Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2019 Food Guide

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February 27, 2019

Calling all foodies – get your forks and knives ready, because the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival is returning to the Disneyland Resort on March 1! Celebrating the beauty and bounty of California, the festival features unforgettable cuisine and beverages from regions across the Golden State. In addition to 14 Festival Marketplaces with incredible menus, you can enjoy family-friendly seminars, celebrity chef sightings, a dinner with Disney chefs, and so much more!

The Marketplace menus this year are jam-packed with a delicious array of new items, as well as some returning favorites. Located throughout Disney California Adventure park, you’ll want to make a stop at every kiosk! Paradise Garden Grill and the Festival Beer Garden are also featuring their own offerings, including a wonderful selection of beer flights and unique dishes.

In addition, the Sip and Savor Pass is a great way to taste your way through the festival and is now available to all guests. This pass includes a souvenir lanyard and credential, entitling you to eight select food or non-alcoholic beverage items from any participating Marketplaces, Paradise Garden Grill and select Festival Food & Beverage Carts. Use all eight coupons in a single day, or spread them out over multiple visits – the choice is up to you! You can purchase the Sip and Savor Pass at various locations throughout the park, including Trolley Treats, Elias & Co., Seaside Souvenirs, the Sip and Savor Cart, the Festival Marketplaces, Festival Gift and Artist Corner and Studio Store in Hollywood Land.

Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Here is our official Foodie Guide with all of the juicy menu details and Marketplace locations for the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival. And when you visit the park, be sure to pick up a Tasting Passport, which includes all of this information and more! Happy snacking!

NUTS ABOUT CHEESE (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance)
Food:

Fiscalini White Cheddar Lager Soup served in a Mini Boudin Sourdough Bread Bowl (V)
Ham and Vella Jack Cheese Pinwheel with Smoked Pistachios
Creamy Oikos Yogurt Cheesecake (V)

Beverages:

Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Columbia Street, Amber Lager, San Diego

UNCORK CALIFORNIA (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance)
Food:

California Artisan Cheese Selection – Select from either Point Reyes Blue of Fiscalini White Cheddar Hand-crafted California Cheese (V)

Beverages:

White Wine Flight
- Twomey Cellars, Sauvignon Blanc, Napa-Sonoma County
- Simi, Chardonnay, “Reserve,” Russian River Valley, California
- Patz & Hall, Chardonnay, “Dutton Ranch,” Russian River Valley, California
Red Wine Flight
- Erath, Pinot Noir, Oregon
- Klinker Brick Winery, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi
- Rowen, Blend, Sonoma County, California
Mimosa Flight
- Hibiscus Mimosa
- Tropical Mimosa
- Mixed Berry Mimosa
Chandon Brut, Sparkling Wine, California
Assorted Wine Varietals

CITRUS GROVE (near Carthay Circle Restaurant at the Festival Entrance)
Food:

Orange Chicken and Rice
Citrus-brined Pork Roast with Tangy Barbecue Sauce and Lemon Pepper Slaw
Meyer Lemon Blue Diamond Almond Macaron (GF, V)

Beverages:

Meyer Lemon Ginger Mule
Ginger Beer (non-alcoholic)

CALIFORNIA CRAFT BREWS (near the Cars Land Entrance)
Food:

Pepperoni Pizza Egg Rolls with Marinara and Pesto Sauce

Beverages:

Bright and Balanced Beer Flight
- Pizza Port California Honey Golden Ale
- Hangar 24 Orange Wheat
- Left Coast Pink Bikini Raspberry Wheat
- Karl Strauss Columbia Street Amber Lager
Hobby and Bold Beer Flight
- Smog City Sabre-Toothed Squirrel Amber Ale
- Lost Winds Tropiclemente Tropical Ale IPA
- Towne Park Blacksmith Black IPA
- Asylum Rorschach Brown Ale
By the Glass – Bright and Balanced
- Pizza Port Brewing Company, California Honey, Golden Ale, Solana Beach
- Hangar 24 Craft Brewery, Orange Wheat, American Wheat Ale, Redlands
- Left Coast Brewing Co., Pink Bikini, Raspberry Wheat, San Clemente
- Three Weavers Brewing Company, Day Job, Pale Ale, Inglewood
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Columbia Street, Amber Lager, San Diego
By the Glass – Hoppy and Bold
- Smog City Brewing Co., Sabre-Toothed Squirrel, Hoppy Amber Ale, Torrance
- Stereo Brewing Company, Perfect Day, American IPA, Placentia
- Lost Winds Brewing Company, Tropiclemente, Tropical IPA, San Clemente
- Towne Park Brew Co., Blacksmith, Black IPA, Anaheim
- Asylum Brewing, Rorschach, Brown Ale with Kenyan Coffee, Anaheim

BERRY PATCH (near the Cars Land Entrance)
Food:

Strawberry and Coconut Rice “Frushi” with Sweet Oikos Yogurt Wasabi Sauce (GF, V)
Fresh California Berry Pie (V)

Beverages:

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk
Strawberry Float with Vanilla Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Crunchy Cereal Garnish (non-alcoholic)

PEPPERS CALI-ENTE (near Wine Country Trattoria)
Food:

Verlasso Sustainable Salmon Peruvian Poke with Cucumber-Lime Salad and Aji Verde Salsa (GF)
Ghost Pepper Mac and Cheese with Chili Cheese Corn Chip Dust (V)

Beverages:

Jalapeño-Lime Margarita

VEGGIE, VEGGIE, FRUIT, FRUIT (near Wine Country Trattoria)
Food:

Grilled Asparagus Chicken Caesar Salad
Cauliflower Ceviche with Chile Corn Crumble and Tortilla Strips (VG)
Duo of Frozen Fruit Fruit Bars – Lime and Strawberry

Beverages:

Cool Lime Michelada with Frozen Lime Ice
Davis Bynum, Sauvignon Blanc, “Virginia’s Block,” Russian River Valley, California
Chihuahua Cerveza, Limón, Premium Lager, Newport Beach

AVOCADO TIME (near Wine Country Trattoria)
Food:

Petit Impossible Burger with Guac and Pepper Jack Cheese (V)
Spiced Roasted Chicken on Pita with Avocado Hummus and Garlic Sauce

Beverages:

Kombucha Mojito Cocktail with Fresh Mint
Suja Organic Pineapple Passionfruit Kombucha (non-alcoholic)

I <3 ARTICHOKES (near Pacific Wharf Bridge)
Food:

Fried Artichokes with Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Lemon Aioli (V)
Artichoke Toast with California Olive Tapenade (V)
Blue Diamond Almond Cake with Butter Streusel, Apricot Compote, and Brown Sugar Crème Fraîche (V)

Beverages:

Chihuahua Cerveza, Rico, Premium Lager, Newport Beach

CLUCK-A-DOODLE MOO (near Paradise Gardens Park)
Food:

Harris Ranch Grilled Beef Tenderloin Slider with Chimichurri Sauce
Salt and Vinegar Parmesan Chicken Wings

Beverages:

Watermelon Lemonade with Watermelon Garnish (non-alcoholic)
Festival Beer Flight and By the Glass
- Thorn Brewing, Barrio, Baja-style Lager, San Diego
- Strand Brewing Co., 24th Street, Pale Ale, Torrance
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Festiv-Ale, Belgian-style Brown, San Diego (Festival Exclusive)
- Brouwerij West, Dog Ate My Homework, Blackberry Saison, San Pedro

GARLIC KISSED (near Golden Zephyr)
Food:

Black Garlic Soy-braised Pork Belly Banh Mi
Creamy Mac and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumble (V)
Chocolate Crunch Cake

Beverages:

Bloody Mary with Garlic-stuffed Olive

OFF THE COB (near Golden Zephyr)
Food:

Shrimp Boil Tacos with Andouille Sausage and Fresh Corn (GF)
Esquites Sweet Corn Nuggets with Bacon Lardons

Beverages:

Citrus Radler, Lager with Grapefruit and Blood Orange Juices, T.W. Pitchers’ Brewing, San Francisco
Peach Tea with Peach Garnish (non-alcoholic)

GOLDEN DREAMS (near Redwood Creek Challenge Trail Entrance)
Food:

Deconstructed Teriyaki Chicken Musibi with Pineapple Relish
Anaheim Chile Relleno Bites with Salsa Verde (V)
Chocolate-Peanut-Caramel Parfait (GF)

Beverages:

Yippee! Mickey’s Cotton Candy Soda (non-alcoholic): Sprite, Cotton Candy Premium Syrup, Half-rimmed Butter Cream with Pineapple Cotton Candy Garnish

LA STYLE (located near Monsters, Inc. Mike & Sulley to the Rescue!)
Food:

Asian-style Beef Barbacoa Taco with Pickled Ginger
BLT Chicharrón Duro with Ranch Crema

Beverages:

Tiki Cocktail: Aged Rum, Falernum, Bitters, Lime, and Grapefruit Juices

FESTIVAL BEER GARDEN (near Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta)
Beverages:

Beer Garden Flight
- 2 Towns Outcider Hard Apple Cider
- Ommegang Hennepin Saison
- Modern Times Booming Rollers IPA
- Karl Strauss Baltic Porter
Bright and Refreshing, By the Glass/li>
- The Dudes’ Brewing Company, Los Dudes Cerveza, Mexican-style Lager, Los Angeles
- Lost Coast Brewery, Watermelon Wheat, Eureka
- 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Outcider, Unfiltered Hard Apple Cider, Oregon
- Brewery Ommegang, Hennepin, Farmhouse Saison, New York
Hoppy and Bold, By the Glass
- Modern Times Beer, Booming Rollers, IPA, San Diego
- Divine Science Brewing, Third Contact, Gluten-friendly IPA, Anaheim (GF)
- Bear Republic Brewing Co., Apex, Double IPA, Cloverdale
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Baltic Porter, San Diego
Festival Indulgences
- Twisted Horn Mead, Blue Cloak, Mead, Vista
- Founders Brewing Co., Backwoods, Bourbon Barrel-aged Scotch Ale, Michigan

PARADISE GARDEN GRILL (near Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta)
Food:

Beer-battered Cod with Steak Fries and Spiced Remoulade
Impossible No “Meat” Ball Submarine with Marinara Sauce topped with Soy Cheese and served with Kettle Chips (VG)
Beer-braised Pork Tacos with Pickled Apple Slaw, Black Beans, and Queso
Buffalo-style Roasted Turkey Leg with Celery Slaw and Crumbled Blue Cheese
Large Soft Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce (V)
Black Forest Parfait – Layers of Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Chantilly, Chocolate Mousse, and Cherries

Beverages:

Matanzas Creek, Sauvignon Blanc-Fume Blanc, Sonoma County, Nielson Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County
‘Ōlelo Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
Deschutes Brewery, Pacific Wonderland, Lager, Oregon
Sudwerk Brewing Co., Märzen, Amber Lager, David

SIGNATURE EVENTS
The festival’s signature events are also experiences worth checking out! One of my favorites is Sweet Sundays, which is returning this year. This popular event makes for a sweet start to your day, allowing you to join a celebrity pastry chef for an entertaining dessert-centric demonstration, an interview with the chef, and a light brunch buffet featuring one of the chef’s dishes! If you’ve ever wanted to hone your pastry and baking techniques and indulge in yummy desserts, this is definitely the event for you. This event occurs on select Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Palisades Stage in Paradise Gardens Park for the duration of the festival, and space is limited, so be sure to make your reservations today!

March 10 – Jean-Marc Viallet, Disneyland Resort Executive Pastry Chef
March 24 – Matt Lewis, Baked NY and Tokyo, Baked: New Frontiers in Baking
April 7 – Emily Ellyn, Food Network Star and Cutthroat Kitchen
April 21 – Keegan Gerard, Food Network Challenge

Another exciting event is the Dinner with the Disney Chefs. This sumptuous dinner is on Thursday, March 28, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Vineyard Room at Wine Country Trattoria. Here, you’ll get to meet the Disneyland Resort chefs and sommeliers featured in the new Disney Festivals Cookbook, all while enjoying a four-course dinner with dishes inspired by the festival recipes and paired with hand-selected wines and cocktails. This event is a great way to enhance your Food & Wine Festival experience.

For more information on the 2019 Disney California Adventure Food and Wine Festival, full menus, event info, and to make reservations, visit the Disneyland Resort website.

V Vegetarian
VG Vegan
GF Gluten Friendly

Source: Disney Parks Blog.

Cayucos by-the-Sea Hosts 9th Annual Sea Glass Festival

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

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February 24, 2019

California’s majestic Central Coast is speckled with hidden gems lining the Pacific Ocean and none shine brighter than the tiny town of Cayucos by-the-Sea. This is especially true in March when the temperature rises, flowers blossom along the hillsides and the city hosts its annual Sea Glass Festival.

Located off California Highway 1, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Cayucos by-the-Sea sits peacefully between the Pacific Ocean and rolling hills of open ranchland that is dotted with grazing cattle and old oak trees. Often referred to as “the last of the California beach towns,” the town possesses a colorful history that dates back to the days of Spanish land grants, sailing ships and steamers, as well as rum runners and revenuers. Gamblers and seafarers met in the Old Cayucos Tavern, and adventurers and romantics of all kinds still meet there today.

Food and Wine Festival — Cayucos by-the-Sea is a California beach town with lots of history and an annual Sea Glass Festival (photo by Greg Aragon)

One of my favorite times to visit Cayucos is in March when the weather is perfect for hikes and walks along the beach, and the town comes to life for the Sea Glass Festival, now in its 9th season.

One of the premier cultural events on the Central Coast, the festival, held Saturday and Sunday, March 9 – 10, will treat guests to a weekend of sunshine, local artisan goods, live music, and authentic mermaid creations. Visitors can shop in an extensive marketplace of the finest sea glass art, curios, and collectibles, as well as enjoy regional food and beverages from local wineries and breweries. Accompanying the Sea Glass Festival is the 3rd Annual Mermaid Ball on Friday, March 8.

The Sea Glass festival is held in the Cayucos Sea Glass Festival Pavilion on the beach at the base of the historic pier. This is a chance to shop and explore an extensive marketplace shimmering with the finest sea glass art, curios and collectibles. And when not shopping, guests can enjoy delicious local food and beverages and groove to great live music all weekend long.

After a day of fun, visitors can also enjoy a night of merriment at the Mermaid Ball, held 6pm – 10pm. This exciting evening will feature live music and dancing, photo-ops with live mermaids, a seafood chowder cook-off, and locally produced wine & artisan brews. Guests are encouraged to come in costume for the chance to be named the Sea Glass King & Queen of 2019.

Surrounding festival weekend, Cayucos by-the-Sea celebrates “Mermaids in March.” Sea glass pieces are affectionately known as mermaid tears, making mermaids an integral part of the festival. Throughout the entire month of March, visitors can stroll through town enjoying multi-media displays of mermaids ranging from stained glass and paper-mâché mermaids to metal and wooden mermaid sculptures. Each mermaid is created by a local business and is an individual artistic expression embodying the spirit of the Sea Glass Festival.

