Disney on Broadway for Students

Beyond the Curtain: The immersive magic of Disney on Broadway

From the sun-drenched savannas of Africa to the bustling streets of Agrabah and beyond, Disney continues to enchant audiences with its spectacular presence on Broadway. More than just captivating shows, Disney on Broadway offers a range of immersive experiences, inviting theatergoers of all ages to delve deeper into the magic.

The Timeless Reign of “The Lion King”

A true Broadway phenomenon, “The Lion King” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and theatrical innovation. Now celebrating over two decades of captivating audiences at the Minskoff Theatre, this Tony Award-winning masterpiece, directed by Julie Taymor, transcends the traditional stage musical. Its breathtaking puppetry, vibrant African-inspired music by Elton John and Tim Rice, and powerful narrative create a theatrical landscape unlike any other.

“The Lion King” transports audiences to the Pride Lands, immersing them in a world of majestic creatures and timeless themes of courage, love, and the circle of life. The show’s profound emotional resonance and stunning visual artistry have made it a global sensation, continuing to draw in new generations of theater lovers.

A Whole New World with “Aladdin”

Across town at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the magic of Agrabah comes alive in Disney’s “Aladdin.” Since its premiere, this dazzling production has swept audiences off their feet with its vibrant costumes, thrilling choreography, and unforgettable songs from the beloved animated film.

“Aladdin” tells the enchanting tale of a street urchin whose life takes an extraordinary turn with the discovery of a magic lamp and a wish-granting genie. Filled with humor, romance, and exhilarating musical numbers like “Friend Like Me” and “A Whole New World,” the show is a joyous celebration of adventure and believing in oneself.

Beyond the Stage: Enriching the Broadway Experience

Recognizing the power of theater to inspire and educate, Disney on Broadway goes beyond the curtain call with unique educational initiatives designed to immerse students in the world of theatrical production. For student groups eager to explore the multifaceted aspects of musical theater, five specially designed workshops offer invaluable hands-on learning experiences. The Movement & Music Workshop invites participants to learn songs and choreography from their selected show as they explore the fundamental elements of singing, acting, and dancing, making it ideal for all experience levels. The Spotlight on Singing Workshop delves into the unique musical style of their chosen show, focusing on singing as a cohesive ensemble while incorporating movement and acting to enrich storytelling. Similarly, the Spotlight on Dancing Workshop offers an opportunity to experience the incredible choreography from the selected show, layering in singing and acting to embody a Broadway triple-threat performer. Beyond the stage, the Business of Show Business workshop allows students to discover the diverse careers in the performing arts, exploring administrative, creative, and backstage roles through interactive Disney challenge projects. Finally, The Art of Puppetry workshop unveils the amazing world of puppetry in “The Lion King,” exploring how puppets enhance storytelling and make the impossible possible on stage through experimentation with different techniques to bring puppets to life.

The Lion King‘s Circle of Life on stage. Photo credit: Joan Marcus

To further engage student groups with the themes of the musicals, the Disney Theatrical Group has also developed study guides. These guides offer material for before and after the show, providing students with additional historical context and integrating the themes into exercises in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Arts education. These immersive experiences create a welcoming environment for young artists to express themselves and understand what it truly means to be a part of the Broadway community.

Adding another dimension to this engagement is the Cast & Crew Talkback. Your group can have a unique experience with select cast and crew members from the show. A Talkback takes place after the performance and allows the group to ask questions and learn more about the production directly from the performers and/or stage crew. A Disney Theatrical Teaching Artist will be present to help facilitate the conversation.

Adding to the enchantment, Disney presents its first North American tour of the beloved musical Beauty and the Beast in over 25 years. This enchanting and timeless tale is filled with the romance and grandeur that audiences know and love, brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and costumes. The show boasts the Oscar®-winning and Tony Award®-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Disney on Broadway remains a vibrant and essential part of New York City’s cultural landscape, providing not only exceptional entertainment but also pathways for learning and a deeper connection with the art of storytelling. From the majestic “Lion King” to the dazzling “Aladdin,” audiences are welcomed into realms where imagination knows no limits. Adding to the excitement, the brand-new North American tour of the beloved musical Beauty and the Beast is eagerly awaited.