The out-of-this-world animated movie “Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe,” from Disney Television Animation, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ Friday, August 28. The soundtrack, from Walt Disney Records, will be available the same day.
Executive-produced by the creators/executive producers of the Emmy Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb” series, Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, “Phineas and Ferb The Movie: Candace Against the Universe” is an adventure story that tracks stepbrothers Phineas and Ferb as they set out across the galaxy to rescue their older sister Candace, who after being abducted by aliens, finds utopia in a far-off planet, free of pesky little brothers.
Voice talent reprising their roles from the original series and movie include Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn; Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn; Caroline Rhea as their mom, Linda; Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus; Alyson Stoner as Isabella; Maulik Pancholy as Baljeet; Bobby Gaylor as Buford; Olivia Olson as Vanessa Doofenshmirtz; Tyler Mann as Carl; and Povenmire and Marsh as Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz and Major Monogram, respectively. David Errigo Jr. joins the cast as Ferb Fletcher.
The movie also stars Ali Wong (“American Housewife”) as Super Super Big Doctor; Wayne Brady (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”) as Stapler Fist; Diedrich Bader (“American Housewife”) as Borthos; and Thomas Middleditch (“Silicon Valley”) as Garnoz.
In addition to Povenmire and Marsh, the talented crew includes director Bob Bowen (“Family Guy”), composer Danny Jacob (“Phineas and Ferb”) and songwriters Karey Kirkpatrick (“Something Rotten!”), Emanuel Kiriakou (Whitney Houston’s “I Look To You”) and Kate Micucci (“Garfunkel and Oates”).
All four seasons of the original animated series “Phineas and Ferb,” along with the Disney Channel Original Movie “Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Across the 2nd Dimension,” are also available to stream on Disney+. Beginning Tuesday, August 25, all episodes will be presented on Disney XD leading up to the movie’s premiere.
In addition to the soundtrack for the new movie, brand extensions for the movie will include cross-category products available at Hot Topic, BoxLunch, and Amazon this August.
Dana Point Harbor welcomes back the community with “You, Me + Vitamin Sea,” offering a full schedule of outdoor summer entertainment as the retailers, restaurants, marina, and hotel in the Harbor open for shopping, dining, and activities.
Load up the family vehicle for a drive-in movie experience as Dana Point Harbor presents Disney’s Moana on July 16. Enjoy live music from 6:30 p.m., before the movie starts around 8 p.m. at sunset. Tickets are $25 per car and available for purchase at eventbrite.com.
Every Thursday through July welcomes live music performances at The Wharf Courtyard by Frisby Cellars and Jon’s Fish Market from 4-6 p.m. Singer-songwriter Zach Churchill will perform on June 25, July 9 and 16 and country-pop artist Olivia Ooms will take the stage July 2, 23 and 30.
Dana Point Harbor restaurants are offering outdoor and waterside dining in extended patio areas, in addition to curbside pickup and delivery options. Retailers are welcoming in-store shopping as well as curbside delivery options from select stores.
The newly renovated Dana Point Marina Inn is open for the next vacation to relax poolside while soaking in the Harbor views. The hotel has recently become pet-friendly so your furry friend can enjoy a vacation as well.
Dana Point Harbor Partners remains committed to the health and wellness of harbor guests, employees, and the community. Directional signage has been placed throughout the Harbor to promote physical distancing. Cleaning and sanitation have increased in all common areas and restrooms throughout the harbor. Restaurants and retailers have additional safety protocols in place, visitors are encouraged to contact individual businesses for their guidelines.
FaceBank Group, Inc. (d/b/a fuboTV) and Disney Media Networks announced a comprehensive distribution agreement to deliver Disney’s robust lineup of premier news, sports, and entertainment content from ESPN and Walt Disney Television to live TV streaming platform fuboTV.
Beginning this summer, customers who subscribe to fuboTV’s fubo Standard base package will have access to ABC, ABC News Live, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, in-market for SEC Network and ACC Network, FX, FXX, and National Geographic. Additional networks will also be available on fuboTV’s other packages including out-of-market for SEC Network and ACC Network, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, FXM, Fox Life, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo, and BabyTV. The deal includes both live television and VOD.
