Hey folks, Harry here... For quite some time we've known that CAPTAIN AMERICA was going to have a musical themed USO number at some point in CAPTAIN AMERICA: FIRST AVENGER. Well, this soundtrack press release is here to tell us that the amazing Alan Menken has written with David Zippel, the patriotic song, "STAR SPANGLED MAN" which is apparently written to fit in with the wartime songs of legendary Irving Berlin. That's a helluva ambition and no easy trick. Berlin's patriotic wartime songs are incredibly catchy... but I have to say, I can't wait! I really do believe this movie is going to be something special!
COMPOSER ALAN MENKEN CREATES THEME SONG FOR
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
Film opens July 22, soundtrack available July 19
Academy Award winning composer Alan Menken brings his unique voice to Captain America: The First Avenger by creating an original song. The film features the patriotic song “Star Spangled Man” written by Menken and David Zippel, performed by the Metro Voices. The song is written in the style of 1940s World War II army musicals. Menken has earned eight Oscars, more than any other living person, along with ten Grammys and seven Golden Globes. The film’s original score is composed by Alan Silvestri. The film opens July 22, soundtrack available July 19.
According to Menken, “‘Star Spangled Man’ is a USO style production number; stylistically an homage to those great wartime songs of Irving Berlin. In it, we follow the on-stage development of Captain America from a nervous amateur to a confident showman. For the song, I reunited with my Hercules collaborator and Tony award winner, David Zippel.’”
Helmed by Joe Johnston (Hildago, October Sky), Captain America: The First Avenger focuses on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America.
In addition to being an award-winning and prolific film composer, Menken currently has several new stage productions running including his Tony nominated Sister Act on Broadway and Aladdin the musical in Seattle. Menken is also working on a live musical adaptation of Newsies. Additionally, his Leap of Faith musical, which premiered in Los Angeles, is expected to open on Broadway later this year.
Alan Menken’s professional career began after graduating from New York University. He met Howard Ashman and began collaborating on several productions for the WPA Theater, ultimately achieving widespread acclaim with Little Shop of Horrors. Their musical was later turned into a film which earned them an Academy Award nomination. The success of Little Shop of Horrors led Menken and Ashman to Walt Disney Studios. Their efforts were rewarded with two Oscars for The Little Mermaid: Best Original Score and Best Song "Under the Sea.” The following year, they again were rewarded with Oscars for Beauty and The Beast. Unfortunately, Ashman would receive his award posthumously.
Menken’s music continued the Disney renaissance with additional Oscar winning and nominated films includingPocahontas, Aladdin, Hunchback of Notre Dame and recently, Enchanted and Tangled. His film success has led to numerous stage productions including The Little Mermaid – The Musical, Beauty and The Beast – The Musical and currently Sister Act – The Musical and Aladdin – The Musical.
Menken has received accolades for his musical contributions including Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes and Tony nominations. His philanthropic achievements with students earned him an honorary doctorate in Fine Arts from New York University. Recently he was immortalized with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his induction into the Songwriter Hall of Fame.
