious,...
- 11/22/2018
- by Tim Molloy
- The Wrap
Bob Iger says Fox labels create ’endless possibilities’.
Twenty-First Century Fox executives Emma Watts, Elizabeth Gabler, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, and Vanessa Morrison are joining Disney’s studio entertainment management team pending Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
As previously reported, 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be among the new intake and is poised to leave once the transaction goes through. It is not yet known where she will land.
Watts, the Twentieth Century Fox Film vice-president and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, along with Fox Searchlight Pictures...
Twenty-First Century Fox executives Emma Watts, Elizabeth Gabler, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, and Vanessa Morrison are joining Disney’s studio entertainment management team pending Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
As previously reported, 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be among the new intake and is poised to leave once the transaction goes through. It is not yet known where she will land.
Watts, the Twentieth Century Fox Film vice-president and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, along with Fox Searchlight Pictures...
- 10/19/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Bob Iger says Fox labels create ’endless possibilities’.
Twenty-First Century Fox executives Emma Watts, Elizabeth Gabler, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, and Vanessa Morrison are joining Disney’s studio entertainment management team pending Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
As previously reported, 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be among the new intake and is poised to leave once the transaction goes through. It is not yet known where she will land.
Watts, the Twentieth Century Fox Film vice-president and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, along with Fox Searchlight Pictures...
Twenty-First Century Fox executives Emma Watts, Elizabeth Gabler, Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird, and Vanessa Morrison are joining Disney’s studio entertainment management team pending Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
As previously reported, 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be among the new intake and is poised to leave once the transaction goes through. It is not yet known where she will land.
Watts, the Twentieth Century Fox Film vice-president and president of production at Twentieth Century Fox, along with Fox Searchlight Pictures...
- 10/19/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
As Disney completes its merger with Twentieth Century Fox, the studio will bring the leaders of the existing Fox motion picture labels into the Mouse House, reporting to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
One notable exception: Current 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not make the transition. Snider moved into the role to take over for Jim Gianopulos, who eventually went to Paramount. Now, after running Universal and DreamWorks for Steven Spielberg, Snider is out of a job.
Moving to Disney is Snider’s vice chairman Emma Watts, who retains that title as well as president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula will continue to serve as chairmen of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Elizabeth Gabler will continue to serve as president of production, Fox 2000.
This executive shuffle ends the latest chapter in Hollywood’s version of “Survivor,” but...
One notable exception: Current 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not make the transition. Snider moved into the role to take over for Jim Gianopulos, who eventually went to Paramount. Now, after running Universal and DreamWorks for Steven Spielberg, Snider is out of a job.
Moving to Disney is Snider’s vice chairman Emma Watts, who retains that title as well as president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula will continue to serve as chairmen of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Elizabeth Gabler will continue to serve as president of production, Fox 2000.
This executive shuffle ends the latest chapter in Hollywood’s version of “Survivor,” but...
- 10/18/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
As Disney completes its merger with Twentieth Century Fox, the studio will bring the leaders of the existing Fox motion picture labels into the Mouse House, reporting to The Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
One notable exception: Current 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not make the transition. Snider moved into the role to take over for Jim Gianopulos, who eventually went to Paramount. Now, after running Universal and DreamWorks for Steven Spielberg, Snider is out of a job.
Moving to Disney is Snider’s vice chairman Emma Watts, who retains that title as well as president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula will continue to serve as chairmen of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Elizabeth Gabler will continue to serve as president of production, Fox 2000.
This executive shuffle ends the latest chapter in Hollywood’s version of “Survivor,” but...
One notable exception: Current 20th Century Fox Film chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not make the transition. Snider moved into the role to take over for Jim Gianopulos, who eventually went to Paramount. Now, after running Universal and DreamWorks for Steven Spielberg, Snider is out of a job.
Moving to Disney is Snider’s vice chairman Emma Watts, who retains that title as well as president of production at Twentieth Century Fox Film. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula will continue to serve as chairmen of Fox Searchlight Pictures. Elizabeth Gabler will continue to serve as president of production, Fox 2000.
This executive shuffle ends the latest chapter in Hollywood’s version of “Survivor,” but...
- 10/18/2018
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
As expected, 20th Century Fox Vice Chairman Emma Watts will continue leading the studio once it is absorbed by The Walt Disney Company. She’ll report directly to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn in a structure that Disney unveiled Thursday.
