Ashley Brown, the original Mary Poppins on Broadway, hinted that Tangled may become Disney's next Broadway musical during her performance at EPCOT's Festival of the Arts on February 13. While not an official announcement, her choice to sing a Tangled song and her comments about Disney's future plans strongly suggested that it was in development.
Disney has previously used EPCOT's concert series to tease upcoming productions, making Brown's performance a significant clue about what’s to come.
Why Tangled Makes Total Sense for Broadway
Tangled is an ideal choice for a Broadway adaptation. The visually stunning 2010 film features memorable songs by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater that already have a Broadway feel. The songs include clear character development and emotional arcs that would translate well to live theater.
Additionally, the story allows for expansion beyond the film's runtime, perfect for adding new songs and plot elements. Rapunzel's time in the tower, Flynn Rider's backstory, and Mother Gothel's motivations offer rich opportunities for deeper musical storytelling.
@crusingklc Not cruise related but needed a spot on the feed…THE ASHLEY BROWN singing when will my life begin #fyp #tangled #whenwillmylifebegin #ashleybrown #disneyonbroadway ♬ original sound – cruisingklc
Alan Menken, having won a Tony Award for Aladdin on Broadway, would likely return to work on Tangled, potentially collaborating with Glenn Slater again, given their successful history with The Little Mermaid musical and the Tangled production on Disney Cruise Line.
It Already Exists on Disney Ships
An abridged stage adaptation of Tangled: The Musical began its run on Disney Magic in 2015. It features three new songs by Menken and Slater. The cruise version is shorter than a typical Broadway show, adapted for limited space and technical capabilities at sea.
This adaptation paves the way for a full Broadway version by addressing initial challenges, testing audience response, and expanding the story with new songs, making future development easier.
Disney's Broadway Drought
There hasn't been a new Disney show on Broadway since Frozen opened in 2018, and that show didn't reopen after COVID. Currently, Disney has only two shows running on Broadway: The Lion King and Aladdin. Both have been very successful, but this means Disney's presence on Broadway is limited compared to the past.
In 2025, Disney launched Hercules at London's West End, but that production will close on September 5, 2026. This closing leaves another gap in Disney's shows, which they might want to address when introducing something new. This is a good opportunity for Tangled to come in and give Disney fans a new show to enjoy.
The time since Frozen shows that Disney Theatrical is being careful about which stories get a full Broadway treatment. They want to avoid having too many Disney shows competing for the same audience. Tangled is a smart choice because it has a built-in fanbase from the movie, a strong musical foundation, and proven success with the cruise line version.
How Far Along Is This Broadway Show Actually
Reports from 2024 indicated that Disney Theatrical Group was actively conducting developmental workshops for a stage version of Tangled. This process involves actors performing without an audience, allowing the creative team to shape the show before its official debut. Disney's investment in these workshops shows a serious commitment to bringing Tangled to life in a theatrical format, whether on Broadway or through touring and regional productions.
Typically, the timeline from workshops to Broadway opening spans years; for example, Frozen underwent extensive development before its 2018 premiere. Ashley Brown's hint in February 2026 suggests significant progress, potentially positioning a Broadway opening within a realistic timeframe if Disney continues to pursue the project.
What Happens Next
Ashley Brown's hint during the Disney on Broadway Concert Series is the strongest public indication yet that Tangled is actually progressing toward Broadway rather than just sitting in development hell forever. For Disney and theater fans, the prospect of seeing Rapunzel's story brought to life on Broadway with expanded musical numbers, elaborate staging, and the creative talents of Menken and Slater is genuinely exciting.
Whether Tangled ultimately opens on Broadway, goes straight to regional licensing, or takes some other path entirely is still unclear. But Brown's choice to highlight the property during her EPCOT performance suggests Disney Theatrical believes in Tangled's stage potential enough to start building anticipation among the audience most likely to buy tickets when the show eventually opens, wherever it ends up.
