Showing posts with label Alan Menken. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alan Menken. Show all posts
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Monday, February 20, 2017
'Beauty and the Beast' Press Tour Round-Up: Paris
Photos
Ne manquez pas #LaBelleetlaBête dès le 22 mars au cinéma avec @EmmaWatson, @thatdanstevens, @TheRealLukevans et @joshgad ! pic.twitter.com/6OpS1xPT4P— Disney (@DisneyFR) February 19, 2017
Monday, February 13, 2017
'Beauty and the Beast' Interview Round-Up #4
Stay up to date on all the latest Beauty and the Beast movie news by following on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Emma Watson Feels Music In Beauty And The Beast Is Magical
"I love that the music has this kind of classical, theatrical feeling to it yet still seems somewhat modern. It rides that perfect line where it's not pop music and not stage music...it's kind of that perfect sweet spot in the middle, and it's just really magical,"
Read more from FilmiBeat here.
Speaking of dancing, what was it like playing the Beast in Beauty and the Beast?Read the full interview from Parade here.
I think physically, the Beast is the most challenging role I’ve ever taken on, just the condition I had to have for my body, and to puppeteer that suit on stilts was like nothing else I’ve ever experienced, seriously. But the kind of engagement, and actually a lot of dance involved in that role will be on stilts, but it was a very, very intense dance training process that has got me physically more engaged with all of my performances in everything else since.
Have you ever had to do anything like that before?
No. British period drama tends to be from the neck up, you know? You’re under three layers of tweed or velour, that sort of plush velvet. It’s a very different mode of working. And so coming over here and getting to work with a number of different directors from all over the world, not just America, and the kind of demands that they put upon you, it’s been great just to expand my range a bit.
How tall were the stilts?
Oh, ten inches. It was pretty high, yeah. You get a little vertigo sometimes.
Thursday, February 2, 2017
'Beauty and the Beast' features a new overture from composer Alan Menken
When Beauty and the Beast is released in March, fans will be treated to three new songs from composer Alan Menken and Tim Rice, previously unused Howard Ashman lyrics in "Gaston," and a new overture from Menken.
According to The El Capitan Theatre:
The brand-new BEAUTY AND THE BEAST overture, arranged by Alan Menken's long-time music director Michael Kosarin in the style and tradition of the great 1950’s film overtures, was originally recorded by a 100-piece symphonic studio orchestra, and takes us through the songs we loved best from the 1991 animated film, as well as some of the gorgeous new songs written for this live-action one.
A post from @beautyandthebeast film on Instagram reveals the track comes in at 3:05.
Source: El Capitan Theatre, @beautyandthebeastfilm
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
LISTEN: "Our Song Lives On" performed by composer Alan Menken
UPDATE: "Our Song Lives On" is now titled "How Does a Moment Last Forever"
Composer Alan Menken treated the audience of his one-man show to the first public performance of the new Beauty and the Beast song "Our Song Lives On" back in September. A few videos of the performance surfaced online after the event, but now fans can hear the song in its entirety below.
According to Menken, the song appears multiple times in the film with Belle and Maurice.
Source: Disney Ashman Demos
Composer Alan Menken treated the audience of his one-man show to the first public performance of the new Beauty and the Beast song "Our Song Lives On" back in September. A few videos of the performance surfaced online after the event, but now fans can hear the song in its entirety below.
According to Menken, the song appears multiple times in the film with Belle and Maurice.
“It ends up being a song called ‘Our Song Lives On,’ and it’s done in a number of forms,” says Menken of the former track. “The first time it’s sung, it’s Belle’s father singing as he’s completing a music box, and basically it’s [about], ‘How does a moment live forever? How do you hang on to precious moments?’ Then, it’s reprised by Belle, and then it’s the song that’s actually over the end credits at the end of the movie. Disney hasn’t announced it yet, but there’s going to be some wonderful singer on the end credits song."
Source: Disney Ashman Demos
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Unused Howard Ashman lyrics to be featured in live-action 'Beauty and the Beast'
When I was a kid, I knew I liked the music in Beauty and the Beast and that simple fact was good enough for me, but as an adult, I can now appreciate the wonder and brilliance of Howard Ashman's lyrics. After Ashman's passing in early 1991, it was lyricist Tim Rice who worked with composer Alan Menken to bring new music to the Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast and next year's live-action adaptation. However, with a little bit of pixie dust, which Disney has an excess of, previously unused lyrics from Ashman will also be featured in the live-action film.Entertainment Weekly reports these new lyrics will mostly be featured in "Gaston," and will add "an extra freshness to the movie."
“In ‘Gaston,’ we had a treasure trove of lyrics that Howard had written that we did not put in the movie,” Alan Menken tells EW. “In many cases they were a little bit risqué — not risqué sexually, but risqué in terms of sensibility. We all felt ready to have these lyrics. When Bill found out about those lyrics, he said, ‘Oh my god, can we please look at that, because it would be a wonderful way to add an extra freshness to the movie.’ So, yes, you’re going to hear some unheard Howard Ashman lyrics.”
“The guys at Disney reviewed all the transcripts and recordings and they’ve been able to go back through those hours and hours of recorded footage and listen to lyrics that were written and never used, which are actually gems,” Luke Evans, who plays Gaston in the live-action version and performs the character’s self-titled song, says. “So, for the [audience members] who know the songs immensely well, which I think is most people, you will hear a few new lines, which are really, really special.”Director Bill Condon added that another Ashman lyric will appear later in the film, but kept mum on more details.
“It’s a surprise at the end,” the filmmaker says. “I don’t want to give that away, but it’s a really gorgeous lyric that we found.”
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Composer Alan Menken shares new details about additional 'Beauty and the Beast' songs
New dress, new Beast, and new music. Entertainment Weekly gave Beauty and the Beast fans a new look at all three over the past week in their latest issue and continuing online coverage of the upcoming live-action film. Composer Alan Menken has discussed the additional songs featured in the new film on previous occasions, but this week we finally have the illusive third song title, as well as new details about Audra McDonald's role in the film's prologue.
UPDATE: "Our Song Lives On" now titled "How Does a Moment Last Forever" and will be performed on the soundtrack by Celine Dion!
"Our Song Lives On"
Menken actually performed "Our Song Lives On" during his A Whole New World of Alan Menken concert in September. You can listen to a bit of the song below.
"For Evermore"
"Days in the Sun"
If all of that was not enough, EW also reports six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, who plays Madame De Garderobe in the film, will be featured in the film's prologue.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
UPDATE: "Our Song Lives On" now titled "How Does a Moment Last Forever" and will be performed on the soundtrack by Celine Dion!
"Our Song Lives On"
“It ends up being a song called ‘Our Song Lives On,’ and it’s done in a number of forms,” says Menken of the former track. “The first time it’s sung, it’s Belle’s father singing as he’s completing a music box, and basically it’s [about], ‘How does a moment live forever? How do you hang on to precious moments?’ Then, it’s reprised by Belle, and then it’s the song that’s actually over the end credits at the end of the movie. Disney hasn’t announced it yet, but there’s going to be some wonderful singer on the end credits song.
Menken actually performed "Our Song Lives On" during his A Whole New World of Alan Menken concert in September. You can listen to a bit of the song below.
"For Evermore"
“‘For Evermore’ is this moment where the Beast now loves Belle, and he realizes that she misses her father, and he acknowledges she’s no longer a prisoner, and when she sees her father’s in trouble, he says, ‘Go to him, go.’ And he voluntarily lets her go,” Menken continues. “He’s basically singing about how he now knows what love is, as he watches her leave, and he’s climbing up the turret of the castle as she recedes into the distance, just watching her go further and further away.”
The third new song is called “Days in the Sun” and, according to Beauty and the Beast producer David Hoberman, is a very special number indeed. When EW visited the film’s London set last year, Hoberman told us he believed the song is destined to win Menken a ninth Academy Award to go with the eight he already has for his work on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and the animated Beauty and the Beast.