Joining Watts, as Deadline previously reported, in the new Disney structure are Fox Searchlight chiefs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, as well as Fox 2000 president of production Elizabeth Gabler.
Current 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be segueing to the new merger as has been previously reported. She’ll depart the Fox lot when the merger deal officially closes, after overseeing the releases of The Hate U Give, The Favourite, Bad Times at the El Royale and the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. She is taking meetings but has not made a decision on her next move.
Disney said today that Fox Animation co-presidents Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird,...
Joining Watts, as Deadline previously reported, in the new Disney structure are Fox Searchlight chiefs Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula, as well as Fox 2000 president of production Elizabeth Gabler.
Current 20th Century Fox chairman and CEO Stacey Snider will not be segueing to the new merger as has been previously reported. She’ll depart the Fox lot when the merger deal officially closes, after overseeing the releases of The Hate U Give, The Favourite, Bad Times at the El Royale and the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. She is taking meetings but has not made a decision on her next move.
Disney said today that Fox Animation co-presidents Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird,...
- 10/18/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Co. on Thursday announced that Emma Watts, as well as several other Fox film executives, will make the move to Disney’s studio entertainment management team after the company’s deal to acquire a majority of Fox assets closes.
“We’re pleased that these talented executives will be joining our incredible team of studio leaders once the acquisition of 21st Century Fox is completed,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “Under Alan Horn’s leadership, Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm have reached unprecedented levels of creative and box-office success, and adding Fox’s impressive film brands and franchises to our studio will allow us to create even more appealing high-quality entertainment to delight audiences.”
Watts will report directly to Disney studio head Alan Horn and will serve as vice chairman for Twentieth Century Fox Film and president of production at Fox. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula...
“We’re pleased that these talented executives will be joining our incredible team of studio leaders once the acquisition of 21st Century Fox is completed,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “Under Alan Horn’s leadership, Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm have reached unprecedented levels of creative and box-office success, and adding Fox’s impressive film brands and franchises to our studio will allow us to create even more appealing high-quality entertainment to delight audiences.”
Watts will report directly to Disney studio head Alan Horn and will serve as vice chairman for Twentieth Century Fox Film and president of production at Fox. Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula...
- 10/18/2018
- by Trey Williams
- The Wrap
Broadway will dim its lights in honor of Neil Simon.
The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, librettist, lyricist, producer, and theatre owner and operator died Sunday at the age of 91. His credits include “Lost in Yonkers,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “The Sunshine Boys,” and “The Odd Couple.”
“Neil Simon’s plays are a testament to the human experience: He made audiences laugh, cry, and think. No other American playwright has had as many performances or as many shows in production simultaneously on Broadway,” said Thomas Schumacher, chairman of the Broadway League. “The outpouring of accolades and personal memories being shared since his death are a tribute to how deeply he influenced our culture and touched the lives of literally millions of theatergoers.”
The lights on the Great White Way will go dark on Aug. 30 at exactly 6:45 p.m. Et for one minute. Simon’s dozens of works include “Barefoot in the Park,...
The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, librettist, lyricist, producer, and theatre owner and operator died Sunday at the age of 91. His credits include “Lost in Yonkers,” “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” “The Sunshine Boys,” and “The Odd Couple.”
“Neil Simon’s plays are a testament to the human experience: He made audiences laugh, cry, and think. No other American playwright has had as many performances or as many shows in production simultaneously on Broadway,” said Thomas Schumacher, chairman of the Broadway League. “The outpouring of accolades and personal memories being shared since his death are a tribute to how deeply he influenced our culture and touched the lives of literally millions of theatergoers.”
The lights on the Great White Way will go dark on Aug. 30 at exactly 6:45 p.m. Et for one minute. Simon’s dozens of works include “Barefoot in the Park,...
- 8/27/2018
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Disney knows a good thing when it sees it. The studio has adapted Mary Rodgers’ 1972 children’s novel “Freaky Friday” into a feature film three times, a stage musical once and now a TV movie for Disney Channel, premiering Aug. 10 at 8 p.m. Et/Pt.
And the company can identify a good team too. When Disney Theatrical Prods. developed the stage version in 2016, producers turned to the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning composing team of Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics). The book was written by Bridget Carpenter. Disney decided to keep the collaborators together for the TV adaptation.
