Is a stage adaptation of Disney's Hercules in the works?

Tom Millward
Tom Millward

Will it "Go The Distance"?

According to Disney legend Alan Menken, composer of the 1997 Disney animated classic Hercules, a stage adaptation may well be in the title's future. In an interview with California's Orange County Register, he commented:

"Hercules is going to have a moment that will surprise people... Actually, I'm working on a stage version of Hercules."

It is currently unclear, however, if the project is intended for a Broadway bow, as a representative from Disney Theatrical Productions was quick to release a statement saying:

"Hercules is one of many great Menken scores, but no stage adaptation is in development at this time."

We will keep you posted on Menken's work in progress.

Disney's Hercules was released in June 1997 as the 35th animated classic in the Disney canon and grossed over $250 million at the worldwide box office. It also earned Alan Menken and David Zippel (the Tony-winning lyricist behind 'City of Angels') Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations in the category of "Best Original Song" for "Go The Distance," (performed by Tony winner Roger Bart.

Written and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker, Disney's Hercules features the voice talents of Tate Donovan (as Hercules), Susan Egan (as Megara), Danny DeVito (as Philoctetes), and James Woods (as Hades), with Lillias White, Cheryl Freeman, LaChanze, Roz Ryan and Vanéese Y. Thomas (as The Muses).

Synopsis: "Born a god and stripped of his immortality as the result of a cruel plot by Hades, god of the underworld, Hercules sets out on a quest to become a real hero. Only then can he reclaim his status as a god and re-join his parents, Zeus and Hera, at Mount Olympus."

Besides "Go The Distance," the film's original soundtrack also includes Disney classics such as "Zero to Hero," "The Gospel Truth," "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)," and "A Star is Born."

Originally published on

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