"Hercules" opens in Hamburg, Germany
Live-action "The Little Mermaid" opens in cinemas around the U.S. today!
Max Steiner Award & Gala Concert
Alan becomes an EGOT recipient
Alan wins Daytime Emmy
Upcoming "A Whole New World of Alan Menken" at Ridgefield Playhouse Connecticut
Purchase tickets here
"Beauty and the Beast" live concert in Japan
Biography
Alan’s life from the start till present
Alan Menken
Legendary composer Alan Menken has created some of the most beloved songs and musical scores of our time, with his unique voice as a composer capturing the imagination of audiences for over 35 years.
Known for his music on stage and screen, he is noted for his multiple works with the Walt Disney company (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin), as well as Broadway stage musicals Sister Act and Little Shop of Horrors. With eight Academy Awards, Alan has received more Oscars than any living person, and is the recipient of numerous other awards including Golden Globes, Grammys, Drama Desk Awards, and a Tony Award.
Alan Menken
Learn about his life from the early years all the way through till today. You can explore photos, videos and sound clips.
Early Years
Alan Menken was born July 22nd, 1949 at French Hospital in New York City, to young aspiring actress/playwright, Judy Menken and boogie-woogie piano-playing dentist, Norman Menken, DDS. He grew up in a home, filled with music and theater (and comedy and drama) in New Rochelle, New York, along with his sisters, Faye and Leah.
Alan’s ambition, from his earliest memories, was to become a composer. Much as he would have expected to become a dentist, like most of the other men in three generations of his family, he was a very ADHD child. Studying was like pulling teeth (no pun intended) and even practicing piano was a trial. Instead of learning pieces, Alan would get the basic idea of a Beethoven Sonata or a Bartok Mikrokosmos and spend the rest of his practice time “faking it”. When his piano teacher, Emily Harris, or his violin teacher, Editha Braham realized what he was doing they wisely suggested that this be encouraged, so Alan began composing, as well as pretending to practice.
Alan is Born
Alan Menken was born July 22nd, 1949 at French Hospital in New York City, to young actress/playwright, Judy Menken and boogie-woogie piano-playing dentist, Norman Menken, DDS.
Alan's First Competition
First music competition – Jr. Composers Contest. His composition was called “Bouree” for violin.
Ya gottsta suffer to sang da blues
Playing guitar, vocalizing and down and out...
College Years
Too bad he’d never be able to make a living doing that. What could he do? That stress became a peptic ulcer in Junior High School, which Alan didn’t fully cure until those magical, psychedelic, wonderful hippie years of 1967 thru 1971, which just happened to coincide with the period he attended New York University’s College of Arts and Sciences, where Alan drifted from Pre-Med to Anthropology major to Philosophy major to finally graduating with a degree in Musicology. Most importantly, he escaped to the piano practice room every chance he got and wrote songs and a Musical for the Hall of Fame Players; ‘Separate Ways’ (featuring that musical theater classic – “Thank God for Marijuana”.)
Most importantly, to appease his parents, he auditioned for (and was admitted into) the BMI Musical Theater Workshop, taught by eminent conductor and composer, Lehman Engel. Even though his plan was to become a rock-star-recording-artist, he would dabble in writing more musicals through that workshop. Alan found his first and best network for learning and growing into the composer he now has become.
Concert Master
Concert master for the New Rochelle High School orchestra - taking occasional musical liberties with variations on the themes of The Masters.
Welcome NYU
Alan drifted from Pre-Med to Anthropology to Philosophy to finally graduating with a degree in Musicology (despite the family's Dental legacy).
Alan Writes His First Musical
His first full musical, “Separate Ways”, for which Alan wrote both music and lyrics, was produced at NYU. A fellow student, Elyce Wakerman, wrote the book; a rock musical about hippies living in an apartment building with more conservative neighbors. It was quite a change for a campus known for conservative standards such as “Pajama Game” and “Finian’s Rainbow”.
Children of the World
Alan wrote “Children Of The World”, a rock ballet for the Downtown Ballet Company. In a review it was said “His score for ‘Children Of The World’ has the vigor of protest, yet it is lyrical, affecting and effective.”
The BMI Musical Theatre Workshop
Alan was admitted into the BMI Musical Theater Workshop, mentored by eminent conductor/composer, Lehman Engel. Even though Alan’s plan was to become a rock-star/recording artist, he would dabble in writing musicals some more and through that workshop found his first and best network for learning and growing into the composer we now know.
Graduates from NYU
Alan graduated from the University College of Arts and Science with a Bachelor's Degree in Musicology.