“Tom and Brian are the perfect team for ‘Freaky Friday,’” says Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical. “Their connection to the Mary Rodgers novel was deep, and they’ve provided the show with a score that’s funny, moving and wise.”
Indeed, Kitt and Yorkey had been longtime fans of the material.
And the company can identify a good team too. When Disney Theatrical Prods. developed the stage version in 2016, producers turned to the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning composing team of Tom Kitt (music) and Brian Yorkey (lyrics). The book was written by Bridget Carpenter. Disney decided to keep the collaborators together for the TV adaptation.
“Tom and Brian are the perfect team for ‘Freaky Friday,’” says Thomas Schumacher, president and producer of Disney Theatrical. “Their connection to the Mary Rodgers novel was deep, and they’ve provided the show with a score that’s funny, moving and wise.”
Indeed, Kitt and Yorkey had been longtime fans of the material.
- 8/9/2018
- by Terry Flores
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s Tony-nominated musical Frozen will skate across North America beginning in the fall of 2019, with an official, exclusive opening at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles during the 2019-20 season.
Casting, dates and and ticket information will be announced later. Frozen will bring the number of Disney touring musicals to three, alongside The Lion King and Aladdin.
The tour is the latest in recent weeks from Broadway. Earlier today, the schedule for the upcoming A Bronx Tale tour was announced, with the musical directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks set to launch in Rochester, New York this October.
Earlier this month, 2019 tours of Mean Girls and My Fair Lady were announced, with casting still to be determined.
Frozen, directed by Michael Grandage and playing on Broadway at the St. James Theatre, has been Tony-nominated for Best Score, Best Book and Best Musical. The musical is produced...
Casting, dates and and ticket information will be announced later. Frozen will bring the number of Disney touring musicals to three, alongside The Lion King and Aladdin.
The tour is the latest in recent weeks from Broadway. Earlier today, the schedule for the upcoming A Bronx Tale tour was announced, with the musical directed by Robert De Niro and Jerry Zaks set to launch in Rochester, New York this October.
Earlier this month, 2019 tours of Mean Girls and My Fair Lady were announced, with casting still to be determined.
Frozen, directed by Michael Grandage and playing on Broadway at the St. James Theatre, has been Tony-nominated for Best Score, Best Book and Best Musical. The musical is produced...
- 5/15/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The Tony Awards nominations announcements will be co-hosted by Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton) and Katharine McPhee (Waitress), the organization announced today.
The nominations will be announced Tuesday, May 1, at 8:30 a.m. Et and can be viewed live on CBS This Morning. The announcements also will be livestreamed at http://www.TonyAwards.com and http://www.Facebook.com/TheTonyAwards, and then be available at TonyAwards.com after the event.
The announcements – always a brief event – will be made at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, with attendees including David Henry Hwang, Chairman of the American Theatre Wing; Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing; Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of The Broadway League; Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League.
The nominations will be announced Tuesday, May 1, at 8:30 a.m. Et and can be viewed live on CBS This Morning. The announcements also will be livestreamed at http://www.TonyAwards.com and http://www.Facebook.com/TheTonyAwards, and then be available at TonyAwards.com after the event.
The announcements – always a brief event – will be made at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center, with attendees including David Henry Hwang, Chairman of the American Theatre Wing; Heather Hitchens, President & CEO of the American Theatre Wing; Thomas Schumacher, Chairman of The Broadway League; Charlotte St. Martin, President of The Broadway League.
- 4/12/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
“Frozen” co-director Jennifer Lee — who will revisit Arendelle with Chris Buck for next fall’s sequel — wants Disney fans to know she’s heard their pleas to give Princess Elsa a female love interest.
“We have tons of conversations about it, and we’re really conscientious about these things,” Lee told The Huffington Post while promoting her adapted screenplay for Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” “Elsa’s every day telling me where she needs to go, and she’ll continue to tell us. I always write from character-out, and where Elsa is and what Elsa’s doing in her life, she’s telling me every day. We’ll see where we go.”
Lee also said loves that Elsa “speaks to so many people” and that the film is “creating dialogue” about Lgbtq representation: “It means the world to us that we’re part of these conversations.” Tony winner Idina Menzel,...
“We have tons of conversations about it, and we’re really conscientious about these things,” Lee told The Huffington Post while promoting her adapted screenplay for Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time.” “Elsa’s every day telling me where she needs to go, and she’ll continue to tell us. I always write from character-out, and where Elsa is and what Elsa’s doing in her life, she’s telling me every day. We’ll see where we go.”
Lee also said loves that Elsa “speaks to so many people” and that the film is “creating dialogue” about Lgbtq representation: “It means the world to us that we’re part of these conversations.” Tony winner Idina Menzel,...
- 2/28/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Thomas Schumacher, the longtime Disney executive in charge of adapting the studio’s hit movies for Broadway and other stage venues, has been accused of sexual harassment by at least two former employees. According to a report by the Wall Street Journal Wednesday, the New York-based Schumacher made lewd sexual comments to a male employee in story development and also made inappropriate remarks about the son of a female assistant. Schumacher is the man behind massive stage adaptations like “The Lion King,” widely reported to be the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time, as well as the imminent and anticipated live version of...
- 2/21/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
One day before Disney debuts its new Broadway musical, “Frozen,” the studio’s theatrical group president has been accused of sexually harassing employees. According to a Wall Street Journal investigation published on February 21, Thomas Schumacher “has offended numerous employees over the years with explicit language and behavior, including comments about subordinates’ sexual attractiveness, discussions about pornography and walking through the office in a bathrobe while boasting he had nothing on underneath, according to people who said they witnessed the episodes.”
The newspaper chronicled accusations dating back to the ’90s, when Bruce Williams — a former employee in Disney’s story-development department — said that his then-boss made “salacious and inappropriate” comments toward him, including “compliments on my ass.” Williams said he reported Schumacher’s behavior to two supervisors in 1994, and Disney’s human-resources department responded by saying, “We’ve spoken to Tom and he apologizes,” adding, “this time I think he’s heard us.
The newspaper chronicled accusations dating back to the ’90s, when Bruce Williams — a former employee in Disney’s story-development department — said that his then-boss made “salacious and inappropriate” comments toward him, including “compliments on my ass.” Williams said he reported Schumacher’s behavior to two supervisors in 1994, and Disney’s human-resources department responded by saying, “We’ve spoken to Tom and he apologizes,” adding, “this time I think he’s heard us.
- 2/21/2018
- by Jenna Marotta
- Indiewire
Thomas Schumacher, president of Disney Theatrical Productions, has been accused of workplace sexual misconduct and harassment.
In a new report, The Wall Street Journal spoke with former employees that described Schumacher's use of inappropriate language and lewd remarks about their appearance.
Ex-staffer Bruce Williams worked in a Disney story-development department in 1994 that was then overseen by Schumacher. He has accused his former boss of making unwanted advances that included comments about his appearance. Another employee, Jane Buchanan, reported to Disney inappropriate language used by Schumacher while she worked for him in 2006.
Schumacher, a prolific producer, has been...
In a new report, The Wall Street Journal spoke with former employees that described Schumacher's use of inappropriate language and lewd remarks about their appearance.
Ex-staffer Bruce Williams worked in a Disney story-development department in 1994 that was then overseen by Schumacher. He has accused his former boss of making unwanted advances that included comments about his appearance. Another employee, Jane Buchanan, reported to Disney inappropriate language used by Schumacher while she worked for him in 2006.
Schumacher, a prolific producer, has been...
- 2/21/2018
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The house lights dim, the sun rises on its first performance, and a powerful voice belts out: “Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba,” the first lyrics of “Circle of Life.” Lindiwe Dlamini, a member of the ensemble dressed in a white dress, holding African bird puppets in either hand with another on her head, nervously waits in the wings as she readies to take the stage in the opening number of Disney’s Broadway adaptation of The Lion King, the 1994 animated hit film about a lion cub who overcomes adversity and accepts responsibility for his pride and land to become king of the jungle.
“You didn’t know how the audience was going to receive it, [but] the energy was beyond belief,” Dlamini recalls to Et. The actress was 29 years old when she was cast in The Lion King, which opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Nov. 13, 1997. The show later transferred to the Minskoff Theatre in 2006, where...
“You didn’t know how the audience was going to receive it, [but] the energy was beyond belief,” Dlamini recalls to Et. The actress was 29 years old when she was cast in The Lion King, which opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre on Nov. 13, 1997. The show later transferred to the Minskoff Theatre in 2006, where...
