by Sunaina Suhag, Happily Ever After cast member
True love’s kiss brings people back to life, overcomes evil, and is the most powerful magic on Earth! It’s no wonder, then, that the heroines of Disney might enjoy a little romance. Here’s a look at the Disney princes who inspire us in the Hideout Theatre’s improvised musical Happily Ever After, showing Saturdays at 8 pm!
5. Flynn Rider
Oh, Eugene Fitzherbert, you never fail to amuse me. He’s a cocky, but dashing, thief who ultimately wins over Rapunzel’s heart. However, before he was ‘Flynn Rider,’ he was actually ‘Hot Man.’ The directors of Tangled gathered roughly thirty female employees to discuss their favorite male celebrities and most attractive male physical attributes, ultimately collecting hundreds of pictures of men to design Flynn Rider. So, let’s be real, he’s got a lot to be arrogant about. Luckily Rapunzel takes none of his hot air and their love blossoms from mutual honesty and respect.
4. Prince Eric
I want to marry Prince Eric. He’s a skilled mariner who doesn’t let his princely lifestyle keep him from doing real work, he’s got an ADORABLE dog, Max, and he falls in love with Ariel when she saves him. How’s that for a real man? Prince Eric is not the kind of guy who just falls in love with a pretty girl, after all it’s revealed in the film that he’s already turned down one princess because she just wasn’t the one. Plus, the man plays the flute. I’m all about a prince with hobbies.
3. Li Shang
Shang was quick to judge Mulan when he found out she was a woman, but was also quick to apologize when she proved how capable she was. He’s a quiet, too-logical leader who really benefitted from Mulan’s emotional intelligence. They take their relationship at a slow and reasonable pace: There’s no kiss at the end of the movie, just a really romantically charged family dinner. Also, he’s mad dreamy, am I right? Man buns are IN, y’all.
2. Simba
Simba! SIMBA! The Lion King! Who could not love the good natured, courageous prince who took his inspiration from the level-headed and intelligent Nala? She didn’t shy away from knocking some sense into him when he was in his hippie-dippie ‘Hakuna Matata’ phase — and he listened. Then they saved the pride lands! Hooray! Simba’s the kind of prince who you’d let take you hiking, even if you don’t really like hiking, because you like how much he likes it. Then he’d probably let you take him to your favorite brunch place because he’s all about treating you like an equal.
1. Aladdin
*Sigh* Aladdin. I can honestly say he was my first love. After being orphaned at the age of 2, Aladdin wasn’t able to get an education and thus had to turn to thieving, though he would have preferred otherwise. He’s fun-loving, optimistic and selfless when life has handed him some pretty terrible cards. He uses his last wish to set Genie free, even though it means he can’t marry Princess Jasmine because he isn’t a prince himself. His selflessness and integrity prove his worthiness and the Sultan ultimately changes the law so they can marry. Plus he rocks that vest in a modest “I know I have abs, but I’m not trying to show off it’s just really hot in Agrabah” kind of way. I’m into it.
Who’s YOUR favorite Disney prince? Do you love the hilarious street-rat or the dreamy mariner? Come see Happily Ever After, Saturdays at 8 pm and root for true love’s kiss! Whoever the new prince may be, he’ll be worth falling for.