“HOWARD”, AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY FILM CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNING LYRICIST HOWARD ASHMAN, PREMIERES AUGUST 7 ON DISNEY+

“HOWARD”, AN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY FILM CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF ACADEMY AWARD®-WINNING LYRICIST HOWARD ASHMAN, PREMIERES AUGUST 7 ON DISNEY+

Acclaimed Filmmaker Don Hahn Directs Feature-Length Documentary

BURBANK, Calif. (July 16, 2020) Disney+ announced today that the original documentary film “Howard” will premiere exclusively on the service on Friday, August 7, 2020. The film, which first premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival, follows the captivating life story of Disney Legend and Academy Award®-winning Lyricist Howard Ashman.

Directed by Don Hahn (“Beauty and the Beast”), “Howard” is the untold story of Howard Ashman, the brilliant lyricist behind Disney classics like “Aladdin,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid” and creator of musicals including “Little Shop of Horrors.” Featuring never-before-seen archival footage, personal films and photographs, as well as interviews with Howard’s friends and family, the film is an intimate look at the Disney Legend’s life, his creative drive, and the process behind the music. Spanning his childhood in Baltimore, to his formative years in New York, and his untimely death from AIDS, “Howard” goes in-depth to explore his journey to become the lyricist behind some of the most beloved and well-known classic family films in the world. 

“You may not know his name, but you sure know Howard Ashman’s music,” said Director, Writer and Producer Don Hahn. “He’s one of the greatest storytellers of the twentieth century who helped to revitalize the American musical and re-energize Disney Animation. He left us a songbook that still lives on in us today, yet his personal story has never been fully told until now.”

The film features interviews with Ashman’s longtime musical collaborator Alan Menken, who also scored the film, Bill Lauch (Ashman’s Partner), Jodi Benson (“The Little Mermaid”), Paige O’Hara (“Beauty and the Beast”), Sarah Gillespie (Ashman’s Sister), and more. 

Produced by Don Hahn and Lori Korngiebel at Stone Circle Pictures, “Howard” premieres Friday, August 7, streaming only on Disney+.

Menken, Pasek and Paul About the New Song “Speechless” from Disney’s Live-Action “Aladdin”

Legendary composer/songwriter Alan Menken and award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul take you into their collaboration on “Speechless,” the original new song from Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin” in the “Music of Agrabah” featurette. 



Take a look at the music video for “Speechless” performed by Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott). 

PHOTOS FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” WORLD PREMIERE

The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” completed their Magic Carpet World Tour in Los Angeles today with the film’s star-studded world premiere at the El Capitan Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken were joined by other cast and filmmakers and VIP guests including Helen Mirren and Darren Criss. “Aladdin” opens in theaters nationwide this Friday!

DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” CONTINUE THEIR GLOBAL MAGIC CARPET TOUR WITH STOP IN BERLIN

The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Navid Negahban, Numan Acar, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken, participated in a photo call and attended the German Gala Screening of the film at the UCI Luxe in Berlin earlier today. The German capital was their third stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour which will continue over the next two weeks and which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019!

STARS OF DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” CONTINUE MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR WITH STOP IN LONDON

The stars of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari, director Guy Ritchie, producers Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich and composer Alan Menken, continued their trek across the globe with a stop in London to attend the film’s European gala at the Odeon Luxe Theatre in Leicester Square earlier today. London was the second stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour that will continue over the next two weeks and which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

ZAYN AND ZHAVIA WARD TO PERFORM "A WHOLE NEW WORLD" AS FEATURED IN DISNEY'S "ALADDIN" FILM AND SOUNDTRACK

ZAYN AND ZHAVIA WARD TO PERFORM 

 OSCAR® AND GRAMMY®-WINNING SONG “A WHOLE NEW WORLD” AS FEATURED IN DISNEY’S “ALADDIN”

ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK TO FEATURE CLASSIC SCORE AND ORIGINAL SONGS BY COMPOSER ALAN

MENKEN, LYRICISTS HOWARD ASHMAN AND TIM RICE, PLUS A NEW SONG

WRITTEN BY MENKEN, BENJ PASEK AND JUSTIN PAUL

WILL SMITH AND DJ KHALED TO PERFORM NEW UPDATED RENDITION OF

 OSCAR-NOMINATED SONG “FRIEND LIKE ME” 

DIGITAL ALBUM SET FOR RELEASE MAY 21

PHYSICAL ALBUM TO BE RELEASED MAY 24

Multi-platinum and global award-winning superstar singer/songwriter ZAYN and emerging sensation singer/songwriter Zhavia Ward are set to perform the Oscar and GRAMMY-winning duet “A Whole New World.”  The song will be featured in the film’s end credits and on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, and is available today as a single and music video, which can be seen here. The new updated rendition of the classic song is produced by Saltwives aka Alex Oriet and David Phelan (ZAYN and Charli XCX) and the music video was directed by Philip Andelman (Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran). 

“The selection of artists, producer and tonal direction was critical for the success of updating a classic song like this,” said Mitchell Leib, president of Music & Soundtracks for the Walt Disney Studios.  “ZAYN’s vocals are like no other and his artistic imprint immediately brought a contemporary and diverse presence.  Additionally, ZAYN could have chosen any artist in the world to collaborate with on the duet, but he personally selected Zhavia for her unique perspective, powerful vocal abilities and to platform a talented new artist, ensuring that the audience could discover this song, again, for the first time.”  

The timeless ballad, featuring Alan Menken’s beautiful melody and Howard Ashman’s unforgettable lyrics, received an Academy Award®, Golden Globe® Award and GRAMMY Award, among other accolades, upon its release in 1992. 

The “Aladdin” original motion picture soundtrack features an unforgettable score from eight-time Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”), along with new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and two-time Academy Award winner Howard Ashman (“Little Shop of Horrors”), three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (“The Lion King”) and one song written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen”). From Walt Disney Records, the digital soundtrack is set for release on May 21 at 9:00pm PT and will be followed by the physical album on May 24.

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future.  “Aladdin” opens in U.S. theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

Oscar-nominated actor and multi-platinum recording artist Will Smith and GRAMMY-nominated superstar songwriter, producer and multi-platinum selling artist DJ Khaled are set to perform a re-invented version of the classic Oscar-nominated song “Friend Like Me.” The song will be featured in the film’s end credit, on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, and released as a single.  The new updated rendition of the song is produced by DJ Khaled. 

The new original song featured in the film and included on the soundtrack is “Speechless,” performed by Jasmine (Naomi Scott).  The song is Jasmine’s big breakout song in the film about finding her voice, and was written by Alan Menken and songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

The Aladdin soundtrack includes "Arabian Nights," "One Jump Ahead," "One Jump Ahead (Reprise)," “Speechless” (Part 1), "Friend Like Me," "Prince Ali," "A Whole New World," "One Jump Ahead” (Reprise 2), "Speechless” (Part 2), "A Whole New World” (End Title), "Friend Like Me” (End Title), and “Speechless” (Full), plus 25 score cues composed by Alan Menken.

The Aladdin original motion picture soundtrack physical album is now available for pre-order, pre-add on Apple Music, and pre-save on Spotify.  “A Whole New World” is available at streaming and download services.  For more information on Walt Disney Records releases, follow us atFacebook.com/Disney, Instagram/disneymusic, Twitter.com/disneymusic and our Disney Hits Playlist at http://disneymusic.co/DisneyHits.

CAST FROM DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION “ALADDIN” KICK OFF MAGIC CARPET WORLD TOUR IN PARIS WITH FRENCH GALA AND PHOTO CALL

The cast and filmmakers of Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin,” including Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, director Guy Ritchie and composer Alan Menken, participated in a photo call and attended a gala screening of the film at the historic Le Grand Rex in Paris earlier today, where they were greeted by throngs of  passionate fans lining the streets. The City of Light was the first stop on the Magic Carpet World Tour that will continue over the next two weeks which you can follow at #MagicCarpetTour. Don’t forget to see “Aladdin” when it hits theaters nationwide May 24, 2019.

GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, PIXAR, MARVEL, STAR WARS, AND WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS AT D23 EXPO 2017

GO BEHIND THE SCENES WITH THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS, PIXAR, MARVEL, STAR WARS, AND WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS AT D23 EXPO 2017

Fan-Favorite Events, Including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Plus a New Concert by Alan Menken, Take Center Stage in the 6,800-Seat “Hall D23” Venue at the Anaheim Convention Center.

BURBANK, Calif., April 26, 2017 – D23: The Official Disney Fan Club has announced the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 Expo 2017, July 14–16. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday morning, July 14. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at all the latest from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will preview the coming slate of live-action films from Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Then, on Saturday afternoon, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during a presentation hosted by Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek. Sunday afternoon, Disney Legend Alan Menken will take fans on a musical journey during an all-new concert.

These Expo favorites will take place in “Hall D23,” the 6,800-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center. The schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations are as follows (all events subject to change):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, July 14. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those visionaries and artists who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. This year’s recipients are: Carrie Fisher, Clyde “Gerry” Geronimi, Manuel Gonzales, Mark Hamill, Wayne Jackson, Stan Lee, Garry Marshall, Julie Taymor, and Oprah Winfrey.

The Walt Disney Studios will present a behind-the-scenes look at its blockbuster collection of upcoming films in two jam-packed Hall D23 sessions. At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, fans will discover what’s on the drawing board for the acclaimed filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios. On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm showcase the Studios’ exciting slate of live-action films. As always, attendees will be treated to exclusive footage, special guest appearances, and more!

On Saturday, July 15, at 3 p.m., step into the worlds of magic of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts with Chairman Bob Chapek to find out what’s new and what’s next for resorts around the globe.

To round out the weekend, Disney Legend Alan Menken will perform his exciting new one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken. The eight-time Oscar^®-winner introduced new generations to musicals through such box office hits as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Tangled, as well as the Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Newsies, and A Bronx Tale, as well as the ABC television series Galavant.Menken will perform his own music and share entertaining anecdotes about his unrivaled career during the show, which will  be performed Sunday, July 16, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Hall D23 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for a one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day tickets are also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event, which will take place July 14–16at the Anaheim Convention Center, provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow Disney D23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow Disney D23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

OSCAR®-WINNER AND DISNEY LEGEND ALAN MENKEN TO PRESENT NEW ONE-MAN SHOW AT D23 EXPO 2017

OSCAR^®-WINNER AND DISNEY LEGEND ALAN MENKEN TO PRESENT NEW ONE-MAN SHOW AT D23 EXPO 2017

The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Composer Will Perform Songs from Beloved Disney Films and Share Stories from His Incredible Career During Two Performances at the Ultimate Disney Fan Event

BURBANK, Calif. (April 20, 2017) – Disney aficionados, film buffs, and musical theater fans can expect a show like no other when eight-time Oscar^®-winner Alan Menken performs his own music and shares entertaining anecdotes about his unrivaled career at D23 Expo 2017. His songs and music have enchanted audiences around the world, and now they will thrill D23 Expo guests with two performances of his exciting new one-man show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken, on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. in Hall D23 of the Anaheim Convention Center.

Menken has won more Academy Awards^® than any other living individual. He has received 11 Grammy^® Awards, seven Golden Globes, a Tony Award,^® and19 Academy Award^® nominations. He has been credited with introducing a whole new generation to musicals through such box office hits as Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and Tangled, as well as the Broadway shows Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, Newsies, A Bronx Tale, and the ABC television series Galavant.

The one-man show is written and performed by Menken and directed by Richard Kraft, the creative director of the highly acclaimed Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl starring Sara Bareilles and Rebel Wilson, as well as the upcoming La La Land in Concert: A Live-To-Film Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl. 

A Whole New World of Alan Menken is produced by Laura Engel and Richard Kraft and Alison Ahart Williams and Tim Fox, whose credits include The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert at the Hollywood Bowl, Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert at The Hollywood Bowl, Live from Lincoln Center: Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton, which recently won two Emmy^® awards for its PBS broadcast, and the upcoming La La Land in Concert: A Live-To-Film Celebration at the Hollywood Bowl.

Alan Menken’s music and lyrics have been an integral part of the fabric of our lives since his first works were produced nearly 40 years ago. Song and score credits for film musicals include The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast (animated and live-action versions), Newsies, Aladdin, Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Hercules, Home on the Range, Enchanted, and Tangled. His stage musicals include Little Shop of Horrors, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, The Little Mermaid, Sister Act, Leap of Faith, Newsies, Aladdin, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Bronx Tale. His television credits include writing songs for the ABC series Galavant, and his chart-topping songs include “Beauty and the Beast,” “A Whole New World,” “Colors of the Wind,” and “Go the Distance.” Menken's notable achievements include induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Billboard’s No. 1 single (“A Whole New World”) and No. 1 album (Pocahontas). In 2001, he received the distinction of being named a Disney Legend.

Experiences are subject to change. Additional details are available at D23expo.com.

Ticketsfor D23 Expo 2017 are available for $81 for one-day adult admission and $59 for children 3–9. Membersof D23: TheOfficial Disney Fan Club can purchase tickets for $72 for a one-day adult admission and $53 for children 3–9. Multi-day ticketsare also available. For more information on tickets and D23 Expo 2017, visit D23expo.com.

About D23 Expo 2017

D23 Expo—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. For the latest D23 Expo 2017 news, visit D23expo.com. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. To join the D23 Expo conversation, be sure to follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube, and use the hashtag #D23Expo.

About D23

The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire worldof Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website atD23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all thelatest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.