Disney’s theater chief steps down after 38 years

Thomas Schumacher, the long-serving executive who was key to Walt Disney Co.’s success on Broadway, is stepping down this month, the company said Wednesday.

- MEG JAMES AND SAMANTHA MASUNAGA

CHARLES SYKES Invision/AP THOMAS SCHUMACHER, shown at the Tonys in 2019, shepherded Broadway hits like "The Lion King."

The producer joined Disney 38 years ago and led animation for several years as he began building the company’s theatrical unit, ultimately shepherding such juggernauts as “The Lion King,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Those productions became three of the longest-running shows in Broadway history.

Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman announced the departure of Schumacher, who serves as Disney Theatrical Group’s chief creative officer, in an email to staff, calling it “the end of an era.” Schumacher “helped build our stage business from the ground up,” Bergman said.

“Through the years, Disney Theatrical Group has grown to be such an important part of how we bring Disney storytelling to the world, and it remains in incredibly capable hands,” Bergman said.