“Well, that’s great of him to say that,” admits Menken.“ ‘Days in the Sun’ is a moment when all of the objects in the castle —and Belle — are going to sleep. Basically, everybody in the castle is having memories of what it used to be when they had their days in the sun. It’s sort of a combination of a lullaby and a remembrance of happier days for everybody.”
If all of that was not enough, EW also reports six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald, who plays Madame De Garderobe in the film, will be featured in the film's prologue.
“It’s a moment within the prologue, just before the spell befalls the castle,” Menken says. “We’re actually at an event at the Prince’s castle, where the Prince is about to be turned into the Beast, and he’s in his very selfish and self-indulgent phase of his life, and we see that, and we have the magnificent Audra McDonald singing this number.”You can read the entire Entertainment Weekly article here and check out all the latest images here.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Saturday, October 1, 2016
WATCH: Alan Menken performs new song from 'Beauty and the Beast'
Alan Menken debuted a one-man show called A Whole New World of Alan Menken last night at the Renée & Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall and those in attendance were among the first to hear new music from the upcoming live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
According to a member of the audience, the song was approximately two minutes and the video below is of the final minute of the song. Menken revealed last June that the live-action film would feature new music (no songs from the Broadway show made it into the film), including "Forever More," which is sung by the Beast and "Days in the Sun" with the enchanted objects.
According to a member of the audience, the song was approximately two minutes and the video below is of the final minute of the song. Menken revealed last June that the live-action film would feature new music (no songs from the Broadway show made it into the film), including "Forever More," which is sung by the Beast and "Days in the Sun" with the enchanted objects.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
'Beauty and the Beast' 25th Anniversary Round-Up (Part Two)
Beauty and the Beast made its debut at the New York Film Festival on September 29, 1991 with a work-in-progress version of the film, which was met with a ten minute standing ovation as the film reached its happy ending. Beauty and the Beast made it theatrical debut a few months later on November 22, 1991 and over the last twenty-five years, Disney's animated classic broke box-office records, received a historic "Best Picture" Academy Award nomination, inspired a Broadway musical, nestled into a corner of the Magic Kingdom, and will soon make its way back to the big screen as a live-action film.
Disney has celebrated Beauty and the Beast's 25th anniversary over the past several months with screenings around the country, a D23 Fanniversary, complete with new interviews, and a new Blu-ray release with all new content. There was a lot to take in and now you have two convenient stops to find all the latest anniversary information.
The blog's 25th Anniversary Round-Up is divided into two posts. Part Two includes: behind the scenes videos, music videos, graphics, and more.
Part One, which you can see here, includes Beauty and the Beast Movie News Posts, video interviews, and other interviews with the original voice cast. Be sure to check back for updates.
Behind the Scenes Videos:
Monday, September 19, 2016
'Beauty and the Beast' returns to the Lincoln Center for 25th anniversary
On September 29, 1991, just a few months before Beauty and the Beast's November theatrical release, a work-in-progress version of the film was screened at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall during the New York Film Festival. The film, which featured storyboard art and pencil tests, as well as completed animation, received a ten minute standing ovation during the event. Alice Tully Hall once again celebrated Disney's animated classic with a special 25th anniversary screening complete with an appearance from the original cast. Those in attendance were also treated to a performance of "Beauty and the Beast" from Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts) and composer Alan Menken. Check out interviews, photos & more from the screening below.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Alan Menken: “The cast is just a dream cast, it’s ridiculous."
With the 25th anniversary release of Beauty and the Beast on the horizon, not only are we learning more about the animated classic, but fans are also finally getting a more in depth look at the live-action film. Composer Alan Menken, who will also score the live-action film, recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly to discuss the film's "dream cast."Emma Watson as Belle:
“She’s really good! I can’t picture anyone else, honestly. She’s Belle for me now entirely."Dan Stevens as Beast:
“Of course, he spends a lot of the movie with a lot of fur covering him but he’s great.”Luke Evans as Gaston:
“Fantastic – what a revelation.”Menken also discussed working on Beauty and the Beast for a third time following the 1991 animated film and 1994 Broadway production and collaborating with director Bill Condon this time around.
