Disney’s Hercules celebrated its 22nd anniversary on 6/13/19.  It’s hard to believe the film is now a classic.  Time sure does fly.

Die hard fans have reason to celebrate. The Public Theater has announced a Public Works staging of Hercules in the Delacorte Theater in New York City’s Central Park. The new outdoor adaption will be directed by Lear deBessonet and choreographed by Chase Brock. Get ready for some magic because the production will star Jelani Aladdin the original Kristoff from Frozen on Broadway!

The production will be accompanied by music by Alan Menken and David Zippel. A new book from author Kristoffer Diaz is also going to be available.

Per Director Lear de Bessonet: “Many generations of our Public Works families have embraced Disney musicals as a shared American canon. Hercules’ roots in Greek mythology, infused with soulful gospel music, make it a natural extension of Public Works’ radical exploration of humanity through Shakespeare and the classics. We’re excited to see how this Public Works production will uncover the deeper meaning of what it means to be a hero and how true strength is derived, not from the greatness of one person, but the transformative power of community.”

Public Works’ Musical Adaptation of Hercules:

The productions will be based on the Disney film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi.

Music: Alan Menken
Lyrics: David Zippel
Book: Kristoffer Diaz
Choreography: Chase Brock
Directed: Lear deBessonet
Scenic Design: Dane Laffrey
Costume Design: Andrea Hood
Lighting Design: Tyler Micoleau
Sound Design: Kai Harada and Jessica Paz
Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Design: Cookie Jordan
Puppet Design: James Ortiz
Music Direction: Michael Kosarin

The Details:

Hercules will run from August 30 through September 8. Professional actors and community groups from across New York City will bring the Disney magic to life. The production marks the first time the Public Theater (the nation’s most successful nonprofit theater) will work with Disney.

Hercules will close the season at the Delacorte theater in Central Park following productions of Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus.