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Legendary Disney composer Alan Menken on winning Oscars, Razzies and his ‘filthy’ rock musical
The Whole New World composer who soundtracked millennial childhoods and won eight Oscars looks back on a stellar career
TL;DR
- Alan Menken collaborated with Howard Ashman on Disney's Aladdin while Ashman was battling AIDS-related illness.
- Menken's career is marked by numerous accolades, including eight Academy Awards and 11 Grammys, though he humorously notes a Razzie win for a song from the flop movie Newsies.
- His musical style is influenced by a wide range of genres and artists, from classical music and the Rolling Stones to Joni Mitchell and disco.
- Menken's work with Ashman at Disney was instrumental in the "Disney Renaissance," emphasizing integrated musical storytelling.
- He is currently working on adaptations of Night at the Museum and Nancy Drew, as well as a previously conceived rock musical titled Atina: Evil Queen of the Galaxy.
- Menken believes that good material, even if initially unsuccessful, can find its audience over time.