Disney Theatrical Productions and Stage Entertainment, the largest theatrical producing company in Europe, have announced an expansion of their relationship.
Beginning with their first international production of
Elton John & Tim Rice's
Aida in 2001, the companies have mounted six Disney musicals that have played to an audience of over 10 million people in Germany and Holland alone. Disney/Stage Entertainment shows have grossed over $400 million in ticket sales.
Continuing this relationship, the two companies announced on May 22nd that Disney's newest musical,
Tarzan, will be their next co-production in Europe, set to open in Holland next spring at the Circustheatre near Amsterdam.
Phil Collins made the announcement tonight in Holland at a live telecast of the Dutch Theatre Awards. A second production is scheduled to open in Germany in 2008.
"It's unusual for a second production to be mounted so soon after a Broadway opening," said
Thomas Schumacher, President, Disney Theatrical Productions, "but Joop van den Ende and his team have been supportive of the show throughout its development and I am very pleased it will have its international premiere in The Netherlands."
Casting for this Dutch language production begins immediately. "I wish I could clone
Josh Strickland and
Jenn Gambatese and the whole New York cast," said Schumacher, "but we need them here and Europe has many excellent performers from whom to choose."
"We love the show and believe it will make a strong connection with European audiences," said Joop van den Ende, Stage Entertainment Chairman, "I am also very proud that Disney has once again selected to give us these exclusive rights."
Stage Entertainment currently has five Disney productions in their theatres, including
The Lion King in its fifth year in Germany and its third year in Holland,
Beauty and the Beast on tour in Germany and Holland and
Elton John & Tim Rice's
Aida on tour in Germany.
Tarzan opened on Broadway just days ago on May 10 at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The cast album will be released on June 27th on Walt Disney Records.
Disney Theatrical Productions, a unit of Buena Vista Theatrical Group, operates under the direction of
Thomas Schumacher. Disney's hit productions of
Beauty and The Beast, The Lion King, and
Elton John and Tim Rice's
Aida have been presented in 40 international productions that has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide—making DTP one of the world's largest producers of live theatre.
Mary Poppins, a co-production by Disney and
Cameron Mackintosh, is now playing at London's Prince Edward Theatre, and will arrive on Broadway in October 2006. Further information about productions can be found at
www.disneyonbroadway.com.
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