Studio Entertainment

The amazing performance of Rascal Flatts’ Me and My Gang, High School Musical and Hannah Montana contributed to Buena Vista Music Group’s success in 2006. The division achieved a major first during the summer when it placed three titles in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, with High School Musical, the Cars soundtrack and Me and My Gang. High School Musical remained in the Top 10 for 25 weeks, and became the year’s number one best-selling album across all genres, receiving triple platinum certification. Additionally, Me and My Gang ranked as the top-selling country album of the year and as the number two album for the year across all genres. Hannah Montana made history when it became the first TV soundtrack to debut on Billboard’s Top 200 chart at number one. Hollywood Records also released new albums by such popular acts as Jesse McCartney, Aly & AJ and Breaking Benjamin. Walt Disney Records celebrated its 50th anniversary with its biggest year ever, marking its 11th consecutive year as the world’s number one children’s label.

Popular Disney titles continued to find success on Broadway and on theater stages all around the world. The Lion King, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Broadway this year, has been seen by more than 39 million people worldwide and recently became the first Disney production to play in Shanghai, with a South African production set to open in the spring. On Broadway, Beauty and the Beast celebrated its 12th anniversary and 5,000th performance, while around the world, the stage play has performed in 14 countries to 26 million people. Disney Theatrical Productions also opened two new musicals on Broadway in 2006: Tarzan® at the Richard Rodgers Theater and Mary Poppins at the magnificent New Amsterdam Theatre. The division is additionally developing new stage productions for The Little Mermaid and The Man on the Ceiling.

Disney Live Family Entertainment produces brand-enhancing family shows around the globe with more than 2,500 performances in 180 cities from Beijing to Buenos Aires. Licensed to Feld Entertainment, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! performed to more than 11 million guests with nine different productions.