ABC to Air Richard M. Sherman’s Last Verse for ‘It’s a Small World’

Songwriter Richard M. Sherman‘s final contribution to Disney, a new verse for the iconic song «It’s a Small World,» is set to be unveiled by ABC in «The Last Verse,» a short film that will premiere next Wednesday. Sherman, who passed away in May at the age of 95, wrote the renewed lyrics before his death, adding yet another layer to the enduring classic.

The debut of Sherman’s new verse will occur during «The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20,» which is scheduled to air on Wednesday, November 27, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time. As per ABC News, the film aims to take viewers on a global journey that reflects the cross-generational resonance of «It’s a Small World,» culminating in the revelation of this heartfelt addition.

Richard M. Sherman, alongside his brother Robert, was renowned for crafting enduring Disney tunes such as those featured in «Mary Poppins» and «Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.» His illustrious career saw him creating some of musical theater and film’s most memorable songs.

In conjunction with the airing of «The Last Verse,» ABC has launched a two-night event to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the film «Mary Poppins.» The special edition of 20/20 will include rare photography, archival footage, and fresh interviews featuring notable personalities such as Dick Van Dyke, Josh Gad, John Stamos, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Walt Disney‘s grandchildren, along with a touted «special interview» with the beloved actress Julie Andrews.

The Thanksgiving broadcast will further mark the anniversary with a «Wonderful World of Disney» presentation of the original «Mary Poppins» film featuring the celebrated performances of Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. The event is produced under the aegis of ABC News Studios, helmed by executive producer Matt Lombardi, senior executive producer David Sloan, and «20/20» executive producer Janice Johnston.