Thomas Schumacher, the longtime leader of Disney Theatrical Group and one of the most influential figures in modern Broadway history, will leave the company at the end of September.
The news was announced to staff by Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, who described the departure as the “end of an era.” Schumacher has been at the helm of Disney’s theatrical division since its inception and is credited with transforming Disney into the most successful stage producer in the world.
During Schumacher’s tenure, Disney Theatrical productions achieved 20 Tony Awards, 60 nominations, and helped establish three of the 15 longest-running shows in Broadway history: Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Across its ten Broadway titles, the company has been seen by more than 240 million people worldwide.
Disney’s stage portfolio under Schumacher includes The Lion King, Tarzan, Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, Newsies, Aladdin, and Frozen, as well as original works like Aida and Peter and the Starcatcher.
Schumacher began his work with the theatrical division in 1994, serving as executive vice president while also holding the role of president at Walt Disney Feature Animation. He became president of Disney Theatrical Productions in 1999, focusing solely on stage projects from 2002 onward.
Before moving fully into theatre, Schumacher produced several of Disney’s animated classics, including The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pocahontas, and Lilo & Stitch.
In 2023, he stepped back from his role as president and producer of Disney Theatrical Group, transitioning into a chief creative officer position while daily operations shifted to Andrew Flatt, managing director, and Anne Quart, executive producer.
In a statement, Schumacher expressed confidence in his successors, praising Flatt and Quart as leaders with whom he has collaborated for more than two decades. He added that he looks forward to watching them guide the company’s future.
Schumacher’s departure closes a transformative chapter for Disney Theatrical Group, whose productions have not only redefined the Disney brand on stage but also reshaped Broadway and Times Square itself.
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