Early Career
Upon graduating from NYU, he took a collection of his songs and wrote a rock-ballet for The Downtown Ballet Company, called ‘Children Of The World’. The work itself has mercifully faded into the distant past, but one aspect of that experience became the best moment in his life; meeting a beautiful ballet dancer named Janis Roswick. As of November 26th, 2019, they are together 48 years and married for 47.
In the years between graduation and actually earning a living as a composer, Alan worked as a ballet and modern dance accompanist, a musical director for club acts, a jingle writer, arranger, a songwriter for ’Sesame Street’ and a vocal coach. He performed his material at clubs like The Ballroom, Reno Sweeny and Tramps. He showcased material from early musicals like ‘Midnight’, ‘Harry The Rat’ and ‘Apartment House’. He contributed material to revues like ‘New York’s Back In Town’, ‘Big Apple Country’ and ‘The Present Tense’. And then he met Howard Ashman. Until working with Ashman, Alan Menken was almost exclusively a composer/lyricist. But starting in 1978, when they met to discuss a musical of Kurt Vonnegut’s novel, GOD BLESS YOU MR ROSEWATER, Alan and Howard became a songwriting team and with only a few exceptions, Alan has seldom returned to lyric writing.
Marries Janis Roswick
Through his work with the Downtown Ballet Company, Alan met a beautiful ballet dancer, Janis Roswick. They married in November of 1972, and now been together for over 48 years. They have two beautiful daughters, Anna Rose and Nora Lily.
Various Works Showcased
BMI showcases “Midnight”, “Apartment House” (lyrics by Muriel Robinson), “Conversations with Pierre”, “Harry the Rat”, “Messiah on Mott Street” (lyrics David Spencer).
Cabaret Years
Alan performed on the New York city cabaret circuit. In addition to showcasing his own music, he also acted as musical director and arranger for other performers. He often played “The Ballroom”, “Reno Sweeny” and “Tramps”. He showcased material from early musicals like “Midnight”, “Harry The Rat” and “Apartment House”. He contributed material to revues like “New York's Back In Town”, “Big Apple Country” and “The Present Tense”.
“Patch, Patch, Patch”
Alan developed a review of his own material, in which he sang and played at the piano with 4 additional performers. “Patch, Patch, Patch” opened in the summer of ’79 at the West Bank Café, in what is now The Laurie Beechman Theater. That review garnered rave notices but with Alan’s focus moving towards new partnerships, the show was never seen past that run.
“God Bless You Mr. Rosewater” opens Off Broadway
“Rosewater” moved to the Entermedia Theater, on 2nd Avenue and 12th Street, where it ran for six weeks. With a cast of 14, the show was too big for Off-Broadway.
“The Thorn”
Written as a vehicle for Divine; a send-up of “The Rose”, in which a rock performer clutches and claws her way to the top over the dead bodies of all those who loved and supported her.
“The Line”
An American soldier goes AWOL to avoid Vietnam, only to have his parents turn him in, showing his mistreatment by the military. Alan composed two songs “The Wind Knows Better Than I” and “Home Again America”.
Little Shop and Off-Broadway
Then came ‘Little Shop of Horrors’, the musical that put Ashman and Menken on the map as in-demand, up-and-coming musical theater writers. Based on the Roger Corman B-movie classic, it opened at the WPA Theater in the spring of ’82, to great reviews, lines around the block and countless offers from producers. It moved to the Orpheum Theater on 2nd Ave and St. Marks Place, where it ran for over 5 years and set the box-office record for highest grossing Off-Broadway show of all time. Productions followed in Los Angeles and London, along with national tours and all the rest. Most exciting was a movie deal, which opened doors to Hollywood.
Another musical Alan wrote, also in 1982, was ‘The Dream On Royal Street’. It was written to go straight into the stock and amateur market. Based on ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, it was developed and performed as part of the theater curriculum at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, just after the ‘Little Shop’ opening. Lehman Engel came down to critique and help, as part of his relationship with that program. It marked the last time Alan was to see Lehman, who he considers his most vital and important teacher. Though ‘Atina: Evil Queen Of The Galaxy’ didn’t develop past its workshop, a number of relationships from that project bore fruit. Tom Eyen, who developed ‘Dreamgirls’ with Michael Bennett, approached Menken with an original story about a group of dancers at the Roxy Theater and the way their lives develop and interweave; starting with the advent of World War 2 and going all the way to the 70’s, as their way of life disappeared. The project was titled ‘Kicks: The Showgirl Musical’ and it went through workshops and readings from ’84 thru ’86.
Little Shop of Horrors
Based on the Roger Corman B-movie classic, "Little Shop" opened at the WPA Theater in the spring of ’82. It received great reviews, lines around the block and countless offers from producers. It moved to the Orpheum Theater and broke box-office records for highest grossing Off-Broadway show of all time.
BMI Career Achievement Award
Alan is presented with the BMI Career Achievement Award.
