The Incredibles are back and going for gold in Disney’s latest trailer which debuted during Winter Olympics coverage. This is the first real trailer and review from Disney since the film’s announced release and the focus is on Helen Parr, who’s super hero persona is the sassy, overly flexible, Elastagirl.
Mr Incredible, Bob Parr, is left with parenting duty while his wife is recruited to bring back the world of supers to the spotlight. Rather than jumping back into action with his wife, Bob is left with math, stress, and keeping his infant from going nuclear.
Over 14 years have passed since we last saw this super charged family and now we are all left to wonder how much has changed since the plot of the film will pick up immediately after the climax of the original 2004 film.
What is clear is that the Incredible family will have their work cut out for them in an epic balancing act between fighting crime and having a stable home life. More reveals and questions will most likely form as we get closer to the release date, in classic Disney fashion.
Similar to Solo: A Star Wars Story as well as Avengers: Infinity War, Disney is beginning to strategically place their preview slate in the mix during sporting events, which draws in a larger number of diverse viewers. It’s a great marketing strategy, but also a very obvious one. Other studios are also taking the same page from their playbook, as we saw in this past Super Bowl slate.
Special teaser posters were also released, which you can see below!
The Incredibles 2 is set to release on June 15th. You can learn more about the upcoming film on the official site: http://movies.disney.com/the-incredibles-2
“You can’t blend in when you were born to stand out.”
Wonder has just blasted off on Blu-Ray with over three hours of special features that will make you laugh, cry, and feel inspired. The film, based off the novel by R.J. Palacio, follows the life, struggle, and triumph of the Auggie Pullman and his family. The movie challenges us all to learn to see with a different point of view and understand that we all need our chance to shine in a world that may not always appreciate or see us the way it should.
What makes this set stand out is the level of teamwork needed bring the world of Auggie and the idea of kindness to life. From page to screen, every part of process in this film was painstaking, full of heart, and nothing short of a miracle.
The documentary pulls that craft into intricate pieces, highlighting the work with writer, R.J Palacio, the entire children’s cast and the creative use of multi camera shooting, as well as some of the struggles of filming on a very limited schedule. Unlike most feature series, this set takes a humble approach and is refreshing since it really brings forward the effort on everyone involved, rather than just focusing on the surface of the film for content.
Interviews are given by many of the major players, but you also get some feedback from the smaller parts of the crew and cast. When watching these clips, the audience really gets an opportunity to see what Wonder means to the entire production. It’s truly captivating and genuine.
The overarching message of hope endures, and the set of special features is a great guide to learning how much effort goes into this type of film, but also the many reasons that it succeeded when there was so much room for failure. Just like the story itself, there’s a real sense of hope and discovery.
Here’s a full list of the available features on the Blu-Ray/Digital set:
Summer of Fun 5-Part Documentary:
A (com)Passion Project- Part 1
“Family Matters”- Part 2
“A Technical Wonder”- Part 3
A Note of Kindness- Part 4
We All Deserve a Standing Ovation at Least Once in Our Lives- Part 5
A Child’s Sense of Wonder Featurette
What a Wonderful World Featurette
DVD/Blu-Ray Features
Audio Commentary with Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacio
Learn more about the book and real stories that helped make this film a reality by visiting http://wonder.movie. Wonder can be purchased at most major in store and online retailers!
It’s a special time of year at the Disneyland Resort, full of bright colors, feelings, and nostalgia. Valentine’s Day is here and in park tradition, hearts, chocolates, and lovely touches of red and pink can be found throughout the resort.
Here’s a look at some of the blossoming Valentine’s displays and merchandise for this year’s celebration!
“To My Valentine!”Plenty of dazzle for those on your Valentine’s list.What would Valentine’s Day be without chocolate?
Disneyland wasn’t the only park with their heart on their sleeve, as Disney California Adventure also shared in the fun of the sweetest time of the year!
