When Disney made its Broadway debut, few imagined just how deep its roots would grow in New York’s theater scene. In the past 30 years, Disney Theatrical Productions has not only adapted animated hits for the stage but also developed brand-new stories that found success under the spotlight. With dazzling production design, iconic melodies, and a sprinkle of theatrical magic, Disney has established itself as a dominant force on Broadway.
Reviving a Landmark: The New Amsterdam Theatre
At the heart of Disney’s theatrical journey is its investment in the historic New Amsterdam Theatre. Originally built in 1903, the venue had deteriorated significantly by the 1980s. In a partnership with New York City during the 1990s, Disney helped bring the space back to life as part of Times Square’s transformation. After an extensive renovation, it reopened in 1997 with The Lion King and has since served as Disney’s Broadway headquarters and one of its most stunning venues.
The First Step: Beauty and the Beast (1994)
The journey began with Beauty and the Beast. The 1991 animated classic had already earned an Oscar nod for Best Picture, making it ripe for a stage adaptation. Disney brought it to Broadway in 1994 at the Palace Theatre. Featuring new songs by original composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice, the show dazzled with transforming sets and lavish costumes. Its success was immediate—it ran for 13 years and proved that Disney’s storytelling could thrive in the theater world.
The Lion King (1997): A Game-Changer
Disney raised the bar in 1997 with The Lion King, which opened at the newly refurbished New Amsterdam Theatre. Under Julie Taymor’s direction, the show introduced groundbreaking visuals using intricate puppetry and African-inspired design. Taymor’s vision turned the musical into a global sensation. With six Tony Awards (including Best Musical) under its belt and over $1.8 billion in revenue, The Lion King still roars today at the Minskoff Theatre, holding the title of Broadway’s highest-grossing production.
Original Ambition: Aida (2000)
Venturing into original territory, Disney premiered Aida in 2000. Inspired by the opera of the same name, this romantic epic followed a forbidden love between a Nubian princess and an Egyptian soldier. It wasn’t based on an animated movie, but Elton John’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics gave it Broadway star power. The musical earned four Tony Awards, including Best Score, and also won a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album during its four-year run.
Tarzan (2006): Flying High
Based on Disney’s 1999 animated film, Tarzan swung onto Broadway in 2006, showcasing Phil Collins’s familiar hits alongside new songs. Known for its aerial choreography, the production had its title character soaring over audiences on vines. Though visually ambitious, it received mixed critical reception and closed after just over a year. Despite its short Broadway life, the musical has enjoyed popularity abroad and with fans.
Mary Poppins (2006): Disney Meets West End Charm
That same year, Disney collaborated with producer Cameron Mackintosh to bring Mary Poppins to the stage. Combining original songs from the 1964 film with new music by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the show became a visual and musical delight. With special effects like Mary’s famous flight and a show-stopping chimney sweep tap number, it captivated audiences. It ran on Broadway for more than six years and still draws crowds in international productions.
The Little Mermaid (2008): Swimming Upstream
In 2008, The Little Mermaid took audiences “under the sea” with clever staging, including the use of Heelys to mimic underwater movement. With new songs by Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater, the musical deepened the arcs of characters like Eric and Ursula. Though it lasted only a year and a half on Broadway, its colorful visuals and expanded score made it a favorite for school and community productions.
Newsies (2012): A Cult Favorite Reborn
What was once a 1992 box office disappointment became a Broadway phenomenon in 2012. Newsies told the story of the 1899 newsboy strike and wowed crowds with choreography by Christopher Gattelli and a rousing score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. It went on to win two Tonys (including Best Choreography), toured nationally, and eventually became a filmed stage musical on Disney+. Not bad for a show that wasn’t even supposed to make it to Broadway.
Aladdin (2014): A Genie’s Big Entrance
Disney returned to the New Amsterdam Theatre in 2014 with Aladdin, transforming the 1992 animated classic into a Broadway spectacle. Complete with a flying carpet, a sparkling palace, and a scene-stealing Genie played by James Monroe Iglehart (who won a Tony for the role), the production introduced new songs and brought back characters that had been cut from the film. Aladdin continues to run today, wowing audiences with its Broadway pizzazz.
Frozen (2018): A Modern Fairytale on Ice
Following its massive 2013 box office success, Frozen made the leap to the stage in 2018. With direction by Michael Grandage, the show featured dazzling effects to bring Elsa’s powers to life and emphasized the bond between sisters Anna and Elsa. New songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, like “Monster” and “Hygge,” expanded the film’s emotional depth. Though its Broadway run ended in 2020 during the pandemic, Frozen continues to tour and enchant audiences worldwide.
Hercules (2025): The Newest Demi-God on Stage
The latest Disney production to hit the stage is Hercules, which officially opened June 24, 2025, at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, after a series of June previews.
Drawing from the 1997 animated film, this West End staging includes new music by original composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel. With a reworked script and grand choreography, the musical keeps the sassy Muses, fierce Meg, and a hero who’s ready to “go the distance.”
What’s Ahead: Upcoming Disney Musicals
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Bedknobs and Broomsticks kicked off on August 14, 2021, at Theatre Royal, Newcastle, and has since toured the UK and Ireland. Featuring songs by the Sherman Brothers and new music by Neil Bartram, it was directed by Jamie Harrison and Candice Edmunds.
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The Greatest Showman musical, based on the 20th Century Studios hit, will premiere at the Bristol Hippodrome in spring 2026. It will feature direction by Casey Nicholaw, music by Pasek & Paul, and a book by Tim Federle, including “This Is Me” and original new songs.
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Coco and Tangled are both in early development. Coco was announced in January 2023 at Epcot’s Disney on Broadway concert, while Tangled reportedly entered the workshop phase as of February 2024.
From enchanted castles and underwater kingdoms to ancient myths and striking newsboys, Disney’s Broadway catalog is a mix of nostalgia, innovation, and theatrical brilliance. And now that Hercules has joined the lineup, the magic is still unfolding.
Which Disney movie do you think should be Broadway’s next big musical? Let us know in the comments below!
