Alan Menken revealed today at Disney’s D23 Expo that he is writing new songs for the upcoming film adaptation of the animated Disney classic Aladdin. He will be collaborating with Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen, La La Land) who will be providing the lyrics for the songs. Howard Ashman and Tim Rice wrote the lyrics for Menken’s songs from the 1992 film, which are also expected to be featured in the remake. Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Sherlock Holmes) is attached to direct the movie, which will star Mena Massoud in the title role, alongside Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine and Will Smith as the Genie.
Tag: Benj Pasek
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul to Write New Songs for Fox’s ‘A Christmas Story’
Benj Pasek and Justin Paul will compose several new songs for Fox’s television adaptation of the 1983 classic feature and the Broadway musical A Christmas Story. The 3-hour television event based on the movie and stage musical follows a Midwestern boy named Ralphie who attempts to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. Jonathan Tolins and Robert Cary (Grease: LIVE) are writing the script. Marc Platt (La La Land, Into the Woods) is executive producing the Fox Broadcasting Company and Warner Horizon Unscripted Television.
Soundtrack for ‘The Flash’ Musical Episode ‘Duet’ Released
WaterTower Music has released a soundtrack album for the special musical episode of The Flash, entitled Duet. The album features the original songs Super Friend written by Rachel Bloom and performed by Melissa Benoist & Grant Gustin and Runnin’ Home to You written by Justin Paul & Benj Pasek and performed by Gustin. Also included are the cover versions of Moon River by Melissa Benoist, Put A Little Love In Your Heart by Criss, Jeremy Jordan, John Barrowman and Carlos Valdesas, More I Cannot Wish You by Jesse Martin, Victor Garber 7 Barrowman, as well as a track from the episode’s score from the episode’s musical director and series composer Blake Neely (Arrow, Supergirl).
Video Highlights from the 89th Academy Awards
The 89th Academy Awards ceremony was held last night. Among the music-related highlights was Justin Hurwitz receiving his first two Oscars for his music for La La Land and lyricists Benj Pasek & Justin Paul receiving the award for the song City of Stars from Damien Chazelle’s musical. Check out the backstage press room interview with the composer/songwriters after the jump. The acceptance speeches will be added to this posting later. Also embedded are the live performances of all the nominated songs, City of Stars and Audition from La La Land by John Legend, Can’t Stop the Feeling from Trolls by Justin Timberlake, The Empty Chair from Jim: The James Foley Story by Sting and How Far I’ll Go from Moana by & Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Justin Hurwitz Wins Oscar for ‘La La Land’
Justin Hurwitz has received the Academy Award for his score for Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. The other nominated composers in the Best Original Score category were Mica Levi (Jackie), Dustin O’Halloran & Hauschka (Lion), Nicholas Britell (Moonlight) and Thomas Newman (Passengers). Hurwitz also received a second Oscar for the original song City of Stars from the movie musical and shared the honor with lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Pasek.
‘The Flash/Supergirl’ Crossover Musical Episodes to Feature Songs by Rachel Bloom, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend creator, songwriter and star Rachel Bloom has written an original song for the upcoming crossover episodes of The CW’s The Flash and Supergirl. The song entitled Superfriends will be performed by Grant Gustin and Melissa Benoist. In addition, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who contributed the lyrics to Justin Hurwitz’s songs from La La Land and wrote the score for the stage musicals Dear Evan Hansen and Dogfight, have composed the original song Runnin’ Home to You, which will be performed by Gustin. Blake Neely who is scoring both shows, as well as the network’s Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow and Riverdale serves as the music director of the project.
Justin Hurwitz Wins Golden Globes for ‘La La Land’
Justin Hurwitz has received the Golden Globe Awards in the Original Score category for Damien Chazelle’s La La Land. He also won a second award for the song City of Stars from the movie musical and shared the honor with lyricists Justin Paul & Benj Pasek. Check out the acceptance speeches after the jump. The other composers nominated in the Best Original Score category were Johann Johannson (Arrival), Dustin O’Halloran & Hauschka (Lion), Nicholas Britell (Moonlight) and Hans Zimmer, Pharrell Williams & Benjamin Wallfisch (Hidden Figures).
‘La La Land’ Soundtrack Details
The details of the soundtrack album for Damien Chazelle’s movie musical La La Land have been revealed. The album features the original songs from the movie performed by the film’s cast and written by Justin Hurwitz (Whiplash) and featuring lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, as well as selections from Hurwitz’s score. Also included is the original song Start a Fire performed by John Legend who also co-wrote the song with Hurwtiz, Marius de Vries and Angelique Cinelu. The soundtrack will be released on December 9, 2016 by Interscope Records and is now available for pre-order on Amazon. A separate soundtrack featuring Hurwitz’s original score will be also be released around the same time. Check back on this page for updates. La La Land is written and directed by Chazelle and stars Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, J. K. Simmons, Finn Wittrock, Rosemarie DeWitt and Meagen Fay.
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul to Write Songs for Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Live Action Movie
Benj Pasek & Justin Paul are attached to write original songs for Disney’s upcoming new live action film adaptation of Snow White. The movie based on the 1937 animated classic will be produced by Marc Platt (Into the Woods, Drive, Legally Blonde, Nine). Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train, Secretary, Men, Women & Children) is attached to write the screenplay. No actors or director have been signed yet. Pasek and Paul are best known for their music for the stage musicals A Christmas Story, Dogfight, Edges, Dear Evan Hansen, and James and the Giant Peach.