CMU School of Drama


Monday, April 24, 2023

10 Disney Classics That Should Be Adapted for Broadway

collider.com: For almost thirty years, Disney has adapted many films from its animated and live-action library into Broadway musicals. They range from one-to-one recreations of the movie refitted to a staging environment to complete reinventions that improve the original piece. Most of these shows remain popular with audiences and critics, with some becoming among the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

1 comment:

Selina Wang said...

The article discusses various Disney animated films that would make great adaptations for Broadway musicals. The article highlights the potential of these films to be transformed into elaborate, visually stunning productions with engaging music and captivating performances. One of the films that the article suggests for adaptation is “Alice in Wonderland” (1951). The author notes that the surreal visuals and whimsical characters of the film lend themselves well to a theatrical production. Furthermore, the story’s themes of self-discovery and the importance of imagination could make for a meaningful and impactful musical. Given that there are two versions of the film – the 1951 animated version and the live-action one directed by Tim Burton, I’m interested in seeing which style a staged production would lean towards. Adapting a film for the stage requires more than just replicating the story and characters. The music, dialogue, and pacing of the story must be reimagined to suit the medium of live theatre.