Friday, September 07, 2007
Disney: Where do they go from here?
April 18, 1994. A day that will live in infamy. On this day the Powerful and Mighty Disney roared it's way onto the Great White Way and Broadway has never been the same. Since that historic day "The Mouse" has bombarded us with The Lion King, Aida, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, and now The Little Mermaid. What's next? The Great Mouse Detective. Maybe Lady and the Tramp? Audiences sat through 15 excruciating years of grown men and women dancing around in cat costumes. Why not dogs? There just as cute and cuddly right? Now look we know those shows will never happen. Disney didn't get where they are by being dummies. Every move they make is very calculated. That's why they are so successful. However it looks like this once perfect kingdom is about to crumble if they are not careful. Now those people who have read my previous blogs know that I am not a big fan of "The Mouse" I did enjoy Aida. In fact I saw it three times. Now mind you I didn't pay for the tickets. Being in the industry we are in we are often invited to these shows in the hopes that we will in turn recommend them to the consumer. I myself have never been one to tell a customer that I loved a show when in fact I may not have liked at all. One persons cup of tea may not be the same as someone else's. Every one is certainly entitled to their own opinion. Just because I didn't like something doesn't mean you won't think it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I will say that if it wasn't for Disney most kids might never have had the chance to experience one of the greatest things in this world. The chance to see live theatre. You never forget your first time. And for most children seeing a Disney show was their first time to feel the magic that is the theatre. Over the years Disney had had more hits than misses. When you place their record up against other producers they look pretty impressive. However I think maybe it is time for them to go back to what made them special. They were and always have been wonderful storytellers. In fact they may be one of the best. It's time to get the magic back and create something new. Yes I know it is probably easier to rely on things that in the past that have proven successful. I guess if it ain't broke don't fix it. But I think that if they are going to remain a force in the Broadway community it is time to take more risks and prove to those doubters out there that they can create that magic that has made them loved worldwide. The little kid in me knows they can do it. Maybe they need to find the little kid that's inside of them.
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