Alan Menken Opens Up About Career, Collaborations, and Creative Process
In a candid interview from his home studio in upstate New York, legendary Disney composer Alan Menken shares insights into his remarkable career, marked by eight Academy Awards and countless iconic soundtracks. Menken, whose music has defined millennial childhoods through films like The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast, reveals the bittersweet stories behind his success.
The Heartbreaking Partnership with Howard Ashman
Menken recounts the poignant final collaboration with his friend and lyricist Howard Ashman, who was battling AIDS-related illness in early 1991. "We worked on Prince Ali for Aladdin right there in his hospital room at St Vincent's," Menken says. Ashman, determined to finish their Disney projects, kept his diagnosis secret initially, fearing career repercussions. He passed away before completing Aladdin, missing its box office triumph and their Oscar wins.
This story forms the emotional core of Menken's live show, A Whole New World of Alan Menken, which debuts in Australia this May after international performances. The production blends storytelling with musical performances, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses into his creative process.
From Dentist's Son to EGOT Winner
Menken's path to composing seems unlikely given his family background. "All the men in my family were dentists," he notes, though his father was a piano enthusiast and his mother had theatrical roots. His eclectic musical tastes, spanning classical to rock, shaped his diverse oeuvre, influencing everything from Tangled to Sister Act.
His accolades include 11 Grammys and the rare EGOT distinction, though he humorously calls himself a "Regot" due to a Razzie award for worst song from Newsies. "That flop later became a Tony-winning stage production," Menken explains, highlighting how material evolves over time.
Revolutionizing Disney Animation
Menken and Ashman's Broadway background proved instrumental in Disney's animation revival. They introduced integrated musical storytelling, where every song advanced plot or character, drawing from Weimar cabaret and French music hall traditions. "We brought in Broadway singers and insisted on theatrical rigor," Menken says, crediting this approach with fueling the Disney Renaissance.
Since Ashman's death, Menken has scored numerous Disney films, including Pocahontas and Hercules, while revisiting classics for stage and live-action adaptations. He recently collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Little Mermaid remake, balancing preservation with innovation.
Current Projects and Creative Philosophy
Menken remains actively engaged in new ventures, including adaptations of Night at the Museum and Nancy Drew. He also hints at a long-gestating rock musical, Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy, originally conceived for drag icon Divine. "Atina's filthy," he chuckles, acknowledging its provocative nature.
Despite challenges in today's expensive musical landscape, Menken maintains optimism. "If it's good enough, it'll find its life," he asserts, citing Newsies as proof. His creative process remains methodical: "We talk for weeks about structure before letting the muse emerge." Yet, he admits, "Patience isn't my strong suit—I write fast."
As Menken prepares for his Australian tour, his legacy continues to inspire, blending nostalgia with relentless innovation in musical storytelling.
