With River Belle Terrace going into refurbishment for some fresh updates, Cafe Orleans will be added to Disneyland’s “Fantasmic!” Dining offerings. According to the Disney Parks Blog, Cafe Orleans will be start taking reservations on August 15th.
The limited time fun will be available from September 5th to November 16th with a variety of time slots ranging from 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Similar to River Belle Terrace, the package will include a three-course meal followed up with a special Fastpass for “Fantasmic!”
Prices are as follows:
$45 for Adults
$25 for Children (Ages 3-9)
For reservations, go to Disneyland.com or call 714-781-DINE.
For those who haven’t had a chance to experience one of Disneyland’s “Fantasmic!” packages, this is a great excuse to step into the magic. It provides a wonderful dining experience that includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert that is completed with a reserved viewing area for the show. Though further details have not yet been revealed for the new location, it’s bound to be an exciting and imaginative journey both for your taste buds and for your mind’s eye.
“Fantasmic!” recently returned after a surprise early opening announced at the D23 Expo in July. Our own team here at SoCalThrills had the chance to be there to share in the excitement and you can see more of the newly updated show in our video below.
Roland (Idris Elba) in Columbia Pictures' THE DARK TOWER.
Oh what could have been…After countless attempts to get Stephen King’s The Dark Tower novel series, which consists of eight books and a prequel Marvel comic book series, the time has finally come from audiences to enter King’s world. Unfortunately, this will probably be the only shot at an adaptation of The Dark Tower series for quite some time, which makes this adaptation that much more frustrating. What should have been the beginning of an epic series of films chronicling Roland’s journey to The Dark Tower has been become a haphazardly thrown together adaptation that tries to fit eight films into one ninety minute run time. What you’re left with feels like a pilot episode and a series finale rolled into one, which makes for a frustrating and stilted film. However, it’s not all bad, thankfully, and there is some fun to be had in director Nikolaj Arcel’s take on Stephen King’s book series.
The biggest problem with The Dark Tower is no one is on the same page on exactly what kind of film they’re making. As the film opens, we’re introduced to Jake (Tom Taylor), a young boy who has visions of The Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey), Roland (Idris Elba), and of course, The Dark Tower. It’s clear from that moment on, the film is trying to be an Amblin Film, where our journey comes through the eyes of our young and gifted protagonist. The problem is, this is the story of The Dark Tower, and Jake isn’t the character we should be following. It takes the movie a good fifteen minutes to actually introduce the audience to Roland, who the story should really be about, which really is a hindrance to the film. The idea of the audience surrogate isn’t a problem when it’s done well, but here, we’re following Jake mostly because the script deems it necessary, so we feel connected to him because he’s from our world. Taylor is mostly likable in the role though, so he at least makes it somewhat easy to swallow that we’re not following the actual hero of the film in the opening act.
But the biggest problem with this film is in the script, which as you can tell from above, really doesn’t know what it wants to be. There’s some much thrown at the audience in the film, while not enough at the same time, that it’s hard to tell who exactly this movie is for. There’s some world building here and there, but the film never actually dives into exactly what Mid-World is, how it came to be the way it is, and how Roland became the last of the The Gunslingers. We’re told there was a great war, but we’re never shown this, or given reason to care that it happened. It’s hard to imagine exactly who this movie is written for, because it frankly doesn’t seem to know either. Fans of the books we’ll probably be able to keep up, but it’s hard time imagine anyone who hasn’t read the books will find much enjoyment in this take on The Dark Tower. In fact, one of the film’s biggest set backs is it never tells us exactly what we’re seeing. There was a lot of talk about this being a sequel of sorts to the books, but it’s never said one way or another exactly what we’re seeing happen. A casual throwaway line by McConaughey’s The Man in Black has him reference that he and Roland will “go around the wheel one more time”, but to the audience, that doesn’t mean much. Although, it could just be a case of a film being edited down like crazy, and being noted to death by the studio, because this film clearly has studio interference fingerprints all over it, but the fact that this movie fails to paint a clear picture of the film’s story or world is just massively disappointing.