Other things to do while visiting Cayucos include sampling the Central Coast’s legendary wine at the many tasting rooms along the coast; and a short drive to the Hearst Castle, which is one of the most sought after tourist attractions in California. The castle is the former home of famous newspaper tycoon William Randolf Hearst and is nestled 23 miles north in the hills of San Simeon with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

The town of Cayucos is highlighted by numerous quaint shops and stores, as well as the Cass House – original home of Capt. James Cass, founder of Cayucos – and the large dolphin statue at the foot of the town’s historic pier. Below the pier, Cayucos beach offers soft sand for sunbathing, tide pools for exploring, and an invigorating (five-mile) walk along the water to Morro Bay and its iconic 500 ft-tall rock.

The Cayucos Sea Glass Festival opens 10 am-5 pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday. Admission is $7 per person per day and $15 per person for Saturday preview shopping. Children 7 and under are free. Mermaid Ball Tickets are $25 and are available on event website at cayucosseaglass.com/pages/mermaid-ball

For more information on visiting Cayucos by-the-Sea and attending the festival and/or the Mermaid Ball, visit: www.cayucosseaglass.com;www.cayucoschamber.com; For motel, Bed & Breakfasts, and vacation rentals listings, visit: www.cayucoschamber.com or www.highway1discoveryroute.com

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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February 13, 2019

It’s honestly hard to believe that I’ve seen Alita: Battle Angel. After following the film’s production for what feels like the last ten or fifteen years, the adaptation of Yukito Kishiro’s manga Battle Angel Alita, James Cameron (Avatar, The Terminator, Titanic) has finally brought the film to life with the help of director Robert Rodriguez (Desperado, Sin City). Together, the two have brought the cyberpunk world of Alita vividly to life, creating a film that is both visually appealing and wickedly fun to watch. While not a flawless adaptation, Alita: Battle Angel is a great step forward for this potential franchise.

Set in 2563, three hundred years after an event only known as “The Fall”, a man named Dr. Dyson Ido (Christoph Waltz, Django Unchained) finds the dismembered body of a cyborg woman while scouting a junkyard in Iron City for parts. After rebuilding the cyborg, they come to find she has no memory of her previous life, or what she was built for. As Ito reintroduces her to the world, he gives her the name Alita. But as the divide between the last remaining flying city of Zalem and those left alive below in Iron City grows, Alita finds that there may be more to the world – – and her past – – then those around her are telling her. Determined to unlock her past, Alita sets off to figure out the truth that binds her to Zalem, and what that means for the future of the world.

When it comes to Alita: Battle Angel, it’s easy to see where audiences might get lost in the mythology-heavy world, but to the credit of screenwriters James Cameron and Laeta Kalogridis, they handle a lot of the exposition in a way that is easily digestible, and never really drags the movie down. A lot of credit must also go to Robert Rodriguez, who keeps the film moving at a pretty quick pace, never stopping to pander to the audience, but instead hoping they’ll buy into the journey that he and his writers have set forward to tell. It’s always hard to balance talking down to the audience and not telling them enough, and Alita actually lands the balance fairly well.

However, while the world is great, many of the characters suffer from being underwritten, mostly there to drive the plot versus being real characters. In particular, Keean Johnson, who plays Alita’s love interest Hugo – – who, unfortunately, also feels woefully miscast – – never really does anything in the story of any interest. Every move his character makes feels like it’s directly done to drive the story, not to further the character, making for some seriously frustrating moments with him. Hugo just never feels like a full character, and unfortunately, that feels like it can be said about many of the other side characters in the film as well. While the story makes room for the world, it sadly puts a lot of character by the wayside in the process.

Thankfully though, Alita herself, who is played splendidly by Rosa Salazar, feels like a fully defined character that the audience can rally behind. It helps that Salazar is so fantastic in the role that you buy her immediately as Alita, and you feel for her as she tries to find her place in the world. There’s a real sense of wonder that she brings to the role that is palpable, making her engaging for the audience because we’ve all been in her shoes as we discover new things, as well as just how life seems to work. It’s a truly great performance that honestly saves the movie from careening off the tracks. If the audience doesn’t buy into Alita or her story, this movie would be dead in the water, but Salazar truly puts the movie on her shoulders and not only delivers a great performance but a truly memorable one as well. This is the kind of breakout performance that makes stars, and here’s hoping that Salazar gets more work from this, because she is a star on the rise.

