For millions of people, the sounds of a millennial childhood were composed by one man. Alan Menken, the legendary Disney composer, has shaped the landscape of modern animation and musical theater, crafting the melodies that defined an era of storytelling. From the depths of the ocean to the streets of Agrabah, Menken’s work has earned him immense critical acclaim and a permanent place in cinematic history.
The scale of Menken’s success is underscored by his eight Academy Awards, but the journey to those trophies was often marked by profound personal struggle and creative evolution. Whereas the world saw the joyous spectacle of Disney’s Renaissance, the behind-the-scenes reality involved a race against time and a deep, enduring partnership with lyricist Howard Ashman.
The collaboration between Menken and Ashman was the engine behind some of Disney’s most iconic hits. Together, they revitalized the animated musical, blending Broadway sensibilities with cinematic scale. Whereas, this creative peak coincided with a devastating personal tragedy as Ashman battled AIDS-related illness during the production of several major films.
The Heartbreak Behind ‘Prince Ali’
In early 1991, the creative process for Aladdin took an intimate and poignant turn. Alan Menken brought a keyboard to St Vincent’s hospital in New York to visit Howard Ashman, who was in the final stages of an AIDS-related illness. Despite his failing health, Ashman remained determined to complete his work on the film.
It was in this hospital setting that the duo composed the music and lyrics for “Prince Ali,” one of the most exuberant and joyous numbers in the movie. The contrast between the song’s high energy and the reality of Ashman lying in a hospital bed serves as a testament to their shared passion for the project.
Menken and Ashman had already established a powerhouse partnership with 1989’s The Little Mermaid. By the winter of 1991, they were simultaneously putting the finishing touches on both Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast. Menken recalls that Ashman was “fighting for his life” while they worked on all three projects.
The depth of the tragedy was compounded by the secrecy of the era. Menken notes that he initially had no knowledge of Ashman’s HIV diagnosis. Ashman only revealed his condition after the pair won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Under the Sea” in 1990.
Evolution of ‘Aladdin’ and Lost Versions
The version of Aladdin that eventually reached theaters in 1992 was the result of significant revisions. According to Menken, he and Howard Ashman had developed a version of the story that was scrapped approximately four years before the approved version was released. This earlier iteration featured a different tone and character set, drawing inspiration from a “Hope-Crosby Road Picture” style of storytelling.
This scrapped version included three sidekicks—Babkak, Omar, and Kassim—and featured a living mother for Aladdin. This narrative path included a big ballad titled “Proud of Your Boy,” sung to the mother. While the original film version moved in a different direction, the song “Proud of Your Boy” remained a part of Menken’s creative repertoire.
The 1992 soundtrack, released on October 27, 1992, eventually brought the world the definitive versions of “Arabian Nights,” “Friend Like Me,” and “Prince Ali” via Wikipedia. These tracks helped the film achieve global success and earned Menken the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Score.
Bringing the Magic to Broadway
The legacy of Aladdin extended far beyond the screen, evolving into a massive Broadway success. Opening on March 20, 2014, at the New Amsterdam Theatre, the production became one of the longest-running shows in Broadway history. By 2024, the production celebrated 4,000 performances, currently ranking as the 15th longest-running show in the history of the Great White Way via Alan Menken’s official site.
The Broadway production has similarly served as a venue to honor the memory of Howard Ashman. During a tribute on May 17, the production featured a special post-show performance. This event included various artists, such as Khadija Sanko and Ariana Groover, and featured original Ariel voice artist Jodi Benson singing “Part of Your World.” Menken himself participated by accompanying himself on the piano while singing “Proud of Your Boy,” the ballad from the original, scrapped version of the story.
Recent Ventures and New Stages
Alan Menken continues to expand his portfolio into new animated features and stage adaptations. He recently scored the animated musical feature film Spellbound, which was released for streaming on Netflix.
the Disney catalog is expanding with a new stage production of Hercules. Directed by Tony winner Casey Nicholaw, the production has already celebrated an opening night in Hamburg, Germany. The show is also scheduled to open in London’s West End at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on June 24, 2025 via Alan Menken’s official site.
The Hercules production is also preparing for its audio legacy, with the Original London Cast Recording set for a staggered release: digital download and streaming on October 10, CD on November 21, and vinyl on December 5.
Key Milestones in the Menken-Ashman Collaboration
| Year | Project | Key Achievement/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Little Mermaid | First major collaboration; “Under the Sea” wins Oscar in 1990 |
| 1991 | Beauty and the Beast | Developed simultaneously with Aladdin |
| 1992 | Aladdin | Released Oct 27; “Prince Ali” composed in hospital |
| 2014 | Aladdin (Broadway) | Opened March 20 at New Amsterdam Theatre |
As Alan Menken continues to bridge the gap between cinematic animation and live theater, his work remains a cornerstone of global entertainment. From the heartbreak of the 1990s to the current success of Disney’s West End and Broadway ventures, his music continues to resonate across generations.
The next major milestone for Menken’s Disney collaborations will be the official opening of Hercules at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on June 24, 2025.
What is your favorite Alan Menken composition? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments below.
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