The magic of the holidays has reached every inch of the Disneyland Resort, including the Downtown Disney District, which is filled with plenty of fun ways to enjoy the season. Take a look at this helpful short list of exciting ways to ring in the holiday season while visiting Downtown Disney.
Seasonal Décor
Beautiful decorations, displays, and horticulture can be found everywhere you look in Downtown Disney. Keep an eye out for over 6,2000 ornaments, which include 800 ornaments on the 30′ tree by Uva Bar and 900 ornaments spread across the six planters throughout the district. 50 types of flowers and ferns are also in full bloom, creating a splendid sight for all to see and enjoy.
Sweet and Savory Holiday Treats
California Churro – Dream of a white christmas with the “White Christmas” churro, coated in sweet powdered sugar and featuring a hint of mint flavor.
Cotton Candy Creations – Select your favorite from seasonal Peppermint, Candy Apple and Hot Chocolate cotton candy buckets.
Earl of Sandwich – Returning in epic and delicious fashion, grab one of their many holiday favorites, including the traditional Holiday Sandwich, Holiday Ham-Ham with Cheddar, and Yams and Cranberry Sandwich.
Kayla’s Cake – Christmas Snowman and Gingerbread Macarons, bringing a whole new level of adorable to your holiday visit.
Salt & Straw – Savor a scoop or pint of seasonal flavors like Gingerbread Cookie Dough, Peppermint Bark Mocha and Cinnamon Coconut Eggnog.
Starbucks – Try the Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, a Caramel Brulée Latte or pick up a pound of the Christmas Blend Espresso Roast. A second store location has been announced, coming soon to the Downtown Disney District, across from the Disneyland Monorail station.
Wetzel’s Pretzels – Cin-A-Bitz with Sweet Glaze, perfect for a nice toasty finish to your evening.
Entertainment
Nightly entertainment offerings will be made available throughout the holidays, including a capella caroloers, Holiday Harmony, magicians, and other talented artists. Grab your photos and get in the rhythm.
Shopping
World of Disney – Back and better than ever, bringing over 40,000 square feet of redesigned goodness. Make sure to take a look at the new Disney Parks Holiday Collection, now available.
Ice-Land Workshop – For a limited time, pick out a personalized holiday ornament for your collection or for a great gift. Find the workshop by the LEGO store.
PANDORA Jewelry – Make your season even brighter with Pandora’s limited edition collection.
Sanuk – This spot for cozy footwear includes Puff N Chill boots and Chiba Chill shoes
Take a look at all the holiday fun, as the magic continues on through January 6th throughout the Disneyland Resort.
The most delicious time of the year has begun, and thanks to the Disney Parks Blog, we have a helpful look at what delicious holiday candy to look out for to make the seasons even sweeter. Take a look at the full list below and make sure to look at all the other fun holiday food offerings, including Disney California Adventure’s Festival of Holidays celebration.
Candy Apples
Mickey Santa Apple
Minnie Santa Apple
Sandy Claws Apple
Snowflake Apple
Crispy Treats
Santa Mickey Crispy Treat
Mickey and Minnie Gingerbread Crispy Treat
Cake Pops
Chocolate Snowflake Cake Pop
Vanilla Jack Skellington Cake Pop
Vanilla Snowman Cake Pop
Other Holiday Goodies
Chocolate-Dipped Marshmallow Wand coated in Crushed Peppermint
Peppermint Bark
Peppermint Fudge
Churro Toffee (only at Trolley Treats at Disney California Adventure park)
Don’t forget, the holidays also bring back a long standing Disney Parks tradition, featuring hand pulled candy canes. These hard to get treat measure a staggering 18 inches long, each made with the upmost care. Take a look at the list of available dates below, and don’t miss your chance to take a piece of Disney holiday magic home:
*Note: A limited number of candy canes will be available for each release while supplies last. Wristbands will be distributed accordingly at park opening. Wristbands are limited, available while supplies last. Limit ONE (1) wristband per guest. Wristband entitles bearer to purchase ONE (1) candy cane at designated location. Wristband must be shown at time of purchase. Information subject to restrictions and change without notice, including but not limited to release dates, prices, etc. No discounts apply. No exchanges or refunds.*
Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed exciting details of new experiences coming to Disney Parks during D23’s Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse fan celebration in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Ty Popko)
Big things are coming to the Disneyland Resort to celebrate both Mickey and Minnie Mouse next year, bringing a mix of new and old favorites to help continue their monumental 90th anniversary. To kick things off, guests will get a chance to experience Get Your Ears On- A Mickey and Minnie Celebration, which will bring new entertainment, food, and merchandise offerings across the resort.