But outside of the performances, Robert Rodriguez deserves all the creed in the world for bringing the world of Alita: Battle Angel so brilliantly to life. This film is a technical marvel, featuring some of the best motion capture on film with the work being done on Alita herself. It’s honestly truly breathtaking, and you can tell the team at WETA worked tirelessly to bring her to life. Not all the characters look nearly as great as Alita does, but across the board, the visual effects work truly is pretty stunning. Not only that, Rodriguez really makes the world feel real as well, and everything about it just pops. Post-apocalyptic worlds can feel like a dime a dozen, but this is one of the most unique feeling worlds we’ve seen on screen in some time. Everything about it feels lived in and tangible, and honestly, feels like a reflection of our current world if our society were to have a similar societal crumble. It’s easy to get lost just looking at the details of the world itself, and it’s amazing they’re able to make it work as well as they do.

If there’s one thing that really makes the movie work though it’s the action that Rodriguez brings to the table. Every action beat in Alita: Battle Angel feels fun, fresh, and visually stunning. Rodriguez brings some of his more punk rock filmmaking from his El Mariachi and Desperado days wildly to life through the lens of cyberpunk anime, delivering some action we’ve never quite seen before. In particular, the extended Motorball sequence in the film’s third act is almost so crazy that it feels like sensory overload, but at the same time, it’s never to the point that it feels too much. The line that he walks with the sequence is thin, but he makes that sequence pop like nothing you’ve seen before. That sequence alone is honestly worth the price of admission alone if you weren’t already excited to check out the film.

Alita: Battle Angel is a visually stunning piece of technical filmmaking that is also a ton of fun. While the film suffers in the character department, it doesn’t stop the action from coming fast and furious, making a truly great popcorn film for audiences. But it’s really Rosa Salazar as the titular Alita that shines, giving a performance that audiences will truly be wowed by. Honestly, there’s just so much to like about this film, and this world is so interesting, it would be a waste to only get one film. The film leaves left me wanting more of Alita and her adventures, so here’s hoping that the audiences deem Rodriguez and co. worthy of diving back into this world. This is a treat early in the year for film fans that they won’t want to miss.

New Teaser Trailer from Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen 2”

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 13, 2019

From the Academy Award-winning team, directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, and producer Peter Del Vecho and featuring the voices of Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad, and the music of Oscar-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 22, 2019.

Suit Up at Disney California Adventure with New Disney After Dark Marvel Event

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 12, 2019

Disney After Dark is moving to Disney California Adventure with the recent announcement that Marvel will be taking over in a big way this summer at the Disneyland Resort. Suit up and join your favorite Marvel superheroes in Disney’s next after hours park experience.

The Disney Parks Blog dropped the news, letting every world know where to assemble for the biggest Marvel party in the universe that will feature action packed experiences such as character encounters, event themed food offerings, exclusive merchandise, and SHIELD level clearance to experience select attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy- Mission BREAKOUT!

Fans can choose to attend Disneyland After Dark: Heroes Assemble during either Apr. 30 or May 1, 2019 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. each night. Fans are welcome to dress up in their favorite super hero attire and take part in the adventure.

Take a look at some of the exciting things happening on both nights:

Epic entertainment, including a rockin’ dance party and heroic show moments.
Encounters with admired Super Heroes.
Park-wide scavenger hunt to find hidden artifacts—helping to save mankind!
Immersive photo opportunities and gallant décor, as well as themed food, beverage and merchandise offerings.
Fun surprises to celebrate 80 years of comic art.
Unlimited digital downloads of your Disney PhotoPass photos captured during the event.

Tickets go on Sale February 19th to Disneyland Annual Passholders. The tickets will release to the general public on February 21st. You can purchase your tickets and learn the full details by clicking here.

