Film & TV News
Watch Trailer for Documentary on Late Little Shop and Disney Lyricist Howard Ashman
Mr. Ashman collaborated with Alan Menken on Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
Take a look above at the trailer for the new documentary about the late lyricist Howard Ashman—who, along with composer Alan Menken, helped revive Disney’s animated division with The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
Don Hahn, who served as producer of the 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast and was the executive producer of the live-action remake, spearheads the project.
Ashman’s sister, Sarah Ashman Gillespie, previously confirmed the news of the documentary to Playbill. Gillespie and Ashman’s parter, Bill Lauch, are both involved in the film.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST LYRICIST HOWARD ASHMAN SUBJECT OF NEW DOCUMENTARY
Ashman, who was openly gay, died of complications from AIDS eight months prior to the theatrical release of Beauty and the Beast in 1991. The animated film was dedicated in his honor. When the song “Beauty and the Beast” won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1992, it was Lauch, who accepted the award on his behalf—a landmark moment in Oscar history.
In addition to his Disney legacy, Ashman wrote lyrics for Little Shop of Horrors, Smile, and God Bless You Mr. Rosewater.
A release date for the documentary has yet to be announced.