Commented David Gandler, co-founder and CEO, fuboTV: “With the addition to our lineup of the ESPN suite of channels, we continue to make good on our promise to sports fans to be the undisputed home of professional and college sports. fubo is equally delighted to add the storied Disney, ABC, FX and Nat Geo networks to round out a robust programming portfolio for the whole family to enjoy.”
Ben Grad, head of Content Strategy and Acquisition, fuboTV added: “Launching Disney’s networks strengthens our sports-focused live TV platform and brings a diverse range of content for the entire family. Our base package offers consumers significant value, while consumers who want even more great sports and entertainment content can access it with our premium packages. As live sports return but without spectators, streaming games at home will be even more important than ever. We’re thrilled to bring more sports, as well as entertainment and news, to our consumers this summer.”
Added Sean Breen, EVP, Platform Distribution, Disney Media Networks: “Adding Disney’s array of networks across news, sports and entertainment content with ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN, FX, and Nat Geo delivers a more comprehensive channel lineup and tremendous value to customers’ subscriptions. With fuboTV’s multiple access points across all major streaming platforms and a competitive price point, we continue to serve a growing audience that consumes video on multiple screens and attract new customers into the pay-TV ecosystem.”
FuboTV is the live TV streaming platform with more top Nielsen-ranked sports, news and entertainment channels for cord-cutters than any other live platform. In April, the company merged with FaceBank Group to create a leading digital entertainment company, combining fuboTV’s direct-to-consumer live TV streaming platform for cord-cutters with FaceBank’s technology-driven IP in sports, movies and live performances. Continually innovating to give subscribers a premium viewing experience they can’t find with cable TV, fuboTV is regularly first-to-market with new product features and is the only virtual MVPD to stream in 4K.
At Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, an incredible team of cast members helps share the magic with guests. As the surrounding community takes steps towards recovery, Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen to the public on June 18.
Disney is proud to be part of the Hong Kong community, which has worked hard and shown fortitude in how it has handled the pandemic. As they carefully welcome guests back to the park, Disney will draw on the learnings from the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World. Similarly, they will also implement new and enhanced health and safety measures following the guidance of the local government and health care officials.
If you haven’t already, we encourage you to read the recent blog post from the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Pamela Hymel to learn more about the approach. While some things will look and feel different than before, the magic continues and excited to once again share our park with you because the magic begins with you.
During this initial reopening phase, the park will open with limited attendance. The park will implement social distancing requirements in queues, restaurants, attraction vehicles and at other facilities throughout the park, and will increase the frequency of sanitization and disinfection in high-guest contact areas.
As Hong Kong becomes the second Disney park to reopen, the rest of the Disney Parks family around the world continues to believe in magic and prepare for their own reopening moments. Like us they’re eager to welcome guests back to reunite with family and friends – to imagine all that is possible regardless of the situation, to celebrate postponed milestones, and to make magical, new memories.
Hong Kong Disneyland is also thrilled to share a sneak peek of magic in the making as we enter into the final stage of our Castle of Magical Dreams transformation, which will be a magnificent centerpiece of the park.
Stay tuned for more Disney Parks news and stories from Hong Kong Disneyland on reopening day! And remember, you can always experience the magic of Disney from anywhere you are on DisneyMagicMoments.com and share your stories with #DisneyMagicMoments on social media.
Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products has announced a proposed plan for a phased reopening of the Disneyland Resort. Pending state and local government approvals, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel plans to reopen on July 23, and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure park will plan to reopen on July 17. Additionally, Downtown Disney District will begin reopening on July 9th.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited to comply with governmental requirements and promote physical distancing, the Disneyland Resort will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all guests, including Annual Passholders, to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. Theme park reservations will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon. At this time, there will also be a temporary pause on new ticket sales and Annual Passport sales and renewals. Additional details will be available soon. Please check Disneyland.com for the most current information.
Once approved, the Disneyland Resort will reopen with enhanced health and safety measures. In addition, a Guest Experience Team will be available throughout the parks and Downtown Disney District to assist guests with questions regarding these new policies.
Certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. While character meet and greets will be temporarily unavailable, characters will be in the parks in new ways to entertain and delight guests.
