The animated version of “Tangled” combines pure Disney fantasy with comedy, romance and excitement. To Disney music lovers, the movie is a marvelous musical composed by Oscar®-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken. So it’s nice to see the word “musical” in the title of this new live spectacular, presented exclusively on the Disney Magic. And it has three new songs!
Since the untimely passing of Disney Legend Howard Ashman, Alan has been ably partnered with the likes of Stephen Schwartz (who also created lyrics for “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Wicked”), Sir Tim Rice (“The Lion King,” “Aladdin“), Lynn Ahrens (“A Christmas Carol,” “Schoolhouse Rock”), Jack Feldman (“Newsies,” “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride,” “Polly”) and David Zippel (“Hercules,” “Mulan“).
Alan’s partner on the Tangled songs is Glenn Slater. He also created new lyrics for Broadway’s “The Little Mermaid” as well as “Sister Act.” Glenn has a wondrous knack for clever wordplay, which is especially showcased in his acerbic lyrics for ABC-TV’s satiric comedies “Galavant” and “The Neighbors,” for which he and Alan received an Emmy® nomination. Together, Glenn and Alan have brought new musical delights to “Tangled: The Musical.”
Arranged and Orchestrated by Tim Williams, the three new songs include “Flower of Gold,” a rousing opening story in song that sets up the initial premise, and “When She Returns,” big, exuberant production number; and the witty “Wanted Man,” which features the crowd-delighting Maximus. All of that, of course, is in addition to all the songs from the motion picture, including the unforgettable Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated ballad, “I See the Light”
As you might expect, the new Disney Magic show is as magical as a shiny lock of golden hair. How about a peek behind the creation of this spectacular musical score?
