Oscar-winning composer Alan Menken, who wrote the scores for “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and many more, once handed a hundred dollar tip to a college kid doing an acoustic medley of his songs at a coffee shop.
These days that “kid” is better known as Darren Criss from “Glee” — and at the Billboard / Hollywood Reporter Film & TV Music Conference, he made a surprise appearance before participants, with his acoustic guitar in hand, and serenaded Menken once again.
“Just look at your songs / aren’t they neat? Wouldn’t you think your collection’s complete?” Criss sang, reworking the lyrics to Menken’s “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid.” “Wouldn’t you think you’re the guy, the guy who has everything?”
The medley concluded with an appearance from the voice of Jasmine herself, Lea Salonga.
“I used to play for pennies at a cafe at the University of Michigan,” Criss explained from stage. “I was just ruining ‘Part of Your World’ when Alan comes in. I was just mortified!”
“He was playing all of these songs really, really beautifully,” Menken countered, still recovering from his genuine surprise. “I was really impressed with his talent. Next thing I know, Darren’s on ‘Glee’! He’s just doing incredible work.”Menken received multiple standing ovations from the audience. Criss put it best: “How many Oscars can one bastard hold?” he sang to an eruption of laughter around the room. “He’s got verses and bridges aplenty/Want an original song for your movie? He’ll write 20.”
Glee star Darren Criss Serenades a Stunned Alan Menken at Billboard Film & TV Music Conference.
Holy musical powerhouse!@almenken with @darrencriss #filmtvconf yfrog.com/hskr8zgj
that shirt, that smile………
