Rowan Blanchard and the “Mean Girl” Stereotype

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February 27, 2018

Rowan Blanchard, costarring in Disney’s upcoming release, A Wrinkle in Time, had some very compelling words when speaking about her new role, our perceptions on bullying, and the importance of strong female relationships.

Blanchard described her character, Veronica, as her first experience playing a “mean girl” and hinted at the relationship between her character and Meg (Storm Reid) being a little less than friendly.

Though not her traditional type of role, Blanchard was excited to jump into the world of A Wrinkle in Time with an open mind. “I was interested in approaching Veronica and Meg’s relationship in a way where I was able to sort of recognize kind of the complexities of what it means to be the bully. It’s so much more intricate than that.”

Rowan Blanchard at a press event for A Wrinkle in Time in Hollywood, CA on 2/25/18

The typical understanding of a bully, especially with female portrayals of them, are that they are brooding, vicious, and have a limited depth. “Just from watching movies growing up, I’ve always looked at bullies as very one dimensional characters…especially girl bullies. It’s very stereotypical that girls cat fight or girls fight over stupid things and that girls hate each other”, said Blanchard.

It’s easy to make perceptions and assumptions to try and justify the reasons behind why someone would bully. Yet, the life of a teen is a complexity, one that is very seldom black and white. “It’s so much more deep and layered than just a bully and a victim. There’s reasons why and I think especially between young women there’s so much competition that’s bred outside of their relationships inter-personally. I was interested in exploring the reasons behind bullying.”

Beneath the surface, there is a lot of pain and struggle. There’s more to empathize and understand in what creates a bully. Rather than just casting them off as bad individuals, it’s vital that we dig a little deeper and find a way to understand that inner turmoil. “They are hurting inside,” Blanchard stated.

Understanding that hurt is a much larger goal, as this is not the first time Blanchard has taken on the subject of bullying in her work. Blanchard is widely known for her role in the hit Disney Channel show, Girl Meets World. In the show, she played the title character, Riley Matthews, who also dealt with the tough realities of bullying on the opposite side of the spectrum.

Blanchard as Riley Matthews in "Girl Meets Rileytown" — Blanchard as Riley Matthews in “Girl Meets Rileytown”

In the episode titled, “Girl Meets Rileytown”, Blanchard’s character is thrown into a world of self doubt and fear through the actions of an unseen bully. The bully tears at her self image and her confidence, which she spends the episode regaining through the help of her friends. Ultimately, she finds her center and gains a better understanding of not only herself, but the bully as well. Standing up to the bully, Riley provides empathy and shines a light on why it happened rather than tear down her oppressor.

Given that opportunity, A Wrinkle in Time was another step at breaking down those walls to get to the real issues that need to be addressed. For Blanchard, the film became a story about female friendship.

When asked about her relationship with costar, Storm Reid, Blanchard said they are great friends, noting she wishes they got a chance to sit closer together. With upmost respect and admiration, Blanchard was thrilled to be on screen with Reid. It will be exciting to see their dynamic together on the silver screen and learn more about the two characters’ relationship.

“A WRINKLE IN TIME” opens in U.S. theaters on March 9.

Love, Simon Movie Review

By

Kale Smith

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February 26, 2018

The trials and tribulations of coming into age can be difficult and/or rewarding depending on the adolescent coming into their own as they phase from childhood to adulthood. Hollywood has taken this theme and made an entire genre (and subgenre) of films about this subject going all the way back to 1950’s with films like Rebel Without a Cause, while the stories evolved to fit the appropriate decade and many relatable scenarios were brought to the screen. However, (not on the mainstream side of cinema) almost all high school movies don’t dabble in the struggles of the LGBTQ teens who are coming into their own sexuality and the anxiety that kids have while wanting to come out. Love, Simon is the film that gives LGBTQ members a lead character that struggle with his feelings and confronting his own sexual identity and it not be cliched, stereotypical, or degrading. On the flip side though, if you’re looking for a film that’s going to break the formula that’s been present in a lot of YA (non-dystopian) films lately (The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, etc) with this concept, then Moonlight is still king.

