Rogers: The Musical Review – Nick Fury Sings in A Wonderfully Weird Disney Production
I’ve been excited for Rogers: The Musical ever since Disneyland announced it’d be coming to Disney California Adventure starting this summer. Not because I’m a huge Marvel fan, but because I love “Weird Disney.” Way too many things the company does are risk-averse, perfectly-polished, and crafted by committee.
The end result is that they usually have a baseline minimum quality level, but are also predictable and feel manufactured. Such has become the case with the modern montage musicals that Disney regularly produces. No offense to Mickey and the Magical Book or that style of show, but there’s only so good or bad it can be. It’s mostly just a sense of sameness, with songs slotted in and out as the popularity of new animated movies dictates.
Doing something different and a bit out there does yield some flops, such as KiteTails (RIP). It also results in things that are funny and memorable and break the mold of what Disney normally does, like Merry Menagerie or Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. Attractions and entertainment like this punch above their weight, being more memorable in large part because they’re so different. Now we can add Rogers: The Musical to that list.
The risk with the Weird Disney approach is that it eschews established rules and familiar formulas of giving guests what they want, and instead tries to deliver something they never knew they needed.
Sadly, the former approach has become the default for this “creative” company, and it’s hard to fault them when every paint-by-numbers live action remake or superfluous sequel grosses hundreds of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, fresh ideas often fail to connect and bomb at the box office.
In the case of Rogers: The Musical, there’s the added risk of taking a nugget of meta humor found in the Disney+ series Hawkeye, and expanding it into something bigger. “Save the City” from that show occupied this awkward intersection of satire and campy quality. It’s like “Start a Fire” from La La Land–the song itself exists as exposition and commentary, but is also supposed to be sorta kinda good, actually.
I went into Rogers: The Musical expecting more or less that: a lot of cheesy and campy fun. My fear was that it’d be too much of a good thing, or would fail to land when removed from the wink-and-nod context of Hawkeye. To my surprise and delight, that largely was not what Rogers: The Musical delivered. And does it ever deliver!
Of course, “Save the City” is the centerpiece of Rogers: The Musical. Before that is another satirical number, “Star Spangled Man” by Alan Menken and David Zippel from Captain America: The First Avenger. Unlike “Save the City,” no further context is needed for that to work, as the absurdity is self-contained in the song itself.
In addition to this, there are five new original songs written for the Disneyland Resort version of Rogers: The Musical. These additions perform the impressive task of transforming the production from something silly and satirical to a whirlwind journey that explores themes of heroism, self-discovery, perseverance, patriotism, and teamwork. Even more notable, Rogers: The Musical is fundamentally a love story and a rom-com musical, and not a parody.
Rogers: The Musical essentially retells the story of Steve’s journey towards becoming Captain America (first third) and serving as an Avenger (second third)–no spoilers for the final third.
The first third also introduces Agent Peggy Carter, the love of Rogers’ life, and who is (obviously) the the other half in this being a love story. (Sorry for those hoping it’d secretly be a bromance between Hulk and Ant-man; both have tiny roles.)
Rogers: The Musical is also unabashedly patriotic, and earnest in that rather than presenting it with any subtext or cynicism. (Minus a brief bit of self-deprecating absurdity about comic book characters being used to sell war bonds.)
Normally, a production like this would silence criticism that the company has abandoned Walt Disney’s core beliefs, but I suspect Rogers: The Musical will be ignored as inconvenient to that narrative. (Regardless, it’s a great show to see during the Independence Day holiday weekend at Disneyland!)
While the Avengers portion of the story is how Rogers: The Musical has been sold via “Save the City,” the opening act is so much better. The big band jazz, visual style, and Starkettes give this a punch and a distinctly patriotic sensibility. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the first Captain America movie, but I felt like Rogers’ struggles were better conveyed in a few minutes here than in the movie itself.
These numbers won’t be the highlight for many on their first viewing, but I suspect will become more beloved with repeat viewings. (They’re also essential in giving more emotional weight to the final third.)
Did we mention that Nick Fury sings? Because Nick Fury sings. That may sound incredible or cringey depending upon your perspective, reverence for the source material, and whether you enjoy things that are fun.
I am fully on board with it, and only wish that the character–who is essentially this show’s equivalent to Genie from Aladdin: The Musical–were given more stage time. But perhaps it’s better to leave the audience wanting more than going overboard with that particular bit.
In any case, Nick Fury delivers the MCU’s version of “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and provides some punchy dialogue and comedic relief. “Save the City” does likewise, and also helps to recap the events of the three-dozen or so movies (approximately) between Captain America: The First Avenger and Avengers: Endgame.
This ends up being the Weird Disney/Marvel goodness I was after, and it fully delivered on its absurd, fun, and self-referential promise. But it was not the highlight of Rogers: The Musical for me.
Once that portion of the performance wraps up, the pace slows down and it becomes a quintessential Disney love story and heartfelt musical. Rogers: The Musical comes full circle, returning to the romance of Steve Rogers and Peggy Carter.
Ironically, watching this felt similar to the closing act of Avengers: Endgame–I’d been lured in with the promise of big explosions and epic adventure, only to be hit with an emotional gut-punch. Dangit, they got me again!
Ultimately, it’s great to finally see a production back in the Hyperion Theater, and even better that it’s one as good as Rogers: The Musical. This hit all of the right notes for us. The songs are catchy and memorable, it’s humorous and goofy while also being sincere and sentimental, and there’s no shortage of spectacle.