All Aboard the Chocolate Train!Oh boy! Isn’t this the greatest gift idea?Plenty of love for the pin collectors too!Minnie in her Valentine’s Best!
For those wanting something else to celebrate, Lunar New Year is still in Full Swing over at Disney California Adventure. Take a look for yourself and ring in the Year of the Dog!
Lots of fun and smiles all around!The Year of the Dog means Pluto is in the spotlight. This is fantastic!Care for a balloon?
Pluto is front and center for this year’s festival. It’s great to see him featured alongside Mickey and Minnie with pride!
Some of the featured merchandise for the event, including a new Pluto plush!Happy Lunar New Year!Pluto wants you to celebrate in style!
Let’s not forget about our other special guests for the event, Mulan and Mushu! Stepping aside for a goofy moment, they will definitely have some fun memories to reflect on!
“Let’s get down to business! No, seriously”Make a wish!Blooming into such a lovely day!
The Disney Parks blog announced great news for Star Wars fans today as Rey will be coming to greet guests at the Disneyland Resort starting this May.
The popular character introduced in The Force Awakens will be joining forces with her furry companion, Chewbacca, in Star Wars Launch Bay this summer opposite Kylo Ren and Darth Vader.
This will be a Disney Parks first as Rey currently is featured exclusively in the hit Walt Disney Studios show, Star Wars: A Galaxy, Far, Far Away, in Walt Disney World. More exciting updates are sure to come leading up to the debut of both Solo: A Star Wars Story and the opening of Galaxy’s Edge in 2019.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Galaxy Far Far Away Show in Florida.
For those thirsting for more Star Wars, Disney Parks has just released new information on all that is to come for Star Wars fans through Japan’s D23 Expo this past weekend. You can see the full coverage below:
At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.
Star Wars: Force for Change has also released special limited shirts to celebrate Solo’s upcoming release, which can be found in Disney Parks right now.
You can learn more about Force for Change and all the great offerings by visiting the official site: https://forceforchange.starwars.com/
Powerful themes and emotions were shared at the California Science Center in Los Angeles during a special Blu-Ray release event for the hit film, Wonder. Leading the discussion was Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, director of Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
Simon-Thomas tied in pivotal scenes from the film, discussing the positive trends towards kindness and generosity and how they exemplify those principles in a very moving discussion that impressed the audience as well as the director of the film, Stephen Chbosky. “Our behavior tends to be in the realm of kind, generous, and cooperative. That’s really what the Wonder film was trying to tap into and demonstrate”, stated Simon-Thomas.
In her studies, those levels of kindness and generosity are found to be a huge factor in the overall happiness of an individual. In multiple studies ranging from children to young adults, findings leaned towards the positive reinforcement of quick action towards selflessness. Teamwork, friendship, and social bonds were also discussed, as friendship is a huge theme in the film through Auggie’s search for common ground with children his own age.
Wonder director, Stephen Chbosky, related directly to her discussion of kindness and ultimately the importance of finding your place in a world where you might not always feel you belong. Not a stranger to the narrative power of emotions and self discovery, Chbosky comes from a strong background of relatable themes and characters with his critically acclaimed novel and film, Perks of Being a Wallflower, in addition to his work for the live action adaptation of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. When focusing on Wonder, Chbosky believes Auggie is perfect representation for those universal themes.
“This movie is probably the purist expression of that. Whether in my career you are talking about Charlie, Beast, or Auggie Pullman, all three heroes for various reasons don’t feel they fit in the norm of their surroundings and society”. He went on to explain what stands out in these characters is how their experiences help them find their own individual humanity. Though each story is unique, each character’s growth brings them closer to the world around them and altogether transforms the world around them. It’s the human connection and need for kindness that breaks down the barriers that many can relate to.
The entire cast was said to bring in their own stories and experiences to help bring Wonder to life, creating a gripping, realistic, and inspiring story that is worth telling. Auggie’s sister, Via, played by Izabela Vidovic, was a great example of that.