Love, Simon is the film adaptation of the novel Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, about Simon Spier (played by Nick Robinson) who’s seventeen, has longtime friends, liberal parents, and a pretty situated life at his high school. The big dilemma though is that he’s a closeted gay teen. At start of the film, he manages to awkwardly hide his secret until another closeted gay teen under the pseudonym Blue posts on Tumblr about being gay, but never revealing his true identity. Simon in a need to reach out and reaches to Blue and starts an online pen pal relationship with him. As Blue and Simon forge a bond, another hiccup occurs in that Simon is blackmailed by his classmate Martin (Played by Logan Miller) after taking snapshots of his open emails and threatening to publish them if he doesn’t help him hook up with Abby (Played by Alexandra Shipp). While this is going on, Simon is trying to play subtle Sherlock Holmes to figure out who the elusive Blue is.

Director Greg Berlanti (most notable for his work on the CW superhero universe) and screenwriters Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger have crafted a tremendous balancing act here where he immereses us into a character’s life and struggles that are not common in most people, but makes the representation of his protagonist earnest, compelling, and relatable to any viewer watching. It also helps that Robinson is giving one of his best performances as he basically just charms us with likability and empathy throughout his performance. Robinson isn’t the only person on his A-game, the entire cast came to play. Alexandra Shipp, Katherine Langsford , and Jorge Lendeborg Jr. give really good supporting performances as Simon’s friends Abby, Leah, and Nick and the script allows them to play fully developed characters who feel like real teens.

Also on the parents side you have Jennifer Garner playing the mother Emily (who gives a speech to Simon that I think every person who feels underrepresented or having to put themselves before others a lot needs to hear) and then you have Josh Duhamel who just nailed it as Simon’s dad Jack who carries the macho tough gen X male character role very well and conveys extreme pathos for his character as he realizes his maucho mannerism has been the source of his son’s distance relationship. However, despite an impressive supporting cast, I would be amissive if i didn’t bring up three scene steelers in the movie. Obviously, Tony Hale as the Principal who tries to relate to his kids, but fails as he just comes off out of touch and misinformed. Natasha Albright as the theatre instructor Mrs. Albright who’s every line had me and every theatre patron just hallowling with laughter.

Minor Spoilers ahead….

Then there’s Logan Miller who plays “The Adorkable Misogynist” (click here for more info) character Martin subtly well. Martin on the surface is portrayed as someone who has adorable and endearing character traits as he tries and fails to pursue Abby, but on subtextually he’s the antagonist here as he’s the one blackmailing Simon and unintentionally causing friction between Simon and his friends. Constantly asking Abby out, despite denying his advances, and trying to be outside of who he is to attract others to look at him. It’s actually a very interesting take on a antagonist since a lot of characters like Martin in other high school movies (particularly in Weird Science) frame these characters as heroes or people worth following despite their creepy obsessions with female characters. Here, it’s clear that Berlanti and his writers want to critique this kind of character and challenge viewers who have been charmed by this personality for years. The portrayal does have a couple moments where it breaks from subtextually to textuality when the character has lines of dialogue that would be akin to a trump rally speech. However, when it does happen it works very well. It just goes to show Berlanti’s confidence that the most challenging part he wants people to grapple with in his “coming out” film would be to look at the character that who’s adorably funny as maybe something that needs to be addressed, challenge, and/or changed and not the character coming out, because he hopes his non-LGBTQ audience members are sophisticated enough to accept follow the coming out aspect of the story without a second hesitation.

Love, Simon is the answer that I think the LGBTQ has been mostly looking for in mainstream studio-broad cinema. Yes, there’s films out there that have a much more authentic and more immersive insight into being closeted. Oscar-winner of 2017 Moonlight, was much more immersive in the experience that Love, Simon is trying to convey. However, cinema has never given a wide release to a high school movie where it normalizes homosexuality and celebrates the liberation of being able to love people differently than your friends and family. It doesn’t hand Simon a free pass. When Simon is outed as being gay; his friends rightfully denounce him for other reasons that don’t have to do with his sexuality. While the film does have familiar plot structures that are present in other coming of age high school movies, even though that’s the point. Love, Simon is both unique and typical, because of Berlanti’s uses the coming of age film formula about adolescents who are phasing from childhood to adulthood (as they discover their own identity and feelings) can watch and hopefully realize that being different is not to be feared or to self-loathe about and those who are closer to normal just have to come to terms it’s not about 100% about them.