“Kicks”
Tom Eyen ("Dreamgirls"), approached Menken with an original story about a group of dancers at the Roxy Theater and the way their lives develop and interweave. The story starts at the advent of World War 2 and continues to the 70’s, as their way of life disappears. The project is titled "Kicks, The Show Girl Musical", and it went through workshops and readings from ’84 thru ’86.
“Diamonds” opens Off Broadway
“Diamonds” opened Off Broadway at the Circle in the Square Downtown. It featured the poignant “In the Cards” with lyrics by David Zippel.
“Personals” opens Off-Off Broadway
Two songs penned by Alan, “I'd Rather Dance Alone” and “I Could Always Go To You.” Lyrics by David Crane, Seth Friedman, and Marta Kauffman.
“The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” opens in Philadelphia
“The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” opened at the Zellerbach Theatre in Philadelphia, PA for a limited run. Original music by Alan Menken, lyrics by David Spencer.
“Little Shop of Horrors” film released
This was the film that earned Alan his first Oscar nomination for “Mean Green Mother From Outer Space”.
Disney Animation Years
When Howard Ashman called Alan about coming to work at Disney, the headline for Alan was the fact that they were re-uniting. (Howard had been collaborating with Marvin Hamlisch on a stage musical of SMILE for years; wearing the book writer, lyricist and director hats). The project was THE LITTLE MERMAID and the opportunity was amazing; to create an animated musical that could sit on the shelf alongside SNOW WHITE and CINDERELLA. They began work in New York and then shifted to working in Los Angeles, as Ashman was also wearing the Executive Producer’s hat. These were years of commuting back and forth between coasts for Alan, which was made especially hard because of the birth of his daughters, Anna and Nora. London was also a necessary trip, due to the LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS movie being shot there. For the movie, Menken and Ashman wrote a new song for the plant; “Mean Green Mother From Outer Space”, which earned them their first Oscar nomination.
With MERMAID, Menken began his career as a composer of film underscore. Although he had never attempted a film score before, Alan learned on the job and was rewarded with an Oscar for Best Score, as well as one for Best Song (“Under the Sea”). More importantly, the movie proved groundbreaking. Animated Musicals were back. People loved them and live-action films wouldn’t be far behind. Within a year of the Oscars for THE LITTLE MERMAID Howard Ashman would be gone; but not before the completion of the song scores for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and ALADDIN. The process of doing that work, under the shadow of AIDS was often harrowing and stressful, but the resulting films and the effect they had on the world are what now remain. BEAUTY won Best Picture at the Golden Globes. With 3 song nominations, it won Best Song and Best Score at both the Oscars and the Globes. “Beauty and the Beast” became a hit single, establishing a new artist, Celine Dion. ALADDIN also won Best Score and 2 Best Song nominations, with “A Whole New World”, a new song written in collaboration with Sir Tim Rice (following the passing of Howard Ashman), winning Best Song. Ashman never lived to see either BEAUTY AND THE BEAST or ALADDIN completed. Tim Rice (JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, EVITA, THE LION KING) stepped in to collaborate with Alan in order to allow completion of ALADDIN, following story changes late in the production process and later, on the Broadway production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. And Menken and Rice achieved a number one single and the Grammy Song of the Year. Also, during this period of non-stop activity at Disney, Alan was approached about writing the songs for a period, live-action musical, based on the newsboys’ strike of 1899. It was called NEWSIES and for this project, he turned to an old friend, a fellow BMI Musical Theater Workshop writer, Jack Feldman. The movie flopped at the box office and actually earned a Razzie Award for Worst Song of the Year (“High Times, Hard Times”). But, years later, after being adopted by a generation of kids thru VHS tapes, cable broadcasts and DVDs, it has now become a huge success on Broadway, at a level that matches any of the animated musicals’ successes.
“Polly”: The Wonderful World of Disney
Based on Disney's “Pollyanna”, inspired from the classic novel of the same name. Alan and Jack Feldman wrote a song for the project called “By Your Side.”
“The Little Mermaid”
With “...Mermaid”, Menken began his career as a composer of film underscore although he had never attempted a film score before. Alan learned on the job and won the Oscar for Best Score. And with Ashman, another for Best Song (“Under the Sea”.)
“The Little Mermaid” - Oscars, Grammys, Globes
“The Little Mermaid” receives 3 Academy Award nominations, (2 for Best Song, 1 for Best Score) and wins 2 (Best Score and Best Song “Under The Sea”); 2 Golden Globes (Best Song for “Under the Sea” and Best Original Score); 2 Grammy Awards (including Best Song Specifically for a Motion Picture) plus 2 more Grammy nominations.
“Cartoon All-Stars To The Rescue”
This came to Alan and Howard as a request from Roy Disney, Jr. to pen an anti drug song. “Back in the late 60's I would not have been the poster boy for this cause, but when we were asked to write ‘Wonderful Ways to Say No’ how could we say ‘no’?”
“Rocky V” is released
Alan writes music and lyrics for “Measure Of A Man”, the closing credits song for the Sly Stallone film. Records in London with Elton John performing.
Howard Ashman passes
Howard Ashman dies following complications from AIDS. He was 40 years old.
“Beauty and the Beast”
“Beauty and the Beast”, a Walt Disney Feature Animation film, is released. Original score and songs by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman.
“Lincoln”
Alan was a bit of a Civil War buff growing up, mostly based on the fascination the old photos of soldiers and politicians and the America of the 1860’s had for him. So when Peter Kunhardt asked him if he’d be interested in scoring a mini-series about Abraham Lincoln for ABC, he was very inclined to say “yes”. His influences are probably pretty easy to identify; Aaron Copland and Randy Newman. We believe that, in the end, something uniquely “Alan Menken” also comes through.
“Beauty and the Beast” receives awards
For “Beauty and the Beast”, Alan received 4 Academy Award Nominations (3 for Best Song , 1 for Best Original Score). He won Best Song “Beauty & the Beast” and Best Original Score. He also won 2 Golden Globe Awards (Best Song “Beauty & the Beast” and Best Original Score). 3 Grammy Awards (including Best Song and Best Instrumental Composition) and 2 additional Grammy nominations.
“Newsies” (the film... here today, gone tomorrow)
“Newsies” from Walt Disney Pictures is released, with songs by Alan, lyrics by Jack Feldman, score by J.A.C. Redford, screenplay by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White. The film had about a two week run at the box office.
“Weird Romance" opens Off-Off-Broadway
“Weird Romance” consists of two one-act musicals with a curious mix of a science fiction framework around traditional themes - the generation gap, a love triangle and the archetypal conflict between those who have power and those who have none. Opened at the WPA theatre 6/14/92 with music by Alan and lyrics by David Spencer.
“Home Alone 2: Lost In New York" is released
“My Christmas Tree” with music by Alan and lyrics by Jack Feldman.
“Aladdin” is released
“Aladdin”, a Walt Disney Feature Animation film, is based loosely on the tale “1001 Arabian Nights”. Original score and songs by Alan, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice, screenplay by Ron Clements and John Musker.
“Aladdin” awards
For “Aladdin”, Alan received 3 Academy Award nominations (2 for Best Song, 1 Best Original Score). He won Best Song “A Whole New World” and Best Original Score. He also won 2 Golden Globes (Best Song “A Whole New World” and Best Original Score); 4 Grammy Awards (including Song of the Year, Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture and Best Instrumental Composition for Motion Picture); and earns 1 additional Grammy Nomination.
“Life With Mikey” is released.
From Walt Disney Pictures, Alan scored this comedy starring Michael J. Fox and directed by James Lapine. He wrote the TV theme song that appears in the film with lyricist Jack Feldman. Alan's daughter, Anna (girl on the left in the video) had a small role during the auditions at the top of the film. One of the stand out songs in the film was "Cold Enough to Snow", performed by Jennifer Warnes, and with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
“Beauty and the Beast” stage version on Broadway
“Beauty and the Beast” opened on Broadway at the Palace Theatre (where it ran until 1999, when it moved to the Lunt-Fontanne). The show ran for 5,510 performances. Original music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, additional lyrics by Tim Rice, book by Linda Woolverton. “Beauty and the Beast” was nominated for 9 Tony Awards (one of which was for Best Original Score); nominated for 10 Drama Desk Awards (including Outstanding Music); won the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Musical and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.
“A Christmas Carol” previews at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden
“A Christmas Carol” opened with original music by Alan, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, book by Mike Ockrent. The show ran seasonally for 10 years at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden.
“Pocahontas” released
A Walt Disney Feature Animation film with original score and songs by Alan, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
“Pocahontas” awards recognition
Two Academy Awards (Best Song “Colors of the Wind” and Best Musical or Comedy Score); 1 Golden Globe (Best Song “Colors of the Wind” ) and a Grammy Award (Best Song Specifically for a Motion Picture “Colors of the Wind” ).
On the wall of SARDI's
Nice to be hung in effigy... and in the best of company.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is released
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a Walt Disney Feature Animation film debut. Original score and songs by Alan, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. One of Alan's personal favorite scores.
"Hunchback of Notre Dame" receives award nominations
For the "Hunchback of Notre Dame", Alan received an Academy Award nomination for Best Music, Original Musical or Comedy Score; a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Score; a Grammy Award nomination for Best Original Score for a Motion Picture and a Grammy Award nomination for Best Original Score.
