There is a good chance everyone has seen at least one musical. That is a result of Disney being well-known for musicals. They tend to eventually became stage shows, and usually the musical improves once that happens due to the additional songs, which expands the story a lots more, which results in characters being more complex. So, what are the Disney musicals I saw live?
Frozen
This was the most recent musical I saw- June 22, 2022. My main disappointment was the cut of “True Love”, which was an added song to the Original Broadway Show- that is a heartbreaking song meant for Anna. But they cut it when the tour began. One of the biggest mistakes ever- Anna is the sister I relate to the most. Favorite song- either “For the First Time in Forever” or “Let it Go”

The stage show is so much better than the movie. The added songs develop the characters even further- especially with Elsa. That is what songs such “Dangerous to Dream” and “Monster” do. However, even Anna is developed further- that is what I love about “What do You Know About Love”—which also further develops Kristoff. At first, I thought I would dislike “I Can’t Lose You” in the show because I didn’t know how Elsa would learn about the eternal Winter, but at least that happened in a scene after. I love how Kristoff is developed further as well—-“Kristoff Lullaby” is when you first realize his feelings for Anna, which is an emotional song.
The way they showed Elsa’s powers was amazing- so magical. Amazing cast, which is always true for touring casts for musicals. I heard that Sven almost didn’t make it to the stage show- glad that he did because if not, I feel like we would only have 3/4 of who Kristoff is.
Aladdin- 9/11, 2019
At first, I thought it was kinda of strange to see a musical on 9/11, but it actually works. At least I did something fun on a day we remember a tragedy. If you think about it, a Disney musical would work.

Aladdin is one of the classic Disney musicals, but became a stage show later than it probably should have. Especially considering it was a classic Disney movie. My favorite song from Aladdin is “A Whole New World”. There is one character in this musical that is hard not to love- The Genie.
Just like any Disney stage show, it does improve. True, Abu wasn’t able to make it to stage, but Omar, Babak, and Kassim were good substitutes- a result of amazing dance numbers, and being good friends to Aladdin. “Proud of Your Boy” was an amazing addition to Aladdin- that song made me a little emotional when I saw the stage show. Even Jasmine got stronger with “These Palace Walls”. Glad their romance sort of started sooner- thanks to “A Million Miles Away”
Lion King- September 4th, 2018
Yes, this was my 2nd time seeing the stage show, but I don’t remember my 1st visit. I actually got the best seats- in the orchestra at the aisle (best seats for “Circle of Life”).

As a matter of fact, Lion King is worth going for the costumes alone. The songs are incredible in many ways- my favorite song is “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. Even the stage show is better than the original animated classic film. Just about all of the characters are more complex- particularly Simba, Nala, Mufasa, and Scar. Always helps when you have additional songs- such as “Endless Night” for Simba, “Shadowland” for Nala, “They Live in You” for Mufasa”, and certain songs for Scars- don’t want to say them for my hatred towards him.
Newsies- July 2018 and August 2016
Of ALL Disney musicals, this is the only one I have twice (yes, I said I saw Lion King twice, but doesn’t count, as I have one memory). I saw Newsies BOTH at community college and Belk Theater (aka Blumenthal’s main theater). Newsies was box office flop, but turned into a cult favorite——-eventually leading to the stage show.


Wouldn’t have known about Newsies if it wasn’t for the stage show. Newsies is actually based an actual event- The Newsboy Strike of 1899. When Pultizer raised the price of papers, the Newsies went on strike- the new price would make it harder on them. The Newsies actually remind me of The Friends of the ABC from Les Mis (both have a strong brotherly bond that feel like family and have a cause they strongly believe and have a leader)
One of the BEST parts about Newsies is the dance alone, which is mind-blowing. That is part of why “Seize the Day” is my favorite song from the musical. The stage show is SO much better than the 1992 movie. Katherine Plumber is a better reporter and a stronger love interest for Jack Kelly. Plus, she at least gives a strong female voice in a cast of boys. Even some of the prior songs have improved- I noticed there is a difference in lyrics. I love the addition of “Letter From the Refuge”, a solo meant for Crutchie
Conclusion
There is still one Disney I still strongly hope to see- that would be Beauty and the Beast. Belle is actually the classic Disney princess I relate to the most. I feel like it hasn’t toured for years in the US- it needs to come back.