Disclaimer: If you’ve ever been wanting to see diversity manifested…bring tissues as the final scene will leave you in tears of joy. Actually, bring just tissues in general. That monologue Garner has rivals the ending monologue that Stuhlbarg had in Call Me By Your Name.

RED SPARROW Movie Review

By

Patrick Campbell

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February 25, 2018

It’s always frustrating when a film has all the potential in the world to be great, only to be a fairly middling affair with not much to offer. Such is the case with director Francis Lawrence’s new film, Red Sparrow, starring his Hunger Games star, Jennifer Lawrence. What promised to be a throwback Cold War spy thriller ends up being a dull, overlong, and frankly frustrating experience that doesn’t add much new to the genre. Instead, it just reminds the audience of better films that have tread these similar story beats before, but done so more effectively.

Dominika Egorova (Lawrence) is a famed Russian dancer who’s living her best life that she can onstage, while also taking care of her ailing mother off stage. When a tragic accident rips Dominika’s dream away, she’s left with nothing. Bent on taking care of her mother, Dominika is ushered into an underground Russian spy group where she’s trained to become an agent simply known as a Sparrow, whose mission is simply to infiltrate and kill. But Dominika quickly catches the eye of an American, Nathaniel Nash (Joel Edgerton), who decides to try and get close to Dominika, and possibly use her as an asset. The problem is, who can trust who in this game of cat and mouse?

Honestly, all the above sounds like it should make for a violent, at times harrowing, and an overall exciting spy thriller. But somehow Lawrence, and his screenwriters Eric Singer and Justin Haythe, suck all that potential out to create an incredibly standard film that really has no personality. Every beat in Red Sparrow seems rehashed from a better film, which is understandable as the genre is fairly crowded so there’s always going to be crossover. Unfortunately it feels more like a bland ripoff than offering a cool new take on something familiar, and that’s where Red Sparrow truly falters. It also doesn’t help that the script feels often times just sort of aimless, wandering to each scene with no real sense of urgency or reason. For a movie that’s over two hours, that’s especially frustrating as it makes the movie feel bloated, just simply for the sake of it.

The same could also be said for the treatment of most of the characters in the film, as it feels like there’s so many players throughout, but none of them truly matter all that much, nor are they all that interesting. Lawrence really does good work as Dominika, which may be one of her best performances. You can relate to her cause in some ways, and the damage she goes through would make any sane person angry. But when she’s the only slightly interesting character, you’re in trouble. Not a single other character in Red Sparrow really registers in any sort of way. Joel Edgerton really tries with some truly titled dialogue, which holds him back greatly from doing much. Jeremy Irons, who is always great to watch, is only here to be Jeremy Irons while adding some sort of prestige to the picture. It’s just bizarre that a thriller like this has so many characters, but not a single one outside of the lead is interesting in any way, which leads to having little to no vested interest in anything that’s happening in the film.

Red Sparrow also makes a very bizarre tonal shift in the third act that really undermines the rest of the film in a big way. This film has very little comedy or levity, and the moment that Mary-Louise Parker shows up, the whole thing just falls apart. This isn’t because Parker can’t act, but it’s because it doesn’t fit the movie that we’ve been given until this point. This may be one of the most crazy miscasting situations in recent memory for any movie, and it’s a shame, because Parker is a fantastic actress who deserved better. But when you have a movie that just doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be, this is the kind of thing that happens.

However, it’s not all bad for Red Sparrow. Lawrence does a great job building tension when it’s called for in some select scenes in the film. There’s very little action, so Lawrence doesn’t get to show off any of his action skills that we’re used to seeing in his other work, and honestly, you can feel he would love to unleash if he could. The few action beats feel intense, even intensely brutal where you don’t want to look, but you keep waiting for him to take it, and Jennifer, to the next level in the film. This could easily be an action spy franchise in the vein of John Wick or Jack Ryan, but instead it stifles itself from ever really reaching that potential. The word that continually sums up the experience is frustrating, because this movie could honestly be so much more than it is, and yet it just doesn’t seem to want to get there.

While Red Sparrow is clearly a film the studio is hoping can lead to a franchise, it may be best to just leave well enough alone. While the film is stylishly shot, and features a great performance by Jennifer Lawrence, the rest of the film is just a tired retread of better material. Overlong and dull, with no real sense of what it wants to be, Red Sparrow just feels like an exercise in the viewer’s patience. It’s really a shame that a film with so much potential is just so flat, because it had all the potential to be something special.

