Naples Ristorante e Bar in Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort introduces a new look, new bar, new dining area, and most importantly, a new menu. Chef Goofy and Chef Mickey rose to the occasion at a brief ceremony to mark the fresh offerings.
Signature wine and appetizers make a great start to your meal. A selection of gourmet cheese and fresh fruit with bread provides a light snack. Be sure to save enough room for the mouth-watering main course.
The open kitchen provides a clear view of the chefs as they prepare hot entrées including authentic oven-fired flatbread pizza dishes.
Be sure to save room for delectable desserts. The tarts and cheesecake will dance on your palates.
Downtown Disney continues to serve up even more new offerings in the near future.
The big party is just getting started at the Disneyland Resort, as brand new Mickey Mouse 90 merchandise hits the shelves just in time for this year’s big celebration. From festive shirts to one of a kind mugs and toys, there’s something for Mickey fans all shapes and sizes. Take a look at some of the amazing things you can now find in the parks to show off your Mickey pride!
This collection has a wide assortment of colorful t-shirts, hoodies, and outerwear all featuring the same Mickey Mouse 90 design. Mickey’s dapper birthday look works perfectly, bringing it all together quite nicely.
Mickey and friends will also be getting limited edition birthday celebration Tsum Tsums. These adorable additions are already flying off the shelves. Each Tsum Tsum has their own party hat and exclusive design.
The ever-popular birthday themed Mickey plush has made its triumphant return. The limited toy can be found throughout the resort in bountiful quantities. Though, if Mickey’s birthday was any indication, these won’t last long!
Minnie Mouse also takes the spotlight, celebrating her own exclusive polka dot fashion collection. The series includes exclusive ears, purses, and a dotted out spirit jersey. You can find the new, “Minnie Rock the Dots” items in both parks.
Make sure to snag your own piece of the magic and join in the celebration kicking off this year at the Disneyland Resort. You can see a full gallery of photos below for both collections and can learn more about what’s coming next by clicking here.
The revolution has begun at the La Mirada Theatre of the Performing Arts in glorious fashion with the debut of the hit, 1776 The Musical. Directed by Glenn Castle, the show is a roaring spectacle, bringing you on your feet and tossing you right into the most pivotal moment in American history.
From start to finish, 1776 is just what we need right now, a satirical look at the foundations of American government. The show is comedy gold, shedding the light on how far we think we’ve come and what struggles we still face today in the very halls that were forged by the squabbling, attention seeking, and tantrum-prone Congress that the American people idolize with glorious acclaim. Just like the likes of Hamilton, 1776 is pulled right from the pages of history, bringing in a modern flair that brings the past to life in a way that no history class or documentary could ever hope to attempt.
The show stars an all star cast featuring the brilliant styles of James Barbour as “Edward Rutledge,” Peter Van Norden as “Benjamin Franklin,” Andy Umberger as “John Adams,” Teri Bibb as “Abigail Adams,” Caleb Shaw as “Thomas Jefferson,” Ellie Wyman as “Martha Jefferson,” Nick Santa Maria as “John Hancock,” Peter Allen Vogt as “Samuel Chase,” Victor E. Chan as “Robert Livingston,” Brad Rupp as “George Read,” Gordon Goodman as “Stephen Hopkins,” Jason Chacon as “Dr. Josiah Bartlett,” Joey Ruggiero as “Joseph Hewes,” Jordan Goodsell as “Charles Thomson,” Jordan Schneider as “Dr. Lyman Hall,” Jotapé Lockwood as “Lewis Morris,” Matthew Kimbrough as “Colonel Thomas McKean,” Michael Dotson as “Roger Sherman,” Michael Rothhaar as “Andrew McNair,” Michael Starr as “Richard Henry Lee,” Michael Stone Forrest as “John Dickinson,” Mitchell McCollum as “Reverend John Witherspoon,” Ted Barton as “James Wilson,” Rodrigo Varandas as “Leather Apron/Painter,” and Nick McKenna as “Courier.”
Van Norden and Umberger were absolute standouts, never letting the laughs die down in their extremely memorable performances. They drove the rest of the cast to a whole new level, bringing it home in an act worthy of a standing ovation. La Mirada Theatre has truly done it again, bringing only the highest quality stage acts in a venue that continues to impress. Along with a recently updated sound system and renovated seating hall, it’s the perfect place to kick off a new year of entertainment. 1776 The Musical will run from January 12th to February 3rd.
