Disney Theatrical Productions

Started in 1993 as part of the Buena Vista Theatrical Group, the company has made quite an impact on New York theatre in a short time, as well as finding success across the country and internationally. The goal of the program, headed by Thomas Schumacker, is to develop and produce live theatre. Its first production, Beauty and the Beast (1994), was not warmly greeted by the critics, theatre community, or the Tony Awards but was immediately popular with audiences in New York and later on tour. In 1997 Disney restored the New Amsterdam Theatre as a home for its future Broadway productions, thereby aiding the redevelopment of 42nd Street and leading the way for other important restorations on the block. After a limited run of the concert King David, the New Amsterdam once again became a legit house with Disney's The Lion King (1997), this time winning critical and popular approval. With its home base occupied by that hit musical, Disney opened its next offering, Aida (2000), at the Palace Theatre, again creating an audience favorite even though critical reaction was mixed. All three musicals continue to run on Broadway and are touring extensively, marking a very impressive track record for the young company. Disney's stage version of The Hunchback of Notre Dame premiered in Germany in 1999 as Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame and also found success. Plans to bring it to America are under way, as are many other projects.