Broadway Musicals on Disney Plus are Into The Woods, Beauty and The Beast, Lion King, Frozen and more. Disney has covered emotional ballads to upbeat dance tracks.
Disney musicals are widely adored and considered one of the most beloved franchises worldwide. This global powerhouse has created some of the most well-known animated movies, and their musical adaptations are equally exceptional.
From family-friendly movies to thrilling mysteries, and Broadway hits to live-action films, Disney has left no stone unturned in their quest to create timeless musical experiences.
Disney’s foray into Broadway began with “Beauty and the Beast” in 1994, and it was a resounding success that ran for 13 years.
Since then, Disney has brought many of their beloved classics to the stage, including The Lion King, Aladdin, and Mary Poppins.
Disney musicals rank among the longest-running productions in Broadway history.
Disney Broadway Musicals List
| Name of Musicals | Release Date |
| 1. Into the Woods | 5 November, 1987 |
| 2. Beauty and the Beast | 18 April, 1994 |
| 3. The Lion King | 13 November, 1997 |
| 4. Mary Poppins | 16 November, 2006 |
| 5. Tarzan | 10 May, 2006 |
| 6. The Little Mermaid | 10 January, 2008 |
| 7. Newsies the Musical | 29 March, 2012 |
| 8. Aladdin | 26 February, 2014 |
| 9. Hamilton | 17 February, 2015 |
| 10. Frozen | 22 February, 2018 |
What Broadway Musicals Are On Disney Plus
Broadway Musicals on Disney Plus range from Into the Woods released in 1987 to Frozen (2018). Disney Plus has the ones created by own productions as well as other musicals too.
Some of the notable Disney musicals include Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Aladdin, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Frozen, and Newsies.
Such broadway musicals provide a unique experience with high production value, spectacular sets and costumes, and an enchanting atmosphere that sets them apart from other productions.
Disney’s musicals have been known to have some of the most impressive runs on Broadway, with The Lion King being a prime example.
The production has been running since 1997, and it continues to captivate audiences to this day, making it a must-see for theater enthusiasts.
Disney movies have been a part of many people’s childhoods. Broadway performances are a feast for the senses, with stunning visuals, captivating music, and awe-inspiring choreography. It’s no wonder that these productions have become so popular and have touched the hearts of so many.
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1. Into the Woods (1987)
Into the Woods music and lyrics were by Stephen Sondheim, and premiered in San Diego, California, at the Old Globe Theatre on 5th November 1987.
The musical takes inspiration from various Brothers Grimm fairy tales and weaves them together to create a captivating storyline. It delves into the effects of the characters’ desires and journeys and offers a unique perspective on the familiar tales we all know and love.
It is a musical that features characters from various fairy tales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella, among others. The show’s storyline likely weaves together the tales of these characters in a unique and engaging way.
It is a well-known musical that has been performed in numerous productions, including a US national tour in 1988, a West End production in 1990, a tenth-anniversary concert in 1997, a Broadway revival in 2002, a London revival in 2010, and even part of New York City’s outdoor Shakespeare in the Park series in 2012.
The music first premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 1986 before making its way to Broadway on November 5, 1987.
Despite being up against the legendary “Phantom of the Opera” in the same year, this music still managed to take home three major Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical for Joanna Gleason. The musical’s success is a testament to its engaging storyline and memorable characters.
2. Beauty and the Beast (1994)
Beauty and the Beast is a Disney stage musical with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice.
It is a beloved Disney classic that had an incredibly successful run on Broadway, making it the 10th longest-running show in the history of the Great White Way.
From 1994 to 2007, the musical captivated audiences, racking up an impressive 5,461 performances during its 13-year run. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and captivating storyline.
During its running time, it was opened at the Palace Theatre on 5 September 1999 and later moved to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on 16 November 1999, where it played until it closed.
The musical tells the story of a cursed prince who is transformed into a beast and must find true love in order to break the curse and regain his human form.
