In an exhilarating revelation that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, it was announced at a Disney on Broadway concert held at Disney World’s EPCOT on January 24 that the beloved 2017 Pixar animated film, Coco, is set to make its grand debut on the stage. The groundbreaking news was unveiled by none other than the talented performers Mandy Gonzalez and L. Steven Taylor, igniting a frenzy of excitement among fans and theater enthusiasts alike.
Coco, a heartwarming tale that delves into the intricate themes of identity, legacy, and the significance of Dia de los Muertos, captured the hearts of audiences worldwide when it first graced the silver screen. Now, Disney is poised to take the magic of Coco to a whole new level by adapting it into a captivating live stage production.
This ambitious undertaking is still in its nascent stages of development, as confirmed by insiders at Disney outlet LaughingPlace, who were the first to break the electrifying news. While specific details remain under wraps, the production is being crafted with utmost care and creativity to honor the essence of the original film while bringing its enchanting narrative to life on the theatrical stage.
At the core of Coco’s stage adaptation are the brilliant musical talents of renowned composers. The film’s evocative score, composed by the celebrated Michael Giacchino, promises to infuse the stage rendition with the same emotional depth and resonance that made the cinematic experience so unforgettable. Furthermore, the esteemed composer-lyricist duo behind the beloved Frozen franchise, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, are contributing additional songs to enrich the stage version’s musical tapestry.
The storyline of Coco follows the enthralling journey of Miguel, a gifted young musician, as he embarks on an extraordinary adventure to the mesmerizing land of his ancestors. The quest is driven by a profound connection to family, an unwavering passion for music, and an unquenchable thirst for discovering his true identity. With themes that touch upon family bonds, personal aspirations, and the celebration of heritage, Coco is primed to captivate audiences of all ages on the Broadway stage.
During the announcement event, L. Steven Taylor eloquently shared, “This tale of family, fun, and adventure inspires a young musician named Miguel to go on an extraordinary adventure to the magical land of his ancestors. With a score by Michael Giacchino, and additional songs from the composer-lyricist team from Frozen, Coco is now in development at Disney on Broadway to become a live stage show!”
A sneak peek into the magical world of Coco was granted through a video shared by LaughingPlace, featuring Mandy Gonzalez delivering a breathtaking performance of “Remember Me,” the Oscar-winning anthem from the original film. This tantalizing glimpse serves as a promise of the mesmerizing musical moments that are set to grace the stage adaptation.
What sets Coco apart from other Disney adaptations is its unique transition from a non-musical film to a live musical production. While the film incorporated music as an integral part of its narrative, the songs served a diagetic purpose within the story rather than adhering to the traditional musical format. This bold move marks a significant departure from Disney’s previous endeavors and showcases the studio’s unyielding commitment to innovation and artistic exploration.
One intriguing question that arises is whether the original musical treatment penned by Lopez and Anderson-Lopez prior to a tonal shift in the film’s development will find its way into the stage adaptation. The duo’s knack for translating Pixar’s enchanting narratives to the stage was previously demonstrated in their creation of an original score for a 40-minute stage musical adaptation of the non-musical 2003 film Finding Nemo. This captivating production ran at Disney World’s Animal Kingdom from 2006 to 2020 and has recently been expanded into Finding Nemo JR., an entry in Music Theatre International’s Broadway Junior catalog catering to young performers aged 18 and under.
As the anticipation builds and the creative gears continue to turn, Coco’s journey to the Broadway stage promises to be a monumental chapter in the annals of Disney Theatricals. With its heartwarming story, evocative music, and themes of family and self-discovery, this adaptation holds the potential to touch the hearts of audiences in ways that only live theater can achieve. While more details await to be unveiled, the promise of witnessing Miguel’s captivating adventure unfold live on stage is undoubtedly a cause for celebration among Disney fans and theater aficionados everywhere.
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