You can purchase tickets for the show and see the rest of the 2019 season by checking out La Mirada Theatre’s official site. Make sure to stay tuned, as more exciting things are to come, including the hit musical, Beauty and the Beast!
Enjoy handcrafted drafts and local, seasonal fare at the only onsite brewery at Disneyland Resort. This research and development brewery is complete with a 3-barrel brewing rig and an array of craft beers on tap.
Relax in the beer garden and tuck into sumptuous Southern California cuisine like Duck Confit Nachos, the Smokey Blue Burger or Baja-Style Fish Tacos. Pair your meal with an ale or lager like Sculpin® IPA, Manta Ray®, Victory at Sea and more—pinnacles of their styles and premium award-winners.
This is the very spot to quench yer search for good food and refreshing libations. Welcome ashore Ballast Point to Downtown Disney. The American brewery founded in 1996 has gathered a large following with its Southern California establishments in San Diego and Long Beach. Anaheim can now be part of that legacy with its newest location in the Disneyland Resort.
The kitchen’s output of great food is also something to look forward to as many of the menu items are designed just for this Orange County location.
Duck Confit NachosVegan Lettuce Cups made with “Impossible” proteinBP WingsHouse-made Pimento Cheese
Rest assured that new and exclusive flavors of beer will be brewed in this facility. The same team that brews in Long Beach will oversee and create new concoctions that can only be found in the Disneyland property.
A familiar friend is dressed as a seafaring pirate perched by the ceiling as a fitting nod to its former occupant of Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Ballast Point Brewery commandeers Build-A-Bear Workshop
Along with the great atmosphere provided inside Disneyland’s first craft brewery is a store dedicated for die-hard fans that want to show off their love of craft beer. Everything from coolers, shirts, hats, and even growlers!
So weigh anchor and set sail for Ballast Point, Downtown Disney’s newest hidden treasure!
Prepare to kick it into high gear as Captain Marvel is just months away from making her big screen debut. Marvel Studios has released a new special look featurette, bringing us some more time with Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) as well as our old friend, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). The clip focuses on Fury and Danvers’ newfound relationship as well as a few looks at the mysterious origins of Danvers awesome power.
Moviegoers can now purchase tickets for the upcoming release, including special limited opening night fan event screenings. These events will include first access to the film in addition to exclusive perks, footage, and collectibles. There will be multiple venues participating in the fan event, which include the El Capitan Theatre, AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and many more. You can see a full list of formats and screening options by checking out Fandango.
To celebrate the news, Marvel Studios has also released a brand new poster for the film, which features Brie Larson in heroic fashion. Make sure to purchase your tickets before they fly away and take a look at what’s coming next from Marvel Studios. Captain Marvel releases in theaters on March 8th.
It will be a little more expensive to visit the Happiest Place on Earth in 2019, as Disney Parks officials have just released new ticket pricing for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. The new prices go into effect Monday, January 6th, 2019. The full price details will be provided below. According to officials, the price surge will be around 8 percent. The move comes just before the start of the resorts highly anticipated opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
1 Day One Park Ticket: Regular $129 (From $117) Peak $149 (From $135)
1 Day Park Hopper Ticket: Value $154 (From $147) Regular $179 (From $167) Peak $199 (From $185)
Two Day One Park Ticket: $225 (From $210)
Two Day Park Hopper Ticket: $280 (From $260)
Three Day One Park Ticket: $300
Three Day Park Hopper Ticket: $355
Parking: $25 (From $20)
Maxpass: $15 per day (From $10 per day)
Annual Passes will also see an increase in pricing to match. It appears the Annual Pass Program will remain the same in regards to its current availability, block out, and add-on features. No other changes have been announced.
SoCal Select Annual Pass: $399 (From $369)
Deluxe Annual Pass: $799 (From $729)
Signature Annual Pass: $1149 (From $999)
Signature Plus Annual Pass: $1399 (From $1149)
Premier Passport: $1949 (From $1579)
The Disneyland Resort will offer it’s annual Southern California Resident Discount Tickets, which go into effect this month. SoCal residents can purchase a $179 Three Day 1 Park tickets in addition to $234 Three Day Park Hopper tickets. The tickets are available for use and can be purchased through May 20th. To learn more about pricing, availability, and any other details regarding Disneyland’s park admission, please visit the official site.
Good Grief! Knott’s Berry farm is kicking off 2019 with two additional weekends of Knott’s Peanuts Celebration, an event lovingly dedicated to celebrating the colorful characters of Charles M. Schulz Peanuts comics. The entire park will be taken over by the gang, featuring new interactive character experiences, new festive Peanuts themed decor, more vibrant comic strip photo ops, live show offerings, exclusive merchandise, and delicious themed treats.
The fun begins January 26th and will take place on weekends throughout March 10th. Presidents Day will also be included in the mix, bringing guests even more opportunities to be part of the celebration. The party will have plenty of surprises hidden throughout every corner of the park that include one of a kind photo opportunities, bringing guests right into the comic strip world of Charlie Brown. Decor will be found throughout the park, including full size comic strip props like Charlie Brown’s list kites and his renowned thought bubbles. Characters will also pop up in unexpected locations, providing plenty of fun meet and greet opportunities that will create lasting memories.
Along for the ride come brand new entertainment spectaculars, starting right in the middle of Camp Snoopy Theater. The popular kids spot will debut an all new Space Beagle show featuring Charlie Brown and Lucy, as the world’s famous beagle becomes the first dog to ever set foot on the moon. The Grand Sierra Railroad will also be inviting kids to celebrate with the gang as they head to the Beagle Bonanza, bringing in a fresh ride overlay that is fun and perfect for the occasion.
Once you are done with the bonanza, make sure to head over to Bird Cage Theatre, as the park will be giving guests of all ages a chance to learn how to draw their favorite Peanuts characters. The Peanuts Sketch School will include Knott’s official resident art teacher, who will provide step by step instructions on how to create your very own Peanuts masterpiece.
The fun doesn’t stop there though, as Franklin and Linus take guests on a Western adventure at Calico Park with the Peanuts Cowboy Jamboree. The boys are looking to challenge guests with some of the “rootinest, tootinest” games in all of Calico. Meanwhile, guests can find musical surprises at the Calico Mine Stage. During the day, Sally and Schroder will host a retrospect of music in The Music Goes Round and Round, inviting guests to dance along with them throughout the isles.
When the sun goes down, make sure to keep an ear out for Woodstock’s Musical Festival. The symphonic event will feature the Peanuts gang and the family friendly indie band, The Jelly of the Month Club. There’s a lot to look forward to, as well as special appearances by Snoopy’s family. This is just the beginning of Knott’s Seasons of Fun. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the excitement!
Share your memories from this year’s event by using the special hashtag #KnottsPeanutsCelebration
Dumbo’s big day is almost here, and in all the excitement, Disney has released brand new character posters to welcome in the new year. Take a look below at Dumbo, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), Max Medici (Danny DeVito), V.A Vandevere (Michael Keaton), and Collette Marchant (Eva Green).
For those who aren’t familiar with the upcoming adaptation, Tim Burton is taking the reigns and will expand the beloved classic, taking the story to new heights. The story follows Dumbo, a sweet newborn elephant that is more than meets the eye. He is found by the family of Holt Farrier, a former circus star, who discovers the elephant can fly. Yet, when savvy entrepreneur, V.A Vandevere arrives, a new and mysterious adventure awaits. You can watch Dumbo‘s latest trailer by clicking here.
Burton’s live action adventure is just one of many new films coming to the silver screen this year. A full list is now available, with our favorite flying elephant out in front leading the way. Disney’s Dumbo releases to the world on March 29th.
The Walt Disney Studios is leading the way for movie fans in 2019, bringing forth a whole new world of cinematic adventures for all ages to enjoy. Take a look at our complete list of all of this year’s major releases from Captain Marvel to Star Wars Episode IX.
Brie Larson leads the way in Marvel’s next major installment in the MCU. Follow Carol Danvers (Larson) as she discovers her past and explores her extraordinary power. You can get the latest scoop by clicking here.
Take flight in Tim Burton’s reimagined adventure featuring everyone’s favorite flying elephant. Taking the live action stage in a big way, Dumbo will be Disney’s first live action adaptation of the year.
Penguins – April 17th, 2019
BUDDING FAMILY — Disneynature’s all-new feature film “Penguins” is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. From the filmmaking team behind “Bears” and “Chimpanzee,” Disneynature’s “Penguins” opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.
