Hercules

I don't know-- the film is hardly memorable and barely has two good songs, and is hardly considered a Disney classic. Considering the recent cartoon to stage junk Menken has been responsible for (and also just original junk he's chugged out), I'd rather not.. With exception to the three big Disney animated movies (and certainly not their stage incarnations*) as well as Little Shop of Horrors, I find Manken's work abysmal and lazy.

*With Exception to some of the additional songs written for Beauty and the Beast such as A Change in Me and If I Can't Love Her.

I have always liked Hercules - Zero to Hero, Go The Distance, I Won't Say I'm In Love - all great numbers.

It is going to take some very, very nifty stagecraft to do the Hydra and the Titans - and that sort of thing is pretty much integral to the narrative!

I hope they go for puppetry/animatronics rather than projection - otherwise you might as well watch the movie.

I also hope they retain some of the Gerald Scarfe styling - which does set the film apart from others of that era.

Hercules could have the advantage of being something very recognizable as most people have at least a vague grasp on Greek mythology and the Herculas saga and if they manage to bring that world on stage convincingly, it could work well. I actually don't need a show stuffed full to the brim with great well-known tunes, if the score overall works and the story draws me in. Too many of the recent Disney stage adaptations - Tarzan, Little Mermaid and Aladdin feel woefully spread-thin to make them "go the distance" (turn a less-than-90-mins-movie into a 150-mins-stage-show).

Personally I'd much rather see Mulan on stage, but I wonder how instantly recognizable that title would be now - it's been 20 years since the movie and not everyone remembers the string of Disney movies that came out then.

Actually i think youre wrong here. Hercules is one of those movies that tends to get forgotten about, until you mention it and suddenly you get 'oh i loved that movie'. Years of home video/dvd and now streaming helps add to the fan base that maybe didnt see it on cinema release.

I think the songs are strong and im struggling to think of a duff one. Possibly stronger than Aladdins actually. Definately stronger than the forthcoming Frozen

The staging could be amazing and i dont think it would take too much to do as the big pantos these days have well staged special effects/puppets monster scenes to add the wow factor. Disney shouldnt have an issue.

oh god no to both. Hercules is young, innocent, awkward, sweet and not your usual disney leading man. Ramin is none of these things (and i say that as a fan)

Sierra is also wrong on all levels for Meg (not least she can't act anything other than doe eyed). Meg is more streetwise sassy and sarcastic. Laura Benanti would have been ideal if she were younger.

Don't tweet Cynthia Erivo telling her she would be good as one of the Muses, or else you'll get an earful about it

I'm always happy to see a new Alan Menken show, but I'd be even happier if he was working on Pocahontas instead.

Id be surprised if Pocahontas ever made it to the stage. If it did the story would have to be drastically reworked to make it more historically accurate and culturally sensitive. I also think they would have trouble casting it with an all native american cast

Don't do it @ryan !!!

Monkey keep your singing Beavers to yourself.

looking really forward to Hercules

i also would not say no to Mulan

Cynthia Erivo, this is your moment girl!

I don't want to be a Debbie downer but I have some real mixed feelings about the Public putting on a show for Disney. That is really against their mission for putting on corporate shows instead of shows by up and comers.