The musical’s captivating storyline and memorable characters have made it a beloved classic that continues to enchant audiences to this day.
The music has enjoyed incredible commercial success, grossing over $1.7 billion worldwide during its run. The musical has also become a popular choice for junior, amateur, and high school productions, inspiring a new generation of performers and audiences alike.
3. The Lion King (1997)
The Lion King is a breathtaking musical that brings the beloved 1994 Disney animated feature film to life on stage. With its musical score by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice.
The musical score for The Lion King was created by Hans Zimmer, with choral arrangements by Lebo M. Directed by the visionary Julie Taymor, the show features a stunning array of animal costumes and larger-than-life, hollow puppets that bring the show’s characters to life in a unique and unforgettable way.
The show is a true feast for the senses, transporting audiences to the majestic African savannah and immersing them in the timeless tale of Simba, a young lion who must find his place in the circle of life.
The Lion King is truly a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. It is a must-see for anyone who loves great theater and unforgettable entertainment.
The Lion King musical roared onto the scene on 8 July 1997, with an admirable debut at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Audiences were captivated by the show’s stunning visuals, soaring music, and unforgettable characters, and it wasn’t long before the show was a runaway hit.
The show’s success continued when it premiered on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theater on 15 October 1997, with previews that left audiences eagerly anticipating the official opening on 13 November 1997. Since then, The Lion King has become a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
4. Mary Poppins (2006)
Mary Poppins is a beloved musical that features music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. Its additional music and lyrics were by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The show’s script was written by Julian Fellowes, and it has charmed audiences around the world with its timeless story and unforgettable songs.
Mary Poppins the musical is a delightful blend of P.L. Travers’ beloved children’s books and the classic 1964 Disney film of the same name. Featuring elements from both sources, including beloved songs from the movie, the musical is a magical experience that has captivated audiences of all ages.
A Broadway production of the musical opened in November 2006, featuring a nearly identical creative team to the West End version. The show was a hit with audiences, and only minor changes were made from the original production to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
The musical received seven Tony nominations, including Best Musical, and was the winner of Best Scenic Design in a Musical.
After a successful run of 2,619 performances, the original Broadway production closed its curtains in March 2013, leaving behind a legacy of wonder.
5. Tarzan (2006)
Tarzan is a musical that is based on the 1999 Walt Disney Animation Studios film of the same name. The songs were written by Phil Collins.
The musical follows Tarzan, a young man who is raised by gorillas in the jungle and must navigate the challenges of his dual identity. Tarzan swung from the jungle to Broadway in 2006, with a production at the Richard Rodgers Theater. Directed and designed by Bob Crowley, with choreography by Meryl Tankard, it was a showstopper.
The musical was a hit, running for 35 previews and 486 performances. With its stunning balance and heartfelt music, Tarzan captured the hearts of audiences and brought the jungle to life like never before.
The musical is a wild ride that closely follows the plot of the Disney film, with a few minor differences. One of these changes is the gender of Terk, who was changed from female to male for the musical.
Meanwhile, Tantor the elephant was completely absent from the production. Despite these changes, the musical captures the spirit of the original film and brings it to life in a whole new way.
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6. The Little Mermaid (2008)
The Little Mermaid is a beloved stage musical produced by Disney Theatrical, based on the classic 1989 Disney animated film of the same name.
It features beautiful music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, with additional lyrics by Glenn Slater. The music and lyrics come together to create a magical, fantastic atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of the ocean and the story’s fairy tale roots.
It is a unique production that presents a number of technical challenges due to its underwater setting and aquatic characters.
The show requires innovative design and technical strategies to bring the story to life, including floating movements for the actors that simulate the sensation of swimming. These design elements come together to create a truly magical and immersive theatrical experience.
After a successful trial run in Denver, Colorado from July to September 2007, The Little Mermaid made a splash on Broadway. It started previews on 3 November 2007, at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre and enchanted audiences with its underwater adventures.