Just in time to celebrate Earth Day, Disneynature’s Penguins will take the world on a unique journey through the life of an Adélie penguin in the icy and splendidly goregeous arctic. Follow Steve as he finds a mate, raises a family, and finds his place in the vast world around him.
Avengers: Endgame – April 26th, 2019
In the aftermath of Thanos, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes will face their biggest challenge yet. Prepare your emotions and strap up for the next chapter in this truly intense phase of the MCU. Avengers: Endgame is coming.
Aladdin – May 24th, 2019
Naomi Scott as Jasmine and Mena Massoud as Aladdin in Disney’s live-action adaptation of ALADDIN, directed by Guy Ritchie.
Disney’s hit animated feature, Aladdin, gets the live action treatment this summer, bringing forth the creative stylings of director Guy Ritchie. Prepare for a magic carpet filled adventure that will bring a whole new twist on this classic tale.
Things are definitely not what they seem in Pixar’s latest installment in the Toy Story saga. The toys are back with a new and reluctant friend, Forky, who does not wish to be a toy. From the incredibly interesting teaser trailer, there’s a lot to explore and plenty to look forward to.
John Favreau returns to bring fans a brand new version of Disney’s 90s masterpiece, The Lion King. Starring Donald Glover, Beyonce, and James Earl Jones, the film will bring everyone’s characters to life in the same stunning visual style as The Jungle Book.
Artemis Fowl – August 9th
Judi Dench is Commander Root in Disney’s ARTEMIS FOWL, an adventure that finds 12-year-old genius Artemis Fowl in a battle of strength and cunning against a powerful, hidden race of fairies who may be behind his father’s disappearance.
Artemis Fowl is coming off the pages and onto the silver screen this fall. Starring Ferdia Shaw, Lara McDonell, Tamara Smart, Nonzo Anozie, Josh Gad, and Judi Dench, the film will take us into the world of 12 year old genius, Artemis Fowl, and his epic struggle in a world never before seen on screen.
Frozen II – November 22nd
Though no official trailer, images, or details have been released, Frozen II is destined to be a holiday smash. The film will bring back favorites Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as Anna and Elsa, along with Josh Gad as Olaf.
Star Wars Episode IX – December 20th
The Skywalker saga comes to a close this December with the release of JJ Abram’s Star Wars Episode IX. Very few details have become available, but it has been confirmed the film will take place one year after the events of The Last Jedi. More details are soon to come, especially with Star Wars Celebration Chicago taking place this April.
It’s a year full of movie magic and it’s only going to get bigger as later this year at the 2019 D23 Expo, fans will get a chance to preview what comes next. Stay tuned, as we will make sure to keep you fully up to date on all the amazing news and updates.
Disneyland officials have reached out this week to confirm that the park icon, Sleeping Beauty Castle, will go under some major renovations in preparation for the upcoming debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The news, which broke via the OC Register, states that the Disneyland icon will receive $300,000 in funds to replace the roof as well as replacement fiber-reinforced plastic on the castle’s turrets.
The project begins on Monday, January 7th, the day after many Disneyland Annual Passholders will be making their first visit to the resort for the new year. Scaffolding will surround certain portions of the castle, and as in years past, will receive decorative coverings to maintain the show element of the popular location. According to the OC Register, the update will not bring any significant changes to the castle, as we have seen in past anniversary updates, such as Disneyland’s 60th anniversary overlay.
Sleeping Beauty Castle’s 60th Anniversary Overlay
“Sleeping Beauty Castle is the heart of Disneyland Park and is simply being refreshed,” said Walt Disney Imagineering art director Kim Irvine. “It will remain the same beloved icon it is today when the refurbishment is complete.”
For guests visiting the parks in the upcoming weeks, please also note that the Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough will be closed beginning January 17th. The attraction will reopen once the castle is completed. Stay tuned for more updates, as 2019 will be bringing lots of exciting changes and celebrations including Lunar New Year and Disney California Adventure’s Food and Wine Festival.
2019 has arrived and with the new year comes the excitement of D23’s 10th Anniversary. From exclusive anniversary film screenings to the highly anticipated D23 Expo, there are plenty of ways to join in the fun. Take a look at D23’s official list on how you can take part in all the festivities!
