'Go The Distance' - Public Works' HERCULES | The Public Theater

Public Works’ Musical Adaptation of
HERCULES

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by David Zippel
Book by Kristoffer Diaz
Choreography by Chase Brock
Directed by Lear deBessonet

Based on the Disney film written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Donald McEnery, Bob Shaw, and Irene Mecchi, and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.

The Public Theater’s initiative that invites communities across New York to create ambitious works of participatory theater is closing out the summer in truly epic fashion. Public Works will present the glorious story of HERCULES, brought to vibrant life by professional actors and community groups from across the city. Directed by Public Works Founder and Resident Director Lear deBessonet, this summer’s production, based on the Disney animated film, will feature the film’s beloved score, plus additional original songs by the film’s composer Alan Menken and lyricist David Zippel, with a new book by Kristoffer Diaz and choreography by Chase Brock. Journey with Hercules in this new stage adaptation that invites New Yorkers from all five boroughs to participate in a joyous musical that celebrates the heroes found in all of us.

FEATURING
200+ New Yorkers including
Jelani Alladin (Hercules), Roger Bart (Hades), Jeff Hiller(Panic), James Monroe Iglehart (Philoctetes), Ramona Keller (Thalia), Tamika Lawrence (Calliope), Krysta Rodriguez (Megara), Rema Webb (Terpsichore), cameo groups 10 Hairy Legs, Passaic High School Marching Band, and a special featured performance by Broadway Inspirational Voices.

PUBLIC WORKS is a national and international initiative of The Public Theater that seeks to engage the people of New York by making them creators and not just spectators. Led by Founder Lear deBessonet and Director of Public Works Laurie Woolery, Public Works deliberately blurs the line between professional artists and community members, creating theater that is not only for the people, but by and of the people as well.

[KyleOgilvie]

This better go to broadway, I'm still heartbroken Hunchback never made it to Broadway and Hercules is my second favourite Disney movie after Hunchback (and my favourite Disney comedy). Jelani sounds amazing and I loved him in Frozen: I also love that Roger Bart is playing Hades when he was the singing voice for Hercules in the movie.

[DebrisDiver]

Damn, he hot, he sings. Think I have butterflies in the stomach now. Can we have an official live-action Hercules now, Disney? Please?

[claytongriffith]

Beautiful his voice and just him in general

[joyellewatkins]

Jelani is currently speaking in my 😆😆😆😍

[sjchelloer]

I had a crush on Hercules when I was a kid. Seeing this he got that chocolate and looks FINE😍

[ThisDirection]

Absolutely KILLED IT. Hercules has always been one of my favorite Disney movies, and this is my favorite song!!

[BradChristianTV]

I can’t imagine singing this every night in front of Roger Bart - the original voice!

[Showman_]

Beautiful voice, Jelani makes a fantastic Hercules!

[skywalkerpanyt]

Omg this is amazing! I really hope he sings the reprise!

[ethankravec]

Anybody else their when they recorded this lol

[simonfarrow]

Please make a cast recording ASAP!! Just take my money already!

[SchaffrillasProductions]

Don't just leave us hanging like that

[saraabigail]

Dang, them biceps though
(Ok, in all seriousness, love his voice so much)

[SweetlySerene]

My boy Jelani becoming a Broadway legend day by day. They better adapt it to Broadway-don’t do what was done to Hunchback 😭

[panchish]

petition for jehani to play every single disney leading man out there

[dday]

Im here for this. I’ve always dreamed of playing this role but I’m like, nah I’m black. But homeboy said “AND”?

Excited.

[ConnorWardUK]

That cast recording best be coming soon :O

[sissymav]

Greek culture being appropriated vol.7254. If this had been any other culture people would be up in arms about the casting and representation but because it's greece nobody cares enough. I know for a fact greek-american actors are being passed over for greek centred roles and it is shameful.

[danielsantana]

I really need this, "Go The Distance" is my favorite Hercules song, watching a black man singing it and all dressed up was everything to me!!

[jgholston]

I was fortunate enough to win the digital lottery for the Wednesday show and wow it was absolutely amazing. Perfect casting. Great puppets. Amazing choreography. Perfect way to end the summer!