“King David”
Alan and Tim Rice were approached by the Jerusalem 3000 Committee to write a work dealing with the life of King David. Before it was completed, Israeli Prime Minister, Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated, and the short-lived political calm in Israel was shattered. Instead of performing the work at the Sultan’s Pool just outside the walled city of Jerusalem, it had its premiere at the New Amsterdam Theater on 42nd Street on Broadway.
“Hercules”
For “Hercules”, Alan teamed up with lyricist, David Zippel (“City of Angels”, “Mulan”) on a gospel influenced score; which included the song “Go the Distance”, nominated for Oscar’s Best Song category.
A New Millennium
At the turn of the century, Alan continues working on musical stage adaptations, film scoring, as well as continuing his work with Disney, writing for both HOME ON THE RANGE and ENCHANTED.
Alan receives the BMI Richard Kirk Film Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented by the late Frances Preston, former President of BMI, Alan receives the BMI Richard Kirk Film Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame”
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” began its journey to having a successful stage adaptation in an unusual fashion. It was produced in at the Stella Theater in Berlin. To serve Menken’s and Schwartz’s and James Lapine’s writing process, the musical was rehearsed in English and then translated and performed – by the very same actors – in German.
Honorary Doctorate - NYU
Alan receives an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from New York University.
A Disney Legend
A very special recognition from Disney acknowledging multiple accomplishments for his body of work.
“Little Shop of Horrors” is revived on Broadway
The Broadway revival of “Little Shop of Horrors” opened at the Virginia Theatre and played through February of 2004, with 372 performances.
“Home on the Range”
Alan’s work with Glenn Slater (“Sister Act”, “Love Never Dies”, “Tangled”) began with an animated Western, titled “Home on the Range”. Although the movie was seen by a select few, it contained songs that rank among Menken’s favorites.
Walt Disney: 75 Years of Music
Alan and his music are part of a concert celebration of Disney's "Classics at the Hollywood Bowl", performed by and with John Mauceri and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.
“Noel” is released
Original score and songs by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, directed by Chazz Palminteri.
“A Christmas Carol” airs on NBC TV
The Menken/Ahrens musicalized version of the Charles Dickens classic starring Kelsey Grammar, Jesse L. Martin, Jane Krakowski, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Geraldine Chaplin and Jason Alexander.
“The Shaggy Dog” is released
Original score by Alan Menken.
“Enchanted”
“Enchanted”, mixed media combining live action and animation, is released. Original score and songs by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
From Screen to Stage
Alan brings several of his classic animated film works to the stage (THE LITTLE MERMAID, ALADDIN, HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and NEWSIES), as well as new film-to-stage adaptations; SISTER ACT and LEAP OF FAITH.
“The Little Mermaid” on Broadway
“The Little Mermaid” opened on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. Original music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman, additional lyrics by Glenn Slater.
Songwriter's Hall of Fame
Alan, along with Desmond Child, Albert Hammond, Loretta Lynn and John Sebastian was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Marriot Marquis in New York City.
“Sister Act” opens in London
Sister Act with lyrics by Glenn Slater, opened to rave reviews on the West End. Whoopi Goldberg (Producer) also took the stage for a brief stint, this time playing the role of Mother Superior.
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Alan received the 2,422nd Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Motion Pictures in front of the El Capitan Theatre.
“Tangled”
“Tangled” was the first 3D and CGI animated musical to come from Disney Feature Animation. Alan partnered once again with Glenn Slater writing the lyrics.
Honorary Doctorate from UNCSA
John Mauceri, Chancellor at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, presented Alan with an honorary doctorate of Fine Arts. Alan was the commencement speaker.
“Captain America: First Avenger”
Alan and David Zippel co-wrote the song for “Captain America”, entitled “Star Spangled Man”.
“Newsies” at the Paper Mill Playhouse
This production was designed to be a limited run to provide a conduit to stock and amateur licensing due to the cult-like demand created by the original film.
“Mirror Mirror”
Alan wrote and produced the film score to "Mirror, Mirror", an American fantasy adventure film based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale "Snow White". The film was directed by Tarsem Singh.
"Newsies" comes to Broadway
Surprisingly, while having an out of town run intended for licensing purposes only, calls started coming into Disney Theatrical Productions from various Broadway venues competing for the show to move into their theatre(s). Judging by audience reaction and the length of the run, it was a well advised decision and we were quite lucky to wind up at the Nederlander.
“Leap of Faith”
After 10 years in the creative process, this show opened and closed in a very disappointingly short period of time in spite of the fact that it was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical.
“Newsies” wins the Tony Award for Best Score
The coveted Antoinette Perry Award becomes a reality. Here, enjoying the win with collaborator Jack Feldman and reveling in the journey the original film took as a sleeper to a world recognized theatrical presentation.