Pending governmental approval, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, and Disney Vacation Club Villas at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa are planned to reopen to guests and members starting on July 23. Plans to support physical distancing as well as increased cleaning measures, along with a number of other health and safety protocols, will be implemented as part of the phased reopening of the hotels and the Vacation Club.
Downtown Disney District will begin reopening on July 9 in line with the state’s reopening guidelines, with its unique variety of shopping and dining experiences, including the flagship World of Disney store. With the health of guests and Disney cast members at the forefront of planning, several operational changes will be implemented based on guidance from health authorities to promote physical distancing and cleanliness throughout the Downtown Disney District.
Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as the Disneyland Resort monitors conditions and receives guidance from health and government authorities.
The Walt Disney Studios announced that the heartwarming adventure “The One and Only Ivan,” an adaptation of the bestselling, award-winning book about one very special gorilla directed by Thea Sharrock, will premiere exclusively on Disney+ August 21, 2020.
The film, which was previously scheduled to be released theatrically by The Walt Disney Studios, is an unforgettable tale about the beauty of friendship, the power of visualization and the significance of the place one calls home. “The One and Only Ivan,” which comes to the screen in an impressive hybrid of live-action and CGI, is based on Katherine Applegate’s book, which won numerous awards upon its publication in 2013, including the Newbery Medal.
“The world has changed in a heartbeat. People all over the globe have shared important, life changing experiences in ways we have not seen for a century,” said Thea Sharrock. “In response to this, I am so happy that we can share Katherine Applegate’s delightful and original story, ‘The One and Only Ivan’ with the world this August on Disney+, bringing some joy through this unique movie of true friendship, inspired by a true story.”
The film features the voices of: Sam Rockwell as the gorilla Ivan; Angelina Jolie as Stella the elephant; Danny DeVito as Bob the dog; Helen Mirren as Snickers the poodle; Chaka Khan as Henrietta the chicken; Mike White as Frankie the seal; Brooklynn Prince as Ruby the baby elephant; Ron Funches as Murphy the rabbit; Phillipa Soo as Thelma the parrot; and stars Ramon Rodriguez, Ariana Greenblatt and Bryan Cranston. “The One and Only Ivan” is directed by Thea Sharrock from a screenplay by Mike White based on Applegate’s novel and is produced by the late Allison Shearmur, p.g.a., Angelina Jolie and Brigham Taylor, p.g.a. Sue Baden-Powell and Thea Sharrock serve as executive producers.
Ivan is a 400-pound silverback gorilla who shares a communal habitat in a suburban shopping mall with Stella the elephant and Bob the dog. He has few memories of the jungle where he was captured, but when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, it touches something deep within him. Ruby is recently separated from her family in the wild, which causes him to question his life, where he comes from and where he ultimately wants to be.
Universal Studios Hollywood pays homage to its mega attraction, “Jurassic World—The Ride” with a special watch party of the global blockbuster movie JURASSIC WORLD in celebration of National Dinosaur Day on Twitter on Friday, May 29 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Fans are invited to screen their personal copy of the film while engaging with fellow fans through Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter account at https://twitter.com/unistudios.
To help toast the celebration and, for the first time ever, Universal Studios Hollywood is sharing some favorite cocktail recipes from the popular Isla Nu-Bar, located adjacent to the ride. Fans can view the exclusive recipes for Tiki Tai, Bird of Paradise, and a non-alcoholic Mai Tai on Universal Studios Hollywood’s website here.
Birds of Paradise Cocktail from Isla Nu-Bar at Universal Studios HollywoodMai Tai Cocktail from Isla Nu-Bar at Universal Studios HollywoodTiki Tai Cocktail from Isla Nu-Bar at Universal Studios Hollywood
Must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
The fate of the world is in their hands as Warner Bros. Home Entertainment releases DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season on Blu-ray and DVD on September 22, 2020. Suit up for all 15 captivating one-hour episodes from the fifth season, plus enjoy the epic extra content including a post-production featurette, deleted scenes and a gag reel. A limited-edition bonus disc featuring all five DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths episodes will be available exclusively for fans who purchase the Blu-ray. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is priced to own at $24.98 SRP for the DVD ($29.98 in Canada) and $29.98 SRP for the Blu-ray ($39.99 in Canada), which includes a Digital Copy (U.S. Only). DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow follows a group of misfit heroes as they fight, talk, and sing their way through protecting the timeline from aberrations, anomalies, and anything else that threatens to mess with history. After saving the world via the power of song and themed entertainment in last season’s finale, the Legends are major celebrities. Some struggle with the transition from lovable losers to A-list stars, while others start letting fame go to their heads. When a documentary crew decides to film the Legends in action, distracting them from their original mission, Astra Logue frees history’s most notorious villains from Hell in a bid for power. It’s up to the Legends to forgo fame and stop these reanimated souls (who they quickly dub “Encores”) from wreaking havoc on the timeline, whether it’s Rasputin popping out of his coffin and trying to become an immortal tsar or Marie Antoinette (and her head) turning the French Revolution into a deadly, non-stop party.
“After five strong seasons, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow continues to score in ratings and ranks as one of top series for The CW,” said Rosemary Markson, WBHE Senior Vice President, TV Marketing. “Embrace the weird, and get ready to binge on wild plot twists and compassionate storytelling from the unique “Legends,” as well as unbelievable bonus content that will keep you engaged for hours!”
With Blu-ray’s unsurpassed picture and sound, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Fifth Season Blu-ray release will include 1080p Full HD Video with DTS-HD Master Audio for English 5.1. Featuring all 15 episodes from the fifth season in high definition, as well as a digital code of the season (available in the U.S. only). DC’s Legends of Tomorrow stars Brandon Routh (Arrow, Superman Returns), Caity Lotz (Arrow, Mad Men), Maisie Richardson-Sellers (The Originals), Tala Ashe (The Flash, The Carrie Diaries), Jes Macallan (Mistresses, Shameless), Courtney Ford (Dexter, Supernatural, True Blood), and Olivia Swann (Doctors), with Nick Zano (The Final Destination) and Dominic Purcell (Prison Break, The Flash), with a special appearance by Matt Ryan (Constantine) reprising his popular role as John Constantine. Based on the DC characters, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Batwoman, The Flash, Supergirl, Blindspot, Black Lightning, Riverdale), Phil Klemmer (Chuck, Political Animals), Keto Shimizu (Arrow), Grainne Godfree (The Flash, Arrow) and Sarah Schechter (Arrow, The Flash, Blindspot, Supergirl, Black Lightning, Riverdale).
SPECIAL FEATURES
Deleted Scenes
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Season 5 Post Production Theater (featurette)
Gag Reel *Special Features are subject to change.
BLU-RAY BONUS DISC
All Five Epic Episodes of the DC Crossover Event Crisis on Infinite Earths from Supergirl, Batwoman, The Flash, Arrow and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
Special Features:
Crisis Past and Present: Kevin Conroy Bat Legend
Crisis on Infinite Earths: The Architects Return
Crisis Past and Present – Superman vs. Superman
Characters in Crisis: Pariah
Crisis Management
Character in Crisis: The Anti-Monitor
15 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
Crisis on Infinite Earths: Hour
Five Meet The Legends
Miss Me, Kiss Me, Love Me
Slay Anything
A Head of Her Time
Mortal Khanbat
Mr. Parker’s Cul-de-Sac
Romeo V Juliet: Dawn of Justness
Zari, Not Zari
The Great British Fake Off
Ship Broken
Freaks & Greeks
I Am Legends
The One Where We’re Trapped on TV
Swan Thong
DIGITAL
The fifth season of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow is also currently available to own on Digital. Digital allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital is available from various retailers including iTunes, Amazon Video, PlayStation, Vudu, Xbox and others. A Digital Copy is also included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs (available in the U.S.) for redemption and cloud storage.
Following the recent reopening of Shanghai Disney Resort and Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, Disney has shared that more Disney magic is coming back. On Wednesday, May 27, Disney submitted a proposal to the Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force in Florida describing our approach for a phased reopening of Walt Disney World Resort theme parks planned to begin on July 11.
Pending Orange County and state approval, the Walt Disney World Resort proposal plans for Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom to begin a phased reopening to the general public on July 11, followed by EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios on July 15. In preparing to reopen during this unusual time, Disney has to manage the theme parks in a very different way from what they’ve known before. As they begin to reach out to Cast Members and call them back to work, they will be focused on operating the parks in a responsible way that continues to give Guests opportunities to create magical Disney memories.
This phased reopening will demonstrate a deliberate approach, with limits on attendance and controlled Guest density that aligns with guidance on physical distancing. That means certain experiences that draw large group gatherings – such as parades and nighttime spectaculars – will return at a later date. In addition, “high-touch” experiences such as makeover opportunities, playgrounds, and character meet and greets will remain temporarily unavailable, but characters will still be in the parks to entertain and delight Guests.
Because theme park capacity will be significantly limited Disney will manage attendance through a new theme park reservation system that will require all Guests to obtain a reservation for park entry in advance. At this time, Disney is temporarily pausing new ticket sales and Disney Resort hotel reservations so they can focus on Guests with existing tickets and reservations. (Disney Vacation Club members can still make new reservations.) Existing ticket holders and Annual Passholders will be able to make reservation requests in phases before new tickets are sold; they will be reaching out to these Guests soon to provide additional details. Theme park reservations will be limited due to attendance limitations and will be subject to availability. More details about this new reservation system will be available soon.
Additionally, Disney Vacation Club resorts at Walt Disney World will reopen to members and Guests and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground will begin to reopen on June 22. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head, South Carolina, will also open to members and Guests starting on June 15. Plans to support required physical distancing as well as enhanced cleaning measures, along with a number of other safety and cleanliness protocols, will be implemented as part of this planned phased reopening.
Also, the World of Disney retail shop reopened at our Disney Springs shopping and dining complex at Walt Disney World. And in the coming weeks, Disney Stores will begin a phased reopening of operations globally, beginning with a select number of stores in the United States, in addition to stores in Europe and Japan.
In this spirit, destinations will continue to follow enhanced safety protocols based upon applicable guidance from health authorities and government agencies. As we all must work together to promote the health and safety of everyone, Cast Members as well as Guests 3 years of age and older will be required to wear appropriate face coverings in theme parks and common areas of resort hotels. All Guests will also undergo temperature screenings prior to entering a theme park; Cast Members will also have temperature checks. Cashless transactions are recommended, and cleaning and disinfection procedures will be increased in high-traffic areas.
Additional information on enhanced health and safety measures and operational changes for reopening locations will be shared soon. These policies are under continuous review and are subject to change as Disney monitors conditions and receive guidance from health and government authorities.
Following the CDC’s recent recommendationto wear cloth face coverings in public settings, Disney is introducing non-medical, reusable cloth face masks featuring favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters in the U.S.
“We realize this is a challenging time for families and wearing any type of mask can be daunting,” says Edward Park, senior vice president, Disney store, and shopDisney. “Our hope is that Disney’s cloth face masks featuring some of our most beloved characters will provide comfort to the families, fans, and communities that are so important to us.”
Disney is donating one million cloth face masks for children and families in underserved and vulnerable communities across the U.S. that will be distributed by MedShare (www.medshare.org), an Atlanta-based humanitarian aid organization that collects and distributes surplus medical supplies and equipment.
Disney will also donate all profits from the sales in the U.S. of Disney’s cloth face masks to MedShare (www.medshare.org), up to $1 million, now through September 30, 2020.
“Disney’s donations will make a tremendous impact in the communities we serve,” says Charles Redding, CEO, and president of MedShare. “Their contribution of one million Disney cloth face masks will be provided to families in underserved communities and organizations working to limit the spread of COVID-19, while their monetary donation will be used to support the medical community’s ongoing efforts to provide lifesaving care to those who need it most.”
The cloth face masks come in small, medium and large sizes and in a wide variety of prints featuring a range of fan-favorite characters, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Anna and Elsa, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, The Avengers, the Child – affectionately known as Baby Yoda – and more.
The cloth face masks align with the FDA’s latest recommendations on non-surgical, non-industrial grade face masks.
“Although social distancing remains one of the most effective measures to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the CDC also recommends that the general public use simple cloth face coverings if out in public,” said Dr. Pat Salber, Editor-in-Chief of The Doctor Weighs In and member of Medshare’s Board of Trustees. “Disney’s cloth face masks can help families apply that recommendation while helping kids feel less scared and more comfortable.”
Disney’s cloth face masks are available for pre-order now in packs of four on shopDisney.com (HERE) in the U.S., and are estimated to ship in June. Care instructions, including washing and fitting guidelines, can be found on shopDisney.com.
Disney’s cloth face masks are just one example of the company’s commitment to helping communities in need during the current healthcare crisis. As part of its nearly $5 million in-kind donations benefiting communities around the globe, The Walt Disney Company has already donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California, Florida and Washington, D.C., and 175,000 rain ponchos to hospitals in need of additional protective garments.
To prioritize the health and well-being of patrons, artists, volunteers, staff and community at large Segerstrom Center for the Arts has canceled or postponed all performances and events scheduled through the month of May, in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
These include:
Beckman Arts and Science Family Festival (May 2, postponed)
Paper Planet (May 2 – 3, canceled)
Celtic Woman (May 2, canceled)
Les Misérables (May 5 – 17, postponed)
Emerson String Quartet (May 7, postponed)
Silent Disco on the Argyros Plaza (May 8, postponed)
Rock, Paper Scissors: CUMBIA! on the Argyros Plaza (May 15, postponed)
Distinguished Speaker Series: Dan Buettner (May 18, postponed)
ABT William J. Gillespie School Showcase (May 21 & 22, postponed)
Swing Under the Stars on the Argyros Plaza (May 29, canceled)
ABT William J. Gillespie School Auditions for the 2020-2021 School Year (May 30, postponed)
Patrons with tickets to canceled performances may donate their tickets to the Center as a gift and receive a tax deduction for the full value. The Center understands that not all patrons are in a position to do so, but these donations are significant no matter what the amount. Without ticket income, these and other thoughtful donations enable the Center to operate, serve the community and remain on a solid foundation until shows, artists and community events can return.
While theaters remain dark the Center continues to connect with audiences through the Center’s website and social media channels. To stay up-to-date on all of the digital offerings, subscribe to the Center Connection weekly e-blast.
The Center is also diligently exploring options for rescheduling artists and productions for future dates where possible. Several events originally scheduled for next month will be hosted virtually, including the Spring Showcase on May 4, featuring Teaching Artists from the Center’s education department, and the Spring Carnival on May 17, a celebration of the arts usually held on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza. Tuesday Night Dance lessons, originally scheduled outside on the Argyros Plaza throughout the month, will also now be hosted virtually. More details will be provided shortly on where to access these events.
Both the American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and the School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities remain physically closed through the month of May. However, students will be able to participate in FREE online classes. In partnership with ABT Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (JKO) School children and parents can tune into @ABTSchool on Instagram and the ABT YouTube channel for daily classes in ballet movement taught by former ABT dancers and school faculty.
Classes are perfect for children and their families to explore musicality, foster creativity and imagination, and learn ballet fundamentals. Classes are pre-recorded and will be uploaded at the following times:
The School of Dance and Music for Children with Disabilities will be offering four virtual classes a week, free to the public. The classes will include dance, music, and vocal lessons geared towards ages 4-22 and will be accessible through the Center’s website.
Information for Ticket Holders:
Patrons with tickets to canceled performances may donate the tickets to the Center as a gift and receive a tax deduction for the full value.
Tickets may also be exchanged for a gift certificate or credit that can be used at another time. And patrons may receive a refund for the value of the tickets. With Center offices and box office closed for walk-up business, patrons are asked to contact the Center at www.scfta.org/about/ticket-options.aspx to let them know how they would like the Center to handle their tickets. They will be contacted with confirmation. Due to the volume of inquiries and personalized attention given to each person, the Center expresses its gratitude for the patience of every ticketholder. For additional information and updates, the public is requested to visit www.scfta.org/See-a-Show/CrushCOVID/COVID-19-Preparedness.aspx
Patrons holding tickets to the May 18 Distinguished Speakers Series event with Dan Buettner should contact the Center. For additional information they may contact the Series directly at 310-546-6222.
Information provided is accurate at the time of printing but is subject to change. Segerstrom Center for the Arts is a public, non-profit organization. “Segerstrom Center for the Arts” is a registered trademark.
A cruise to The Caribbean is full of beautiful waters and islands (photo by Greg Aragon)
We may be stuck at home, but our minds and memories can take us anywhere in the world. So over the next few weeks, I would like to look back at some of my favorite getaways.
A trip that often dances in my memory is the Caribbean cruise I took a few years back with Windstar Cruises. Featuring motorized sailing yachts that are about a third the size of today’s average cruise ships, Windstar offers a unique, intimate traveling experience.
The voyage began aboard the sleek, 342-passenger Wind Surf, which took us to the beautiful islands of Iles des Saintes, Nevis, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, St. John and St. Thomas.
Small boats bob off the island of St. John in the Caribbean (photo by Greg Aragon)
Iles des Saintes, my favorite island in the French Antilles, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493. This charming little hideaway is painted with colorful fishing boats bobbing offshore and tanned, french-speaking residents traversing narrow, semi-paved streets with scooters, bicycles and bare feet. The island canvas is completed with the tiny shopping village of Bourg, sandwiched between white sandy beaches, with turquoise waters, and verdant green hills, speckled with red-roofed dwellings.
While in Iles des Saintes, I hiked to the ruins of Fort Napoleon, an 1867 garrison built by the island’s inhabitants to defend against attacking Carib and English armies. I then found Pont Piere Beach, where I went snorkeling in a secluded cove and relaxed on a deserted beach, while the Wind Surf danced on the horizon and wild goats and fisherman strolled past.
Back onboard the Wind Surf I explored the 617-foot-long ship. The vessel boasts five towering masts and seven massive, computer-operated sails can propel her if the wind is right. If its man-made power the captain needs, then four diesel-electric engines are at the ready.
Because of her size, the Wind Surf, like all Windstar ships, can drop anchor in exotic ports too small for the big guys. And because these vessels carry a fraction of the passenger load, embarking and disembarking takes minutes instead of hours.
In the morning, the lush green mountains of Nevis engulfed my cabin windows. Rushing ashore, I found a beautiful cone-shaped island with colorful buildings, friendly locals, uniformed school children, and wondering goats and chickens. I gathered my water and sun screen and joined an expedition into the island’s stunning rainforest in search of vervet monkeys, wild donkeys and Zebra butterflies.
The trek took us through a thick canopy of vegetation that wound past wild coffee and cherries, mango trees and bamboo, and a host of exotic medicinal plants. In a while, we dipped beneath the branches of a towering breadfruit tree and emerged from the jungles of Nevis. Here I peered down the mountain to see the glistening profile of Wind Surf, anchored in a horseshoe bay.
From Nevis the Wind Surf sailed to St. Barthelemy, where we anchored off the tiny French island around noon. Because of the ship’s diminutive size we parked close enough to see a hilltop sprinkled with luxurious retreats. While here, I joined a van tour of the island.
Also known as St. Barts, St. Barthelemy is a Caribbean haven for the rich and famous – or those lucky enough to have been born there. The island is highlighted by narrow hillside streets, with secluded coves; sandy beaches; and luxurious resorts, hanging above emerald lagoons. There is also duty-free shopping; chic sidewalk cafes; mopeds and tiny cars; and a continuous air show, in which planes skim the main highway to land on a mountaintop airstrip the size of a football field.
Back aboard the Wind Surf, the chef prepared a Caribbean buffet in the lounge. Highlighted a whole roasted pig, fresh crab and shrimp, and numerous coconut and curry dishes, the exotic feast brought everyone out of their cabins. Dinner was followed by a variety show, staring the ship’s crew.
In the morning we sailed into St. Martin, the smallest landmass in the world shared by two countries. The Dutch own sixteen miles and the French own 21. On the French side, I saw salt ponds and the largest lagoon in the Caribbean. On the Dutch side, I found gambling and great bargains on duty free alcohol.
Our last island stop was St. John, where I hiked over a mountain and ended up at Honeymoon Beach, a beautifully secluded paradise. While cooling in the clear, bath-like water, I was invited aboard a nearby sailboat and given cold beer.
For more info on a Windstar Cruise to the Caribbean or other exotic destinations, visit www.windstarcruises.com.
To celebrate May the 4th, Diego Luna (Cassian Andor), star of the critically acclaimed Disney+ series Andor, surprised fans earlier today during a special...
