Disney’s Hercules will soon make its debut as a stage musical in a limited Off Broadway run at New York’s Delacorte Theater.
The show is slated to premiere August 31 and remain at the 1,800-seat open air theater for several free performances through September 8. It is presented by the New York Public Theater in special partnership with Disney Theatrical Productions, who are bringing in some familiar faces to join the cast.
Jelani Alladin will take on the titular role as the mythical hero, while Broadway veteran James Monroe Iglehart will appear as Hercules’ cynical trainer Phil. Alladin previously appeared as Kristoff in the original cast of Frozen The Musical and Iglehart earned himself a Tony Award for his portrayal of The Genie in the musical version of Aladdin.
The House of Mouse will also welcome back Roger Bart, who provided the singing voice of young Hercules in the film. Bart will appear as Hades, the snarky villain that was voiced by James Woods in the 1997 flick. Rounding out the cast are Krysta Rodriguez as Megara, Jeff Hiller as Pain, and Tamika Lawrence, Ramona Keller and Rema Webb as the soulful Greek Muses at the heart of the narrative.
Hercules will feature the film’s beloved David Zippel and Alan Menken-penned songs like “Go The Distance,” “Zero to Hero” and “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)” as well as a few new tunes.
There is no word yet if the musical is bound for the Great White Way following its Central Park run. If so, Hercules would join the company of several Disney films that have been adapted for the stage and left a magical impression. Since 1993, Disney Theatrical Productions have developed over a dozen films into stage musicals, including Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, and The Little Mermaid. However, Disney’s The Lion King has been the company’s true heavyweight since making its 1997 Broadway debut. The production won six Tony Awards and stands as the highest-grossing musical in Broadway history.