ABC-TV's “The Neighbors”
“Sing Like A Larry Bird” depicts the aliens expressing their artistic side by writing their own Broadway show. They have a little help with Alan writing the music and Glenn Slater (lyrics).
“Aladdin” - Broadway
The stage version of “Aladdin”, a new musical comedy based on the Disney film, entered the New Amsterdam Theatre in previews on February 26th and officially opened March 20th, 2014. Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Beguelin (who also wrote the book). The show played a pre-Broadway engagement at Toronto’s Ed Mirvish theatre November 5th, 2013 through January 5th, 2014. This new production, based on the ancient folktale “One Thousand and One Nights”, features a full score, including five songs from the original film soundtrack and several more written specifically for the stage.
“Galavant” ABC-TV series
This fairy-tale, comedy is written by Dan Fogelman, with music by Alan and lyrics by Glenn Slater. King Richard, our despotic ruler steals the rapturous Madalena, the love of Prince Galavant's life. Galavant, seeking revenge is appalled to find that Madalena has decided she actually prefers the King's wealth and power to Galavant's affections. Due in the 2014 Fall mid-season.
"The Hunchback of Notre Dame" Opens at Paper Mill Playhouse
Inspired by the classic Victor Hugo novel, the 1996 Disney Animated film, and the previous German stage version, this adaptation had a book by Peter Parnell, and directed by Scott Schwartz.
New Territory
Alan's projects begin to show new musical sides to him, from the controversial SAUSAGE PARTY, Theme Park music in Dubai, A BRONX TALE on Broadway, and even a full concert of his solo performance with A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF ALAN MENKEN.
"The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz" -Segal Center
An all-new version of Alan Menken and David Spencer's "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz: The Musical", featuring an all-Canadian cast, opened in Montreal. The play is based on Canadian author Mordecai Richler's 1959 novel of the same name. The musical is a "morality tale" set in 1950's Montreal, Canada, about 19-year-old Duddy Kravitz, from the Jewish working-class inner city, who is desperate to make his mark and prove himself to his family and community.
"Little Shop of Horrors" at City Center Encore series
Featuring the return of the original production's Ellen Greene as Audrey, and Hollywood star Jake Gyllenhaal as Ms. Greene’s nebbishy love interest, this limited run production was extrememly well received by audiences and critics alike.
"The Little Mermaid" in Concert
While the beloved 1989 Disney film has already been made into a Broadway musical, this version was a hybrid of the two: the film plays on screens throughout the Bowl and as they reach the musical numbers, the film stops to allow a performer to sing, backed by a flawless 71-piece orchestra. The all-star cast included: Sarah Bareilles (Ariel), Rebel Wilson (Ursula), John Stamos (Chef Louis), Tituss Burgess (Sebastian), Darren Criss (Prince Eric), Norm Lewis (King Triton) and Joshua Colley (Flounder).
"Sausage Party" shocks audiences
The outrageous, R-rated animated comedy from Seth Rogen features music by Alan, who co-wrote the score with Christopher Lennertz and penned an original song, “The Great Beyond,” with lyricist Glenn Slater and co-writers Rogen and Evan Goldberg. Directed by Greg Tiernan and Conrad Vernon, this Columbia Pictures release centers on Frank (voiced by Rogen), a sausage who leads a group of supermarket products on a quest to discover the truth of their existence.
"A Whole New World of Alan Menken" Concert - Segerstrom Center
For the first time anywhere, Alan Menken took to the the stage and perform his own music and share behind-the-scenes stories in this exciting new one-man-show. It has since been performed at the Tuacahn Center for the Arts and Chicago Auditorium.
"Disney's Broadway Hits" at Royal Albert Hall
A concert celebrating over two decades of Broadway shows produced by Disney, will be presented at London's Royal Albert Hall. Keith Lockhart conducted the BBC Orchestra, joined by Alan Menken and members of Aladdin's West End cast, performing songs from Beauty and the Beast, Aida, The Lion King, Mary Poppins, Tarzan and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
"A Bronx Tale" opens on Broadway
After a ten-year development process, the original one man show was adapted into a new musical with a book by Chazz Palminteri, music by Alan Menken, and lyrics by Glenn Slater. The musical was co-directed by Robert De Niro, who directed the original film, and Jerry Zaks, who directed the one man show on Broadway in 2007.
Dubai Parks and Resorts Theme Song
“Writing the song and score for the Dubai Parks and Resorts project was fun and unique for me in many ways. Creating a central theme to inaugurate the park called upon the experience I’ve gained working with the Disney company; to encapsulate the concept of this particular park in a larger-than-life song and message. For inspiration I drew on the story that the Dubai Parks and Resorts team presented to me and imagined how a magical them park might spring to life in the middle of the desert. I really believe that the song ‘All the Wonders of the Universe’ is a perfect fit for this amazing new destination.”