On January 18th, Mickey’s Mix Magic will light up the night sky with all new music, projections, and lasers that will set the scene for an epic dance party that will encompass the entire span of Disneyland Park. That’s not all, however, as the timeless fan favorite, Mickey’s Soundsational Parade returns. Though things may be a bit different when the fun starts, as Mickey will be bringing out an all new float! Soundsational will make its triumphant return on January 25th.
Disneyland will be joined by Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line in the festivities, which will include all new experiences for guests of all ages. In Walt Disney World, guests will get a chance to enjoy Mickey and Minnie’s Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom Park. New food, merchandise, and entertainment will take center stage, including a special dance party with Mickey, Minnie and friends. New birthday outfits will also be teased, so make sure to bring your cameras!
Wonderful World of Animation – a new nighttime spectacular coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in May 2019 – will use state-of-the-art technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation. (Disney)
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will receive a brand new cinematic nighttime experience, the Wonderful World of Animation. Starting on May 1st as part of the 30th anniversary of Hollywood Studios, the show will use state of the art technology to transport guests through the iconic fabric of stories that span over 90 years of Disney animation. Of course, it all started with a very special mouse.
Out on the high seas, Disney Cruise Line will welcome Mickey and Minnie for a special deck party next summer. Mickey and Minnie Surprise Party at Sea will take guests on an unforgettable journey on the Disney Fantasy, so don’t miss your chance to take part. Mickey’s 90th Birthday Celebration is bound to bring even more magic. Stay tuned for our extended coverage of all things Mickey!
The creative teams at Walt Disney Animation Studios and ILMxLab have joined forces to bring a truly one of a kind, fully immersive animated experience to life for Wreck It Ralph fans this holiday season. Starting November 21st, all North American VOID experience centers will launch Ralph Breaks VR, the newest story from the ILMxLab team.
In teams of 4, guests will transform into animated characters called “Netizens” with the help of Wreck It Ralph and Vanellope Von Schweetz. Together, Ralph and Vanellope will break the teams into the internet to play the newest, coolest video game ever. Just when the fun begins, a surprising turn of events launches guests into a topsy turvy battle for survival featuring two brand new locations, Dunderdome and Pancake Milkshake Diner, as well as bring them head to head with a new antagonist, B.E.V (Built to Eradicate Viruses). Voiced by Ralph Breaks VR and Ralph Breaks the Internet writer, Pamela Ribon, guests will be put to the test and ultimately get their chance to be a unique part of the Wreck It Ralph story.
Bringing these two teams together was an incredible experience, melding the best of both worlds in a way never before possible. “They came to our story room a little over a year ago to talk about where this world could be and what we could do. We were writing the movie while we were still writing this and one of the things we were being really careful to do was to make this its own experience,” said Ribon.
Good news for those that haven’t had a chance to experience the films, as it opens the door to a completely distinct story that anyone can play along with, regardless of skill or background. “You don’t have to see either of the films. You don’t even know Ralph or Vanellope before you step in and get immersed in their world,” she added. It also generates a brand new way to enjoy the art of storytelling, giving fans the most personal connection possible. The distance is taken away, bringing you out of the theater and right into the action. “They’re alive in this place and its magical”.
The entire process took a lot of input from so many dedicated creators, and the end product is astonishing. From start to finish, you are a real, living and breathing part of the world around you. From sights to sounds, even smell, you forget the real world and find yourself completely in awe. For the VOID team, it was important to make sure that experience was as powerful and realistic as possible, creating every sensation with the human sensory experience in mind.
Jade Grimmius, director and overseer at the VOID, voiced the team’s need to think beyond technology to make Ralph Breaks VR the best possible experience. “It’s not just technology. You want to match what you are feeling in the real world with what your senses are telling you is happening. For instance, when you are moving on a skiff or a train, or whatever we are telling you that you are moving on, you want to feel that movement. We have transducers that help you feel the vibration.”
