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New verse “It’s a Small World” written by Richard Sherman before his death


New verse “It’s a Small World” written by Richard Sherman before his death

Before his death in May, songwriter Richard M. Sherman’s final performance for Disney was to write a new bonus verse for “It’s A Small World.” Now a new ABC special is set to reveal that verse for the first time.

The new addition is revealed for the first time in “The Last Verse,” a three-and-a-half-minute short film airing next Wednesday on ABC. The film will air during ABC News Studios’ “The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20,” airing Wednesday, November 27 on ABC.

According to ABC News, “Viewers will travel around the world in the spirit of the beloved song as the song is passed from person to person and generation to generation, culminating in the unveiling of this heartfelt new verse.”

Sherman, who wrote the songs for “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and “It’s a Small World” with his brother Robert, died in May at the age of 95. But he had already written the new verse before his death.

“The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20” is part of a two-day event planned by ABC to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “Mary Poppins.” The special, airing November 27th at 9pm ET on ABC, features rare photos, footage and new interviews with star Dick Van Dyke as well as Josh Gad, John Stamos, Lin Manuel Miranda, two of Walt Disney’s grandchildren, and whatnot “special interview” with star Julie Andrews is announced.

The next night, on Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 28), ABC will host a “Wonderful World of Disney” presentation of the original “Mary Poppins” film starring Andrews and Van Dyke.

The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20 is produced by ABC News Studios and 20/20. It comes from executive producer Matt Lombardi, senior EP David Sloan and 20/20 EP Janice Johnston. Here’s a sneak peek of the new verse:

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