Top 10 Best Alan Menken Musicals
#10: “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz”
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“The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” has a messy history. It’s based off the novel by Canadian author Mordecai Richler, and it was first adapted back in 1984 for Edmonton’s Citadel Theater. However, that adaptation proved an utter failure thanks to its bleak tone, overwhelmingly negative reviews, and Richler’s distinctly harsh opinions on the city of Edmonton. Following another poorly received American production, it was ultimately reconceptualized, and a significantly altered version premiered in Montreal in June 2015. This version received a far warmer reception, both critically and commercially, and a cast album was eventually released in 2016. It may not be Broadway extravagance like most of Menken’s work, but it’s a beautiful and reserved story about lofty aspirations and the risks associated with pursuing them.
#9: “A Bronx Tale”
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“A Bronx Tale” is a renowned one-man show performed by Chazz Palminteri. It originally played in Los Angeles and eventually made its way Off-Broadway in the late ‘80s. It was then made into a critically acclaimed movie directed by Robert De Niro, and a Broadway production followed in 2007. The musical adaptation, by Palminteri, Menken, and Glenn Slater, officially opened on Broadway in December 2016, again co-directed by Robert De Niro. It received solid reviews, with critics singling out the accomplished visual design, stellar performances (especially that of Nick Cordero), and fun doo-wop music from Alan Menken. The story has been told before, but the infectious music enlivens this Bronx tale, revitalizing it for a new generation.
#8: “Hercules” (1997)
Is “Hercules” the most underrated Disney movie ever, or what? James Woods’ Hades gets all the attention (and rightfully so, it’s a great performance), but people often sleep on the great work done by Alan Menken. Sure, it’s not one of Disney’s most accomplished soundtracks, but why must everything be relative? The movie has an eclectic range of styles and genres, from the unique gospel of “Zero to Hero” to the more R&B and doo-wop inspired “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)”. And who can forget the extravagant showtune “Go the Distance”, complete with its soaring vocals and lavish strings? It’s a shame that this movie underperformed, because it’s a Disney classic.
#7: “Sister Act”
“Sister Act,” a musical adaptation of the Whoopi Goldberg movie of the same name, originally opened at the Pasadena Playhouse in October 2006. Charles McNulty, a critic for the Los Angeles Times, stated that the show had “Broadway blockbuster written all over it” - turns out he was right. After a few more runs, including a stint on London’s West End, “Sister Act” opened on Broadway in April 2011, where it ran for 561 performances. Like “Hercules,” “Sister Act” features a very 70s-inspired musical style (as it takes place in the late ‘70s), complete with touches of disco and Motown soul. It was eventually nominated for five Tony awards, including Best Original Score for Menken and Glenn Slater, although it lost to “The Book of Mormon.”
#6: “The Little Mermaid”
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While the music of “Hercules” may be underappreciated, the soundtrack to “The Little Mermaid” is a bonafide classic. To fit with the tropical setting, Menken decided to utilize elements of reggae music in songs like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” to go along with the more traditional showtunes. For the musical adaptation, Menken added a handful of new songs and expanded the sonic reach to include “She’s in Love” and “Her Voice”, to name just a few. The timeless soundtrack mixed perfectly with the opulent production design, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. While it wasn’t as successful as some of the other Disney Broadway shows, it was still favorably received two well-earned Tony nominations, including Best Original Score.
#5: “Newsies”
And with this, “Newsies” was back from the dead. The Disney movie of the same name was released back in 1992, but you may not remember it given that the film absolutely bombed at the box office, making under $3 million on a $15 million budget. Rather surprisingly, a musical adaptation premiered at the Paper Mill Playhouse in 2011 before transitioning to Broadway the following year. Unlike the movie, the musical earned wide critical acclaim and commercial success, running for over 1,000 performances and winning two Tony Awards for Best Choreography and Best Original Score. Some people may bemoan Disney constantly remaking their own works, but when the remakes are as lively and exciting as “Newsies,” we can’t complain.
#4: “Aladdin”
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Like its film counterpart, “Aladdin” was a major accomplishment. Opening on Broadway in March 2014, “Aladdin” eventually made over $400 million, becoming the 11th highest grossing Broadway production in history. This is largely thanks to the thrilling choreography from Casey Nicholaw, a hilarious and Tony-award winning performance from James Monroe Iglehart playing the Genie, and of course the classic music of Alan Menken and company. All the hits are here, from “A Whole New World” to “Prince Ali”, but it also contains seven new songs, three of which were originally made for the movie. It successfully translated the magic of the film to the stage, and really, what more can you ask for than that?
#3: “Beauty and the Beast”
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If there’s one Disney musical production to rule them all, it’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Of course, it has a very strong foundation, as the movie is arguably the most beloved Disney work of all time; and a large part of its success is Alan Menken! The movie and musical are filled with some of the most iconic Disney pieces, like the extravagant “Be Our Guest”, the waltz-y “Gaston”, and obviously the majestic “Beauty and the Beast”. The musical added a few more beloved works, like the pop ballad “If I Can’t Love Her”, and it featured an enormous array of instruments, including synthesizers, French horns, violins, and even a harp. It’s a Broadway extravaganza, and it is absolutely delightful.
#2: “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
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“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is not one of Disney’s most popular movies, nor is it one of the most beloved soundtracks. Aside from maybe “Hellfire”, no songs from the soundtrack have really entered the Disney pantheon. That said, the stage version was ridiculously good. Featuring nine new songs, along with the ones from the movie, this show was originally performed in Berlin and became one of the most successful shows in the city’s history. It was then brought to San Diego’s La Jolla Playhouse, and ultimately New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse, and it was at the latter where it received stellar reviews for its mesmerizing sets, splendid costumes, and complex arrangements from Menken. It’s probably Disney’s darkest and most mature musical, but that only made it all the more memorable - and that’s why productions of it are still being put on to this day. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Kurt Vonnegut’s God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater” “Leap of Faith” “Pocahontas” (1995) “Tangled” (2010) “Enchanted” (2007)
#1: “Little Shop of Horrors”
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A far cry from Menken’s Disney work is “Little Shop of Horrors,” arguably one of the greatest musicals of all time. Based on the 1960s’ black comedy film, the musical features a brilliant soundtrack from Menken that includes the sounds of ‘60s rock and roll, and it contains beloved pieces like “” and “Suddenly, Seymour”. Featuring a wacky blend of parody and B-movie shlock, “Little Shop of Horrors” became one of the most successful plays in Off-Broadway history, and it reached an even wider audience in 1986 when it was adapted into a Frank Oz film. It oozes charm, and it’s easily one of the most distinctive and idiosyncratic musicals you will ever see. In a good way, of course.
