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

Before his death in May, songwriter Richard M. Sherman’s last appearance for Disney involved 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.

The new addition will be 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, Nov. 27 on ABC.

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

Sherman, who co-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 the age of 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-day event ABC has planned to celebrate the 60th anniversary of “Mary Poppins.” The special, which airs November 27 at 9 PM 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 what will become billed as a “special interview” with star Julie Andrews.

The following evening, 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 taste of the new verse: