Let's dive into the world of Disney's 'Hercules' and explore why this musical adaptation falls flat, despite its ambitious attempt to bring ancient Greek mythology to life on stage.
The Muses: A Bright Spot in an Otherwise Dull Production
One thing that immediately stands out is the incredible talent of the Muses, played by Leslie Beehann, Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, and Robyn Rose-Li. Their performances are nothing short of electrifying, infusing life and energy into an otherwise lackluster show. These women carry the production on their shoulders, and their incandescent voices are a true highlight.
A Disappointing Take on Disney's Villains
What many people don't realize is that Disney villains are often the most captivating characters in their films. However, in this stage adaptation, Hades, the beloved villain from the 1997 film, is reduced to a one-dimensional caricature. The writers, Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, seem to have stripped Hades of his wit and complexity, turning him into a try-hard bad guy. This is a disservice to the character and the audience's expectations.
Character Development: A Straight Line to Nowhere
Hercules himself is written as a dopey frat boy, and his character development feels like a straight line with no depth or nuance. It's as if the writers took a shortcut, assuming that the audience's familiarity with the film would be enough to carry the story. This lack of dimensionality extends to all the characters, making it difficult for the audience to connect or care about their journeys.
The Problem with Panto
The show's direction, by Casey Nicholaw, feels out of place and out of character for a Disney musical. It leans too heavily into the British panto style, which can be entertaining, but when applied to a story like 'Hercules', it feels forced and unnatural. Disney villains are known for their variations and depth, and reducing them to panto-level caricatures is a missed opportunity.
Musical Missteps
The new songs in the musical are a far cry from the witty and clever originals by Alan Menken and David Zippel. The slant rhymes and double entendres that made the film's songs so memorable are absent, replaced by half-hearted attempts at modern slang. It's as if the writers were trying too hard to be relevant, resulting in lyrics that will age poorly.
Sightlines and Production Issues
As a theatergoer, I was troubled by the sightlines in this production. On multiple occasions, I could see actors waiting to enter the stage, which is a clear indication of poor staging and blocking. This issue not only distracts from the performance but also highlights a lack of attention to detail and care in the production.
A Lack of Heart and Disney Magic
Personally, I think the biggest problem with 'Hercules' is the absence of heart. Disney musicals are known for their ability to evoke emotion and create magical moments. However, this production feels empty and devoid of the Disney magic that audiences expect and love. The flashy projections and moving columns cannot make up for the lack of substance and soul in the writing.
Final Thoughts
'Hercules' is a disappointing adaptation that fails to capture the essence of the original film. It's a loud and flashy spectacle that misses the mark on character development, storytelling, and musical excellence. As a lifelong Disney fan and musical theater enthusiast, I can't help but feel that this show broke the mold in all the wrong ways. It's a reminder that not every story needs to be retold, especially when the original is a beloved classic.
