In a recent “Talk Back” interview with Young Artists of America, composer and Disney Legend Alan Menken has revealed an exciting array of projects he is currently involved with for Disney. Having composed the magical and iconic scores for many of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ biggest hits, we’re definitely excited to hear what Menken has been up to, and getting some sneak details on what we can expect!
The first thing Menken mentioned in the interview was “Disenchanted”, the sequel to the 2007 live action/animated crossover movie. Along with fellow composer Steven Schwartz, Menken has been writing new music for the new movie, to carry the feel from the original. We have known that this sequel was going to come about for over five years now, and it was way back in 2016 that Amy Adams was confirmed to reprise her role as Giselle in the movie, which will be directed by Alan Shankman (“Hairspray”). Hearing Menken discuss his work on the movie implies that the production could be coming along, so we’ll definitely look forward to more details about that in the future!
Another exciting project mentioned by Menken is the upcoming live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid”. We learned that Halle Bailey had been cast to play Ariel in the movie last summer, and in his interview Menken shared that Melissa McCarthy will be playing Ursula, Javier Bardem will be playing King Triton, Awkwafina will be Scuttle, and Daveed Diggs will play Sebastian. Lin Manuel Miranda is also on-board, co-writing four new original songs for the movie. Menken discussed that he had been in London with the cast recently to record the music from the film, which was luckily completed before the COVID-19 outbreak lockdown in the UK.
It was exciting to hear Menken discussing some of his upcoming stage projects. First, a musical version of “Night at the Museum” is being written and is in early reading stages. Second, Menken mentioned that he has been working on the stage adaptation of “Hercules”, which will be moving to Broadway soon.
Back in March, we reported that a prequel series to the live-action “Beauty and the Beast” was in development for Disney+. Focusing on the backstory of Gaston and Le Fou, it was reported that Luke Evans and Josh Gad would reprise their roles for the show, and Menken has confirmed he is working on new songs for this too. Finally, Alan Menken briefly mentioned that he has been working on an upcoming animation with John Lasseter, more details of which he did not share.
You can watch the full interview from YAA here. Alan Menken is one brilliant and busy composer and we can’t wait to hear his scores and find out more details about what he has been working on!
We are living in a time that none of us expected just a few weeks ago. Schools are closed, people are working from home, and our definition of “essential” has changed. The Disney Parks are closed, and we don’t know when we’ll be able to complain about a 240 minute wait for Flight of Passage again. Even though we can only virtually ride Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney still can put a smile on our faces. Here is a lighthearted look at some Disney songs that seem to be designed to help us through this crisis. When one gets stuck in your head, go ahead and sing out loud. If you’re following the CDC guidelines, the only people who will hear you are those who already know that you’re going a bit stir crazy.
Thanks to DisDining.com for this list:
1. “Bare Necessities”from “The Jungle Book”
This one is obvious. Some people have been hoarding, which has made it hard to find essential items such as toilet paper. Baloo had it right. When you head out, “forget about your worries and your strife”, and just purchase “the bare necessities”. Plan your trip to the store ahead of time, and make a list of what you will need until your next trip. You won’t need 24 pounds of pasta. Leave some on the shelf for others, who might be running low. If you have extra, consider donating to a local food bank.
2. “Part of Your World”from “The Little Mermaid”
Everyone needs to stay at home until the current crisis has passed. That has many people dreaming about the world outside. We are spending most of our time within our own four walls at the moment. We can relate to Ariel when she sings “I want to be where the people are”. But unlike Ariel, we know better at the moment. We can’t be where people are, because groups of ten or more are considered unsafe.
3. “Mother Knows Best” from “Tangled”
Kids, this one is for you. Staying home from school and learning from home is not always easy. But just remember, your mother knows what is best for you. She is trying her hardest to make sure that you get your work done, and even though you may not see it, she is on edge as well. Forget about the fact that in “Tangled” Mother Gothel was really a kidnapper who only had her own looks in mind. Stick with the title, and give poor Mom (and Dad) a break. That will make everything easier on everyone, including yourself.
4. “Let It Go”from “Frozen”
Okay, moms, now it’s your turn. You’ve probably heard that you need to count to ten when something bothers you. Elsa has her own idea, she thinks that you should “let it go”. Is the thing that is bothering you at the moment going to be a big deal in a week, or even in an hour? If it isn’t really important, take Elsa’s advice. If it is going to be a problem down the road, remind the kids that mother knows best.
Elsa – Disney – Frozen
5. “When You Wish Upon a Star”from “Pinocchio”
Going out is something that none of us are supposed to do right now. That said, that does not mean (in most cases) that we can’t go outside. Fresh air can make you feel better and lift your spirits. Walk through the front or back door first thing in the evening, and look up. If you can’t go outside, look out the window. Stare at the first star that you see, and make a wish. It “makes no difference who you are”, we could all use a dream coming true right about now.
6. “You’re Welcome”from “Moana”
People are finally starting to appreciate cashiers, restaurant staff members, health care workers, and emergency personnel. These and all other essential workers have always deserved our thanks, but often they have not received it. Because of the crisis, many of us are finally starting to thank the people who put their health and safety on the line in order to keep things going. Volunteers should be included with this as well. Since we’re thanking them, their proper response is “you’re welcome”. They may not be demigods like Maui, but they are truly heroes.
The whole idea behind “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is that it’s a word to say when you don’t know what else to say. There are no words to describe what is going on at the moment. At least “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” is a word that sounds upbeat. Saying it just might put a smile on your face. If you sing it, you just might end up laughing. That could lead to another song from “Mary Poppins”, namely “I Love to Laugh”. A little bit of laughter can help to make things easier during any crisis.
8. “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”from “Toy Story”
The rules of social distancing state that we can’t get closer than six feet to those who do not live in our homes. That does not mean that we need to stay away from our friends, at least not virtually. Call, text, or video chat with your friends. Check up on them, and make sure that they do not feel alone. The “Toy Story” movies have taught us the importance of friendship. Don’t forget your friends and family who you can’t see at the moment.
9. “Hakuna Matata”from “The Lion King”
“What a wonderful phrase”! It is hard to not worry right now, since things are so much up in the air. We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, and we don’t know when life will return to some semblance of normal. In the midst of all of this, we have seen people who could be the definition of “hakuna matata”. Birthdays are being celebrated by drive-by parades. Children and grandchildren are connecting with their elderly relatives through windows and cell phones. Restaurants that are struggling to remain open with curbside service are receiving tips that will take off some of the financial strain. Neighbors are taking care of their neighbors, even from across the street. Masks are being made and donated by the thousands. We all have chances to say “hakuna matata” in one way or another. Timon and Pumbaa have it right, we need a “problem-free philosophy” right about now.
For more than six decades, Disneyland has been a source of joy and inspiration to all the world – particularly during challenging times.
An iconic Victorian-style lamp glows every night from Walt Disney’s apartment in Disneyland park––a tradition spanning from the days Walt Disney himself would visit Disneyland. Whenever the lamp was on, guests and Cast Members knew he was around. The lamp has been on since his passing.
Disneyland President Rebecca Campbell has taken to social media to share this heartwarming photo of Walt’s apartment in Disneyland, which remains lit to this day, despite the unprecedented Disney Parks closures due to COVID-19.
Rebecca Campbell wrote the following caption for her post:
“Inside Walt Disney’s apartment overlooking Town Square at Disneyland, a light has shone through the window above the firehouse for decades. It glows as a source of inspiration to our cast and our guests as a remembrance of the man who once looked out that window to the sights of happy families making memories below. Tonight, even in a world filled with so much uncertainty, that light still shines, bright as ever. I’m looking forward to the day when families can make memories once again.”
Today, even in a world filled with so much uncertainty, that light still shines, bright as ever.
Do you have little ones getting bored at home? Maybe these activity sheets from Disney Publishing will help, featuring Coco, Frozen II, National Geographic, and the art of Mo Willems, and more!
From Disney Parks Blog:
Calling all parents, teachers and newly appointed teachers! Looking for ways to ensure your kids’ minds stay active? Check out this series of Learning & Activity Sheets from Disney, Pixar and National Geographic. These make reading fun, and teaching easy! Crafted to use alongside your favorite books, the worksheets and guides engage kids in ways that are fun and enriching.
From coloring, to crafts and quizzes, the guides provide helpful instruction that take the excitement from the stories beyond the page.
There’s something for every age and skillset.
National Geographic First Board Books are great for reads with little ones. With sturdy pages, and bold photos that highlight everything from dinosaurs to racecars and wild-animals, there’s enough to keep babies, toddlers and grown-ups engaged by every page!
This worksheet of fun activities tests kids smarts as they read, and after! It includes finding animals and objects in the books, and other accompanying fun facts. Find it here.
Despite unprecedented parks closures due to COVID-19 and even recent salary cuts for executives, it seems Disney is always looking to expand, and now it’s purchased even more acres of land just west of the Magic Kingdom.
“An entity related to Burbank, California-based The Walt Disney Co. has scooped up more land near Magic Kingdom.
On March 31, Celebration Co. bought 26.3 acres for $1.05 million, or roughly $39,923 an acre, west of its theme park and on the southeastern shore of Reedy Lake, Orange County records showed. Winter Garden-based Lake Reedy Development Group LLC was the seller.”
Just last December, Disney purchased an adjacent 235 acres for $6 million. Land purchases such as these are typically related to future developments. Despite current financial setbacks for the company, land is still a finite commodity that can hold its value over the years. Whether this area will be used for a future expansion, resort, or simply additional landscaping to further the secluded ambiance of Walt Disney World Resort is unknown. The land’s proximity to Reedy Lake has also been attributed to a potential upscale, exclusive getaway on the edge of Disney property, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Disney has not made any official statements regarding the land purchase.
