New ‘It’s a Small World’ verse written by Richard Sherman before death

Before his death in May, songwriter Richard M. Sherman’s last gig for Disney was writing 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.

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

According to ABC News, “in the spirit of the beloved song, viewers will travel across the globe 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 also “It’s a Small World” with his brother Robert, died in May at 95. But he had written the new verse before his death.

“The Untold Story of Mary Poppins: A Special Edition of 20/20” is part of a two-night event that ABC has planned to mark the 60th anniversary of “Mary Poppins.” The special, which is broadcast on 27 November at 21 ET on ABC, featuring 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 what is being billed as a “special interview” with star Julie Andrews .

The next night, on Thanksgiving (Thursday, Nov. 28), ABC will run a “Wonderful World of Disney” presentation of the original “Mary Poppins” movie 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 former producer Matt Lombardi, senior EP David Sloan and “20/20” EP Janice Johnston. Here’s a sneak peek at the new verse: