The music of Disney Princesses has been enchanting us for generations and Disney Princess The Concert is no exception.
Presented by Disney and Pandora, Disney Princess The Concert is filled with classic Disney magic, a Fairy God Fairy, breathtaking voices, witty banter, gorgeous backdrops and so much fun.
Starting over 6 years ago as the brain child of Susan Egan and Laura Osnes, the Broadway Disney Princess Party took off. Over the course of those 6 years the royal and mighty crew played at cabaret venues around the country. Trading princesses in and out based on availability, the cast continued to grow and change adding Courtney Reed, Aisha Jackson, Christy Altomare and the Prince of the day, Adam J Levy.
Of course none of the magic would have been possible without the Princesses very own Fairy God Fairy, Benjamin Ruahala. Benjamin is one of the most accredited and trusted music directors in all of the Broadway world.
In the last year Disney Concerts caught wind of the amazingness that was the Broadway Disney Princess Party so they came on board with Pandora and the new Disney Princess The Concert was officially on its way.
The cast of Disney Princess The Concert consists of women who have played Disney Princesses on Broadway. Susan Egan, was the original Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, she is joined by Annaliese van der Pol of Disney’s That’s So Raven and was the final Belle in the Broadway production. You’ll also see Arielle Jacobs who played Jasmine, Syndee Winters who portrayed Nala, Courtney Reed who originated Jasmine, Christy Altomare who originated the role of Anya in Anastasia and Aisha Jackson who made history as the first black woman to play the role of Anna in Frozen. There is also a special appearance from Adam J Levy who is the resident Prince for the show.
Bringing in diverse crowds from families, gay men, Susan Egan obsessed fans, bachelorette weekends – it is truly a concert for all.
We were able to see Disney Princess – the Concert recently and it was magnificent.
With a huge countdown on the screen, the crowd began chanting 10, 9 , 8, 7….and when it got to 1 and Mr. Rauhala was at the piano the auditorium went crazy. You’d think, being a royal affair and all, that people would be calm and regal, but NO! The excitement abounded!
Opening with the Fairy God Fairy, telling us his origin story, the screen showed photos of him growing up, playing with dolls and learning piano. Sharing that his dream was always to work with Princesses, he can now say that it has come true.
Each cast consists of four Princesses, we were lucky to have Susan, Anneliese, Syndee and Arielle. They took the stage dressed in bold, bright colors and kicked it off with a lively song, “Starting Now” that got people on their feet. Each Princess then took her turn sharing a song from a different movie.
Annaliese was up first singing Rapunzel’s famed “When Will My Life Begin”, followed by Arielle simply making us all melt with Mulan’s “Reflection.” Syndee brought us straight to Scotland singing “Touch the Sky” from Brave and then Susan took us under the sea with “Part of Your World.” Each vocal flawless and filled with emotions making you feel like you are literally part of their world.
Moving effortlessly into a crowd favorite, Susan talked about booking the part of Belle in Beauty and the Beast and how Disney wouldn’t let her audition for Meg in Hercules because of how different the characters were. She persevered and finally convinced them and when she auditioned they realized she was really acting playing Belle because as Susan puts it “Meg is where I live.” The story set up the song we all wanted to hear, “I Won’t Say I’m in Love.”
Susan’s smooth vocals and sweet sass are enough to make anyone fall under her spell. The onstage muses were on point and shared the moment with the onscreen muses straight from the movie.
We got to hear Arielle talk about when she booked Jasmine, traveling around the world, ultimately ending on Broadway. She blew us away with “Behind These Palace Walls” from the Broadway show and “Speechless” from the live action movie.
What is a Fairy God Fairy for if not for making wishes. Arielle was granted a duet as they brought Adam J. Levy out to sing “A Whole New World.”
Up next, Syndee talked about seeing another Caribbean born singer and Broadway legend, Heather Headley, play Nala and constantly listening to The Lion King soundtrack. After 10 years she saw the show on the Great White Way and then after three more years they hired the second Caribbean actress to play the role – her! Shadowlands was a highlight of the show, her vocals strong, the acting impeccable, it was a moment for sure.
The ladies then joined forces for a final gorgeous, four part arrangement of “Into the Unknown” from Frozen. A vocal masterclass ended the first act with everyone on their feet.
In the quick 15 minute intermission there were Princesses and Princes all around the lobby, eating snacks and buying the fantastic merchandise from the show.
We were ready for the Second Act of Disney Princess The Concert to begin.
Susan started things off talking about being a Mother and how they wanted to mix that element of her life into the show. However, Disney does not do Mothers well…most of them are…well…dead. The ones who aren’t don’t play well with others. Including Mother Gothel in Rapunzel. Susan and Annaliese played their parts well in “Mother Knows Best.”
Then it was Annaliese’s time to shine when she brought Adam out to play her Flynn in “I See the Light.”
All four power houses joined forces with “In Summer” from Frozen, as Olaf danced around the screen behind them. Adam rejoined Syndee on stage for a hilarious version of “Love is an Open Door.”
As the night was wrapping up, Benjamin recalled memories of lining up his dolls and giving them each a moment in the spotlight. As you’d expect he did the same with his in life Princesses. The four women grabbed stools and each took a turn blowing the audience away.
To kick things off, Arielle, touched our hearts with “Just Around the Riverbend.” The emotion she brought to this song took us on a journey with Pocahantas, making us feel all the feels.
Nailing “Journey to the Past” from Anastasia, Annaliese was powerful and heartfelt. Drawing oohs and aahs from the crowd.
Syndee stepped up and brought the energy and big easy vibes with “Almost There” from The Princess and the Frog. The audience was taken with her charisma and clapped along with the jazzy tune.
Rounding out the ear candy was Susan singing the beloved “Bonjour” from Beauty and the Beast. And then as if right on cue to the night coming to an end that beautiful, familiar tune of “Tale as Old as Time” began. It moved us all and left a permanent smile on the faces of the raptured audience.
Just when we thought the show was over, Benjamin jumped into the thrilling and mysterious music of “Let It Go.” The Princesses did just that, they left it all on the stage singing in four parts and bringing the house down. With everyone on their feet, Susan, Annaliese, Syndee and Arielle along with Adam and Benjamin took their bows and said goodnight. Truly a royal experience from start to finish.
If you love Disney music and Broadway, you will not want to miss this spectacular Disney Princess – The Concert. You can check out tour dates and locations here. You can also take in a preview of the show here.
We know what the Nerds favorite song is, but what Princess song would you love to hear live?
