Disney Theatrical Group, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, was formed in 1994 and has achieved remarkable success over the past three decades. Its ten Broadway productions have captivated over 200 million theatergoers and received 62 Tony Award nominations, winning 20 times.
The recent press day celebrating Disney on Broadway’s 30th anniversary highlighted a theme of gratefulness among cast members from “The Lion King” and “Aladdin”.
Michael James Scott, who plays Genie, expressed, “It’s a dream come true. We are a very lucky group of people who get to say that we are a part of the Disney family. Broadway is hard, tough, and not certain. To be able to be a part of something that is 30 years, still going strong, that’s pretty amazing.”
L. Steven Taylor (Mufasa) shared his sentiment, reflecting on his 19-year tenure with the company: “Is it too cliché to say that it is magical?”
“The Lion King” made theatrical history in November 1997, winning six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With 112 million visitors worldwide, it has played over 100 cities across 24 countries. Its global gross surpasses that of any film, Broadway show, or entertainment title in box office history.
Vincent Jamal Hooper, who plays Simba, shared his journey to Broadway, emphasizing the hard work and surreal experience of joining such an established production: “I had hoped to be a part of something like this so I worked really hard to get here and it was so surreal when I received the phone call.”
“Aladdin”, Disney Theatrical Group’s 2014 hit, continues to thrive on Broadway, boasting nine productions globally and nearly 20 million viewers. The Broadway production has broken 17 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and remains a top attraction.
Fil-Am actor Don Darryl Rivera, who plays Iago, reflected on the impact of Disney’s legacy: “The fact that it’s been around for 30 years is pretty remarkable. People love it, people want it and people who are my age who have kids now, they want their kids to enjoy the stories so it makes it really special.”
Rivera also emphasized the dynamic nature of live theater, where each performance is influenced by various factors, ensuring a unique and engaging experience every time.
Adi Roy and Sonya Balsara, who made their Broadway debuts as Aladdin and Jasmine, respectively, echoed this sentiment. Roy described his debut as a blur of energy and excitement, while Balsara called it “the most magical experience.”
Dennis Stowe, who plays Jafar, acknowledged the responsibility of portraying iconic characters: “People have such specific relationships with these characters and it’s a big task to represent it in the way that people remember it.”
Disney Theatrical Group’s inaugural production, “Beauty and the Beast”, opened in 1994 and enjoyed a 13-year run on Broadway. With dozens of productions currently produced or licensed, a Disney musical is being performed professionally somewhere on the planet virtually every hour of the day. With ongoing and upcoming productions like “Hercules” in Hamburg and a reimagined “Beauty and the Beast” tour, Disney’s theatrical legacy continues to enchant audiences worldwide. n