Still, VR does cause some hesitation, as the senses may risk disorientation and not everyone has the stomach for sudden movement or changes in surroundings. The VOID keeps that in mind, developing a smooth, comfortable journey for all guests, which takes priority, even in a world of cutting edge graphics and state of the art technology. “I get sick so easily..and I think that’s one of the things that distinguishes the VOID. We match so well what you are seeing in the inputs that are coming into your mind with what you’re actually feeling”
It all comes together in a match made in heaven, pushing the boundaries of what virtual reality can do while keeping guests grounded. The entire experience is also ILMxLab’s first collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios. For the first time ever, animation and VR are one, opening the door to new ideas and concepts. “We were adding a third group to the mix in feature animation. It was really great opportunity to be able to apply the strengths that we have been developing on the ILMxLab side and benefit from all of the talent on the feature animation side,” said Grimmius.
Craig Watson, Chairman and CEO of the VOID, shared in the excitement, discussing how ILMxLab got an opportunity to play with the actual models and assets constructed for the film. “The bunnies and kitties are the exact same models as the film. A lot of the buildings are there, the billboards that you see, we took all of that from the film and just brainstorming with these guys was like nerd fantasy fun.”
Fun is really the name of the game with the entire experience. Though, with the introduction of Ralph Breaks VR, ILMxLab did assure that previous experiences would still be available, including Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. Still, it’s a beautiful new chapter for all involved, fan and creator alike. This is the second project in the companies contract with Disney, with new experiences still in the pipeline. “It’s really powerful. It may be the first of many,” said Watson.
Learn how the impossible becomes the possible today! Pre-orders are now open for Ralph Breaks VR. You can find your local VOID experience center and review appointment times by visiting the VOID’s official site. Locations include Downtown Disney and Disney Springs.
The power of the Force can be felt across the galaxy as D23 has teased new footage and given fans everywhere their first look at two of the upcoming attractions debuting at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products Chairman, Bob Chapek, shared the news at this past week’s Destination D Event.
Both experiences have been given official titles and teaser trailers, preparing for their galaxy premiere next summer at the Disneyland Resort and next fall in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios. Chapek also shared a preview of all new music composed and crafted for the land by legendary Star Wars composer, John Williams. The score was recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios, which will blend in perfectly once the new land opens next year.
Once opening day arrives, guests will get their first opportunity to hop aboard the Falcon in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which will put you directly in the cockpit of the iconic Corellian freighter. Guests will take controls in one of three unique and critical roles, bringing you closer to the action than ever before.
On Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests will once again be transported into a galaxy far, far away to join an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance. During the heat of battle, guests will face off with the dark leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren. Chapek also announced that Play Disney Parks app will have optional integration at each attraction, inviting guests to become galactic travelers and live their own adventurous tales within the Star Wars universe.
Alongside Galaxy’s Edge in Walt Disney World, Star Wars fans will get the chance to take their story to a whole other level, as Chapek shared new images of the new Star Wars themed resort coming to Florida.
The groundbreaking Star Wars resort hotel coming to Walt Disney World Resort is a multi-day, fully immersive adventure will take guests aboard a luxury starship with all the features expected of a first-class hotel, including dining, recreation, and accommodations, all authentic to the Star Wars universe. (Disney)
The experience will be fully immersive, pulling guests right into the world of Star Wars as they board a luxury starship. Featuring first class accommodations, guests will be treated to the best in dining, recreation, all within the authentic styles of the Star Wars universe.
The groundbreaking Star Wars resort hotel coming to Walt Disney World Resort will be a multi-day, fully immersive adventure that will take guests aboard a luxury starship with all the features expected of a first-class hotel, including dining, recreation, and accommodations, all authentic to the Star Wars universe. (Disney)
Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we grow closer to the epic opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge next year!
The holiday magic began at Knott’s Merry Farm in a very special way this past Friday, as Knott’s welcomed 15 chapters of the Boys and Girls Club of Orange County to take part in the park’s official kick off of the holiday season.
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The night began with special performances by Knott’s own Chaple Bell Choir, followed shortly by a dance number featuring Santa Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. The crowd all gathered around Calico Square, underneath the famed Calico Christmas tree. As everyone was preparing for the tree lighting ceremony, the children were surprised by a visit from Santa Claus, who provided a very special gift, allowing two children from the Boys and Girls club to take part in the ceremony.
