How Disney Took Over Broadway

Today, we’re exploring the fascinating history of Disney on Broadway—a partnership that now feels like a perfect fit, but almost never happened.

In the early 1990s, Disney was just beginning its renaissance of animated musicals, while Broadway itself was struggling to reinvent and revitalize Times Square. When Disney brought Beauty and the Beast to the stage, it kicked off a theatrical partnership that would reshape Broadway for decades.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Disney first made the leap from animation to Broadway
• Why Beauty and the Beast became Disney’s first Broadway hit
• The incredible Tarzan Musical that we wished we could see
• The evolution of Disney’s stage productions over the years
• How Disney helped transform Broadway and Times Square in the 1990s

Whether you’re a theater fan, a Disney history buff, or just love a good behind-the-scenes story, this episode dives into how two entertainment worlds came together to create something magical.

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Timestamps

Welcome 00:00

Use code LAUNCH to Save 20% on Merch 01:33

Beauty and Beast on Broadway 02:29

The New Amsterdam Theater 10:42

Why Disney Works on Broadway 14:17

Why Aren’t There More Shows? 16:20

We Missed the Tarzan Musical! 18:54

Disney Reality Shows 23:29

All the Shows Disney has Done on Broadway 28:48

Which Disney Movie Would You Turn Into a Broadway Musical? 31:54

Is Aladdin the Best Show Ever?? 36:09

How Disney Uses the Parks and Cruise Ships to Test Out Ideas 41:36