- 11/10/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Director Jon Favreau has assembled quite an incredible cast of actors for Disney's realistic CGI animated remake of The Lion King. Most of the actors on the list we've already known about, but the one big confirmation is that Beyonce will officially be providing the voice of Nala. Here's the synopsis that was released:
From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure...
From Disney Live Action, director Jon Favreau’s all-new “The Lion King” journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure...
- 11/2/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
The all-star lineup for director Jon Favreau’s new take on Disney’s 1994 classic animated film The Lion King includes stars from the film, TV, theater and music arenas. Featuring pioneering filmmaking techniques, the film welcomes back to the big screen iconic characters that audiences have long treasured—but in a whole new way.
From Disney Live Action, The Lion King is slated for U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.
“It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life,” said Favreau.
Lions rule the African savanna in The Lion King which welcomes Donald Glover (“Atlanta,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) as future king Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (“Dreamgirls,” “Lemonade” visual album) as Simba’s friend-turned-love interest Nala, and James Earl Jones (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Field of Dreams”) as Simba’s wise and loving father, Mufasa, reprising his...
From Disney Live Action, The Lion King is slated for U.S. theaters on July 19, 2019.
“It is a director’s dream to assemble a talented team like this to bring this classic story to life,” said Favreau.
Lions rule the African savanna in The Lion King which welcomes Donald Glover (“Atlanta,” “Solo: A Star Wars Story”) as future king Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter (“Dreamgirls,” “Lemonade” visual album) as Simba’s friend-turned-love interest Nala, and James Earl Jones (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” “Field of Dreams”) as Simba’s wise and loving father, Mufasa, reprising his...
- 11/2/2017
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
On Tuesday, November 7, 2017, the Elton John AIDS Foundation (Ejaf) will host its annual New York Fall Gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
This year’s gala commemorates the Foundation’s 25th year and honors Founder Sir Elton John. President Bill Clinton, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Sharon Stone, and others will pay tribute to Elton John’s achievements as a philanthropist and humanitarian. The legendary Aretha Franklin will be the special musical guest, along with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and Broadway’s The Lion King, featuring Heather Headley. Neil Patrick Harris will host the event.
“Elton’s philanthropic endeavors and activism for human rights and the arts have inspired millions and made a positive difference in people’s lives around the world,” said Ejaf Chairman David Furnish. “But without a doubt, Elton’s greatest contribution as a humanitarian is his 25-year commitment to...
This year’s gala commemorates the Foundation’s 25th year and honors Founder Sir Elton John. President Bill Clinton, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Sharon Stone, and others will pay tribute to Elton John’s achievements as a philanthropist and humanitarian. The legendary Aretha Franklin will be the special musical guest, along with performances by violinist Joshua Bell and Broadway’s The Lion King, featuring Heather Headley. Neil Patrick Harris will host the event.
“Elton’s philanthropic endeavors and activism for human rights and the arts have inspired millions and made a positive difference in people’s lives around the world,” said Ejaf Chairman David Furnish. “But without a doubt, Elton’s greatest contribution as a humanitarian is his 25-year commitment to...
- 9/13/2017
- Look to the Stars
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home today on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.
We Are Movie Geeks has some great bonus material to share with you today from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The clips below give you a glimpse into the design of Belle’s famous golden gown, the dance sequences from the movie, filming at Sherpperton, and some concept images from the design of some of the famous classic characters and the castle.
The Dress:
The Dancing:
Filming at Shepperton
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.
We Are Movie Geeks has some great bonus material to share with you today from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The clips below give you a glimpse into the design of Belle’s famous golden gown, the dance sequences from the movie, filming at Sherpperton, and some concept images from the design of some of the famous classic characters and the castle.
The Dress:
The Dancing:
Filming at Shepperton
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.
- 6/6/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Sacre bleu! Invaders!” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Blu-ray, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand. Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology. A feature...
- 6/2/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast is coming home on Blu-ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere on June 6!
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Blu-ray™, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.
The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film...
Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” the live-action adaptation of the studio’s animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives home on June 6 on Digital HD, Blu-ray™, Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand.
Fans who bring home “Beauty and the Beast” can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie – the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version.
The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film...
- 5/16/2017
- by feeds@cinelinx.com (Victor Medina)
- Cinelinx
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