Restaurant / Bar Review: The Cauldron – Spirits and Brews

By

Russell Tom

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February 25, 2018

Searching for a lounge to relax after an evening of flying on your broomstick? Well, you no longer have to search for dead man’s toe or eye of newt to conjure up a spellbinding sanctuary of relaxation and libations. Simply transport yourself to The Cauldron – Spirits and Brews located directly across the street from Knott’s Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, CA. This haven of witch decor is every Halloween lover’s dream come to fruition. A dark foreboding atmosphere entangled with flickering candlelights, mystical bookshelves, glaring crows, mysterious knick knacks, and of course, the bubbling cauldron in a misty fireplace.

The screaming walls are adorned with an art gallery of curious paintings and even original artwork by the proprietor herself, Lara Hanneman. Lara was previously the Director of Entertainment for the Knott’s Berry Farm and currently the Principal Creative Designer for Think Better Design. So you know you’re in good hands. A lot of heart and attention to detail have gone into this cozy retreat.

For a more private setting, you can request to sneak behind the secret bookcase for a more intimate setting. The food offerings are a delight. Some dishes are even served in mini-cauldrons! No need to worry about the Pale Man coming after you. Be it before screaming your lungs out before Halloween Haunt or reminiscing after an escape game, this is a perfect getaway from the real world. Don’t forget to take with you a keepsake of your stay with a photo booth you can magically share on social media.

Restaurant / Bar Review: The Cauldron - Spirits and Brews

So if you or anyone is engaged with the creaky and the spooky, this cozy retreat offers wall-to-wall creeps!

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LOVE NEVER DIES

By

Socalthrills Staff

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February 24, 2018

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies, the spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts April 24 – May 5, 2018. Described by Chris Boyd in The Australian as “The best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quarter century since The Phantom of the Opera.” In this dazzling new production of Love Never Dies, audiences are taken on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Audiences will be seduced by the beautiful; sometimes magical and poetic; sometimes joyful; and occasionally melancholic score.

Tickets for LOVE NEVER DIES start at $29, and are on sale now. They may be purchased online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, please call the Group Services office at (714) 755- 0236. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, May 5, 2018 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

Directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical) with new set and costume designs by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by 2011 Astaire Awards winner Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter, the show is one of the few instances of a major West End musical being given a complete makeover.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Presents Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES — Love Never Dies
Utica, NY

Direct from the highly successful production of Love Never Dies in Hamburg, Germany, Gardar Thor Cortes will portray the man behind the mask, ‘The Phantom,’ with Meghan Picerno as ‘Christine Daaé,’ Karen Mason as ‘Madame Giry,’ Sean Thompson as ‘Raoul,’ Mary Michael Patterson as ‘Meg Giry,’ and Casey Lyons and Jake Heston Miller sharing the role of ‘Gustave.’ The trio of Phantom’s henchmen include Katrina Kemp as ‘Fleck,’ Richard Koons as ‘Squelch,’ Stephen Petrovich as ‘Gangle,’ Gardar Thor Cortes is appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors’ Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

The ensemble includes Chelsey Arce, Erin Chupinsky, Diana DiMarzio, Tyler Donahue, Yesy Garcia, Alyssa Giannetti, Michael Gillis, Tamar Greene, Natalia Lepore Hagan, Lauren Lukacek, Alyssa McAnany, Rachel Anne Moore, Bronson Norris Murphy, Dave Schoonover, Adam Soniak, John Swapshire IV, Kelly Swint, Lucas John Thompson, Correy West and Arthur Wise.

Lloyd Webber said he knew about five minutes into seeing its first run-through that he and the new production team had achieved something special. “I have the great joy of being able to say that I think this production is probably the finest one I could ever, ever hope for.”

The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and the Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. In this new, electrically charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musical protégée, Christine Daaé.

Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform at a renowned opera house. Christine’s marriage to Raoul is suffering at the hands of his drinking and gambling and they desperately need the financial rewards that America can give them.

In a final bid to win back Christine’s love, the Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son Gustave, from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island – not knowing what is in store for them.