Having struggles of her own, Via still finds a way to reach out and push her brother to be the best that he can be. That bond, sense of friendship, allows her to put him first and support him in a way vital to his self discovery. “She’s very frank with him because she loves him and she wants to be realistic with him. She wants him to understand that not everyone’s going to treat him the way he should be treated and I think that’s very important”, said Vidovic.
Vidovic‘s own background gravitates towards positive examples of inner strength and kindness. At 17, she has produced two of her own film projects, has her own philanthropic foundation, Passion for Compassion, and is a strong supporter of making the community more aware of some of the issues brought to the light in the film. Working together with myFace and the Children’s Craniofacial Association, Vidovic wants to make sure important causes like craniofacial disorders and bullying have an accessible platform.
“However you want to make a difference, you can”, Vidovic urged. “Go online, research. There are so many great organizations out there.”
Beyond the cast, so many people came together to help bring Auggie’s story to life. One of the biggest players was Arjen Tuiten, who created and designed the practical makeup used in the film for Auggie. “This is the first time in film history, to my knowledge, where a 9 year old has been in full prosthetics as a lead” Tuiten explained.
The makeup consisted of 4 part mold. 40 prosthetics were made to be used during the production, which included a very intricate design that was heavily researched and drawn on real medical records, personal accounts, and visits from children experiencing the same struggles and condition as Auggie.
“Normally on a make up of this type…you’re looking at three and a half hours,” Tuiten said. However, due to the production’s needs and time restraints, the crew was able to do the work each day in half the time while still keeping the balance between actor and effects in check.
“If the make up became distracting, the movie wasn’t going to work. It had to be a real boy, a real actor”. Tuiten and the crew helped make that reality come to light in a monumental way. Wonder has received an Oscar nomination for that work, which will be featured against other major features such as Gary Oldman’s The Darkest Hour.
All aspects of this film were done with the upmost care and respect by all involved. For those who haven’t yet seen the film, Wonder is now on Digital, Blu-Ray and DVD.
To learn more about the real stories and work behind the film, please visit the official site at http://wonder.movie/
Walt Disney World Resort guests will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and pals on a wacky adventure set to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida in 2019. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the first-ever ride through attraction themed to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, will feature dazzling visual effects, a lovable theme song, and twists and turns ideal for the whole family.
Big changes are coming to both Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts with new attractions, hotels, and entertainment just announced at Japan’s D23 Expo. Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, Bob Chapek, took the stage and gave the audience a preview of all that’s to come to Disney Parks worldwide.
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)
Disneyland’s Pixar Pier will open on June 23rd that includes the previously announced Incredicoaster, a new Inside Out attraction, as well as a new Incredibles themed float for the Paint the Night Parade. The parade, transitioning over to Disney California Adventure for this spring’s Pixar Fest, will step off on April 13th after being on hiatus from Disneyland’s 60th anniversary celebration.
NEW INCREDIBLES-THEMED FLOAT FOR ‘PAINT THE NIGHT’ PARADE—This June, a new, high-energy Incredibles-themed float will add more Pixar fun to the electrifying “Paint the Night” parade at Disney California Adventure park. Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl and Frozone will showcase their superhero awesomeness as they take on their newest threat, the Underminer. Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack also showcase their unique powers in surprising new ways, as shown through dynamic and innovative visual technology. Like the other elements in this spectacular parade, this new float will come to life through a series of dazzling LED lights, new music elements and high-tech, pop-art effects inspired by the mid-century-modern style of the films. (Disney•Pixar/Disneyland Resort)
Meanwhile in Florida and Disneyland Paris, Marvel will be brought out in full force as two new attractions will open up in Walt Disney Studio Park and Epcot. Paris fans will have to say goodbye to Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster as it will be re-imagined into a “high speed, hyper-kenetic adventure” where guests will team up with Iron Man and other famed avengers.
