TORONTO — Roy Thomson Hall has announced that legendary composer and songwriter Alan Menken will headline a special one-night concert in Toronto next spring, performing many of his best-known works while sharing stories from his decades-long career in entertainment.
The concert, titled A Whole New World of Alan Menken, is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026, at Roy Thomson Hall. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 26, 2025, through the venue’s website and box office.
Menken, celebrated for his work on timeless classics such as Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Little Mermaid, will bring his catalogue to life in a live performance expected to draw audiences of all ages. “This performance brings Menken’s iconic songs to life creating an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages,” the organizers said in the announcement.
Iconic Songs and Stage Legacy
The evening’s program will feature some of Menken’s most recognized hits, including Part of Your World, A Whole New World and Be Our Guest. Organizers say the setlist is designed to showcase the breadth of Menken’s contributions to both film and stage, reflecting his influence on generations of audiences.
For nearly four decades, Menken’s compositions have played a central role in popular culture. Chart-topping songs such as Beauty and the Beast, A Whole New World, Colors of the Wind and Go the Distance have become musical touchstones. His stage musicals extend his influence even further, ranging from Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act to Newsies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and A Bronx Tale.
An Award-Winning Career
Menken is among a select group of only 21 individuals worldwide to achieve “EGOT” status — winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award. He holds eight Academy Awards, including four for Best Score and four for Best Song, making him the most decorated living composer in Oscar history.
His accolades include 11 Grammy Awards, seven Golden Globes, a Daytime Emmy, and a Tony Award for Best Original Musical Score for Newsies. International recognition has followed, with honours such as London’s Evening Standard Award, the Olivier Award, and the Max Steiner Award. His music has also dominated the charts, with the Pocahontas soundtrack reaching number one on the Billboard charts.
Roy Thomson Hall as Host
Roy Thomson Hall, located in Toronto’s Entertainment District, will serve as the backdrop for Menken’s performance. The venue, designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson and opened in 1984, seats 2,630 guests and is renowned for its Gabriel Kney Pipe Organ. It is home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and is a key venue for Toronto International Film Festival gala events.
As a registered not-for-profit organization, Roy Thomson Hall, along with its sister venue Massey Hall, emphasizes artist development, community outreach and educational programming. Hosting Menken, whose works have become staples in both family entertainment and Broadway theatre, aligns with its mandate of presenting world-class artistic experiences to Toronto audiences.
Cultural and Economic Impact
Beyond its cultural significance, the event is expected to generate economic activity for Toronto’s downtown entertainment sector, which relies on marquee performances to attract visitors. The combination of Menken’s global reputation and the venue’s stature is likely to draw attendees from across Ontario and beyond, further bolstering the city’s arts and tourism industries.
The announcement underscores the importance of live performances in Canada’s entertainment landscape. By attracting international stars like Menken, venues such as Roy Thomson Hall continue to strengthen Toronto’s reputation as a premier cultural hub.
A Night to Remember
Organizers are positioning the April concert as both a tribute to Menken’s storied career and a rare opportunity for audiences to hear his music performed by the artist himself. With decades of award-winning work spanning film, theatre and recorded music, the evening promises not just a musical showcase but a celebration of Menken’s influence on global entertainment.
Tickets will be available starting September 26, 2025, at www.roythomsonhall.com/tickets or by calling 416-872-4255.
