Disney’s reimagining of Snow White is in theaters—and Ardmore’s own Benj Pasek had a hand in the magic, writes Franki Rudnesky for The Philly Voice.
Pasek and his longtime songwriting partner, Justin Paul, penned new songs for the live-action remake of Disney’s very first animated film, which hit theaters last Friday.
Starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen, the film puts a fresh spin on the 1937 classic. While iconic touches like the Evil Queen’s mirror and Snow White’s signature dress remain, the story updates a few elements—including a new love interest who’s not a prince, but a “noble ruffian.”
With that shift comes a fresh soundtrack. Classic tunes like “Someday My Prince Will Come” are out, making way for originals like the cheeky “Princess Problems” and the heartfelt “Waiting on a Wish,” which Zegler recently performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
For Pasek, working on Snow White was a dream come true. “(Music) breaks reality and it lets a character express themselves in ways that mere words can’t,” he said at the premiere. Pasek and Paul, both EGOT winners, are no strangers to hit soundtracks—their credits include La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen, inspired by Pasek’s time at Friends’ Central in Wynnewood.
Read more about Benj Pasek at the new Snow White movie in The Philly Voice.