A newly reimagined Marvel-themed attraction is coming to Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, where riders will team up with Iron Man and their favorite Avengers on a high-speed, hyper-kinetic adventure to another dimension.
Epcot will be given a new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction in Florida, which is stated to be a “one of a kind family attraction” and will feature an innovative ride system that will also boast one of the longest enclosed coasters in the world. According to the Disney Parks Blog, the attraction will open in time for the 50th Anniversary celebration for Walt Disney World in 2021.
Disneyland Paris’ summer will also get the Marvel treatment as they will host the “Marvel Summer of Super Heroes” that will feature Captain America, Spider-Man, Star Lord, and Black Widow.
Similar to Disneyland’s recent event, fans will get an up close look at the world of Marvel in a seasonal offering that is sure to excite and tease future additions to the French resort. Hong Kong Disneyland’s popular Iron Man attraction will be joined by an Ant Man and Wasp attraction based off this summer’s Ant Man and Wasp film and take on Arnim Zola and Hydra in an exciting battle.
A new Marvel attraction is planned for Hong Kong Disneyland, where guests will be invited to team up with Ant-Man and The Wasp to fight Arnim Zola and his army of Hydra swarm bots in a thrilling new adventure.
As popular as Marvel was at the announcement, Star Wars was teased further through more details around the luxury hotel mentioned at Disney’s D23 Expo in Anaheim last year. The Star Wars themed resort will bring the experience full circle, which will be seamlessly connected to Galaxy’s edge.
At the resort, guests immediately become active citizens of the galaxy and can dress up in the proper attire. Every resort window will also have a view into space. The opportunity for immersion at this resort will also stand out among all Disney resorts around the globe, as it will be seamlessly connected to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, allowing guests a total Star Wars experience.A look at the amazing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model.
Coming in 2019, the Star Wars themed land will be home to two attractions focused around epic setting of the saga that include piloting the Millennium Falcon in addition to jumping into the middle of a battle between The Resistance and First Order forces. Merchandise won’t be far behind, as announcements were also made to include a Toydarian street market where fans can bring home a hand made doll featuring different characters around the galaxy.
A sneak peek of the hand crafted toys which will be available in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
Baymax and Big Hero 6 will take the center stage in Toyko Disneyland with a brand new Big Hero 6 themed attraction set to open in Tomorrowland. Meanwhile, Fantasyland will get an upgrade with an entirely new area based off of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. A musical attraction is set to open along side with a full scale, live entertainment theatre. Soarin’ will also fly into Toyko DisneySea while Minnie will be given a special meet and greet in Toontown.
The announcements made are none short of explosive. Though there will be sacrifices to old favorites, there’s plenty of new things to come for fans to look forward to worldwide. To learn more about the recent Disney Parks news, please visit the Disney Parks Blog at https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/
On the heels of the recent acquisition of DreamWorks Animation, Universal Studios Hollywood is setting the stage for the Summer 2018 debut of the all-new DreamWorks Theatre presenting the premier attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest.”
Inspired by the global blockbuster franchise, the attraction will take guests on a thrilling journey that fuses captivating storytelling with state-of-the art visual effects for a highly engaging experience.
Created and produced by DreamWorks Animation and Universal Creative, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” recounts a plot-filled story whereby on the morning of The Emperor’s Great Feast of Heroes, dragon warrior Po embarks on a wild and perilous mission to deliver the rare and precious Liquid of Limitless Power to the Palace, while enlisting guests to join him on the exciting adventure filled with raging rapids, river pirates, awesome magic and Kung Fu.
With cutting-edge technology at the forefront of the multi-sensory attraction, “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” will introduce the first-ever integration of interior projection mapping designed to engulf guests in 180 degrees of immersive adventure. Developed by the innovative team at Universal Creative, this never-before-adapted technique will depict a series of immersive and visually dynamic scenic designs that will transform within the interior space and enhance the story. With detailing that is so precise, it will be near impossible to realize the projected imagery is a mere illusion.
Coupled with seven Christie 4K Boxer Cinema Projectors and 360 degree surround sound audio, sweeping physical effects from water to wind will empower guests to feel more like participants than spectators in the adrenaline-spiked adventure.
Featuring an original score by composer Germaine Franco, the storyline begins as guests enter the pre-show area of the theatre where they meet an array of DreamWorks characters who kick-off the attraction’s narrative. From there, guests will enter the main theatre, complete with new ultra-plush, fully articulated seats that pivot and swivel in tandem with the 180-degree action.
The newly constructed building that houses the DreamWorks Theatre is inspired by Mission revival architecture and harkens back to the Golden Age of Hollywood’s Art Deco period of the 1920s, including a box office ticket seller booth, reminiscent of the time period and staffed by a three-dimensional Pinocchio character asleep on the job.
As guests navigate past the ticket booth, through the flourishing outdoor garden and into the theatre queue, they will encounter a series of 36 movie posters that pay homage to DreamWorks Animation films. Within the lobby, a selection of over 20 award statuettes will be on display, representing a sampling of the Golden Globe, Emmy, People’s Choice, Critic’s Choice, National Board of Review and Annie awards DreamWorks Animation has amassed from 2008 to 2015. A collection of original sculpted maquettes of the “Kung Fu Panda: The Emperor’s Quest” characters will also be on display along with artifacts embodying magical powers that Po brought back from the Spirit Realm.
Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” —the story of a 12-year-old aspiring musician’s extraordinary journey to the magical land of his ancestors—won a 2018 Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Motion Picture, topped the domestic box office Thanksgiving holiday weekend, became the highest grossing film of all time in Mexico, broke records in China and earned widespread praise, receiving 96 percent from critics and 97 percent from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
Watch as the 13-year-old breakout star peforms a live rendition of the film’s hit song “Un Poco Loco” with help from the Mariachi Divas while hosts Rhett & Link prepare and serve hot cocoa for the entire band throughout the performance.
Now this vibrant tale filled with love and laughter arrives home Digitally in HD and 4K Ultra HD™ and on Movies Anywhere on Feb. 13, and on 4K Ultra HD,™ Blu-ray,™ DVD and On-Demand on Feb. 27.
Through fresh and fascinating bonus material, adventurers of all ages will tag along with filmmakers as they soak in Día de los Muertos in Mexico; explore the essential role of music in “Coco;” and learn how the cast and crew personally connect with the film’s message. They’ll step behind the scenes to discover the inspiration behind the film’s creative costuming; Miguel’s beautifully complicated family; Dante the loyal Xolo dog; and the stunning worlds of both the dead and the living. Features also include deleted scenes, insightful filmmaker commentary, the music of Coco and more.
There come points in time in life where all-star casts are assembled for movies that garner much deserved attention. Movies like, The Godfather, Inception, Pulp Fiction, Lord of the Rings, Saving Private Ryan and many more have had people seething to see it and let the world know about it. Films like Django that bring so much buzz from promotional photos to trailers, people are counting down the days until it is officially released or just its premiere. Moments like this seem to happen and each time the bar is raised higher and higher. The same can be said with Marvel Studios newest film Black Panther.
However this time the buzz was centered on not just the films titular character, played by Chadwick Boseman but its supporting cast of strong women. Women that include Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o who plays Nakia the ex-girlfriend of T’Challa, Oscar-nominee Angela Bassett who portrays T’Challa’s mother Rowanda, Danai Gurira is Okoye and Letitia Wright who plays Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister, who is the creator of the majority of updated technology and weapons within Wakanda. This buzz continued well after the highly praised and reviewed premiere into the film’s Global Press Junket on January 30th in Beverly Hills.