Since its premiere in 2010, Love Never Dies has enjoyed productions worldwide in London, Australia, Denmark, Japan and Germany, as well as multiple recordings including a concept album and a London cast recording. A DVD release of the Australian production has delighted fans globally, and now the North American tour brings the musical to the US for the first time.

For more information, please visit www.loveneverdies.com.

Tropical Hideaway Uncovered at the Disneyland Resort

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 22, 2018

“Welcome to our tropical hideaway you lucky people you!”

Many know the famous words from the title song in the beloved classic, “Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room”, but it appears that Adventureland skippers have just come across a real life oasis at the Disneyland Resort.

The Disney Parks blog announced today a new experience will be debuting along the “tropical shores” between the world famous Jungle Cruise and the Tiki Room.

The hideaway will be a place of rest and refuge and allow guests to “rub elbows with their favorite skippers in an exotic traders’ market”. It is said to feature multiple tropical sights, sounds, and flavors.

Though this is a recent discovery, more information is yet to come and we are all anxiously awaiting to hear more. The hideaway, which was unearthed at the current location for Aladdin’s Oasis, will be part of a larger initiative of updates to the resort area.

Previously, Adventureland had seen big changes to the walkways, expansion of Bengal Barbecue, as well as the transition of other retail locations into additional stroller parking.

The resort also debuted details on the new dining location being prepared to open alongide Pixar Pier this summer. You can read more about all the exciting news by checking out our story below!

http://socalsite.socalthrills.com/lamplight-lounge-to-replace-cove-bar-in-pixar-pier-remodel/

Lamplight Lounge to Replace Cove Bar in Pixar Pier Remodel

By

Maverick Bohn

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February 22, 2018

Image_DLR_Pixar Pier Marquee — PIXAR PIER MARQUEE AT DISNEY CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE (ANAHEIM, Calif.) – When Pixar Pier opens on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park, guests will enter the permanent new land through a dazzling new Pixar Pier marquee. This reimagined land will feature four whimsical neighborhoods representing beloved Pixar stories with newly themed attractions, foods and merchandise. The Pixar Pier marquee will be topped with the iconic Pixar lamp later in the year. (Disney•Pixar/Disneyland Resort)

A new flavor is coming to Disney California Adventure this summer as the Disney Parks Blog announced the Lamplight Lounge will be replacing the popular Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto locations.

Part of the Pixar Pier transformation, Lamplight Lounge will retain the original structure of the current building along with an exposed and more industrial feel that will “tell the story of its past”. It will also feature a California casual gastro-pub cuisine that the blog described as “playfully presented” to go along with a line of signature drinks. For those worried that lobster nachos will no longer be available, Disney has made sure to save the iconic feature fare from being lost in Disneyland past.

The lobster nachos are definitely here to stay. No word on any other food options. Photo by Kaley Klaiber.

Unlike the previous setup of Cove Bar and Ariel’s Grotto, where two dining locations were created and separate, Lamplight Lounge will be a unified destination that will contain a full bar with views of Pixar Pier and Paradise Bay. World of Color will also be a featured element for any guests visiting the eatery at night.

The lounge will spotlight various artists and personalities behind the iconic films and Pixar legacy. Guests are encouraged to “discover the artistic marks” that have been left behind by the featured artists. From napkins, to collectible items, there will be a casual and elegant set of Pixar references that round out the experience. Whether or not this will come from Pixar’s huge assortment of collectible toys in Emeryville and figures is yet to be seen.

Lamplight Lounge will open alongside Pixar Pier on June 23rd. For those who want to say one last goodbye to Cove Bar, Disney will be providing a limited time run from March 16th to the end of May. It is highly recommended to plan accordingly, as wait times for the popular stop are hard to predict. Before Cove Bar was closed on January 7th, the wait time was seen to extend past 3 hours.

For those who would like to learn more about the latest updates to Pixar Pier, please check out SocalThrills latest article on all the details revealed at this year’s D23 Expo in Japan.

If you still thirst for more Disney Parks news, please take a look at the Disney Parks Blog and stay tuned for any new details SocalThrills will share in the coming months!

