Disney adaptations for the stage?

In the midst of the Frozen buzz, I've been wondering what Disney movies you'd like to see adapted for the stage. For me, Hercules is big (I know it might be coming in the future), but Tangled and Alice in Wonderland- this one would take some major creative vision and a good book to avoid being another Wonderland- are huge standouts. If done right, then I think these could be amazing productions a lá BATB and Newsies; in terms of quality. Imagine the lanterns in a Tangled musical (Donna has to be Mother Gothel again) or the Mad Hatter's Tea Party/Queen of Hearts' castle in an Alice show! There's lots of potential.

dramamama611 said: "There are a number of threads about this. Try the search function.



Many of them are fairly old though. I figured it was better to start a new thread instead of bringing them back.

I rewatched 'Tangled' recently and was surprised by how adult-friendly it was, in large part. Themes such as non-overt parent/guardian manipulation and abuse, could be interesting to see extended in a stage version. Personally I found it to be miles better from what I remember of 'Frozen' (the film). I think this would be my preference for the next Disney stage show.

(Edit: Since this thread has floated to the surface again, I'll also mention that the movie's theme of an overly-sheltered young person gaining the confidence to make their way in the world, would also resonate these days IMO.)

Updated On: 11/15/17 at 09:06 PM

I think a good stage production could be made from the Sherman brothers musical The Happiest Millionaire, which is based on the Kyle Crichton play. The fact that there is theatrical source material would give the Broadway creators a leg up on the adaptation.

disneybroadwayfan22 said: "I sawCoco on Friday and I was completely blown away by it. The will definitely be a perfect Broadway musical"

I loved it, but I’m not too sure how this can be done on the stage. Like the skeletons and all. Loved the music, though. It would be a nice property for lin to adapt, but I know the lopezes were involved with this

JennH said: "Hercules is a HUUUGEEEEEEE must for me right now. If Tangled by some miracle comes, great, if not, I own' be upset, or anything, but Hercules is the necessary one. But if it does....LESLI MARGHERITA FOR MOTHER GOTHEL.

And I'm not sure which Alice you're referring to, but the 2010 one has been in talks for a stage adaptation."

I was leaning towards the 2010 version, so it’s good to hear. I would love to see how they would work that set and the costumes!

Coco would make such a beautiful show. That and Tangled are textbook Broadway musicals waiting to happen.

Would a Disney juxebox musical work? Or would that be too terrible?

The Love Bug

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Old Yeller

The Absent Minded Professor

The Shaggy Dog

That Darn Cat!

Nikki, Wild Dog of the North

The Incredible Journey

The Ugly Dachsund

Charlie the Lonesome Cougar

The Million Dollar Duck

The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes

The Apple Dumpling Gang

No Deposit, No Return

One of Our Dinosaurs is Missing

and of course, Superdad.

"Coco" has already been done on Broadway. I'd like to see Julie Taymor take a crack at Disney's "Monkeys, Go Home!" or "The Love Bug." Disney's "Million Dollar Duck" would also be great (maybe with Kristin?).

Updated On: 11/27/17 at 12:18 AM

Bedknobs & Broomsticks is also in the works, as is the Muppet musical (Disney owned).