All of the stars of the film including director Ryan Coogler and Marvel Studios President and Producer, Kevin Feige were in attendance. The Conversation to the cast focused primarily on is powerful female characters. When asked how proud she was to look at the screen and seeing herself and the other women so powerful, beautiful and regal on screen, Angela Bassett who portrays the Queen Mother, Rawonda said,
“I was so pleased at this story and how it was supported.” Bassett went on to say, “In African culture they feel there is no king without a queen. I feel this story it highlights the queen, the warrior, the general and the younger sister.”
Nyong’o (Lupita) who plays the love interest and ex-girlfriend to the king was asked about her feelings during the premiere and what was going through her mind when the lights went down in the theater and she knew she was about to experience Black Panther. Lupita says, “I’ve been waiting a long time for this. This was a movie that we all felt a lot of ownership. When you make a movie like this and of this scale so much happens between the time you film it until you see it.”
Danai Gurira, who plays the general of the ALL WOMEN ELITE GUARD to the king, the Dora Milaje (which translated means “The Adored Ones”) spoke to her experience and shaving her head.
“Ryan (Coogler) sat me down and talked to me about the vision of the characters, and I was floored.” On the idea of the Dora Milaje, the idea of these women was amazing, the concept of them.” Gurira went on to talk about being bald, “on the first day there was a shock…then there was a level of pride amongst the women portraying the Dora Milaje a pride around it.”
Strength and power seen of these women is carried over to who is arguably the shining star of the film Letitia Wright. Wright, who plays T’Challs’s younger sister, is a genius but also still a teenager. With so many snaps and comebacks, Wright’s character keeps the cast surrounding her on their toes and brings a lot of laughs along with her. She was asked what her favorite weapon or gadget she began by joking “I created all of them.”
The women of Black Panther take center stage for everyone to see, when the film is released in theaters on February 16th.
The irresistible, the titillating, the absolutely SENSATIONAL Broadway smash hit that is KINKY BOOTS has runway-walked itself back into Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. With its red two and half tall stilettos, this essential musical returns with its high-energy showstoppers and emotional performances! Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, it comes at no surprise that KINKY BOOTS remains a fan favorite. This larger than life show pulls at the heartstrings while keeping it upbeat, ultimately ending in culmination of lessons to learn from that are just as prevalent in todays world as ever before! You’ll wind up on your feet cheering, no doubt, but will also leave feeling inspired to make positive change.
Following a similar screenplay to the Miramax movie of the same name, KINKY BOOTS the musical features a golden lineup of songs by Cyndi Lauper. From ballads to glitzy, showy musical numbers, this musical ranges through everything a theatergoer could ever ask for. KINKY BOOTS delivers a nonstop energetic ride with pacing that could keep even the most fidgety person engaged.
As I have mentioned in a previous review, my best way to quickly describe the show is that it’s Billy Elliot meets Tommy Boy. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS tells an emotional story of a man struggling to overcome prejudice and another mans struggle to save his late fathers shoe factory. In an effort to save the factory including everyones job in it, Charlie Price faces a challenge in keeping his girlfriend happy while finding a way to save the company. After running into a cross-dressing entertainer, Lola, with the physique of a boxing champion, Charlie discovers a high-heeled alternative for his business.
Bringing his solution back to his unsupportive girlfriend and even more perplexed employees, Charlie and Lola must work together showing the team that the only way to save the factory is to enter into a whole new world of big, SEXY shoes. Their biggest dilemma however will be accepting one another. KINKY BOOTS strums along following a standard formula, but is supported by a cast of colorful cross-dressers, breathtaking performances, and powerful musical numbers that will have grinning ear to ear. I am not just giving some cliche oneliner, it’s the truth!
The show truly triumphs because of its characters, and it takes good actors and performers to pull them off. This production make no exception delivering a mere-perfect representation of world class musical experience. From fantastic staging to powerful vocal performances to hilarious characterization to downright top-notch acting, KINKY BOOTS makes sure to hit you with a one – two – punch and knocks you out by its final curtain call.