“It’s exciting. For me because I’m writing the new songs and scoring the new movie, it’s a lot of work,” he laughed. “It’s interesting and it’s challenging to come back to the same source material three times. And in this case I’m really taking my lead – I am bearer of the flame to a degree, but I want to be as good a team member with Bill Condon as I can be. So I’m really taking my lead from him as a director, and he’s doing a great job.”Entertainment Weekly recently debuted an exclusive clip from the special feature "Menken & Friends: 25 Years of Musical Inspiration," which is included on the 25th anniversary Digital HD and Blu-ray release. Menken is joined by fellow composers Stephen Schwartz, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez, and Lin-Manuel Miranda to discuss the lasting impact of the music of Beauty and the Beast.
“So many musicals have tried to chase that formula — the sidekicks, the bad guys,” Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda says. “But Beauty and the Beast did it at its pinnacle. It’s the best it’s ever been done.”
Source: Entertainment Weekly
Thursday, September 1, 2016
WATCH: Five new special features clips from the 'Beauty and the Beast' 25th anniversary release
With the 25th anniversary release of Beauty and the Beast upon us, Disney has released five sneak peeks at the new special features included with the Digital HD and Blu-ray releases. Beauty and the Beast will be available September 6th on Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere and September 20th on Blu-ray & DVD. Find out more about the special features and store exclusive editions here.
Beauty and the Beast Live-Action Sneak Peek
Menken & Friends: 25 Years of Musical Inspiration
Always Belle
#1074: Walt, Fairy Tales & Beauty and the Beast
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo! Movies, Disney Movies Anywhere, Broadway World
Beauty and the Beast Live-Action Sneak Peek
Director Bill Condon: "I was so excited to hear that Disney was thinking about doing a live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. When something is so perfect, why get near it? The answer is technology has caught up to the ideas that were introduced in that movie."
Menken & Friends: 25 Years of Musical Inspiration
Perhaps no film of its era had a larger impact on animated movies than Beauty did. That film — along with its 1989 predecessor The Little Mermaid — resurrected Disney animation, introduced the “princess movie” to a new generation, and revived the musical as an art form. In fact, if it hadn’t been for Beauty, there might never have been a Frozen or a Hamilton. “So many musicals have tried to chase that formula — the sidekicks, the bad guys,” Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda says. “But Beauty and the Beast did it at its pinnacle. It’s the best it’s ever been done.”
Always Belle
Paige O'Hara: "Other than my voice, I think that I brought a sense of humor, certainly physically. The quirky, funny faces and stuff I would make.
#1074: Walt, Fairy Tales & Beauty and the Beast
And while Nielsen’s image of Belle bandaging the Beast didn’t directly inspire the similar moment in the 1991 movie, Hahn says that both the painting and the sequence in the film speak to what’s so powerful about this particular turning point: “It’s the image of two people at opposite sides of the spectrum finally coming to the singular moment where their lives are going to be changed by each other, and they didn’t see it coming.”
Hahn promises the sequence will be just as memorable in Bill Condon’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, which stars Emma Watson and Dan Stevens and will hit theaters on March 17, 2017. “I didn’t talk to Bill about Nielsen’s piece, but the moment in the film is exquisite. Bill crafted something that’s wonderfully caring, romantic and beautiful at the same time,” said Hahn. “It’s the kind of moment that filmmakers dream of, and it inspired Kay Nielsen, us, and now Bill.”
