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Tangled: The MusicalOpening Date: Nov 2015
Closing Date: currently on hold Air date: July 24, 2020 Medium: internet Where to watch: Disney Parks YouTube |
Stage Production Notes
Based on the 2010 Disney animation, Tangled: The Musical is a re-telling of the classic fairytale, Rapunzel. Described as an “adventure musical” that takes Rapunzel and her “rescuer” Flynn Rider from a lonely tower in the woods, to the raucous Snuggly Duckling Pub, and to the distant Kingdom, where Rapunzel and Flynn finally find home.
Written by Dan Fogelman, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, and with a score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the film Tangled was released in 2010. It was Disney’s 50th animated movie, and was billed as a departure from previous Disney films, both in terms of story-telling and use of new 3D and computer generated digital animation. The film featured the voice talents of a range of Hollywood and Broadway stars including Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider), and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel).
Whilst in development, the film was subject to controversy. The title “Tangled” was used instead of “Rapunzel,” as Disney research reportedly found that “boys didn’t want to see a princess movie,” and the marketing team also downplayed the fact that it was a musical.
Tangled was released in both regular and 3D cinemas, and was a smash hit at the box office. On its opening weekend, the film was second only to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 a in the United States.
Alan Menken and Glenn Slater received multiple award nominations for their song, “I See the Light.” Their wins included the Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or For Television.
In April 2015, it was announced that Disney were preparing to adapt Tangled into a musical for Disney Magic, one of four Disney Cruise Ships.
Launched in 1998, Disney Magic was the first of Disney’s cruise ships. It is an 11-deck luxury cruise ship, with a capacity for 2713 passengers and nearly 1000 crew. The ship’s features include the AquaDuck waterslide, multiple pools, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, an interactive game center for tweens called Edge, a cinema, and the Walt Disney Theatre, 977 seat venue for live productions. The exterior of the ship has a giant Goofy hanging from the stern, Mickey Mouse silhouettes on the funnels, and a horn that plays “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio. The ship was ranked by US News as number one for Best Disney Cruise Lines and Best Cruises for Families.
Produced by Kelly J Benton for Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, and directed by Gordon Greenberg (co-writer and director of Holiday Inn), Tangled: The Musical was created and billed as a “Broadway-style” production. A condensed version of the film, the musical had a run time of 1 hour.
In addition to songs from the movie, “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I Have a Dream” and “I See the Light,” the adaptation included three new songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, “Flower of Gold,” “Wanted Man,” and “When She Returns.”
Tangled was first performed aboard Disney Magic’s 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise in the Walt Disney Theatre on November 10, 2015.
Tangled officially opened on November 11, 2015, aboard Disney Magic’s 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami, and was performed twice on one day during sailing. On the day of the performance, areas outside of the theatre were given a Tangled theme, such as the O’Gills Pub transforming into the Snuggly Duckling, complete with costumed bartenders and Tangled themed desserts.
Inside the Magic reviewer Adam McCabe noted that the musical “immerses audiences in that world and equally spellbinds them.” McCabe particularly praised the lantern scene, exclaiming “It was not only a completely transcendent moment for just about everybody around me (I was a sobbing mess), but I actually enjoyed the sequence better on stage then I did in the film. Because in that moment, I was there. It was real.”
The musical was presented in rotation with other live shows including Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic, and Twice Charmed: A Twist on the Cinderella Story. On select sailings extra shows included All Aboard!!! Let the Magic Begin, Remember the Magic: A final Farewell, and Walt Disney — The Dream Goes On.
The musical is not the only adaptation of the film. Tangled Ever After, a short featuring Rapunzel and Flynn’s wedding, was released in 2012. Tangled: Before Ever After, a made-for-tv movie, and Tangled: The Series (which later became known as Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure), were released on the Disney Channel in 2017.
Tangled: The Musical continued to play on Disney Magic until May 2020. As a result of COVID-19, the Disney Magic ship has been moored in Kent in the UK since May 19, where it has become a curiosity for locals.
Based on the 2010 Disney animation, Tangled: The Musical is a re-telling of the classic fairytale, Rapunzel. Described as an “adventure musical” that takes Rapunzel and her “rescuer” Flynn Rider from a lonely tower in the woods, to the raucous Snuggly Duckling Pub, and to the distant Kingdom, where Rapunzel and Flynn finally find home.
