In episode 14 of the How I Library podcast, show host and I Love Libraries editor Phil Morehart speaks with Vicky Jenson, Glenn Slater, and Alan Menken, the director, lyricist, and composer, respectively, of the animated musical, "Spellbound."
Jenson, Slater, and Menken are behind some of the most acclaimed film and stage productions ever created. Jenson is the Oscar-winning director of "Shrek," Slater is the lyricist of "The Little Mermaid," "Sister Act," and "School of Rock" on Broadway, and Menken is the Emmy-, Grammy-, Oscar-, and Tony-winning composer behind "Little Shop of Horrors," "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "Newsies," and more. They have come together to create "Spellbound," a new animated musical on Netflix about a young princess whose parents are monsters—literally. How her parents became that way—and how they can revert to their original form—is the crux of the film, but it’s not a simple story. It’s one about family strife, and how it impacts parents and their children alike. It’s serious, but also buoyant and fun.
Jenson, Slater, and Menken join the show to discuss their careers, their creative processes, the making of "Spellbound," and, of course, how they library.
"How I Library" is available for download or streaming on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Or listen below.
Looking for some fun "Spellbound" stuff for your kids? Check out the goodies available from the American Library Association, including "Spellbound" paper dolls, mazes, and coloring pages, all available to download for FREE!
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