Source: Entertainment Weekly, Yahoo! Movies, Disney Movies Anywhere, Broadway World
Sunday, July 17, 2016
'Beauty and the Beast' News Round-Up #35
Monday, May 9, 2016
'Beauty and the Beast' News Round-Up #27
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Countdown to 'Beauty and the Beast' #7
Trivia Tuesday- AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs
Monday, April 18, 2016
Happy Anniversary to 'Beauty and the Beast' on Broadway
It is a big year for Beauty and the Beast with the live-action film less than a year away and the animated classic celebrating its 25th anniversary in November. Also celebrating this year is the Broadway production, which debuted 22 years ago today on April 18th, 1994 at the Palace Theater. The show, which also played at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, ran 13 years for a total of 5,461 performances. Beauty and the Beast marked Disney's first Broadway outing and was followed by productions of The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and Aladdin, which is currently playing at the New Amsterdam theater in New York City.The Broadway production saw the return of two key members of the animated film's production team, composer Alan Menken and screenwriter Linda Woolverton, who penned the book for the theatrical production. Menken teamed with lyricist Tim Rice, with whom he worked with on Aladdin, for new songs for the stage production. The song "Human Again," which was originally intended for the animated film and has since been included on DVD/Blu-ray releases of the film, also found a place in the Broadway production. The musical's creative team also included director Robert Jess Roth, choreographer Matt West, and costume designer Ann Hould-Ward. The show's original cast included Susan Egan as Belle, Terrance Mann as the Beast, Burke Moses as Gaston, Gary Beach as Lumiere, Heath Lamberts as Cogsworth, and Beth Fowler as Mrs. Potts.
Just as the animated film was honored with several Academy Award nominations and two wins, the Broadway production was recognized with 9 Tony Award and 10 Drama Desk Award nominations. The show's Tony nominations included Best Musical, Best Original Score, Beast Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (Terrence Mann), Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Susan Egan), and Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Gary Beach). Beauty and the Beast took home one award for Best Costume Design (Ann Hould-Ward).
Below are a few interesting videos, including a behind the scene look at the Broadway production hosted by Robby Benson (voice of the Beast).
Backstage Pass: Disney's Beauty and the Beast Goes to Broadway
Beauty and the Beast's Tony Awards Performance
Beauty and the Beast on Broadway
Friday, April 8, 2016
'Beauty and the Beast' at the El Capitan Theatre Round-Up
It is sometimes hard to believe that we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Beauty and the Beast this November and some cannot wait for the festivities to begin! Last night, the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angelese held a special Throwback Thursday screening of the film, complete with an appearance from producer Don Hahn, video messages from Paige O'Hara (the voice of Belle) and composer Alan Menken, and even a surprise meet and greet with Belle herself. Check out a few photos from the night below.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Countdown to 'Beauty and the Beast' #2
Trivia Tuesday- AFI's Greatest Movie Musicals
In 2006, the American Film Institute (AFI) revealed its list of the 25 best musicals in American cinema. Ranked at number twenty-two, Beauty and the Beast is the only animated film and one of only two Disney films to be featured on the list (Mary Poppins holds the sixth spot on the list). Check out the full list here
Thursday, December 31, 2015
'Beauty and the Beast' 2015 News Round-Up
With the end of 2015 upon us, it is time to look back on the most exciting Beauty and the Beast news from the past twelve months. From casting announcements to behind the scenes photos and interviews with the cast, this was an exciting year to be a fan of Disney's beloved tale.
Beauty and the Beast Casting News
After director Bill Condon became attached to the film last summer, it was only a matter of time until the cast would begin to take shape. The first casting announcement came in January when it was revealed Emma Watson would be taking on the role of Belle. Additional casting announcements followed in March and April with Luke Evans, Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Emma Thompson, Kevin Kline, Ian McKellen, Ewan McGregor and more joining the cast.
Emma Watson cast as Belle in 'Beauty & the Beast'
Luke Evan in talks to play Gaston
Dan Stevens joins 'Beauty and the Beast' in titular role
Tony Award nominee Josh Gad joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as LeFou
Emma Thompson & Kevin Kline join 'Beauty and the Beast'
Audra McDonald joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as Garderobe
Ian McKellen joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as Cogsworth
Gugu Mbatha-Raw joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as Plumette
Stanley Tucci brings a new character to the cast of 'Beauty and the Beast'
Ewan McGregor joins 'Beauty and the Beast' as Lumiere
Beauty and the Beast Release Date Announced
Along with numerous casting announcements, March was also the month Disney revealed the film's March 2017 release date. Disney has seen previous success with releasing live-action fairy tales during the month of March, with Alice in Wonderland grossing over $1 billion worldwide and Cinderella opening at #1 earlier this year with $67.8 million. Beauty and the Beast is set for release on March 17, 2017.
First Photo of the Beauty and the Beast Cast
It's one thing to read a casting announcement, but it is something else entirely to see one of your most anticipated films begin to take shape. That is exactly what happened when Josh Gad (Le Fou) shared the first photo of the cast of Beauty and the Beast. The photo, which has now received over 30,500 likes on Instagram, was taken at the films first table read in London and, along with Gad, includes Emma Watson (Belle), Dan Stevens (Beast), Luke Evans (Gaston), and Kevin Kline (Maurice).
Josh Gad shares first photo of 'Beauty and the Beast' cast
Beauty and the Beast's First Table Read in London
Oh, Ian. You sure know how to make a girl cry. After the giddiness of seeing Josh Gad's first photo of the cast, Ian McKellen went straight for the heart with his account of the film's first table read in London. McKellen, who plays Cogsworth in the film, wrote about reuniting with previous co-stars Hattie Morahan and Luke Evans and a thirty piece choir breathing life into the classic songs of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, but he saved the best for last.
But my favourite moment, because it made me weepy, was when the Beast’s loving arm was placed tentatively on Belle’s shoulder after their pas de deux.Clearly dancing and singing rehearsals had started before today.Ian McKellen shares an extraordinary account of 'Beauty and the Beast's first table read in London
My own are to come. I’m going to have to work hard to equal what has already been achieved. All the long way home, I hummed “Be my Guest”, in which I shall get to sing a line or two. Aren’t I the lucky one?
Production Begins in London
Back in early March as casting announcements were still rolling out, producer Todd Lieberman reveled production would begin on the film in May. In the same interview, Lieberman confirmed they were taking a "classic" approach to the material, as well as bringing in new elements and characters, as evident from Stanley Tucci's new character Cadenza. Cameras began rolling in mid-May and the film continued production into August.
'Beauty and the Beast' to begin production in May
Production begins on 'Beauty and the Beast' in London
Snapchat Photos from the Set of Beauty and the Beast
I had never heard of Snapchat until this past May, but for twelve weeks Disney had me checking the app numerous times a day for the latest look behind the scenes of the film. Most provided only small and seemingly inconsequential sneak peeks of the set, but the bar was raised in the final weeks when fans were treated to two on set videos from Josh Gad and Luke Evans, as well as a few photos of the Beast's castle.
Snapchat was not the only place for behind the scenes photos, as star Luke Evans also shared a few photos from the recording studio.
Snapchat takes fans behind the scenes of 'Beauty and the Beast'
New photo of Luke Evans and Josh Gad recording music for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Interviews with the Cast and Crew of Beauty and the Beast
If the small look behind the scenes with Snapchat was not enough to bring forth giddy fan noises, then the interviews with the cast and crew of Beauty and the Beast were sure to have that effect. Josh Gad began promoting his FX series The Comedians back in April and with that came the first of many interviews discussing the upcoming film. Just like us, Gad seemed to be excited about what director Bill Condon was conjuring and other members of the cast also heaped praise on one another. In another interview, Condon seemed to understand the enormity of the story's importance to the fans, while Ian McKellen was simply "ticked" with playing a clock.
Josh Gad: "I'm excited for people to see what they're dreaming up right now because it is unbelievable."
Bill Condon: "It’s an important movie to a lot of people."
Ewan McGregor: "It was great fun."
Josh Gad: "Emma Watson has an incredible singing voice."
Bill Condon: "You will believe a beast can waltz."
Take a look back at all the 2015 interviews here.
