After months of anticipation, the newest production of Disneys Hercules musical opened to the public on March 1 at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey. Hercules is the latest project from Disney Theatrical Productions, and fans are eager to see how this “mythical new musical adventure” will turn out.
Disney’s Hercules musical is a full-scale theatrical adaptation of the hit movie by Walt Disney Animation Studios. This production of Hercules features the songs and stories we know and love on an elevated level. The Oscar nominated song “Go the Distance” is included, as well as hits like “Zero to Hero” and “I Won’t Say (I’m in Love).” EGOT winner Alan Menken has attached himself to the project to add some new songs for the musical.
The cast of Disneys Hercules musical is comprised of a talented group of Broadway actors. Bradley Gibson stars in the title role of Hercules. Tony winner Shuler Hensley portrays Hades and Tony winner James Monroe Iglehart portrays Phil. The talented Isabelle McCalla portrays Meg. In addition to these leading actors, the cast also included actors Jeff Blumenkrantz as Panic, and Reggie De Leon as Pain. The iconic singing Muses are played by Charity Angél Dawson, Tiffany Mann, Anastacia McCleskey, Destinee Rea, and Rashidra Scott.
This production of Disney’s Hercules musical is playing at the Paper Mill Playhouse, which is a top-notch professional theatre company in New Jersey. This musical is the newest adaption of the 2019 world premiere version that played at The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park. The new version of the Hercules musical hopes to iron out some of the issues from the last production.
Fans of the musical are curious if this production might be heading to Broadway in the future. Disney Theatrical Productions have invested a lot of money and time into this production, so it is likely that they have something big in mind for the future of the musical. No New York Broadway transfer has been announced as of yet, and experts in the theatre industry predict that the musical will have another workshop before that is considered.
Currently, Disney Theatrical Productions has two shows on Broadway: Aladdin, and The Lion King. For now, fans of this Disney film will have to wait and see what Disney has in store for the Hercules musical. If the show doesn’t end up on Broadway in New York, it will likely start performing at a Disney Park or Disney Cruise line.
If you are in the New Jersey area, you can catch Disney’s Hercules at the Papermill Playhouse from now until March 19. You can find tickets at www.papermill.org.