The show replaced Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and quickly became a beloved staple of the New York theatre scene. With its stunning visuals, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters, The Little Mermaid continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The Little Mermaid officially opened on 10 January 2008, to grab reviews from audiences and critics alike. The show ran for 685 performances and 50 previews before closing on 30 August 2009.
This marked the Broadway debuts of director Francesca Zambello and actress Sierra Boggess, who played the lead role of Ariel. Their contributions, along with those of the show’s talented cast and crew, helped to make the production a beloved and unforgettable theatrical experience.
7. Newsies the Musical (2012)
Newsies The Musical is a popular stage production that is based on the 1992 musical film Newsies, which was in turn inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City.
The show is a musical masterpiece with a creative team that includes Alan Menken, Jack Feldman, Harvey Fierstein, Bob Tzudiker, and Noni White. With music that will have you tapping your feet, lyrics that will have you singing along, and a storyline that will tug at your heartstrings, it’s a production that’s not to be missed.
Before it dazzled audiences on Broadway in 2012, this show had a humble beginning at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011. The show was a huge success on Broadway, running for more than 1,000 performances before embarking on a national tour.
With its captivating story, unforgettable music, and stunning choreography, Newsies The Musical has become one of the most beloved and iconic musicals of our time.
The show features a number of memorable songs, high-energy dance numbers, and a talented cast of performers who bring this captivating story to life.
From its inspiring message to its breathtaking choreography, Newsies The Musical is a true masterpiece of Nederlander theatre.
8. Aladdin (2014)
Aladdin is a dazzling musical that’s based on the beloved 1992 animated film of the same name. It’s set in the fictional city of Agrabah and follows the story of a poor young man named Aladdin.
In the musicals, the music is composed by Alan Menken, and the lyrics are written by a variety of talented lyricists including Howard Ashman, Tim Rice, and Chad Beguelin. Together, these artists have created some of the most memorable and beloved musical numbers in the history of Broadway.
The musical features a combination of classic songs from the original film, including three songs written by Menken and Ashman that were cut from the movie, as well as several new songs written by Menken and Beguelin specifically for the stage adaptation. This blend of old and new music creates a fresh and exciting experience for audiences of all ages.
The Broadway production of the musical premiered at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 20 March 2014 and has since been performed all over the world, delighting audiences with its catchy music, stunning visuals, and heartwarming story.
With a gross of $500 million, Aladdin is currently the 10th highest-grossing Broadway production of all time. It’s no wonder that the show has been so successful, given its talented cast, incredible music, and captivating storyline.
9. Hamilton (2015)
Hamilton is a sung-and-rapped-through biographical musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.
The show features music, lyrics, and a book by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also starred in the original Broadway production. Since its premiere in 2015, Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with its unique blend of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes.
Hamilton was met with near-universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike upon its opening. Many praised the show’s innovative storytelling, diverse cast, and powerful music, calling it a groundbreaking work of art.
The show has since gone on to win numerous awards, including 11 Tony Awards, a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
10. Frozen (2018)
Frozen is a highly successful Disney Broadway musical based on the hit 2013 animated film of the same name. The show premiered on Broadway in 2018
Since its broadcast, it has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Frozen features music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who also wrote the songs for the original film.
In August 2017, Disney Theatrical Productions held a tryout of Frozen at the Buell Theatre in Denver, Colorado. The show premiered on Broadway at the St. James Theatre in March 2018, receiving mixed reviews from critics.
Despite this, the show has been a commercial success, with audiences crowding to see the beloved characters of Elsa, Anna, and Olaf brought to life on stage.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Broadway production of Frozen was forced to close on 11 March 2020, after 26 previews and 825 regular performances.
The closure was a result of the shutdown of all Broadway shows to help prevent the spread of the virus. Despite this setback, the show is expected to return to Broadway once it is safe to do so.
The U.S. tour of Frozen began in November 2019 but was unfortunately suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, international productions of the show continued to be staged. In particular, a West End production of the show opened in September 2021, much to the delight of fans in the UK.