I haven't read through this whole thread, so forgive me if I'm repeating stuff that's already been said.
I'm not opposed to this being put onstage, but I also don't have confidence in them doing it right. And if they don't do it right, I'd rather they just didn't do it at all. Particularly when it comes to (A) the lantern sequence, and (B) the score.
I haven't watched the cruise video, but I skipped around a bit, and I watched "I See The Light." Maybe it's better when you see it live, but to me it seems like the execution of the lanterns is just ok. For me, the lantern scene is perhaps the most stunning sequences in any Disney film, partly because of the song, partly because of the visuals, but also because of how the visuals tie into the emotion of the story (the whole movie is building to this, and the payoff is phenomenally gorgeous).
So for my money, if they don't do justice to the the lantern effect, they might as well not bother adapting it for the stage in the first place. It should feel like the audience is floating in a magical sea of lights, or it just shouldn't be done at all.
Also, I'm in the camp that generally believe Alan Menken's well of melodies has run dry. There are probably only 5 or 6 songs he's written in the past 15 years that I actually like. I still adore his early work, and I still love him for his artistic influence and contributions. But I also wouldn't bat an eye if he were to retire today and never write another note. I really don't need to see him write a bunch of forgettable songs to bog down this delightful property.
Updated On: 7/27/20 at 03:30 PM