Those that are familiar with the show are most likely only read about three things; Charlie, Lola, and Lauren. These three characters are the true heart and soul of the show and requires three strong leading performers to fill those, uh… shoes. While Lola starts off a little off like the show does in general, everything comes together quickly I as I found myself attached to all three halfway through Act I.
I feel KINKY BOOTS, in general, starts off with a lack of compelling story and some rather lyrically silly songs that could have people concerned for whats to come. But fear not! The shows really starts rolling by “Step One”, a solo song for Charlie just a few numbers in. The hardcore fans here maybe wondering why I didn’t start with Lola introduction, “Land of Lola”. Well, lets back up a little.
Charlie is racing through the dark streets of London before getting knocked out, literally, by the infamous Lola. The audience knows what’s coming… it’s who everyone is really here to see. The lights dim, the sequence shines, and cue that grandiose figure, LOLA! Unfortunately, her song just falls flat for me and made Lola, played by Jos N. Banks, come across as bit of a lackluster of energy. Perhaps his voice wasn’t quite there yet, but I ask to give it a couple more songs and you will surely be ALL IN. Banks gave Lola the stage presence she deserves and delivered an incredible performance filled with extravagance and confidence. KINKY BOOTS is nothing with a solid Lola, Jos N. Banks hits the mark and surpasses it.
Lauren, the lovable little quirky shoemaker has a thousand redeemable qualities that requires a certain type of physical humor and voice talent to bring this character to life. A challenge can be that her character is over-the-top to the tenth degree, which at times can come across as taxing. Sydney Patrick that plays this eclectic character of sorts does a great job, but took it into directions that were a bit too much for me at times. Its something a little silly to fault her for as she played the character right. In the end, I was in love with her though. So take it for what it’s worth.
Our leading man Charlie is played by Lance Bordelon. He shines during every solo and hits notes in “Soul of a Man” that I don’t think I ever heard hit before! I loved his inflection and his acting even more. Great presence with meaningful acting moments that felt raw, even genuine.
The show contains several musical numbers that can rival the best of the best. Its soundtrack does not do this show justice. This is a show that has to be experienced in the theater so you can feel each belting note hit you the chest and leave your arms covered with goosebumps at each crescendoing climax. Not to mention, the class of drag queens in this production were beautiful. No really, gorgeous! It shows they take a lot of pride in their performances and one even does a somersault in high-heels. INSANE!
KINKY BOOTS is a tough show to write about as there is no way to properly explain its impact and its importance to society. While it is easy to say that it reminds us that we must except each other for who they are, it doubles down with it themes and stresses that we can change the world when you change your mind. Perhaps this musical is more important for our leaders to see, but we can still help the change by accepting others and spreading love.
KINKY BOOTS is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa until February 11th.
The best intentions often come back to haunt you. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong. Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm.
DIRECTED BY Christopher McQuarrie
PRODUCED BY Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, Jake Myers, J.J. Abrams
STARRING Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris, Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby, Michelle Monaghan, Alec Baldwin, Wes Bentley, Frederick Schmidt
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FALLOUT is in theaters July 27, 2018
Deadpool is back! After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry’s hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste.
Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor, finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World’s Best Lover.
Chance Theater, Anaheim's official resident theater company, continues to bring to the stage impressionable and thought provoking live productions of relevant subject matters. Relatable...
Bringing his solution back to his unsupportive girlfriend and even more perplexed employees, Charlie and Lola must work together showing the team that the only way to save the factory is to enter into a whole new world of big, SEXY shoes. Their biggest dilemma however will be accepting one another. KINKY BOOTS strums along following a standard formula, but is supported by a cast of colorful cross-dressers, breathtaking performances, and powerful musical numbers that will have grinning ear to ear. I am not just giving some cliche oneliner, it’s the truth!