Information provided from D23’s official site:
1. D23 Expo 2019
What better way to celebrate our milestone anniversary then at the ultimate Disney Fan Event? We can’t wait to bring the worlds of Disney together this year at D23 Expo 2019 and celebrate all the magic of The Walt Disney Company under one roof. Are you ready to join the celebration? Stay tuned for more exciting updates and announcements about what to expect at D23 Expo.
Photo courtesy of D23.com
2. 10 Fan-Tastic Milestones Pin Set
We recently announced this year’s Gold Member Gift: The 10 Fan-Tastic Milestones Pin Set, an exclusive-to-D23 pin set celebrating 10 major Disney anniversaries in honor of ten years of D23. This special pin set will be sent to all D23 Gold and Gold Family members who join or renew this year. You can read more about this gift, designed by Disney artist Ricky De Los Angeles, here.
3. Magical Screening Series
D23 isn’t the only part of Disney celebrating a special milestone in 2019. All year long, we’re screening classic Disney movies celebrating anniversaries—from 10 years of Up to 60 years of Sleeping Beauty, you can join us all year as we celebrate the anniversaries of some of our favorite films at Walt Disney World Resort and The Walt Disney Studios.
4. Expanded Studio Tours
We’re celebrating our anniversary with a gift for you—an expanded selection of tours of the Walt Disney Studios, hosted exclusively by D23. Kicking off during our anniversary month in March, join us monthly for tours open to General, Gold, and Gold Family members. If that wasn’t enough Disney magic for you, stay tuned for future updates on our D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Day on the Studio Lot, which will take place this Spring and Fall and feature amazing one-of-a-kind experiences we can’t wait to share with you!
5. The Return of Your Favorite Events
It’s hard to pick the best of all the events we’ve held in our past 10 years, but we have some favorites that will be returning as part of our tenth anniversary celebration. In June, we will be returning to Walt Disney’s birthplace and visit his restored family home in Marceline, Missouri! Plus, keep your calendar open for our signature events such as Sip & Stroll, Mickey’s of Glendale shopping, and a tour of The Walt Disney Family Museum. End the year with Light Up the Season at the Walt Disney Studios, where the famed Studio lot turns into a winter wonderland to kick off the holiday season. Find out more about our 2019 events here.
6. Lunch with Disney Legends Across the United States
This exclusive dining experience with Disney luminaries expands this year across the country, including New York City for a special lunch with Linda Larkin—the speaking voice of Jasmine in Aladdin—this April. More details on who and what locations will be part of this fan-favorite event series will be revealed throughout the year, so stay tuned for more exclusive luncheons with a Disney magic maker.
7. Celebrate 80 Years of Marvel Comics at San Diego Comic-Con
One of the anniversaries we are celebrating along with our own this year is especially super—80 years of Marvel Comics! Join us at San Diego Comic-Con for a celebration of Marvel Comics’ amazing legacy, all with your fellow D23 Members. Stay tuned for future updates on what to expect from this very special member mixer.
8. Year-Long Fanniversary Celebration
In 2018, we held a month-long anniversary celebration for two spooky classics, Hocus Pocus and Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, for our annual Fanniversary celebration, but this year our celebration of Disney favorites is bigger than ever. All year long we will be announcing special events, member discounts, and more in honor of our own Fanniversary. Which Disney favorites will we be celebrating? Check checking back on D23.com for future announcements!
9. Join the Celebration on Social Media
What better way to celebrate 10 years of the official Disney Fan Club than with other Disney fans? Join in the fun by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. We’ll be posting special announcements, sharable images, exclusive sneak peeks and more, so don’t miss a moment of the fun.
10. Stay tuned for future surprises!
The party’s only just begun for our 10-year anniversary celebration! We’ll be announcing more ways to celebrate throughout the year, from special events, new discounts, and more. Plus, D23 Gold and Gold Family members can look forward to four issues of Disney twenty-three full of exclusive Disney magic. There are surprises and delights awaiting you throughout 2019, so get excited. Our celebration of 10 years of The Official Disney Fan Club isn’t complete without the most important thing—the fans.
The full roster of upcoming 2019 events can be viewed here. Happy 10 Years to D23!
Warning: This review contains some spoilers, if you like to go into the theater blind, just trust that you can’t miss this one.
