For 30 of Thomas Schumacher’s 35 years working for The Walt Disney Company, he has run Disney Theatrical Productions. This week Schumacher sent a memo to staff sharing that he is transitioning away from the role of president and producer of Disney Theatrical Productions to a new role of Chief Creative Officer. Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, Schumacher’s top two deputies, will take over Disney Theatrical Products as executive vice presidents.
The 65 year old Schumacher has a portfolio that extends well beyond Disney on Broadway (currently Aladdin and The Lion King). He also has produced touring versions of the shows and also Disney on Ice productions as well. His first production he is credited as producer for Broadway was Disney’s King David in 1997. He became the president of Disney Theatrical Productions in 1999, after joining as executive vice president for the unit in 1994 when it released Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. Through the years, he went on to become a prolific producer on Broadway through the coming decades. He also became quite important in the world of Broadway. He even became chairman of the Broadway League, a trade organization of producers and theater owners.
Disney Theatrical Productions has had some hits and some misses under Schumacher’s leadership. While 2018’s Frozen didn’t thaw critics hearts and did not return after the pandemic. However, The Lion King continues to dominate the Broadway box office on a weekly basis. It first opened on Broadway in 1997. He also was responsible for finding the creative talent to bring shows like Aida, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Newsies and Aladdin to Broadway.
Schumacher sent a memo to staff saying that Flatt will have the additional title of managing director, and will oversee both strategy and business operations. Quart’s portfolio will include both producing and development and she will serve as executive producer of all shows. Currently, one of the productions that are in development is Hercules. This production was directed by Lear deBessonet in Central Park. This was a part of the Public Theater’s Public Works program, and at the Paper Mill Playhouse. The next step for this production is in Germany where Casey Nicholaw will be directing it next spring.
Further down the line there is the possibility that Disney could pull from the 20th Century catalogue and make a version of The Greatest Showman for Broadway. This is reportedly very early on in production but is a possibility for the future. The Princess Bride is also reportedly in development.
The new role for Schumacher now gives him the same title as Pete Docter at Pixar Animation Studios and also Jennifer Lee at Walt Disney Animation Studios. What do you think of this changing of structure for Disney Theatrical Productions? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
