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Welcome to the European theatrical stage, Disney’s Hercules! The latest stage adaptation for Disney’s 1997 animated film has officially opened in Hamburg, Germany as of 24 March. After having a first look, it’s great to see so much of the original score has been kept and a great cast has been chosen for their adopted roles.
Featured above is Benét Monteiro playing Hercules. Photo credit to Johan Persson.
Leading the German production of Disney’s Hercules is Benét Monteiro (@benetmonteiro.angeluz.music on Instagram), who most recently played Alexander Hamilton in the German production of Hamilton. Now he plays the title role in Disney’s Hercules. Joining him on stage are other previous members from the German cast of Hamilton including Mae Ann Jorolan (@lady_mae_ann on Instagram) who plays the leading damsel in distress who can handle this, Meg. Kristofer Weinstein Storey has joined them as the lovable yet hard-headed Phil. Detlef Leistenschneider is ruler of the underworld, Hades.
Featured above is Mae Ann Jorolan playing Meg. Photo credit to Johan Persson.
While this is the latest adaptation that comes to the stage, Disney has presented Hercules as a potential for Broadway for several years now. The first public viewing was back in 2019 during the annual Shakespeare in the Park series. Then as recently as last year, Disney Theatrical premiered Hercules in New Jersey at the Papermill Playhouse. The production in Hamburg at the Stage Theater Neue Flora is currently booking tickets until late December and is currently expected to extend the run.
Photo credit to Johan Persson.
The original score is by none other than Alan Menken, a long-time Disney legend who has worked on several animated films, live action movies, and stage productions for Disney. He has worked on the original animated Hercules film, and is set to work on the live action remake. David Zippel has written lyrics for the show including new songs for the show and it’s no surprise that they’re still as catchy as ever. The book is by Tony Award winners Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah. Directing and choreography Disney’s Hercules is Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (credit includes Disney’s Aladdin).
Costume designs are by three-time Tony Award winner Gregg Barnes (@gbarnesdesign on Instagram) whose credits include Kinky Boots, Mean Girls, and Disney’s Aladdin, and co-designer Sky Switser whose credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, Disney’s Aladdin, and Legally Blonde The Musical. The pair has worked closely on many shows together. The set designer is Dane Laffrey who contributed additional video design whose credits include Little Shop of Horrors, and Guys and Dolls. The video designer George Reeve has worked on Roger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, The Sound of Music, and Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.
The creative team continues with co-choreographer Tanisha Scott who has worked with stars including Beyoncé and Rhianna. Lighting designer Jeff Croiter is best known for his latest work on Gutenberg The Musical, Freestyle Love Supreme, and Newsies. Sound designer Kai Harada has worked on shows such as Disney’s The Lion King, and Days of Wine and Roses. Puppet designer James Oritz recently became famous with his dinosaur puppets and is now working on Peter Pan and Wendy. Hair and wigs are being done by Mia M. Neal with makeup by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche. The special effects featured throughout the show are by Jeremy Chernick.
Janine has always been a part of music and performing. The first show that inspired her to go into theatre was the Velveteen Rabbit which she saw as a child, and Drew works to keep that magic alive in her work. When Drew was accepted into an internship program for audio engineering at a recording studio, she jumped at the opportunity. That was at the start of 2020, and so much has happened since then, both in her career and in the world. Since then, Drew has taken several opportunities to work at recording studios, concerts, festivals, and even large theatres while spending some time on tour. Drew's favorite by far though, has been the chance to work on Broadways and West End shows, as this was a dream come true. Drew is honoured to get to share these experiences from being inside the entertainment industry.
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