I chose to go into Dear Evan Hansen having almost no idea what this show was about. I confess I’d never seen Segerstrom Center for the Arts so busy, so I was already very excited before I even found a parking space. Dear Evan Hansen is an amazingly original story that perfectly captures the adolescent experience, the ever-evolving world of Social Media, and touches on the tough subjects of mental illness and suicide. Evan Hansen is an entering High School senior, who is taking medication for anxiety and is seeing a therapist who encourages him to write daily letters to himself that will assure him why every day will be a good day. His mom interrupts him trying to pen his first letter to himself on his laptop, but he assures her he will finish it at school. He broke his arm over the summer, so his mom suggests he break the ice with his classmates by asking them to sign his cast. Sharpie in hand, Evan sets off to his very overwhelming first day back at school. Evan encounters a few familiar students; the overbearing and overachieving Alana Beck, his “family friend” Jared Kleinman, Infamous outcast Connor Murphy, and Evan’s crush, Connor’s sister Zoe Murphy. Connor is also secretly struggling with being at school, and he and Jared have an altercation that Evan witnesses, leading Connor to push Evan to the ground before storming off. Zoe, who witnessed the fight, runs to Evan’s side to apologize on behalf of her brother. Evan panics while trying to speak to Zoe for the first time, as his hands begin sweating and he starts to stutter. He encounters Connor again a little while later, who unexpectedly offers to sign his cast writing CONNOR in large capital letters, stating that this way they can both pretend to have friends. Evan retreats to the computer lab to finish his letter, which includes a sentence about his love interest, Zoe. Connor finds the letter in the printer and takes it, accusing Evan of mocking him, as the letter was addressed “Dear Evan Hansen.” The next day, Evan is called to the school administration office because Connor took his own life, and it was assumed that Evan’s letter which they found on his person, was his suicide note. Not wanting to cause more suffering and confusion for Connor and Zoe’s parents, Evan found himself spiraling into a web of lies with the help of Jared that made it seem as though he and Connor were best friends. As a result, Evan, Alana, and Jared create “The Connor Project,” a website about Connor and suicide prevention that is designed to ensure that Connor is never forgotten. As Evan’s web of lies begins to unravel, he needs to decide who he is inherent, even if it means hurting the people he cares about the most.
Ben Levi Ross (Evan Hansen) was just phenomenal, his vocal performance, as well as interpretation of being an awkward teenager really landed. Evan has a lot of self-doubt and awkward stutters, as well as nuances that make you laugh, alluding to observations he’s made about himself at an earlier time in the show. We laughed through his performance of “If I Could Tell Her” and cried through “You Will Be Found.” Ross did an amazing job of making you feel for the character.
Jared Goldsmith (Jared Kleinman) had fantastic comedic timing, down to body language and tone of voice. As crass as his character can be, Goldsmith did a great job with keeping his tone lighthearted. You knew the moment he arrived on stage, something hilarious would happen. He did a great job breaking up the seriousness of the rest of the show.
A surprise stands out for me was Jessica Phillips (Heidi Hansen) and her portrayal of Evan’s mom. She had a great presence throughout the show, but I was completely moved to tears by her performance of “So Big/So Small.” The heart-wrenching vocals and physical performance were just breathtaking.
The set itself was fascinating; simple black bars with projected social media feeds on them mirroring Facebook and Instagram flanked the characters in almost every scene. Occasionally, the projections would shift to letters being read, or video chats being had. Physical set props consisted mainly of two beds, a dining room table, and a sofa. It was amazing how many places they could portray with minimal set usage. The band was on stage with the cast, on the 2nd floor of the set which was not accessed by characters at any point. Music Director/Conductor/Keyboardist Austin Cook was very passionate about the performance, head-banging along with songs on occasion. He had his own round of applause long after the Cast left the stage.
Overall, this musical is a treasure and is up there with the greats. It reminds us all of what it was like being young, that we are never alone, and never to judge a book by its cover. Social media is a fickle thing, and it can really change how people interact with one another. It really brought together an audience of strangers too; with women wiping their tears together in the restroom, discussing the performance over intermission, people hugging in the lobby, and humming the songs together as they left. This musical is important, as it really demonstrates the human response to situations, and reminds us all, that #youarenotalone.
Dear Evan Hansen is performing at the Center January 1 – 13, 2019. Tickets start at $35.75 and are on sale now at SCFTA.org, by calling (714) 556- 2787 and at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa.