The way Rogers: The Musical weaves from crazy and campy to earnest and heartfelt is masterful. The show never feels too jarring or poorly-paced. It doesn’t quite reach the same heights as Aladdin: The Musical for us, but we love it.
As with anything that has a weird quality and takes creative risks, there’s the possibility that Rogers: The Musical will elicit uneven responses and reviews, or that various scenes won’t “work” for others. With that said, it’s definitely worth seeing even if you aren’t a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Background knowledge is helpful for appreciating a few inside jokes and easter eggs, but the show is relatively self-contained–and a good love story is universal. I suspect that Rogers: The Musical is going to defy a lot of guest expectations on the upside (I anticipate hearing the words “pleasant surprise” from non-MCU fans) and end up being a smash success.
Confirmation of the show’s success and vindication of the risk taken on Rogers: The Musical paying off is probably what’ll be necessary before Disneyland Resort commits to making this a permanent production. As mentioned previously, I firmly believe they will. (Perhaps not until 2024, though, as performer contracts for the fall and holidays might be tricky.)
Rogers: The Musical is too good to only be a 2-month special engagement, and I’m personally skeptical it was ever intended to be limited-run. I just hope this isn’t a test before moving it elsewhere, as it’s exactly what both DCA and Avengers Campus need. Well, not exactly what that Marvel land needs–more singing Nick Fury and this becomes a perfect production.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think about Rogers: The Musical at Disney California Adventure? Do you expect this to actually be a limited time production, or is that a way to create an artificial sense of urgency/scarcity before the musical’s run is inevitability extended “by popular demand” from guests? Planning on purchasing premium viewing or trying your luck with the virtual queue? Think this will be a good addition to Avengers Campus, or does the production sound too cheesy to you? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
We traveled to California and saw the show this week. We were expecting to like it given Tom’s review, but we loved it so much we watched it multiple times this week. We highly recommend seeing it and seeing it earlier in your trip in case you want to catch it again. (But avoid the middle of the front row of the balcony — there is a projector with a heat fan that will roast you.) The performances will knock your socks off and the sets, costumes, and lighting are terrific. Well done, Disney!
Super disappointed about the show only running Tuesday to Saturday. Feels like a real penalty against the gainfully employed Magic key holders that are blocked on Saturdays. I understand cast needing a day or two off each week, but Sunday is literally my only chance to see it. Chances are slim for August and my only other option is upgrade my pass or take time off work? I guess fingers crossed it’s not just a limited run.
Is there a suitable theater space at WDSP? I could see this playing well for Euro audiences, whose taste in musicals has always run a bit to the campy/pageant-like.
Thanks so much for the prompt review! We are so excited to see this at the end of the month. Long live Disney Weird!
How quickly did the virtual queue run out? Going next week and this is one of our must-do’s
I really like the short “broadway” shows that have been at the parks. When you mentioned Aladdin, it brought back great memories. That was a fun show. I really don’t like Marvel but i will for sure see this if it’s still running when we get there. Your review makes it seem like i might enjoy it more.
Thanks for the great review, Tom. I’m excited to watch Rogers: The Musical. What’s the best way to get tickets? The virtual queue, or the paid premium seating? I expect it will be sold out for a few weeks, but I’m really hoping to see it next week.
They could take the money they’re making from the $29 priority seating upcharge to help fund the cast. I know they give a few goodies but put the money toward the performers.
Completely agree! How about giving the actors credit, as well. Realize they are considered “Disney Cast Members”, but this is a broadway style musical with cast members, who have appeared on the big stages and toured the country. They have earned the right here to be recognized. Was able to watch scenes online and this show is worthy the Disneyland ticket price and more.
I’m in camp “Bored with MCU” but I am excited by this. They have some fun writers on this project, it is so not what Disney usually plugs into these kinds of slots…and I have a former student in the ensemble! It’s doubtful I’ll make it out this summer but hope this gets a long run (not just for me but for everyone involved and for creativity!)
What’s the runtime on the show? Frozen and Aladdin were both lengthy shows, which was appreciated in a park that can be hard to fill a full day at (and at a resort with a dearth of sit-down entertainment.)
Disneyland website says it’s a 30 minute show which is about the same as Finding Nemo so it should be a solid show.
Do you think it will come to Disney World? If so, where?
It cannot come to Walt Disney World—so it will not, unfortunately.
Is that because Disney World does not have rights to the Marvel properties, at least in Florida? Is this a Disney World versus Universal issue?
Same reason avengers campus isn’t at Disney world. Universal Orlando’s licensing won’t let any other Florida parks from using Marvel.
No idea if this will still be around or not by the time I make it back to California next year, but I hadn’t had much interest as I’m not a big Marvel fan. Your pictures and commentary do make this seem more intriguing, though! I can only guess how the third act plays out, but…based on the clues it seems to touch on something that I’ve heard was a less popular ending for the character in the movies. I wonder if this isn’t an attempt to fix that a bit. It seemed to hit home for you, so that’s a good sign!
I don’t pay close attention to MCU reactions, but I loved the ‘happily ever after’ those characters got there. This does not change that materially; it expands upon it.
Wish it was 7 days a week! We have 1 day to go and it’s a Monday… so bummed
Whenever it does return, I hope it’s fully cast so it doesn’t “need” to take two days off each week. That’s really unfortunate.