Written by Dan Fogelman, directed by Nathan Greno and Byron Howard, and with a score by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the film Tangled was released in 2010. It was Disney’s 50th animated movie, and was billed as a departure from previous Disney films, both in terms of story-telling and use of new 3D and computer generated digital animation. The film featured the voice talents of a range of Hollywood and Broadway stars including Mandy Moore (Rapunzel), Zachary Levi (Flynn Rider), and Donna Murphy (Mother Gothel).
Whilst in development, the film was subject to controversy. The title “Tangled” was used instead of “Rapunzel,” as Disney research reportedly found that “boys didn’t want to see a princess movie,” and the marketing team also downplayed the fact that it was a musical.
Tangled was released in both regular and 3D cinemas, and was a smash hit at the box office. On its opening weekend, the film was second only to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 a in the United States.
Alan Menken and Glenn Slater received multiple award nominations for their song, “I See the Light.” Their wins included the Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or For Television.
In April 2015, it was announced that Disney were preparing to adapt Tangled into a musical for Disney Magic, one of four Disney Cruise Ships.
Launched in 1998, Disney Magic was the first of Disney’s cruise ships. It is an 11-deck luxury cruise ship, with a capacity for 2713 passengers and nearly 1000 crew. The ship’s features include the AquaDuck waterslide, multiple pools, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, an interactive game center for tweens called Edge, a cinema, and the Walt Disney Theatre, 977 seat venue for live productions. The exterior of the ship has a giant Goofy hanging from the stern, Mickey Mouse silhouettes on the funnels, and a horn that plays “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio. The ship was ranked by US News as number one for Best Disney Cruise Lines and Best Cruises for Families.
Produced by Kelly J Benton for Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, and directed by Gordon Greenberg (co-writer and director of Holiday Inn), Tangled: The Musical was created and billed as a “Broadway-style” production. A condensed version of the film, the musical had a run time of 1 hour.
In addition to songs from the movie, “When Will My Life Begin,” “Mother Knows Best,” “I Have a Dream” and “I See the Light,” the adaptation included three new songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, “Flower of Gold,” “Wanted Man,” and “When She Returns.”
Tangled was first performed aboard Disney Magic’s 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise in the Walt Disney Theatre on November 10, 2015.
Tangled officially opened on November 11, 2015, aboard Disney Magic’s 4-Night Bahamian Cruise from Miami, and was performed twice on one day during sailing. On the day of the performance, areas outside of the theatre were given a Tangled theme, such as the O’Gills Pub transforming into the Snuggly Duckling, complete with costumed bartenders and Tangled themed desserts.
Inside the Magic reviewer Adam McCabe noted that the musical “immerses audiences in that world and equally spellbinds them.” McCabe particularly praised the lantern scene, exclaiming “It was not only a completely transcendent moment for just about everybody around me (I was a sobbing mess), but I actually enjoyed the sequence better on stage then I did in the film. Because in that moment, I was there. It was real.”
The musical was presented in rotation with other live shows including Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic, and Twice Charmed: A Twist on the Cinderella Story. On select sailings extra shows included All Aboard!!! Let the Magic Begin, Remember the Magic: A final Farewell, and Walt Disney — The Dream Goes On.
The musical is not the only adaptation of the film. Tangled Ever After, a short featuring Rapunzel and Flynn’s wedding, was released in 2012. Tangled: Before Ever After, a made-for-tv movie, and Tangled: The Series (which later became known as Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure), were released on the Disney Channel in 2017.
Tangled: The Musical continued to play on Disney Magic until May 2020. As a result of COVID-19, the Disney Magic ship has been moored in Kent in the UK since May 19, where it has become a curiosity for locals.
Filmed Production Notes
Tangled: The Musical was filmed live with the original cast during its first few performances in November 2015. The recording was made available for guests on the Disney Magic cruise ship on Stateroom TV.
In response to the COVID-19 shutdown, in July 2020, Disney released the recording on the Disney Parks YouTube channel. Given the recent release of Hamilton and the availability of Tangled the movie on Disney+, it is curious that Tangled: The Musical was released for free on YouTube and not on Disney’s own subscription-based streaming platform.
