There is no shortage of fun things to do in New Jersey (Best of NJ is proof of that). But there’s no getting around the fact that one major benefit of living in NJ is easy access to NYC. The Big Apple offers tons of attractions for tourists and natives alike. Of course, one of the best examples for adults and families is Broadway and, in particular, Disney on Broadway.
For 25 years now, Disney on Broadway has brought the magic of many beloved animated films to life on stage. From timeless hits such as The Lion King and Aladdin to instant classics like Frozen, many of Disney’s best films have taken on new life as Broadway shows. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Disney on Broadway, Best of NJ traveled to our sister state.
After seeing two of Disney on Broadway’s three shows currently in production in New York City, it’s clear that whether you purchase tickets to see something old or something new, your experience will always be something magical. We also got the chance to speak to cast members from New Jersey about their love for Disney. Read on to see for yourself why your next trip to NYC should also include tickets to Disney on Broadway.
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Something Old
As the longest-running Disney on Broadway show, The Lion King is well decorated; earning over 70 theatrical awards across the globe, including “Best Musical” at the 1998 Tony Awards. In fact, only two shows have run longer on Broadway (Phantom of the Opera and Chicago). The Broadway adaptation was directed by Julie Taymor; she is the first woman to win “Best Director” at the Tony Awards for her work on The Lion King. Since its Broadway debut in November of 1997, the show has spawned new productions near and far; there are currently 9 productions of The Lion King running around the world.
To learn more about why so many people love the show, we spoke to a member of the production. Cast member Bonita Hamilton plays Shenzi the hyena, and currently commutes to the city from her home in New Jersey. Hamilton has been playing Shenzi since 2004, and still fondly recalls her first show as part of the cast.
“My first performance was September 29, and it was almost a surreal moment for me,” she says. “I felt like I was floating. When the curtain came up and Rafiki sang the first note of the [Circle of Life] song, I had chills… It was just magical.”
Much like the film version, The Lion King on Broadway begins, of course, with the “Circle of Life” song. While I won’t spoil what happens, I will say it’s one of the show’s most memorable moments. It also happens to be one of Hamilton’s favorite moments as well.
Why does she love it so much? “Because that’s one of the rare moments that everyone is on stage,” she says. Additionally, she loves seeing the excitement on the faces of kids and adults alike as the show begins; in particular, when the audience begins to react to the costumes and set.
He Lives in You
Her other favorite scene happens to coincide with another major moment in The Lion King, Simba’s “reunion” with his father.
“My favorite, favorite scene is ‘He Lives in You’… because it is a reminder that there’s always someone who loves you that is looking over your shoulder and looking out for you,” she explains. “Even in your loneliest moment, you are never alone.”
Moments like this might be why the story of The Lion King continues to resonate with people of all ages. Speaking about why The Lion King easily stays relevant 25+ years after the film’s release, Hamilton says the following; “Sure, we’re playing animals on stage, our characters are animals. But it is a very human story.”
As for what makes the Broadway adaptation just as evergreen, her response was simple; “It’s undeniable, and it’s unlike anything you have ever seen.”
If it Ain’t Broke…
In truth, one of the most interesting aspects of The Lion King on Broadway is how “current” the show feels. The set design and costumes are high quality, and it never feels like you’re watching a decades old show. All this is despite the fact that not much has changed over the past 22+ years. “The set has not changed. The costumes have not changed,” Hamilton says.
Although there are some slight updates — some new choreography, or a song being removed — much is still the same. However, there is so much going on that each new viewing will always offer something for viewers to discover. “Even though I’ve been in the show as long as I’ve been in the show, I’m still discovering things, ” Hamilton admits.
The Lion King still books to capacity with each performance, proof enough that fans and audience members can’t get enough. If you’d like to see “The Pride of Broadway” for yourself, you can click here to purchase tickets.