After giving them a magical ornament, filled with the light of Christmas, Santa, Snoopy, and the entire crowd experienced the tree wash over in bright lights, with snow falling shortly after from above. It was a special tribute to the community and children, ringing in the new holiday season in the most sincere way possible.
Knott’s Merry Farm starts now. Visit Knott’s official site to learn all the details and stay tuned for a special preview coming soon!
It’s a time to be merry, a time to be jolly, and a time to be surrounded by delicious food. Knott’s Merry Farm is bringing guests their most delectable year yet, with a huge assortment of holiday goodies sure to be on your Christmas wish list this year!
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The challenge this year is to find a way to choose what to eat first, as every item is as mouth watering as the next. As always, the talented chefs and creative minds behind the menu have given us some truly unique holiday fare, including an exclusive holiday pizza, holiday elote that feature the fire of Takis and Hot Cheetos, and turkey dinner bites. Each deliciously fried treat includes the full holiday meal experience. Holiday egg rolls are also available, featuring savory stuffing and other festive tastes that really bring the most out of the season.
Though, make sure to save room for your sweet tooth, as there are more holiday dessert offerings than you can shake a candy cane at, including handcrafted holiday cupcakes, splendidly decorative cakes, seasonal crepes, and a yule log that almost looks too beautiful to eat. The chocolatey tribute to Christmas is sure to make the season bright, filling you up with holiday joy. Should you want to stick to an old favorite, don’t forget to grab your milk and Snoopy shaped cookie. Mrs. Claus will also be baking up a storm with guests, offering up the chance to decorate your own holiday cookie. Why should they have all the fun when you can make your own holiday treat?
You can see a full gallery of tasty treats below ranging from tamales to cheesecake below! Once you get your fill, make sure to check out this year’s Knott’s Merry Farm merchandise preview, which is sure to bring even more excitement.
Knott’s Merry Farm is in full swing from now until January 6th.
The Merriest Celebration this side of Calico has returned with Knott’s Merry Farm, bringing with it gorgeous new merchandise items so you can ring in the holiday season in style. The assortment of options include steep discounts and one of a kind offerings only available at Knott’s for a limited time. This year’s assortment is just one of the many exciting ways to celebrate the holiday season. In case you get hungry, don’t forget to check out our Knott’s Merry Farm Food Preview!
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New items join fan favorites this year, including Knott’s interactive light up lanterns. These charming little additions will allow guests to take part in the holiday magic around them, as the lanterns glow and shimmer under the freshly fallen snow in Ghost Town. Each lamp contains a special piece of Christmas spirit, making them the perfect gift for your favorite Knott’s companion.
Holiday pins will be available for purchase, including great bundle options that include either a gift mug set or Merry Farm t-shirt combo pack. The prices cannot be beat, and will be available at exclusive pop up locations in the heart of Ghost Town. Hats, candies, commemorative mugs, and shirts will join in the fun, making stocking stuffers as easy as boysenberry pie. Don’t miss out on your chance to own a part of this year’s celebration. Check out the full gallery below for some of the exclusive Knott’s Merry Farm items coming your way this season!
The excitement is growing, magic is in the air, and we are one day closer to the release of Disney’s highly anticipated sequel, Mary Poppins Returns. Check out Disney’s latest sneak peek below and prepare for a whole new adventure with our beloved Mary Poppins.
New character posters were also released, giving you an up close look at Mary, Jack, and some new faces coming to the world of Cherry Tree Lane. You can also check out our latest coverage of the new film by clicking here.
Disney has also revealed the first full length trailer for Dumbo, which is just one of many new exciting things coming out of Walt Disney Studios this coming year. From Ralph Breaks the Internet, to Mary Poppins, to Dumbo, there is so much to look forward to in the coming months. Don’t miss your chance to take part in the adventure.
Mary Poppins Returns flies into theaters December 19th.
D23 celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2019, ringing in the occasion with new experiences and magical additions to its most popular events. The full roster of what’s to come can be found below, including some surprising details for some big landmark anniversaries that 2019 will bring.