A New Life
Classic animated works of Alan are given new life, through live-action film (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, ALADDIN), Animated Television (TANGLED), and theatre (HERCULES and LITTLE SHOP revival).
"Beauty and the Beast" live-action film
Bill Condon directed this live-action musical adaptation of the original Disney animated feature. Menken returned to score the film's music, which features songs from the original film by him and Howard Ashman, plus new material written by Menken and Tim Rice. It ended up becoming the highest grossing live-action film musical of all time.
Disney's "Tangled: The Series" Animated television show
Alan and the Tangled film lyricist Glenn Slater wrote original songs to all three seasons of Tangled: The Series. Since being freed from Mother Gothel and reunited with her royal birth parents six months prior, Princess Rapunzel adjusts to her life as their daughter and continues to have different misadventures with her boyfriend Eugene Fitzherbert, Pascal the chameleon, Maximus the horse, and her new handmaiden Cassandra, to uncover the mystery of her 70-feet long blonde hair's return and its new abilities.
Recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Alan Menken received the 2017 recipient of the Johnny Mercer Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 48th Annual Induction and Awards Dinner. The Johnny Mercer Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, goes to a songwriter or songwriting team who has already been inducted in a prior year, and whose body of work is of such high quality and impact that it upholds the gold standard set by the legendary Johnny Mercer.
Boston Pops July 4th Spectacular Premiere
Alan, with lyricist Jack Feldman, were asked by Maestro Keith Lockhart to compose a song to underscore the occasion of America's 241st birthday. "The Sum of Us" was premiered by Brian Stokes Mitchell and the Boston Pops Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Keith Lockhart, with vocal arrangements by Michael Kosarin and orchestrated by Danny Troob.
D23 Japan Concert
Alan performed a special concert at the Disney Convention, as well as a presentation of "The Little Mermaid" film in concert with a live full orchestra to a nightly show of 15,000 fans.
"Howard" documentary premieres
Don Hahn, director of "Beauty and the Beast", assembled this documentary about Howards life and early death, collecting interviews and rare footage. As well as being featured in the documentary as one of Howard's main songwriting collaborator, Alan wrote the original music to the documentary, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Honored at Carnegie Hall by NY Pop's Gala
The NY Pop's celebrated it's 35th Birthday Gala by honoring Alan Menken with a concert at Carnegie Hall. It featured guest artists: Michael Arden, Roger Bart, Jodi Benson, Ashley Brown, Kerry Butler, Corey Cott, Nick Cordero, Susan Egan, Harvey Fierstein, Cheryl Freeman, James Monroe Iglehart, Adam Jacobs, Judy Kuhn, Patina Miller, Roz Ryan, Vaneese Thomas, Lillias White, and Angela Lansbury
"Beauty and the Beast" in Concert
The animated classic Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” was given new life at the Hollywood Bowl, where Zooey Deschanel (Belle), Kelsey Grammer (Lumiere), Taye Diggs (Gaston), Rebel Wilson (LeFou), Jane Krakowski (Mrs. Potts), and Anthony Evans (Beast), headed an all-star cast of performers including a guest appearance by Alan Menken singing his songs from the Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score as the film plays on the Bowl’s movie screen accompanied by a full live orchestra.
"Ralph Breaks the Internet" with Menken song
Performed by Sarah Silverman as Vanellope von Schweetz and Gal Gadot as Shank, Alan collaborated with lyricists Phil Johnston and Tom MacDougall on the song "Slaughter Race" in this Disney animated feature film.
"The Little Mermaid": An Immersive Live-to-Film Concert Experience
Disney's "The Little Mermaid" was given new life for two special evenings under the sea at the Hollywood (Fish)Bowl. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the classic Disney film, the production featured an all-star cast of performers including Lea Michele (as Ariel), Harvey Fierstein (as Ursula), Cheech Marin (as Chef Louis), Peter Gallagher (as King Triton), Leo Gallo (as Prince Eric), Ken Page (as Sebastian) and special guest Alan Menken, who performed the songs from the score as the film played on the Bowl's movie screen accompanied by a full, live orchestra.
"Aladdin" Live-Action film
Aladdin is a 2019 American musical fantasy film directed by Guy Ritchie, and co-written with John August. Produced by Walt Disney Pictures, it is a live action remake of Disney's 1992 animated film of the same name. As well as writing the original score, Alan collaborated with lyricists Benk Pasek and Justin Paul on new songs for the film which already includes the original songs from the animated feature.
