The Jungle Book Is Disney's Next Musical Hit/Flop

The Tony-winning director Mary Zimmerman (“Metamorphoses”) will adapt and mount a musical version of the Disney movie “The Jungle Book” at the Goodman Theater in Chicago next year. This is the latest attempt by Disney Theatrical Productions to spin a hit out of the studio’s catalog, which has yielded Broadway successes like “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” and flops like “Tarzan” and “The Little Mermaid.” Goodman Theater executives announced the musical on Monday as part of the 2012-13 season, which will also include a revival of Tennessee Williams’s “Sweet Bird of Youth” to be directed by David Cromer.

'The Jungle Book' is set for June 21st to July 28th, 2013.

I saw Hunchback in Germany and it was by no means too "dark" for Broadway. There is nothing darker in the show than The Lion King. It's just been the popular excuse because Disney reverted the story back to the original ending of the novel, but if you actually see the show, the only thing too dark was the lighting.

Zimmerman's Candide originated at the Goodman and may be getting a Broadway production so I can see why Goodman is continuing a relationship with her (though I found her Candide to be a bit trite). I think The Jungle Book is far more suited to her talents.

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'Tarzan'/'the Jungle Book'
Same sets, different book!

I loved the Jungle Book as a kid and used to listen to the tape all the time, so guess this paved the way for love of musical theatre.

I always thought Freaky Friday would be a great musical!

The funny thing is, the novel was written by Mary Rodgers!

Updated On: 2/29/12 at 03:12 AM