‘Zootopia’ stage musical in development from Disney Theatrical Productions
A “Zootopia” stage musical is in development from Disney Theatrical Productions, the same division behind the company’s Broadway shows. The director is a Disney Cruise Line veteran.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
‘Zootopia’ stage musical
An audition notice, reported by Broadway World, seeks performers in the roles of Judy Hopps the bunny, Nick Wilde the fox, Dawn Bellweather the sheep, and Chief Bogo the ox. In the movie, these characters were voiced by Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Jenny Slate, and Idris Elba, respectively.
The audition notice says the “Zootopia” stage musical will be 90 minutes long, and asks for performers’ availability for a three-week workshop in New York City in November as the “Zootopia” show is “being developed for a professional LORT [League of Resident Theatres] production, followed by professional and amateur licensing.”
Image courtesy of Disney
The “Zootopia” stage musical comes from director Connor Gallagher, writer Sara Wordsworth, and songwriter Jaheem Toombs with additional music & lyrics by Matte Martinez. The music supervisor is Ian Weinberger.
Gallgaher previously directed Disney Cruise Line’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” and, most recently for the Disney Treasure and the upcoming Disney Destiny, “The Tale of Moana.” (Don’t miss our interview with Gallagher about “Moana.”) He also directed “Beetlejuice” on Broadway, among other productions.
Photo by Matt Stroshane / Disney
Though the “Zootopia” movie does include the song “Try Everything” performed by Shakira, the film isn’t an outright musical. That hasn’t been an issue for Disney in the past, though; just ask “Finding Nemo,” which Disney Experiences adapted into a stage musical for Walt Disney World in 2007 despite that Pixar film having no songs. (For what it’s worth, Judy Hopps will sing at least one song in “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” a 3D show opening at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in November.)
Photo courtesy of Disney
Disney Theatrical formerly adapted such Disney movies for the stage as “Mary Poppins,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Newsies,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Tarzan,” “Frozen,” and most recently, “Hercules,” currently performing at London’s West End.
“The Lion King” and “Aladdin” are still on Broadway, while “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast” are currently on U.S. tours. Earlier this year, a pro-shot recording of the now-defunct “Frozen” Broadway production debuted on Disney+.
In addition to “Zootopia,” a “Coco” musical is in development for the future. This fall, Disney’s Muppets will make their Broadway debut alongside magician Rob Lake.
Year of ‘Zootopia’
Even beyond the news of a “Zootopia” stage musical, it’s a busy year for the “Zootopia” franchise. The aforementioned “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!,” a 3D show, will open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World on Nov. 7, followed by the release of “Zootopia” 2 in movie theaters on Nov. 26.
Last month at Destination D23, Disney’s official fan convention, we got a sneak peek of “Zootopia 2,” complete with a special appearance by Patrick Warburton. He voices a new character named Mayor Winddancer.
Photo by Blake Taylor
Officer Clawhauser also surprised fans in person at Destination D23, marking his U.S. debut after first appearing in international parks. Disney told us, however, that Clawhauser’s D23 appearance was just for the event, and he will not be at Disney World regularly.
Photo by Blake Taylor
Timed with the opening of “Better Zoogether!” and “Zootopia 2,” Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde will greet guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Notably, Nick sports a newly designed character head, with his eyelids now partially covering his eyes. Previously, his eyes were wide open. Here’s the before and after:
We got to meet the “new” Nick at a Disney World media event recently.
How do you feel about a future “Zootopia” musical and a potential Broadway run?
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