Something New
While The Lion King roars proudly as a longtime staple of Broadway, Frozen is fairly new to the (ice) block. About to celebrate its second anniversary — after hitting Broadway in early 2018 — Frozen on Broadway adapts the hugely successful film; but at the same time, offers a brand new experience that will surprise and delight fans in many ways.
In order to learn what makes this new show so special, Best of NJ spoke with actor Robert Creighton. Creighton — like Hamilton — also lives in New Jersey, and is the perfect person to discuss Disney on Broadway; because Frozen on Broadway is his third time as a member of the cast in a Disney on Broadway show.
He has also performed in both The Little Mermaid and The Lion King on Broadway. In fact, Creighton has been performing in Disney shows since the Toronto version of The Lion King back in 2000. He currently plays the Duke of Weselton in Frozen on Broadway, an adaptation that introduces new elements to the story.
“We’re just using the film as a jumping off point,” Creighton explains. Of course, you can expect to see highlights from the film, such as their version of “Let it Go”; but the Broadway version is also a unique piece of art in its own right.
A Chilly Tale that will Warm your Heart
Frozen on Broadway dives deeper into the relationship between Elsa and Anna; in many ways, the show puts Anna center stage, exploring how her life is affected by Elsa’s powers. Despite this, Elsa gets plenty of chances to showcase her extraordinary gifts using special effects that are truly enchanting.
Frozen on Broadway, directed by Michael Grandage, features elaborate costume and set designs by Christopher Oram. Oram’s designs are equally as impressive as the special effects on display. One scene in particular sees Anna and Kristoff crossing an icy bridge, only for things to take a dangerous turn. The sequence is thrilling to watch, and really highlights how Frozen sets itself apart from other shows on Broadway.
On that note, Frozen on Broadway offers something for kids, adults, couples, and even frequent theatergoers. “There are technical things done in this show that have literally never been done on stage before,” says Creighton. For example, the show uses screens and light projection to freeze the historic St. James Theatre. All these techniques are at their best during “Let it Go,” which sends the crowd into a frenzy every time.
With a great mix of humor, drama, music, and fun, Frozen on Broadway is perfect for all ages. You can click here to buy tickets and witness the magic for yourself.
Always Magical
Both The Lion King and Frozen begin with a special message thanking viewers for being in attendance; in particular, they give special thanks to those attending their first Broadway show. In fact, nearly 40% of people in any given Disney on Broadway audience are seeing their first Broadway show. Of course, you might think this is because many children attend with their parents. This is partly true, however, nearly 75% of the audience at these shows are over the age of 18.
Hamilton believes this is because “Disney musicals transcend cultural, racial… age barriers. I think it’s just magical storytelling at its best.” It also helps that Disney on Broadway is ideal for all ages in terms of its content; so parents trust that they’re spending their hard-earned dollars on something their kids will both recognize and enjoy.
Creighton has his own take on why so many choose Disney as their first Broadway show. “As someone who has a six and eight year old and, for both of them, a Disney show was their first Broadway show, I can speak to this not only on a professional level but a personal level,” he says. “The same story, and sometimes even the same joke, works for an adult on one level; and at the same time, works for kids on a completely different level.”
The Disney Difference
This idea that kids and adults can watch the same thing but enjoy it for different reasons is part of the Disney magic. Whether you are seeing The Lion King, Frozen, Aladdin, or whatever comes next from Disney on Broadway, you can always expect the same thing: A fun day at the theater that kids can enjoy just as much as the adults.
After 25 years of drawing crowds to the theater, Disney on Broadway continues to be a great choice for families, and all those in between.
Top (Hero) Photo: Brinkhoff-Mögenburg / The Lion King on Broadway
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
The Lion King on Broadway
Deen van Meer / The Lion King on Broadway
Joan Marcus / The Lion King on Broadway
Frozen the Musical
Mary Ellen Matthews / Frozen the Musical
Deen van Meer / Frozen the Musical
Mary Ellen Matthews / Frozen the Musical
