Let’s talk about ‘Encanto’: Why Disney Believe is the perfect stage
Days before Disney Cruise Line announced its first theatrical adaptation of the animated film, we predicted the Madrigal family’s story would become a full-scale musical instead of a dinner show. Turns out our prediction was right. And we’re ready to talk about why “Encanto” is the perfect fit for this type of stage.
We got plenty wrong in our Disney Believe predictions, but one of our biggest calls was right: “Encanto” belongs on the stage. The big Disney Believe announcements caused quite a stir last night and naturally the reactions on social media are mixed. This new show, “Disney Encanto,” is one announcement that absolutely makes perfect sense.
Here’s why we believed “Encanto” needed a bigger stage — and why its award-winning music and Broadway pedigree make the announcement worth a closer look.
Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Let’s talk about the music of “Encanto”
Last night I read a comment that the music of “Encanto” isn’t the right fit for a stage production. All I could think about when I fell asleep and woke up this morning was just how right the music of “Encanto” is for the stage. When the soundtrack came out, my son and I continuously listened to “The Family Madrigal” together, and to this day, whenever I need a pick-me-up, I turn to “All of You”—a song about the uniqueness of each individual.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway roots run deep
Disney Legend Lin-Manuel Miranda is a modern Broadway legend too. Miranda’s Broadway pedigree started with “In the Heights” before reaching founding father fame with “Hamilton.” This man knows how to write lyrics with a rhythm fit for today’s modern audience.
His Puerto Rican heritage and New York upbringing inform his music, appealing to a variety of cultures that are sometimes overlooked in Broadway-style musicals.
Screenshot from Disney Believe reveal live stream
That Broadway start led to a Disney debut with “Moana” (which happens to be the entire motif of the Grand Hall and a large swath of staterooms aboard Disney Believe). Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Disney animated movie as a songwriter was “Moana” (2016), five years before “Encanto” (2021). He wrote songs including “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome” alongside the film’s other music contributors.
Three Grammy wins and an Oscar nomination
The music of “Encanto” has the awards to back up its popularity. At the 2023 Grammy Awards, the film won three awards: Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media for “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.”
Miranda also earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for “Dos Oruguitas,” one of the film’s most emotional musical moments. The instrumental score, which earned its own Grammy, was composed by Germaine Franco.
Disney has already confirmed that “Surface Pressure,” “Dos Oruguitas” and “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” will be featured in the Disney Believe stage production. Together, those songs offer opportunities for humor, elaborate choreography and heartfelt storytelling.
Bringing ‘Encanto’ to the Disney Believe stage
The music is only part of what makes “Encanto” an intriguing choice for Disney Believe. Bringing the Madrigal family’s magical Casita, extraordinary gifts and colorful Colombian setting to a cruise ship theater presents some exciting creative possibilities.
Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line
Disney Live Entertainment has already taken an important step toward that goal, completing a staging workshop in New York City with performers working through the new production.
“We have assembled an amazing team of Latin American theater professionals from Broadway, regional theater, and all around the world to adapt this story to the stage.”
Michael Cerna, executive creative director with Disney Live Entertainment, discussing “Disney Encanto,” the new stage production aboard Disney Believe.
WATCH: Disney provided the video below to share more about what is being developed for “Disney Encanto.”
The cast is sure to be massive, with 12 living members of the Madrigal family, plus Pedro appearing in the film’s flashbacks, there’s plenty of opportunity for a large ensemble cast.
The Madrigal family
First generation
1. Alma Madrigal (Abuela) — grandmother
Second generation
2. Julieta Madrigal — Alma’s daughter
3. Pepa Madrigal — Alma’s daughter
4. Bruno Madrigal — Alma’s son
5. Agustín — Julieta’s husband
6. Félix — Pepa’s husband
Third generation
7. Isabela — Julieta and Agustín’s daughter
8. Luisa — Julieta and Agustín’s daughter
9. Mirabel — Julieta and Agustín’s daughter
10. Dolores — Pepa and Félix’s daughter
11. Camilo — Pepa and Félix’s son
12. Antonio — Pepa and Félix’s son
I’m particularly curious how Disney will recreate Casita’s moving architecture, magical doors and Antonio’s rainforest room.
I’m also curious whether “Colombia, Mi Encanto” will make the transition to the stage. Performed by Carlos Vives, the infectious song helps establish the film’s Colombian setting without being sung by a member of the Madrigal family. It seems like a natural fit for an energetic opening or ensemble number, particularly with the costumes and choreography Disney has promised.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
“I can’t wait for you to see the beautiful costumes, set designs, and choreography that will bring the landscape and rich culture of Colombia to this production,” said Cerna.
Why ‘Encanto’ belongs on Disney Believe’s biggest stage
Taking all of this into consideration, it seems to be that “Encanto” deserves a bigger stage than what the Disney Wish-class ships offer in the entertainment dining venue.
Understandably, many fans are disappointed that another Disney Cruise Line has devoted another dining venue to “Frozen.” However, Oaken’s Table will offer a different interpretation of the story than its predecessor aboard the Disney Wish, and the decision leaves “Encanto” with the glorious Walt Disney Theatre stage it deserves.
‘Encanto’ is finding a bigger home across Disney
The enchanting rhythms and story of “Encanto” already has a home at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park. Disney brought the Madrigal family’s music to the stage at Epcot with “¡Celebración Encanto!,” an interactive sing-along featuring Mirabel and Bruno that debuted at CommuniCore Plaza in 2024.
The show was meant to be a limited-time experience for the summer of 2024, but continues to perform daily over two years later. That demonstrates to me the power of Encanto’s music and family-driven story.
An even bigger “Encanto” experience is being built at Disney’s Animal Kingdom with “Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto,” opening in 2027 as part of Tropical Americas. This first-ever ride based on “Encanto” will take us into Casita with ride vehicles that resemble pieces of furniture to celebrate Antonio’s magical gift of communicating with animals.
If Disney Cruise Line can bring the Madrigals’ magic, music and heart to the Walt Disney Theatre, I think we’ll all have plenty to talk about — and it won’t just be Bruno.
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