ABC is reportedly the latest network to join the nascent live-on-TV musical craze, albeit with a twist.
The Disney-owned network will adapt “The Little Mermaid” for broadcast such that it will air the animated 1989 classic but sub in live performances of the cartoon’s musical numbers, performed by current-day celebrities, Variety reported Wednesday.
“We really wanted to be in the game as well, and we’re Disney and we have this library that has an endless amount of classic musicals that really play to everyone,” ABC executive Robert Mills said, Variety reported. “But that’s a double-edged sword because you are Disney, you have to do it right. You’ve got to do it so you’re honoring the brand. It took time to find the right take on this.”
The special is scheduled to air on Tuesday, Oct. 3, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
ABC’s announcement comes on the heels of Fox announcing it was bringing a musical version of “A Christmas Story” to the air this holiday season and NBC announcing it would broadcast a production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Easter Sunday next year.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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