Hercules
The Public Works, a division of the New York Public Theater, in collaboration with Disney Theatricals, produced a one-act stage musical of the animated film "Hercules". Alan joined with original lyricist David Zippel to write several new songs, as well as adapting the original numbers. Performed over only one week, with a cast of 200+ performers on stage, it received rave reviews.
"Little Shop" Opens
"Little Shop of Horrors" Off-Broadway revival opens at the Westside Theatre in New York City. Directed by Michael Mahler, and starring Jonathan Groff, Tammy Blanchard and Christian Borle.
The Little Mermaid LIVE!
"The Little Mermaid Live!" aired on ABC as part of "The Wonderful World of Disney" brand, and was watched by over 9 million viewers, making it the highest-rated made-for-TV musical on any network since Grease: Live in January 2016. It starred Auliʻi Cravalho as Princess Ariel, alongside Queen Latifah, Shaggy, John Stamos, Amber Riley and Graham Phillips.
Alan honored with SCL Lifetime Achievement Award
The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) honored Alan with the SCL’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
Daytime Emmy Win
Alan, alongside lyricist Glenn Slater, win a Daytime Emmy Award for their song "Waiting in the Wings" from the second season of the Disney Animated TV show "Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure".
Alan becomes an EGOT recipient
EGOT, an acronym for the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, is the designation given to people who have won all four awards. Having just won his Emmy Award, Alan becomes the 16th person in history to have accomplished this feat.
Max Steiner Award & Gala Concert
Alan Menken received the Max Steiner Film Achievement Award at the "Hollywood in Vienna" gala. Stars from Broadway and the West End performed at the concert and ceremony at the Vienna Concert Hall (Wiener Konzerthaus) with a full symphony orchestra, conducted by Michael Kosarin.
Alan performs on ABC's ‘Beauty and the Beast Live 30th Anniversary Celebration’
In honor of the 30th anniversary of the animated classic, this animated and live-action blended special showcases the fan-favorite movie, along with new musical performances, sets and costumes inspired by the classic story. Featuring performances by H.E.R as Belle, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Josh Groban as Beast, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, Jon Jon Briones as Maurice, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, and feature narration from Rita Moreno.
Hercules stage musical opens at Paper Mill Playhouse
Running from Feb. 16th, to March 19th, this stage adaptation is a continuation of the Public Works stage version from 2019. Featuring all the Alan Menken and David Zippel hit songs from the film along with new songs written for the stage, the show features a new book by Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, and returning direction from the Public's Lear deBessonet.
Live-action "The Little Mermaid" premieres
Disney’s live-action "The Little Mermaid", directed by Rob Marshall, stars Halle Bailey as Ariel, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric. The film features new songs written by Alan Menken and Lin-Manuel Miranda, including “For the First Time,” “Wild Uncharted Waters,” and “The Scuttlebutt.”
Howard Ashman Award
Alan received the 2024 Howard Ashman Award from the GMHC at a concert ceremony at Joe’s Pub. The GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis) is a nonprofit organization based in New York City that provides HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy services. The award is named after the late lyricist and playwright Howard Ashman, who died from AIDS-related complications in 1991. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to arts and activism, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS or in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Hercules opens in Hamburg
Disney’s Hercules has made a triumphant debut in Hamburg, marking its world premiere at the Stage Theater Neue Flora. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw, with co-choreography by Tanisha Scott, the musical features beloved songs by Alan Menken and David Zippel, alongside new compositions crafted exclusively for the stage. Starring Benét Monteiro as Hercules and Mae Ann Jorolan as Meg, the cast delivers a vibrant and heartfelt performance. The production is further enhanced by Dane Laffrey’s dynamic set design, which includes a massive 20x20-meter LED wall weighing five tons, and over 266 costumes made from more than 2,500 meters of fabric sourced from eleven countries!
Animated feature film musical "Spellbound" premieres
Spellbound is an animated musical fantasy film directed by Vicky Jenson (Shrek) and produced by Skydance Animation. The film features an original score by Alan, with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The story follows Princess Ellian, voiced by Rachel Zegler, who embarks on a quest to save her kingdom of Lumbria after a mysterious spell transforms her parents, Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) and King Solon (Javier Bardem), into monsters. The voice cast also includes John Lithgow, Jenifer Lewis, Nathan Lane, and Tituss Burgess.
Alan sells out the London Palladium
Alan captivated audiences at the London Palladium with his first-ever UK solo concert, "A Whole New World of Alan Menken". This enchanting evening featured live performances of his iconic songs from Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Pocahontas, interwoven with personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. Menken also paid heartfelt tribute to his late collaborator Howard Ashman, performing the poignant song “Sheridan Square” in his honor. A highlight of the concert was the debut of “Forget About It,” a new song from the upcoming stage adaptation of Hercules. The sold-out event was a celebration of Menken's enduring legacy and his profound impact on musical storytelling.