Alan Menken Reveals New Music for Beauty and the Beast
It was revealed early on that the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast would follow in the animated film's musical footsteps, but which songs would make it into the film was never a sure thing. Fans were also curious if songs from the Broadway show would make it into the film and composer Alan Menken answered all our questions and more during an event at the Lincoln Center this past June. During the event, Menken revealed the songs from the animated film all made it into the film, as well as a few new songs written by him and lyricist Tim Rice ("Forever More" and "Days in the Sun"). As exciting as the prospect of new songs was, there was also a bit of disappointment when Menken confirmed no songs from the Broadway show were featured in the film. Many fans had hoped to hear "Home" and "If I Can't Love Her," but Menken likened "Forever More," which will be sung by the Beast, to the latter.
Alan Menken reveals three new songs written for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Alan Menken discusses new music for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Beauty and the Beast Footage Premieres at D23
There was no official announcement that Beauty and the Beast would make an appearance at this year's D23 Expo, but as the weekend drew closer, it was becoming a safe bet that the film would have some kind of presence. Sure enough, footage of Emma Watson as Belle was first seen during the convention's opening montage and a sizzle reel was shown during the live-action panel. D23 attendees remain the only people who have publicly seen footage of the film, including Belle in her yellow ballgown and a tavern scene with Gaston. For those not at D23, a video message of Emma Watson from the set, which also included the film's logo, will have to suffice for now.
First look at 'Beauty and the Beast' debuts at Disney's D23 Expo
'Beauty and the Beast' D23 Expo Round-Up
WATCH: Emma Watson's message from the D23 Expo
The Cast Bids Farewell to Beauty and the Beast
After four months of shooting, production on Beauty and the Beast wrapped in late August. Josh Gad's final day on set took place a few weeks before in July and was commemorated with a new behind the scenes photo of Gad and co-star Luke Evans. Emma Watson and Luke Evans followed in August, with Watson wrapping on the same day she began filming the Harry Potter series fifteen years ago.
Josh Gad wraps filming on 'Beauty and the Beast'
Emma Watson and Luke Evans wrap filming on 'Beauty and the Beast'
Production wraps on 'Beauty and the Beast'
And there you have it! With production complete and the film a little more than a year away, the new year is sure to bring our first official look at the film and at least one trailer. Here's to a great 2015 and an even better 2016!
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Alan Menken discusses new music for 'Beauty and the Beast'
Back in June, Alan Menken attended the Lincoln Center's new "Artist to Artist" series where he reflected on his career, from Little Shop of Horrors to his work with Disney. It was there Menken first mentioned the three new songs he and lyricist Tim Rice wrote for the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast, including "Forever More" and "Days in the Sun."
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, which also features Aladdin directors John Musker and Ron Clements for the film's Diamond Edition release, Menken discussed the three new songs again, as well as why a beloved song from the Broadway production will be absent on the big screen.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, which also features Aladdin directors John Musker and Ron Clements for the film's Diamond Edition release, Menken discussed the three new songs again, as well as why a beloved song from the Broadway production will be absent on the big screen.
I have to ask you, Alan, about the live-action Beauty and the Beast.Check out the the entire interview here.
MENKEN: They’re editing it now.
Are they just taking all the songs from the movie?
MENKEN: The songs from the movie are in. Actually, none of the songs from the Broadway made the film. I would’ve taken “If I Can’t Love Her,” but the problem is that was for a very specific moment to end Act I of the Broadway show. There’s a moment where the Beast drives her away and he regrets that. But I think Bill [Condon] built a more promising moment for the film, which is when he lets her go and he watches her leave. And as he watches her leave, he sings.
MUSKER: So you wrote a new song?
MENKEN: A new song with Tim Rice. There’s actually three new songs written for the movie. It’s called “Forever More,” and there’s also a song called “Days in the Sun.”
MUSKER: Is it based on any of the melodies from the film?
MENKEN: Similar. Sort of a cousin of “If I Can’t Love Her.” So yes, there’s new songs and I’ll be scoring that in the spring. It’s exciting.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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