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/

THE BOOK OF MORMON returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 21, 2018

Back by popular demand, THE BOOK OF MORMON returns to Segerstrom Center for the Arts for a limited engagement March 20 – April 1, 2018. THE BOOK OF MORMON features book, music and lyrics by Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone. Parker and Stone are the four-time Emmy Award-winning creators of the landmark animated series, South Park. Tony Award winner Lopez is co-creator of the long-running hit musical comedy, Avenue Q. The musical is choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Drowsy Chaperone) and is directed by Nicholaw and Parker.

Tickets for THE BOOK OF MORMON start at $34.75, and are on sale now. They may be purchased online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket savings for 10 or more, please call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, March 24, 2018 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

THE BOOK OF MORMON is the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Book (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone), Best Direction (Casey Nicholaw, Trey Parker), Best Featured Actress (Nikki M. James), Best Scenic Design (Scott Pask), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt), Best Sound Design (Brian Ronan) and Best Orchestrations (Larry Hochman, Stephen Oremus); the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical; five Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album; four Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Best Musical, and the Drama League Award for Best Musical.

THE BOOK OF MORMON features set design by Scott Pask, costume design by Ann Roth, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and sound design by Brian Ronan. Orchestrations are by Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus. Music direction and vocal arrangements are by Stephen Oremus.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is available on Ghostlight Records.

Experience the world of PANDAS

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 21, 2018

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX) and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Kristen Bell (Frozen, TV’s “The Good Place”) will narrate the latest IMAX documentary adventure Pandas, a heartwarming global story about reintroducing captive born pandas to the wild. The film will be released in select IMAX^® and IMAX^®3D theatres starting April 6, 2018.

The filmmakers from the acclaimed IMAX documentaries Born to Be Wild and Island of Lemurs: Madagascar take audiences on an exciting and educational new journey for the entire family, this time in China with a species loved the world over—Giant Pandas.

“I am thrilled to team up with IMAX and Warner Bros. Pictures to help tell this incredible story in the larger-than-life IMAX format,” said Kristen Bell. “Pandas not only spotlights the important work being done to protect these beloved and ridiculously cute animals, but it provides us with inspiration and hope and showcases the great things we can achieve when we work together.”

Greg Foster, CEO of IMAX Entertainment and Senior Executive Vice President, IMAX Corp., added, “We’re tremendously excited to have the talented and engaging Kristen Bell join the IMAX family to narrate Pandas. We can’t wait to share this heartfelt journey that will transport IMAX audiences to the mountains of Sichuan in China and spotlight the incredible steps scientists are taking to protect and reintroduce these magnificent and adorable pandas into the wild.”

Jeff Goldstein, President Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures, said, “We are so pleased to continue the tradition of bringing these wonderful IMAX adventures to families. We’re proud to add Pandas to our slate and to give people an opportunity to see these amazing animals as never before.”

“I am delighted to continue my longstanding partnership with IMAX and Warner Bros. on Pandas,” said producer/writer Drew Fellman, who co-directed the film with David Douglas. “Shooting with IMAX cameras helped us deliver a dazzling and intimate experience and we’re thrilled to have Kristen Bell onboard to guide this one-of-a-kind IMAX adventure.”

Kristen Bell currently stars as Eleanor Shellstrop in season two of the TV series “The Good Place,” with Ted Danson, which has been renewed for a third season by NBC. Up next, she will star in the Netflix comedy “Like Father,” opposite Kelsey Grammer, and lend her voice to the animated film Teen Titans GO! to the Movies, both set for release in 2018. Bell most recently executive produced and appeared in the ABC special “Encore,” about former high-school classmates who get together for an encore performance of their old musical theater productions. She also reprised her role as Anna in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, a featurette based on the blockbuster animated feature Frozen, released alongside Coco. She is working on the sequel to Frozen, scheduled to hit theaters in fall 2019. Frozen has grossed over $1.2 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Bell also recently starred in A Bad Moms Christmas, alongside Mila Kunis and Kathryn Hahn. The film is a sequel to 2016’s Bad Moms, the first STX film to gross over $100 million domestically.

