Disney on Broadway is turning 25 this year and we’re ready to celebrate.
(MORE: Meet 5 cast members as 'Aladdin' celebrates 5 magical years on Broadway)To mark the company’s silver anniversary, a medley was performed Friday on “Good Morning America,” featuring music and moves from shows such as the one that started it all -- “Beauty and the Beast” -- and current Broadway smashes like “Frozen,” “Aladdin” and “The Lion King.”
Magic was in the air during the beautifully belted ballads and sing-along numbers that have been enjoyed by some 160 million theatergoers around the world. But the success isn’t just in the numbers -- it’s also in how well stories such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Tarzan" transition to the stage, raising the entertainment factor with amazing special effects, dynamic costume changes and introducing the world to such talent as “I Wish I Wasn’t” singer Heather Headley and “American Horror Story” actor Cheyenne Jackson.
(MORE: For the first time in forever, a woman plays Olaf in 'Frozen' on Broadway)While ideas of what’s to come are always being explored -- and we’re always curious to see who might join the ranks of talented songwriters such as Phil Collins, Elton John and Alan Menken in creating new tunes for future shows -- here are four fun facts you can share with your family and friends the next time you see a show together.
1. Since 2004, “Beauty and the Beast” has had more than 42,000 licensed performances, tallying more than the combined totals for such familiar favorites as “Phantom of the Opera,” “Chicago” and “Cats.”
2. Disney on Broadway productions have scored 20 Tony Awards and 60 nominations.
3. Nearly 40% of people who see a current Disney Theatrical production are also seeing their first Broadway show. But this isn’t just kids; nearly 75% of audience members at any given performance are 18 or older.
(MORE: 'The Lion King' on Broadway welcomes new Simba)4. More than 10,000 entertainment professionals have been employed by DTP since “Beauty and the Beast,” including more than 1,000 musicians, more than 2,000 stage crew and more than 2,000 actors and stage managers.
Disney is the parent company of Disney on Broadway and ABC News.