RETURN TO WALT’S BIRTHPLACE: In 2016 and 2017, D23 Members had the amazing opportunity to visit Walt Disney’s birthplace in Chicago. The home, which is being restored, was constructed by Walt’s father, Elias, and designed by his mother, Flora. This June, D23 Members will have the chance to see the incredible progress made on bringing the home back to its initial glory.
SCREENINGS ON THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS LOT AND AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT: Throughout the year, D23 will once again offer special screenings on both coasts of classic Disney favorites. As part of D23’s anniversary celebration, all the films screened will also be celebrating milestones, including Up (10th anniversary), Sleeping Beauty (60th), Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (35th), and The Lion King (25th).
THE OFFICIAL WALT DISNEY STUDIOS TOUR—PRESENTED BY D23: D23 Gold Member-exclusive tours of the historic Studio lot return and, for 2019, the tour—traditionally held four times a year—will run monthly starting in March and will include VIP experiences on select tours. Guests are able to take a look inside the Walt Disney Archives and see Walt Disney’s office suite during the tour, which offers fans a unique perspective on historic moments from Disney films, television shows, and theme parks.
D23’S LUNCH WITH A DISNEY LEGEND: Beginning in January, D23 brings back these exclusive luncheons with Disney luminaries. This year, D23 will be crossing the country so more fans than ever can enjoy the opportunity to meet Disney Legends and hear their fascinating stories, including an intimate lunch with Linda Larkin—the speaking voice of Jasmine in Aladdin—in New York City next April.
D23 HEADS TO THE HOLLOW: To celebrate the 70th anniversary of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow—and its infamous headless villain—D23 will hold a special event in Sleepy Hollow, New York, with a screening, special guests, reception, and more.
ADVANCE SCREENINGS: Next year, D23 Members can look forward to a host of exclusive, advance screenings across the country in partnership with our friends from The Walt Disney Studios. This year, D23 brought movie magic to 35 cities across the country, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Plus, this year D23 Members attended the red-carpet premiere of Disney’s Christopher Robin. D23 Gold Members across the U.S. will once again be selected at random to receive complimentary movie passes, and in honor of D23’s 10 years, 10,000 pairs of tickets will be sent throughout 2019.
SIGNATURE EVENTS: D23 will bring back foodie favorite Sip & Stroll during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Walt Disney Imagineering’s exclusive merchandise store, Mickey’s of Glendale, will open its doors to members. Guests at Walt Disney World Resort will once again make the holiday season bright next December, and on the West Coast, members will be invited back to The Walt Disney Studios to Light Up the Season. The Walt Disney Family Museum will extend a warm welcome to Gold Members for an exclusive look at a new exhibit in May. Also, D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences will return, offering exclusive, one-of-a-kind events to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members.
MEMBER MIXERS: After mixing and mingling at complimentary gatherings in places such as Houston, Seattle, and San Diego in 2018, D23 will bring more mixers to U.S. cities in 2019, including a special San Diego Comic-Con mixer to celebrate Marvel Comics’ 80th anniversary.
D23 EXPO 2019: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event returns. It’s D23’s biggest event of the year, when all of Disney’s wonderful worlds come together once again August 23–25, 2019, at the Anaheim Convention Center for three magical days of once-in-a-lifetime live performances, star-studded presentations, exclusive collectibles, and more celebrating Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.
2019 will also mark a year long “Fanniversary” celebration for D23’s 10th anniversary. Every year, D23 honors a Disney favorite that has reached a milestone anniversary, but with such a special anniversary for D23, the Fanniversary will continue all year long with additional special events to be announced, new member discount options, and so much more.
Keep an eye out for the details, as plenty more are in the works, including dates, ticket information, and other fun news. You can find the current event calendar below, with more surprises and pixie dust to come. All events are subject to change. The best way to stay up to date is to visit D23’s official site!
January 25: Lunch with a Disney Legend: TBA, Burbank, Calif.
January 26: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Burbank, Calif.
February 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Sleeping Beauty, Walt Disney World Resort
April: Lunch with a Disney Legend, Linda Larkin, New York City
April 7: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23 (Gold Family exclusive), Burbank, Calif.
May: The Walt Disney Family Museum event for Mickey Mouse Exhibit, San Francisco, Calif.
May 4: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Walt Disney World Resort
May 11: D23’s Magical Screening Series: The Lion King, Burbank, Calif.
