Menken Working on "Aladdin" for 2008/2009 Season?

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:31pm

An 'Aladdin' and Alan Menken blog has stated:

"Alan Menken is working on new songs for the planned Broadway version of Aladdin set to open for the 2008/2009 season. The song, "To Be Free" from the Disney Land show is said to be included. Jasmine will probably have one more song. A song for Jafar is also rumored to be written, also Menken is said to be using old material dropped from the film to use for the musical."

Another website has confirmed a book writer:

"Well, as part of the advance publicity for 'The Wedding Singer' (the musical) it was revealed that Chad Beguelin -- the talented young author who's wrote both the book & the lyrics for 'Wedding' -- has been hired by Disney Theatrical to write the book for a proposed Broadway version of 'Aladdin.'

So come the 2008-2009, it may not be just Ariel and Mary Poppins on the stage, thrilling theater-goers. Aladdin and his magic flying carpet may soon be zooming out over the orchestra pit."






Updated On: 11/11/07 at 12:31 PM

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:36pm

Hmmm. I'll have to ask around with this one...
As soon as I hear some sort of confirmation, I'll let you guys know.

[RyToast1]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:39pm

Could you possibly post links to this information?

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:39pm

I think that would work. Maybe "Why Me" or "Proud Of Your Boy" and maybe a reworked "High Adventure."

Old material dropped from the film would be perfect because of the original concept being by Alan and Howard. Maybe they could use the Arabian Nights reprise at the curtain call. Here's how I'd see it:

{Peddler, already in his Genie form because he also plays the Genie, steps out to sing solo}
"So it goes, short and sweet, they were wed down the street.
May their marriage be truly blessed.
Happy end to the tale and tomorrow's a sale
So we'd better go home and rest.
Here's a kiss and a hug, sure you don't need a rug?
I assure you, the price is right!
{entire company} Well, salaam, worthy friends, come back soon, that's the end
Till another...
ARABIAN NIIIIIIIII-I-I-I-I-I-IIIIIIIIIII-I-I-I-I-I-IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT!!!!"

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:43pm

Some of these aren't recent:

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2005/09/27/683.aspx

http://www.streetrat.net/2006/06/28/mermaid-broadway-workshop-songs

http://www.aladdincentral.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1335
Updated On: 11/11/07 at 12:43 PM

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:44pm

Or how about the completed version of Prince Ali, with a REAL ELEPHANT!!!!
That would surely make the headlines.

The intro:
"Hail, your attention, I pray!
Oh, ye people of Agrabah!
This is your lucky day!
Hail, high and low, great and small!
Lucky people of Agrabah!
Someone's coming to call!
Someone who tamed the Cyclops,
Then fought 40 thieves single-hand!
He's richer than Croesus,
He goes where he pleases
And this time, he's chosen your land!!!
So here he is now with his band...!

Make way for Prince Ali!
Say hey, it's Prince Ali!"

And you know the rest, until...

"Has he got a zoo? I'm telling you,
It's a world-class menagerie!
Prince Ali, wonderful he, Ali Ababwa!
He's essayed quite a parade for you to see!
So get on out in that street!
Got someone I want you to meet!
C'mon, start kissin' the feet of Prince Ali!"

{DANCE BREAK, with floats coming through the audience!
Including the mighty elephant!}

Then, back to:

"There's no question this Ali's impressive
Though his entourage may be excessive
All those elephants at once can quite unnerve one!
Still the guy gives a parade new meaning
And the sight of all those peacocks preening
He's a prince without a peer, and we deserve one!

Prince Ali, handsome is he, Ali Ababwa!
)sung concurrently with above:
There's no question this Ali's alluring,
Never ordinary, never boring)"

NOW you know the rest!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:44pm

That's awesome, Josh!

[zepka102]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:44pm

I could see them using the reprise as the finale... like the "Whole New World Reprise" from the movie ending leads into it... it would be perfect! I have been thinking about Aladdin as a Broadway show for YEARS... and after seeing the reprise to "Arabian Nights" in "Aladdin and the King of Thieves," I thought it would work as the show finale.

[DrTheatre]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:45pm

Chad wrote the Book and some lyrics for the ALADDIN SPECTACULAR AT DISNEY'S HYPERION THEATER AT CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE. So I can see that he would be involve for the Broadway version!

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:47pm

Oh boy! I can't wait for more color-blind casting wank!

[Glory]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:50pm

I think I would die. Lea as Jasmine? Curtis Holbrook as Iago? My favorite Disney movie, finally to Broadway? ahh!

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:50pm

Oh my God, I want this to happen so badly. I don't care what people say about some Disney shows, I've wanted to see this on Broadway for years. I think this has some of Ashman and Menken's finest work, including some of the great deleted songs that I hope would be restored (Aladdin's "Proud of Your Boy", Jafar's "Why Me?").

[mateo]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:54pm

Harvey for Genie!!!! Idina for Jasmine!!!!

[zepka102]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:57pm

Mateo, noooooooooo way

[Scarywarhol]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:57pm

Mark Kudisch (sp?) has always reminded me of Jafar for some strange reason...

[mateo]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:58pm

It. Was. A. Joooooke. Zeppy.

[Josh Freilich]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 12:58pm

Marc Kudisch as Jafar would definitely work.
But Genie needs above-the-title billing, and that could go to a person like either Will Ferrell or Paul Vogt.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:01pm

Someone seriously needs to put a f**kin' stop to this Disney on Broadway crap. Seems EVERY recent Disney adaption of something is getting greenlit for a Broadway production. Enough with this sh*t already.

THE LITTLE MERMAID
MARY POPPINS
THE LION KING

Enough! Geez! Or build your own Broadway Park in Orlando or Anaheim or somewhere in New Jersey!

[B3TA07]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:02pm

FAOB...get to work on your audition!

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:03pm

Will Ferrell? Paul Vogt? NO THANK YOU.
(I don't think they'll do ANY good 'above the title')

Tom Bosley as The Sultan!!! LMAO
Anyone, anyone?

[Elphie3]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:08pm

I sort of wish they would stop bringing Disney shows just for the sake of bringing them.

[Elphie3]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:08pm

"Aladdin!" No wires, no sand!

[phantomCA26]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:10pm

I spoke to Mr. Menken last week and i know he has Sister Act on his plate for a falll 2008 bow on the West End. He is one busy guy.

[Link Larkin Wanabe]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:10pm

Zambello (Broadway's Little Mermaid) directed the Disneyland version of the show, but after the reviews I think she might get for Little Mermaid I'm not sure if she'll be involved.

Akiva

[sparkleofenergy]

Posted: 11/11/07 at 1:12pm

Lea Michel would be a great Jasmine!!