The event comes shortly after Disney After Dark’s 90s Nite, which happens next month. Make sure to stay tuned, as we get closer to the big event!

First TV Spot for Disney’s live-action adaptation “Aladdin”

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 10, 2019

The first TV spot for Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation “Aladdin” is here and includes new, never-before-seen footage.

A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.

“Aladdin” is produced by Dan Lin, p.g.a., and Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., with Marc Platt and Kevin De La Noy serving as executive producers. Eight-time Academy Award®-winning composer Alan Menken provides the score, which includes new recordings of the original songs written by Menken and Oscar®-winning lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and includes two new songs written by Menken and Oscar and Tony Award®-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Hop on a magic carpet and go see “Aladdin” in theaters nationwide on May 24, 2019!

Sneak Peek of ‘Dumbo’ Takes Flight This March at Disney Parks

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 10, 2019

Have you ever seen an elephant fly? For a limited time beginning in March, you will when you catch a special preview of scenes from Disney’s all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” in sneak peeks planned for Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line. Check out this special message from two of the stars of the film, Danny DeVito and Colin Farrell.

Guests sailing with Disney Cruise Line during the month of March will get to see the “Dumbo” sneak peek while aboard the ships. At Disneyland park, the preview of “Dumbo” will be presented at the Main Street Opera House in Town Square, while Disney’s Hollywood Studios will include this advance look at a portion of the film as part of the Walt Disney Presents attraction.

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Here’s a look at the latest trailer for Disney’s “Dumbo,” which flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.

Celebrate ‘The Lion King’ This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 10, 2019

This summer, Disney California Adventure park will come alive with a vibrant celebration inspired by Disney’s “The Lion King.”

Throughout the day, a traveling troupe of storytellers will arrive to celebrate “The Lion King” in story, song and dance, inviting everyone to join in. The fun continues with music, colorful craft activities and more, honoring the spirit of Africa.

The festive celebration of “The Lion King” will be presented for a limited time this summer at Disney California Adventure park. Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead.

Watch an All-New Sneak Peek from Disney’s Dumbo

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 10, 2019

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Check out a brand-new sneak peek of Tim Burton’s live-action reimagining of “Dumbo.”

Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Directed by Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) from a screenplay by Ehren Kruger (“Ophelia,” “Dream House”), and produced by Justin Springer (“TRON: Legacy”), Kruger, Katterli Frauenfelder (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Big Eyes”) and Derek Frey (“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” “Frankenweenie”), “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019.

Check out these new character posters:

Universal Studios Hollywood Honors Lunar New Year

By

Russell Tom

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February 10, 2019

Come celebrate the Year of the Pig with Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood. Master Po from DreamWorks Animation’s “Kung Fu Panda” movie franchise warmly welcomes all to his home away from home to share his traditions with you.

The Universal Plaza has been transformed into Po’s Village for an immersive experience. There are plenty of activities, decorations, characters, and entertainment designed for all ages.

Lunar New Year at Universal Studios Hollywood runs for a limited time February 2-18, 2019.

Run Amok with the Minions at Universal’s First Ever 5k

By

Russell Tom

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February 10, 2019

The Minions are loose! Run with your favorite villainous, but hilarious, sidekicks as they take over Universal Studios Hollywood in a fun-filled 5k thru the theme park and movie studio backlot. The course begins at the park’s main gates and ends in Universal CityWalk.

This family-friendly event takes place on the morning of Saturday, May 11, 2019. There’s sure to be healthy snacks waiting for you at the finish line. You can almost smell the bananas at the end. Great motivation for our similarily yellow friends.

Time to put on your goggles and pull up those overalls! Don’t miss your chance to participate in the side-splitting festivity. Universal Studios annual pass holders may also receive a $10 discount upon registration. Space is limited. Don’t delay!

