Howard Ashman.

Hatter · Post by **Hatter** » Sat Oct 18, 2003 11:29 pm

Hi, everybody. Think I'll kick off my first post with something I wrote the other day...

As I watch the special features of the Beauty and the Beast Platinum Edition DVD, it becomes apparent that one of the main elements in Disney's late '80's/early '90's renaissance was Howard Ashman's unique perspective.
His work in Broadway theatre - his deep understanding of its pacing, plot & character elements are what made the films he worked on so accessible. That, in addition to his extensive knowledge and love of the Disney classics. Just watch any of the DVD featurettes or audio commentary; the creators have nothing but praise for his sheer lyrical talent and ability to turn weak story elements into workable material.
While he is usually credited alongside Alan Menken, who is a musical genius in his own right, it's my opinion that of the two it was Howard who had the greatest hand in making these films work. Of course, all Disney films are collaborative efforts between hundreds of individuals, but yet his influence can still be seen on screen. His presence would have been helpful on many of Disney's mostly average recent outings.

Also, his work ethic despite his condition was truly inspiring. Writing all of those wonderful songs, yet knowing full well that he probably wouldn't live to see them on screen. In the Beauty and the Beast audio commentary, Alan Menken mentions that the two of them would be present at all of the dialogue recording sessions for their films. And even at the end, when he was bedridden, Howard still managed to take part though video & audio hookups, giving wry tips to the actors even though his condition had affected his vocal cords and he could barely speak.
He will truly be missed.

indianajdp · Post by **indianajdp** » Sat Oct 18, 2003 11:46 pm

Great first post, Hatter, and a warm welcome to the site.

Ashman definitely is the "unsung hero", IMO, of films like The Little Mermaid. As much as we love that movie, when you think of it ultimately you think of the score, too. He and Alan menken made one helluva team, no doubt about it.

Uncle Remus · Post by **Uncle Remus** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 6:52 am

yeah Howard Ashman should be recognized more often since he did do some great songs for The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 6:56 am

But his best work (for me) will always be Little Shop of Horrors (the musical).

Uncle Remus · Post by **Uncle Remus** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 7:00 am

what is the Little Shop of Horrors?

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 7:05 am

It's a stage show based on a rather poor 'C' movie (so bad, it's not even a 'B' movie) from the 60's about a giant man-eating plant.

The Stage show (which is still the best way to see it) was made into a film in 1986:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091419/

Howard Ashman wrote the song lyrics and the whole script for the musical. His Disney partner Alan Menken wrote the songs.

The DVD has an excellent music only soundtrack. (and the soundtrack CD has songs from the stage musical dropped from the film)

Uncle Remus · Post by **Uncle Remus** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 7:09 am

oh. thanks for the info 2099net.

Post by **Luke** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 8:17 am

Welcome, Hatter. I agree that Ashman deserves more credit. The songs from Little Mermaid and Aladdin are among my favorite Disney ones - they're really wonderful. Not to mention he also wrote "Wonderful Ways to Say No" for the Saturday morning event of 1990 - "Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue" and one of the numerous great songs from the sorely underrated Oliver & Company.

Lady · Post by **Lady** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 1:01 pm

Many people don't know this but Ashman had a beautiful singing voice! There is a clip of him singing the theme song to beauty and the beast and he sounds so sweet! I've always felt that Disney animated music hit it's peak with Ashman.

Aladdin · Post by **Aladdin** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 1:59 pm

Enough good things cannot be said about Ashman and his contribution to some of the best (imo) Disney films. It's hard to fill that man's shoes.
It's duos like Ashman/Menken thatt are missing, musically, from recent Disney films.

MickeyMousePal · Post by **MickeyMousePal** » Sun Oct 19, 2003 2:23 pm

I agree Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast were very great so was the music it always made me sing along with the songs. Very thoughtful lyrics he will be miss truely.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 10:40 am

I know this isn't Disney, but the new Broadway Cast recording of Little Shop of Horrors CD is just available.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... improvemz/

What makes this important is... well, I'll let one of the reviews speak for itself:

This is what "Little Shop" fans have been waiting around 20 years for, a CD that contains the entire score of the musical, including quite a few songs that those who only saw the movie do not know. This album also has bonus tracks--demo tracks recorded by the composers of "Little Shop," Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman (the team that later wrote Disney scores such as "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast"), of songs that were later excised from the final product. So, not only are you getting ALL of the music from "Little Shop" but music that didn't end up making the final cut.

And even more so, you are getting the best cast to ever perform the show. I saw them on Broadway two weeks ago, and they are absolutely a revelation. Every actor, from the three fantastic girls in the Greek Chorus, DeQuina Moore, Trisha Jeffrey, and Carla J. Hjargrove, as Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronnette, to Hunter Foster (who originated the role of Bobby Strong in "Urinetown"), who is absolutely perfect as Seymour, Kerry Butler (of "Hairspray" and "Bat Boy" fame), whose acting and vocal talents as Audrey are stunning, to the inimitable Douglas Sills as Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., as well as about 8 other small parts, Rob Bartlett, who takes the role of Mushnick to new comedic heights, by way of Tevye from "Fiddler on the Roof," and the pitch-perfect Michael-Leon Wooley as the Big Green himself.

The lyrics are just as fresh and hilarious as the day they were written, and the music remains one of the most tuneful, beautiful scores in the history of the musical theatre--not a small feat for a play about a plant who eats people. This recording will also introduce those who have only seen the movie to the dark, grim ending of the original play.

The most amazing thing is I never thought I would be recommending a recording of "Little Shop" that didn't star Ellen Greene as Audrey, but Kerry Butler more than fills her shoes, and brings a completely new interpretation to the role that is just as satisfying, and on its own merits is simply dazzling.

If you live in New York, run to the Virginia Theatre to see the greatest production of this outrageously fun musical ever...Those who don't but are fans NEED to purchase this CD pronto!

I would get it myself, but I've spent far to much money this quarter. So, being as Christmas is coming, I'll just drop a subtle hint.

I would love this for Christmas!

Jake Lipson · Post by **Jake Lipson** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 11:01 am

I second that. Never seen Litlte Shop, movie or musical, but I've been interested in it ever since I heard Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's names linked to the project. The demo recordings sound really cool, too. I loved the Disney ones on the The Music Behind the Magic CD boxed set I borrowed from the library.

2099net · Post by **2099net** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 1:48 pm

Jake, you must see Little Shop on stage - even a cheap touring production with minimal effects (such as a cheap looking Audrey II) will still blow you away. It's all about atmosphere and seeing it live is a huge boost to the atmosphere.

You'll never believe a musical about a man-eating plant which takes over the world could actually be so... FUN! And that's why I think it's Ashman's (and Menken's) greatest triumph - it's FUN! FUN! FUN! While their Disney work is excellent - the compositions are not unexpected. But Little Shop will defy all your expectations the first time you see it.

The movie is good too and was my introduction to the musical. Sadly, Hollywood had the need to give us all a happy ending (or is it?) when the musical didn't (not sure how Ashman would have felt about that, but I suppose he agreed). Plus some of the songs are dropped (but on the movie CD soundtrack).

The DVD is excellent - including an isolated music and song track. I would have no hesitation recommending this if you are unable to see a stage production.

Maerj · Post by **Maerj** » Sun Oct 26, 2003 2:32 pm

2099net wrote: The movie is good too and was my introduction to the musical. Sadly, Hollywood had the need to give us all a happy ending (or is it?) when the musical didn't (not sure how Ashman would have felt about that, but I suppose he agreed). Plus some of the songs are dropped (but on the movie CD soundtrack).

The DVD is excellent - including an isolated music and song track. I would have no hesitation recommending this if you are unable to see a stage production.

I have the DVD with the original ending. It sucked, plain and simple. In one of the lil documentaries about it, or was it the commentary?, they explained that it worked in the stage version, but in the movie it was just different. I watched the original ending several times and its creepy. Its good that they changed it.

MutantEnemy · Post by **MutantEnemy** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 9:00 pm

Ashman is an absolute genius and am sad he died. He helped bring so much joy to so many people.

BasilOfBakerStreet427 · Tue Oct 28, 2003 9:07 pm

What if he was still alive?

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Howard Ashman.

Howard Ashman.