As noted by New York Times culture writer Nancy Coleman, the movie source material, with its story of being trapped at home trying to fill the time, is rather apt for 2020.
Tangled: The Musical was filmed live with the original cast during its first few performances in November 2015. The recording was made available for guests on the Disney Magic cruise ship on Stateroom TV.
In response to the COVID-19 shutdown, in July 2020, Disney released the recording on the Disney Parks YouTube channel. Given the recent release of Hamilton and the availability of Tangled the movie on Disney+, it is curious that Tangled: The Musical was released for free on YouTube and not on Disney’s own subscription-based streaming platform.
As noted by New York Times culture writer Nancy Coleman, the movie source material, with its story of being trapped at home trying to fill the time, is rather apt for 2020.
The filmed live release includes a brief introduction by Disney Cruise Line Cruise Director Lee Hawkins.
London Box Office reviewer Phil Willmott claimed the stage show “looks like a high budget pantomime” but noted that the film is “sumptuous to look at, fast moving (they edit out the scene changes) expertly filmed and I suspect it would hold the attention of most under 10s.”
Tangled: The Musical is currently available to view on Disney Parks YouTube.
London Box Office reviewer Phil Willmott claimed the stage show “looks like a high budget pantomime” but noted that the film is “sumptuous to look at, fast moving (they edit out the scene changes) expertly filmed and I suspect it would hold the attention of most under 10s.”
Tangled: The Musical is currently available to view on Disney Parks YouTube.
Learn more about the filming of Tangled on episode 6 of the Filmed Live Musicals podcast, with actor and puppeteer David Colston Corris, who played Maximus. Available on all podcast apps.
Tangled: The Musical PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Walt Disney Theatre, Disney Magic Cruise Ship
Producer: Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment (Kelly J Benton)
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Glenn Slater
Director: Gordon Greenberg
Orchestrations: Timothy Williams
Choreography: Connor Gallagher
Scenic Design: Bradley Kaye
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Hair & Make-Up Design: Wilma Terry
Lighting Design: Japhy Weideman
Sound Design: Cricket S. Mysers
Projection Design: Aaron Rhyne
Puppetry Design: Michael Curry
Puppetry Direction: Jeff Conover
Stage Manager: Gail Eve Malatesta
Cast:
Elisha Ainsley (Rapunzel) Jimmy Larkin (Guard/Drunk Thug/Lantern Seller), David Wright Jr. (Guard, Gunther Thug, Townsperson), Nick Pankuch (Flynn Rider), Cate Cozzens (Queen, Fan, Killer Thug), Elliott Litherland (King/Captain/Thor Thug), Kyle Blair (Sage/Guard/Hook Hand Thug/Baker), Alison Davi (Lady/Fan/Guard/Wild Girl), Maris Fernandes (Lady/Fan/Guard/Fruit Seller), Courtney Leigh Halford (Nurse/Fan/Atilla Thug/Town Mom), Jeffrey Todd Stevens (Stabbington/Big Nose Thug/Flag Seller), Jacob Chancellor (Stabbington, Vladimir Thug/Metals Seller), Charis Vaughn (Fan, Bruiser Thug, Balloon Seller), Sydney Patrick (Girl/Fan), Katie Whetsell (Mother Gothel), Emma Burkholder (Rapunzel Double/Townsperson/Puppeteer), David Colston Corris (Maximus/Guard), Eric Deiboldt (Boy/Ulf Thug/Guard), Jack Hazelton (Flynn Double/Fang/Townsperson/Puppeteer), Karl Urban (Swing), and Raye Lederman (Swing)
Theatre: Walt Disney Theatre, Disney Magic Cruise Ship
Producer: Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment (Kelly J Benton)
Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: Glenn Slater
Director: Gordon Greenberg
Orchestrations: Timothy Williams
Choreography: Connor Gallagher
Scenic Design: Bradley Kaye
Costume Design: Paloma Young
Hair & Make-Up Design: Wilma Terry
Lighting Design: Japhy Weideman
Sound Design: Cricket S. Mysers
Projection Design: Aaron Rhyne
Puppetry Design: Michael Curry
Puppetry Direction: Jeff Conover
Stage Manager: Gail Eve Malatesta
Cast:
Elisha Ainsley (Rapunzel) Jimmy Larkin (Guard/Drunk Thug/Lantern Seller), David Wright Jr. (Guard, Gunther Thug, Townsperson), Nick Pankuch (Flynn Rider), Cate Cozzens (Queen, Fan, Killer Thug), Elliott Litherland (King/Captain/Thor Thug), Kyle Blair (Sage/Guard/Hook Hand Thug/Baker), Alison Davi (Lady/Fan/Guard/Wild Girl), Maris Fernandes (Lady/Fan/Guard/Fruit Seller), Courtney Leigh Halford (Nurse/Fan/Atilla Thug/Town Mom), Jeffrey Todd Stevens (Stabbington/Big Nose Thug/Flag Seller), Jacob Chancellor (Stabbington, Vladimir Thug/Metals Seller), Charis Vaughn (Fan, Bruiser Thug, Balloon Seller), Sydney Patrick (Girl/Fan), Katie Whetsell (Mother Gothel), Emma Burkholder (Rapunzel Double/Townsperson/Puppeteer), David Colston Corris (Maximus/Guard), Eric Deiboldt (Boy/Ulf Thug/Guard), Jack Hazelton (Flynn Double/Fang/Townsperson/Puppeteer), Karl Urban (Swing), and Raye Lederman (Swing)
Sources
Articles
- Brooks Barnes, “Disney Ties Lots of Hopes to Lots of Hair,” New York Times (Nov 19, 2010)
- Brooks Barnes, “Disney Spins ‘Tangled’ Hair Into Box-Office Gold” New York TImes (Nov 28, 2010)
- Justin Chang, “Tangled” Variety (Nov 7, 2010)
- Brittany Chrusciel, “'Tangled, The Musical' on Disney Cruise Line,” Cruise Critic (Sept 21, 2017)
- Nancy Coleman, “Comfort Viewing: Three Reasons I Love the Movie ‘Tangled’” New York Times (April 16, 2020)
- Jonathan Frontado, “‘Tangled: The Musical’ Coming to Disney Cruise Line,” Disney Parks Blog April 2, 2015
- Jonathan Frontado, “#DisneyMagicMoments: Virtual Viewing: Disney Cruise Line’s ‘Tangled: The Musical’” Disney Parks Blog (July 24, 2020)
- Adam Hetrick, “Meet the Cast and Go Behind the Scenes as Disney Brings Tangled to Life on Stage! (Video)” Playbill (Nov 12, 2015)
- Adam McCabe, “REVIEW: “Tangled: The Musical” is a spellbinding stage masterpiece worthy of Disney’s lineage,” Inside the Magic (April 7, 2016)
- Scott Sanders, “Tangled: The Musical Debuts on the Disney Magic (Plus Sneak Peek Live Performance)” Disney Cruise Line Blog (Nov 11, 2015)
- Elizabeth Wagmeister, “‘Tangled’ Animated TV Series Based on Film Coming to Disney Channel” Variety (June 3, 2015)
- Phil Willmott, “Review: TANGLED. Disney Cruise ships and YouTube,” London Box Office (Aug 4, 2020)
- Joe Wright, “Disney Magic cruise ship draws in fans during long stay at Dover,” Kent Online (July 11, 2020)
- Cruiseline.com, “Disney Magic Cruise,” Accessed via: https://cruiseline.com/ship/disney-magic
- Disney Cruise Line, “Tangled: The Musical,” Accessed via: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/cruise-planning/live-stage-shows/tangled-the-musical/
- Disney Cruise Line, “Tangled: The Musical Program,” Accessed via: https://disneycruiselineblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Tangled-The-Musical-Program-Disney-Magic.pdf
- Disney Fandom, “Tangled: The Musical”, Accessed via: https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Tangled:_The_Musical
- US News, Travel, “Disney Magic: Disney Cruise Line,” Accessed via: https://travel.usnews.com/cruises/disney-cruise-line-293/disney-magic-338/
Written by Luisa Lyons (August, 2020)