American and Broadway
singer Darren Criss paved his tribute to Oscar-winning composer, Alan Menken at the
Hollywood Reporter/Billboard Film & TV/Music Conference. Menken
was presented with this year's Billboard / Hollywood Reporter Maestro Award by
Billboard Editorial Director Bill Werde after introducing him as "the Babe
Ruth of composers." Among the many Disney films which Menken has composed
the music for are The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
It was written that Darren emailed Lea Salonga to join him in the
Billboard Conference. After checking her schedules, Lea said yes. Darren
started a
medley of hits from the various Disney movies that Alan had scored and
wrote music for, as well as a couple from his musical theater shows. At the
last part of the medley, Darren then started to play “A Whole New World” and
began singing. After his verses and chorus, he called Lea to join him. When
Alan saw Lea Salonga on stage, he jumped in his chair.
After
their collaboration, Lea went ahead to her cabaret rehearsal few blocks away.
Darren came to the show too along with members of family and friends. Lea wrote
to her article that Darren shed a few tears when she sung “Reflection”. Darren,
prior to his Glee stint became famous in Youtube for covering Disney music
including ‘Princess’ songs.
Half-Irish
and Half Filipino Darren will be seen on Broadway when he will take over the
role of Daniel Radcliffe as J. Pierrepont Finch in the revival of “How to
Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. He will also be appearing in the
romantic comedy “Imogene” with Annette Bening, Matt Dillon and Kristen Wiig.
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