Disney Musicals: A Complete Timeline of Disney on Stage

Posted on 24 Feb 2016 (Updated on 1 Oct 2025)

Disney has been enchanting audiences for decades - not just on screen, but also on stage. From *Beauty and the Beast* to [*The Lion King*](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets), *Aladdin*, and beyond, Disney musicals have become some of the biggest hits in theatre history. In 2025, the West End is still home to two spectacular Disney shows: [The Lion King](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets) (at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/lyceum-theatre-london) since 1999) and [Hercules](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hercules-tickets), which stormed into London with [rave reviews](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/news/hercules-review-2025). And while the West End had to let *Frozen the Musical* go in 2024, fans can still see it in 2025, as the recorded stage show can be streamed on Netflix. ### **Beauty and the Beast (1994)** Disney’s first Broadway venture was the stage adaptation of *Beauty and the Beast*, which opened at the Palace Theatre in April 1994 after tryouts in Houston. Starring **Susan Egan** and **Terrence Mann**, the production was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning one for Costume Design. It ran for over 5,000 performances before closing in 2007. In London, *Beauty and the Beast* played at the [Dominion Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/dominion-theatre-london) from 1997–1999, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Though its run was shorter, the show cemented Disney’s reputation as a major player in West End theatre. ### **The Lion King (1997)** Julie Taymor’s groundbreaking production of [The Lion King](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets) roared onto Broadway in 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Known for its inventive puppetry and stunning visuals, the show has become a global phenomenon and remains one of Broadway’s longest-running musicals. In the West End, [The Lion King](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets) opened at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/lyceum-theatre-london) in 1999 and continues to run in 2025. It’s Disney’s most successful stage production to date and the highest-grossing entertainment title in history - bigger than *Star Wars*, *Harry Potter*, or any Marvel blockbuster! ### **Mary Poppins (2004)** Disney partnered with Cameron Mackintosh to bring *Mary Poppins* to the stage in 2004. After tryouts in Bristol, the show premiered at London’s [Prince Edward Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/prince-edward-theatre-london) and ran until 2008. It later transferred to Broadway in 2006, where it earned seven Tony nominations and ran for over six years. Since its West End and Broadway runs, the practically perfect musical has been on frequent UK and USA tours. The stage version blends songs from the beloved film with new numbers, making it a timeless favourite among Disney musicals.

### **Tarzan (2006)** Disney took a swing with *Tarzan* in 2006, featuring music by **Phil Collins**. It opened at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway but struggled to attract audiences, closing just over a year later. The musical has yet to premiere in the West End. ### **The Little Mermaid (2008)** **Sierra Boggess** starred as Ariel in Disney’s *The Little Mermaid*, which swam onto Broadway in 2008 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Despite its iconic songs, the production closed after less than two years. Unlike *Beauty and the Beast* or *Aladdin*, *The Little Mermaid* has never had a major London run - something fans still hope will change. ### **Newsies (2012 Broadway, 2022-2023 West End)** *Newsies*, based on Disney’s 1992 film, became a surprise Broadway smash. Originally intended as a limited engagement, the show opened at the Nederlander Theatre in 2012 and ran for over 1,000 performances, earning two Tony Awards. It later transferred to London at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre (the current home to Starlight Express) in 2022. Despite its short run, the musical was a huge success, earning an Olivier Award for Best Choreography. The Broadway production was filmed and released worldwide, giving fans everywhere a chance to experience this fan-favourite Disney musical. ### **Aladdin (2014 Broadway, 2016–2018 West End)** After years of anticipation, *Aladdin the Musical* opened on Broadway in 2014 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Featuring dazzling sets, **Alan Menken**’s unforgettable score, and a Tony Award-winning Genie (**James Monroe Iglehart**), it quickly became one of Disney’s biggest stage hits. In London, *Aladdin* opened at the [Prince Edward Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/prince-edward-theatre-london) in 2016 and ran until 2018. While it’s no longer in the West End, the production remains a fan favourite and continues to play internationally, keeping Disney’s magic alive across the globe. ### **Other Disney musicals on stage** Beyond Broadway and the West End, Disney has continued experimenting with stage adaptations: * *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* (2014 at Paper Mill Playhouse) became a cult favourite but never transferred to Broadway. However a concert version was staged at the [Prince Edward Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/prince-edward-theatre-london) in 2025 to rave reviews. Do we hear church bells in the West End's future? * *Freaky Friday* and *Tangled the Musical* have been staged regionally and on Disney Cruise Line. * *The Jungle Book* saw workshop productions but hasn’t reached Broadway or London...yet. ### **Disney musicals playing today** As of 2025, Disney on stage is stronger than ever. In the West End, you can see [The Lion King](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/the-lion-king-tickets) at the [Lyceum Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/lyceum-theatre-london) and the new smash-hit [Hercules](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/hercules-tickets). *Frozen the Musical* closed in 2024, but fans can stream the recorded West End production on Netflix.