In 2016, Bell was seen as Jeannie Van Der Hooven in the Showtime series “House of Lies,” opposite Don Cheadle, which wrapped its fifth and final season. In 2014, Bell reprised her beloved title role in the film Veronica Mars, which raised $2 million on Kickstarter in less than eleven hours and broke the record at the time for the fastest project to reach $1 million and $2 million. She appeared in a guest-starring arc on NBC’s hit series “Parks & Recreation,” and played the lead role in the independent film The Lifeguard, which premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. She also starred in and co-produced the comedy Hit & Run, written and directed by her husband, Dax Shepard. Her other film credits include CHIPs, How to Be a Latin Lover, The Boss, Movie 43, Some Girls, Writers, Big Miracle, You Again, Burlesque, When in Rome, Couples Retreat, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Pulse, Serious Moonlight and David Mamet’s Spartan. Her television credits include “Veronica Mars,” “Unsupervised,” “Deadwood,” “Heroes” and “Party Down.” Her Broadway credits include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Crucible,” opposite Liam Neeson and Laura Linney. Her Off-Broadway credits include “Reefer Madness” and “A Little Night Music.”

Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time” Soundtrack Set for Release on March 9.

By

Robbie Bulus

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February 20, 2018

Walt Disney Records is set to release the digital version of the original motion picture soundtrack to Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” from visionary director Ava DuVernay on March 9^th as the film opens in theaters nationwide.

The soundtrack was produced by DuVernay and features the end-credit song “I Believe” performed by Grammy® nominated and multi-platinum selling artists DJ Khaled featuring Demi Lovato. The song was written by Khaled, Lovato, Denisia “Blu June” Andrews and Brittany “Chi” Coney and was produced by Khaled. Both artists are embarking on a 20-date North American tour beginning February 26 in San Diego, CA.

The soundtrack also includes two versions of “Flower of the Universe” performed by Sade, one of which is a remix by No I.D. The multi-Grammy winning and multi-platinum selling artist also co-wrote and co-produced the track with Ben Travers and Andrew Hale. This is Sade’s second original song contribution to a soundtrack following 1986’s “Absolute Beginners.”

Five-time Grammy nominee singer-songwriter Sia performs “Magic,” a song she also co-wrote with Grammy nominated producer-songwriter Jesse Shatkin. Shatkin also produced the track.

Grammy nominated artist Kehlani performs “Let Me Live.” Kehlani released her debut chart-topping album, SweetSexySavage last year and will also be touring North America with Lovato and Khaled.

Also included is “Warrior,” written and performed by sisters Chloe x Halle. The duo made a cameo in Beyonce’s Lemonade visual album and were subsequently invited to join as the opening act on The Formation World Tour. The sisters released their debut EP, Sugar Symphony, in 2016 and are currently series regulars on Freeform’s “Grown-ish.”

The “A Wrinkle in Time” score is composed, conducted and produced by Ramin Djawadi. The German-born composer has scored over 100 projects including blockbuster films such as “Pacific Rim,” “Iron Man” and “Clash of the Titans” and celebrated television scores including “Game of Thrones,” “Westworld,” “Prison Break” and “The Strain.”

The Grammy and Emmy®-nominated composer recorded the score in Los Angeles with a 71-piece orchestra and a 29-person choir, as well as a 24-member children’s choir.

Speaking about the artists and composer, DuVernay said: “Each song on the ‘Wrinkle in Time’ soundtrack was crafted with great care in close collaboration with the artists. My creative partnership with Sade on ‘Flower of the Universe’ was so connected that I reverse engineered the usual process and used her lyrics as actual dialogue within the film. I truly loved working with DJ Khaled who jumped into this project with open arms and an open heart, along with the great Demi Lovato. Sia, Kehlani and Chloe x Halle beautifully embraced the visuals of the film to create distinct songs that expand and elevate Meg’s heroic journey. And working with Ramin Djawadi was a dream come true as I have been a long-time admirer of his stellar work. His musical compositions for the film are perfectly otherworldly.”

The track list for A Wrinkle in Time follows:

1 Flower of the Universe (No I.D. Remix) Performed by Sade

2 I Believe Performed by DJ Khaled Featuring Demi Lovato

3 Magic Performed by Sia

4 Let Me Live Performed by Kehlani

5 Warrior Performed by Chloe x Halle

6 Park Bench People Performed by Freestyle Fellowship

7 Flower of the Universe Performed by Sade

Score by Ramin Djawadi

A Wrinkle in Time
Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who and Mrs. Which
Darkness Across the Universe
Touch the Stars
Happy Medium
Camazotz
Home
Uriel
Is This a Dream?
Forgive Me
Be a Warrior
Tap Into Your Mind
Tesseract
Sorry I’m Late
The Universe Is Within All of Us