June: Return to Walt’s Birthplace: TBA, Chicago
June: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
June 22: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
July 20: D23 Member Mixer celebrating 90 years of Marvel Comics, San Diego, Calif.
August 23-25: D23 Expo 2019, Anaheim, Calif.
September 21: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Walt Disney World Resort
September 28: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Burbank, Calif.
October: Lunch with a Disney Legend: Legend and location TBA
October 21: Sip & Stroll, Walt Disney World Resort
October 26: D23 Heads to the Hollow, Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
November 9: The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23, Burbank, Calif.
November 16: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Walt Disney World Resort
November 23: D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up, Burbank, Calif.
December: D23 Holiday Event at Walt Disney World Resort
December: Light Up the Season with D23, Burbank, Calif.
With the release of Marvel Studio’s Captain Marvelearly next year, fans will also get the opportunity to meet the fantastic hero, Carol Danvers, at the Disneyland Resort. The limited time encounter will take place early next year, with details on the mission still classified.
Danvers will join the assembled team of heroes in Disney California Adventure, which include Spider-Man, Captain America, Black Panther, and Dora Milaje. Once details become available, we will make sure to debrief you and prepare you for her arrival.
In the meantime, catch up on all things Captain Marvel with our extended coverage, which include trailers, images, and first looks into what’s coming in 2019. Captain Marvel comes to theaters March 8th.
Sugar, butter, flour…take one part charm, a cup of comedy, a sprinkling of inappropriate situations, then stir in some great vocals… I call it: Waitress. The Tony and Grammy Award-nominated musical by Jessie Nelson and Sara Bareilles is now baking at Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
Waitress, based on the 2007 film of the same name, is the story of Jenna– a waitress in a pie diner off a well-traveled highway whose life did not quite turn out as planned. A deadbeat husband, lack of steady income, and an unplanned pregnancy leave her hiding in her famous pie recipes named for each situation she is in when she creates them. With the help of her fellow wait staff, her doctor, and an unexpected friend, Jenna navigates the most tumultuous time in her life thus far in hopes to find happiness for herself and her unborn baby.
The first thing to note about Christine Dwyer (Jenna) is her clear vocal abilities. Reminiscent of the range of Idina Menzel, it was not a surprise that Dwyer has played Elphaba in Wicked and Maureen in Rent prior to her time touring with Waitress. Her stand out solo “She Used to be Mine” received uproarious applause, and rightfully so. The show stealer, however, was actually Jeremy Morse (Ogie) and his slapstick vaudevillian comedy in “Never Ever Getting Rid of Me.” The screams of laughter throughout the audience followed him through the rest of his stage time and his curtain call. Though I’m sure this song is always funny, I believe he performed it to perfection. Jessie Shelton (Dawn) was endearing and enjoyable any scene she was in, whether she was also providing physical comedy or having a poignant moment, Shelton was truly a delight. The dynamic between Maiesha McQueen (Becky) and Ryan G. Dunkin (Cal) was also very funny, reminiscent of how many of us wish we could talk to our bosses, Becky’s sass and wit serve as a mood lifter, contrasting more serious things going on around her.
I am a big nerd for set design, and this might have been one of my favorites. A simple set with few moving parts that could take you to several places in Jenna’s world. A Dr.’s office could quickly turn back into a diner simply by turning set pieces around. Waitress also appears to use the pulley system that allows set pieces to move across the stage without actor/tech interference. Many set pieces were still moved on and off stage by the Company, but were seamlessly worked into the blocking and choreography. What could not be conveyed with sets alone was done with lighting, allowing the audience to know when we were in Jenna’s head vs. when we were in the moment of a scene. Spotlights assisted with training the eye on specific factors in a scene and felt almost film-like. It was a really great transition from film to stage. One of my favorite things about the set was actually that the band was on stage as well through much of the performance. Blending in as though they could be live music in the diner, the band moved around scenes allowing us to not only see them, but the characters to interact with them on occasion.
I did not know what to expect when coming to see Waitress. I honestly had not seen the movie and was not familiar with the story or music. I was overall impressed with the show. It was vibrant, happy, funny, a little crass, and overall a good time. This show is sure to be one of the classics thanks to its dynamic storytelling, and the amazing music of Sara Bareilles. Grab yourself a slice of pie and go see Waitress.