Theatre Review: Come From Away

By

Joel Covey

-

February 7, 2019

There is an islander in all of us

The much talked about and critically acclaimed Best Musical of a number of productions, including a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical, has landed at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. I think it will come at no surprise that I highly recommend you make your way to see this incredibly important story before it’s cleared for take off. Puns aside and despite popular belief, this is not a 9/11 story. Sure it takes places on the subsequent hours after that tragic morning, but COME FROM AWAY focuses the true stories of what transpired when 38 planes were routed mid-flight to a small town by the name of Gander, Newfoundland. That’s in Canada by the way…

A musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, COME FROM AWAY follows an otherwise untold story of some 7,000 travelers that ultimately had their lives diverted and stranded within the charming most eastern province of Canada. When the American airspace is grounded, the planes in flight had nowhere else to go. With nearly no word of what had happened, with only several cell phones available that pre-dated the invention of smart phones, and being kept in the dark on the tarmac for over 24 hours, these passengers were trapped. You can imagine the toll this would take on them. The shear panic alone of not knowing what’s happened at home or even not knowing if your loved ones are okay can create mass hysteria. Fortunately, these people from afar are welcomed by the remarkable generosity of the Newfoundlanders.

The audience is quickly introduced to the overwhelmingly friendly citizens of the small town of Gander. The entire town and island come together to bring shelter and the necessities of life to these fearful travelers who practically have no idea where they are. The displaced are lost, not just physically, but also in their souls. Their home is under attack and they are stuck in what appears to be an entirely different world. But leave it to the Newfoundlanders to easily gain their trust with hospitality and friendliness that is second to none. While they await to return home, the stranded find something special in their temporary home teaching them the importance of human kindness no matter the situation.

COME FROM AWAY features a true ensemble cast with everyone playing multiple roles where one actor can switch between from a richly-cultured Newfoundlander to a frightened airline passenger, to a number of things in between. The character changes usually occur within the same scene too. It’s not just a few that do this, but the entire cast. The show is truly deserving of its Best Direction awards.

The cast shines to the point where I feel guilty not listing them all, but I’ll shy away from going into an abundance of detail of each character and the actor playing them. However, there is no way I can get through this without raving about BECKY GULSVIG. Playing the first ever female airline captain, GULSVIG not only shows off Beverly Bass’s courage, bravery, and commitment to her plane but also displays her versatility in the role by playing several other characters (along with the whole cast). The most exhilarating moment, however, is her ballad, “Me and the Sky”. One of the shows strongest songs, it’s at this moment when I realized how much this show engages you in the story.

The story never has a lull. There is no intermission and it helps the audience remain engaged through a production that doesn’t focus on show-y numbers or big choreographed dance numbers.

The musical plays more as a play opposed to a musical. I mean, it’s definitely a musical, but it still has long spoken word segments with other momentum-building sections that do feature song after song. While COME FROM AWAY has some traditional musical styles, it also stays refreshing with an authentically Newfoundland flair that resembles more or less Scottish/Irish melodies. Compared next to other musicals, this show is lighter on the musical numbers in a way that doesn’t detract, but rather entices the audience in wanting it to keep on coming.

With a minimalistic stage and one static backdrop that changes with lighting to present different settings, the set design allows for the story to play center stage at all times. It’s a story-heavy, not a confusing story, but a character-heavy show where a prop-light production allows for the actors onstage to be the only thing that matters. It’s a serious topic that features many comedic relief moments helping the show feel lighter, but also helps the serious tonal points have more weight when they occur. Keeping it robust and energetic is an onstage band that is clearly into the music and even gets their spotlight after the show.

COME FROM AWAY teaches us the power of humanity and how it can take hold of us. The towns humanitarian outlook helps the travelers overcome tragedy and loss even when something goes missing from inside of them. We must continue to love one another, helping one another by working together, understanding one another, and understanding we are one… one community who can thrive off one another.

Come From Away is performing at the Center February 5 – 17, 2019.

Tickets start at $39 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.

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