The A Wrinkle in Time original motion picture soundtrack will be available at digital retail HERE and streaming services HERE on March 9. The physical version will be available following the film’s release on March 30 and can be pre-ordered HERE.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi Comes Home with Visually Stunning Extras

By

Robbie Bulus

-

February 20, 2018

© 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the next action-packed chapter of the Star Wars saga, earned critical acclaim and the No. 1 spot atop 2017’s list of highest-grossing films. The visually stunning film welcomes the return of original characters, including Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Yoda, R2-D2 and C-3PO and further explores the deepening journey of the saga’s new members, Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren. Now families can bring home the movie digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and via Movies Anywhere on March 13, two weeks before the 4K Ultra HD™ Blu-ray, and Blu-ray™ disc on March 27. This release also marks Disney’s first title available on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc in both Dolby Vision™ HDR and Dolby Atmos® immersive audio, delivering consumers a transformative viewing experience.

Director Rian Johnson takes fans on an intimate journey into the creation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi in a feature-length documentary, explaining his unique interpretation of the Force, detailing the painstaking process of creating Snoke, and deconstructing action-packed scenes from the film such as the epic space battle and the final confrontation. Johnson also reveals two exclusive scenes, featuring Andy Serkis as Snoke prior to his digital makeover, as well as 14 never-before-seen deleted scenes, in addition to his audio commentary.

Bonus features include*:

The Director and the Jedi – Go deep behind the scenes with writer-director Rian Johnson on an intimate and personal journey through the production of the movie—and experience what it’s like to helm a global franchise and cultural phenomenon.
Balance of the Force – Explore the mythology of the Force and why Rian Johnson chose to interpret its role in such a unique way.
Scene Breakdowns
- Lighting the Spark: Creating the Space Battle – Get a close-up look at the epic space battle, from the sounds that help propel the action, through the practical and visual effects, to the characters who bring it all to life.
- Snoke and Mirrors – Motion capture and Star Wars collide as the filmmakers take us through the detailed process of creating the movie’s malevolent master villain.
- Showdown on Crait – Break down everything that went into creating the stunning world seen in the movie’s final confrontation, including the interplay between real-word locations and visual effects, reimagining the walkers, designing the crystal foxes, and much more.
Andy Serkis Live! (One Night Only) – Writer-director Rian Johnson presents two exclusive sequences from the movie featuring Andy Serkis’ riveting, raw on-set performance before his digital makeover into Snoke.
Deleted Scenes – With an introduction and optional commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.
Audio Commentary – View the movie with in-depth feature audio commentary by writer-director Rian Johnson.

* Digital bonus offerings may vary by retailer.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is packaged several ways to ensure fans get the most out of their in-home viewing experience. The Multiscreen Edition (formerly the Blu-ray Combo Pack) includes Blu-ray, and a Digital copy, giving viewers the flexibility to watch the film on different devices. Those with 4K Ultra HD capability may opt for a 4K UHD Collector’s Edition, including 4K Ultra HD disc with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Blu-ray disc, and a digital copy (where available). Dolby Vision delivers greater brightness and contrast, as well as a fuller palette of rich colors. Dolby Atmos places and moves audio anywhere in the room, including overhead. Together on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc, viewers will practically feel the Force in their own home.

Cayucos by-the-Sea Welcomes Spring with Sea Glass Festival

By

Greg Aragon, Writer Greg's Getaway

-

February 19, 2018

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 Spring, 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 are 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.

One of my favorite times to visit Cayucos is spring, when the weather is perfect for hikes and walks along the beach, and the town comes to life for the annual Sea Glass Festival, which is now in its 8th season.

One of the premier cultural events on the Central Coast, this year’s Sea Glass event, held Saturday and Sunday, March 10 – 11, 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 2nd Annual Cayucos Sea Glass Festival’s Mermaid Ball on Friday, March 9.

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

After a day of fun, guests can also enjoy a night of merriment at the Mermaid Ball. 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 2018. The queen will be crowned with a sea glass bejeweled tiara designed and created exclusively for this occasion by Jason of Cabana Jewelry.

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 papier-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 at Sea Shanty & Shoreline Inn located in Cayucos or by emailing Carol at [email protected].

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