Disney's Hercules, a musical adaptation of the 1997 film, has left audiences and critics underwhelmed, with a rating of just 2 out of 7. The show, currently running in London until September 5, 2026, fails to capture the essence of the original film, lacking heart and substance. The review highlights several issues, primarily centered around the character development and the musical's overall execution.
The Muses, played by Leslie Beehann, Candace Furbert, Sharlene Hector, Brianna Ogunbawo, and Robyn Rose-Li, are the saving grace of this production. Their incandescent voices and stage presence bring the theater to life, providing goosebumps with every note. However, the rest of the cast falls short, with rigid and one-dimensional character archetypes that lack the charm and interest of the original film.
Hades, a central character in the story, is particularly disappointing. The review criticizes the over-the-top portrayal of Hades by Stephen Carlile, who fails to capture the nuanced and witty villain from the film. The book writers, Robert Horn and Kwame Kwei-Armah, are accused of stripping the character of its personality, reducing it to a single note. This is a stark contrast to the original film, where Hades was a complex and engaging villain.
The musical's new songs and adjustments to the originals are also criticized for their lack of wit and cleverness. The original songs, written by Alan Menken and David Zippel, are praised for their memorable lines and melodies, but the new iterations fall flat with disjointed lyrics and modern slang that will age the musical like milk. The sightlines of the theater are another concern, with actors waiting to enter the stage in full view of the audience, disrupting the viewing experience.
The review concludes that Hercules is loud, flashy, and lacks substance, with a writing that sucks the soul out of the story. The production fails to capture the Disney magic, and the reviewer, a lifelong fan of Disney musicals and an avid musical theater nerd, is deeply disappointed. The show's poor execution and lack of heart leave a lasting impression of disappointment, making it a forgettable addition to the Disney musical canon.
