Disney Takes THE GREATEST SHOWMAN on Stage
By Movieguide® Contributor
Disney recently announced that THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is coming to the stage.
“The stage adaptation of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN will feature the Academy Award®-nominated songs of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The production timetable, creative team, and cast will be announced at a later date,” Disney revealed.
A video posted on X shows the entire stadium at Disney’s D23 event on their feet as the cast performed “This is the Greatest Show” from the 2017 movie musical.
“A rousing, crowd on their feet rendition of This is the Greatest Show serves as the announcement that THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, a 20th Century movie, is becoming a stage musical,” reporter Borys Kit wrote in the caption.
A rousing, crowd on their feet rendition of This is the Greatest Show serves as the announcement that THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, a 20th Century movie, is becoming a stage musical. pic.twitter.com/T9dGYyBd4g
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) August 10, 2024
The movie that inspired the musical, starring Hugh Jackman, is based on the real-life story of Phineas T. Barnum and “Celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation,” per IMDB.
“Since its release, THE GREATEST SHOWMAN movie has captivated audiences with its vibrant storytelling and powerful performances. The film became a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $435 million worldwide and earning a loyal fanbase. Its soundtrack, featuring hits like ‘This Is Me,’ ‘A Million Dreams,’ and the aforementioned ‘Greatest Show,’ became an instant classic, topping charts and winning numerous awards. The film also starred Zac Efron and Michelle Williams,” Variety reported.
Part of Movieguide®’s review reads:
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN is a spectacularly filmed, heartwarming musical. Hugh Jackman is a real triple threat. He can sing, dance AND act. Jacman and the cast create movie magic. That said, the movie’s worldview is mixed. It contains Romantic elements of following your dreams and being tolerant toward outcasts. This content has some PC, LGBT connotations. However, the movie’s positive elements, including Barnum’s love and loyalty toward his wife and children, and his biblical belief in the human dignity of all people, shine through THE GREATEST SHOWMAN.
Fans of Broadway musicals and THE GREATEST SHOWMAN are beyond excited for this new live adaptation. While no cast has officially been announced, fans are begging for Broadway star Jeremy Jordan, who was involved in the film’s development, to star as P.T. Barnum.
“Here me out,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “Hugh Jackman reprising his role and Jeremy Jordan as Philip!”
“We’re gonna have Jeremy Jordan in that cast right?? RIGHT??” another added.
