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Alan Menken Celebrates Disney Legacy While Crafting New Musical

4/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Composer Alan Menken reflects on his career and collaboration with lyricist Howard Ashman, highlighting their work on Disney classics like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
Despite Ashman's battle with AIDS, they created iconic songs, including "Prince Ali," contributing to the Disney Renaissance.
Menken emphasizes storytelling in songwriting and has revisited scores for adaptations like the 2023 Little Mermaid.
He is developing new projects, including a rock musical titled Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy, while noting rising production costs in New York.

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Story summary

Composer Alan Menken reflects on his career and collaboration with lyricist Howard Ashman, highlighting their work on Disney classics like Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast.
Despite Ashman's battle with AIDS, they created iconic songs, including "Prince Ali," contributing to the Disney Renaissance.
Menken emphasizes storytelling in songwriting and has revisited scores for adaptations like the 2023 Little Mermaid.
He is developing new projects, including a rock musical titled Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy, while noting rising production costs in New York.