The film also has a strange pace, as it clocks at just 95 minutes, with credits. It’s oddly disjointed throughout, where the film feels both way too fast, while also being far too slow all at once. Few films have been this oddly disjointed in recent memory, but here it just seems that with no one on the same page, the movie just kinda rushes around to do too much, while not really doing enough at the same tie. It’s just an odd conundrum overall for a movie to face, but it really doesn’t give an audience a reason to care about this world, or the characters, while trying to force you to care. This film truly feels like it’s trying to pave its way as the beginning of the franchise, while also being the end of the series all at once, which is also a glaring mistake. Why should we care about any of this if you’re not given a reason to? If the audience doesn’t know the world, or the characters, there’s just nothing to latch onto. Part of that really is that this film’s runtime truly gives it no room to really bother to explain anything. Those behind the scenes didn’t trust the audience could get behind Roland, Jake, and their fight with The Man in Black, and it’s incredibly frustrating that they took a lazy route of breezing over things, instead of really trying to let the world breathe.
Thankfully, even with that aside, at least the film has a fantastic lead in Idris Elba, who truly embodies Roland, the last Gunslinger. He brings a certain gravitas and power to the role that makes you trust in Roland, even if we don’t know much about him. It’s too bad that this is the adaptation that he got put in, because it would be a waste to never see him as Roland again. He’s just so good in the role that it’s hard not to want more of him alone. McConaughey is at times great as The Man in Black, while at other times playing it just a bit hammy. The truth is, much of how The Man in Black is written in the novels is very much McConaughey incarnate, so he tries to add an extra level of scenery chewing that, at times is fine, while at other times it does’t work at all. One moment in particular, where he’s broken into a character’s apartment and is cooking himself dinner, comes off as so heavily hammy that it almost undermines the character. It’s an odd choice, but it’s easy to see why McConaughey was drawn to this role. For many actors, they dream of getting to play a scene stealing villain, and here he gets that chance. Much of the time he owns it, and thought it’s too much at times, it would be a lie to say it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world to see him come back as The Man in Black somehow.
It’s just too back that Nikolaj Arcel seems so out of his depth as a director. While he brings the action chops, the problem is, much of the action almost feels forced, and too over the top for this world. Roland is a Gunslinger, so you’d almost expect a more spaghetti western vibe to the action throughout, but instead it’s a bit more Underworld mixed with Resident Evil. It just doesn’t quite fit, even though it does make Roland out to be a badass. But it also makes The Man in Black look a little bit goofy overall, which is frustrating. This also comes into play with the fact that Roland is mostly Thor 2.0 when he’s brought to New York City later in the film. A lot of the same fish out of water type jokes are recycled here at the expense of The Gunslinger, that at times it’s odd, and other times, it’s oddly charming. Elba plays it well, but it’s just such a weird direction for Arcel and his team to take the character. The film is just tonally at odds with itself in how it’s presented, and that comes to Arcel not knowing how to fully handle the world that The Dark Tower exists in. One thing that is fun though, is that Arcel is clearly a King super fan, and leaves lots of small nods to other King works throughout the film, wisely so, since they all inhabit this interconnected world. Fans of many King’s other works will get a kick out of seeing characters like Cujo, or nods to things like The Shining, throughout the film that adds an extra level of fun to the proceedings.
After so many years of waiting, it’s too bad that this is The Dark Tower adaptation we were given. While it’s well cast, and has some fun action throughout, the film just never really comes together in any real way. It’s tonally flat, oddly paced, and always at war with itself. This is just not The Dark Tower film fans have been waiting for, and it’s hard to imagine it’s a film that the general audience will get behind either. What should have been a truly sweeping epic is a stilted, claustrophobic, and frustrating film that never finds its voice. Is it an Amblin film? Is it the start of something new, or the end of something familiar? Honestly, we may never know, and worse off, many more may not care. This is truly one of the most disappointing films of the summer, if only because it’s not truly great, or full train wreck. There’s fun to be had, it’s just too bad it couldn’t be The Dark Tower film that so many had waited so long to see.
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2015, FUN HOME, has made its way to Orange County. This one-of-a-kind beauty has been capturing the hearts and souls from its very beginnings. With a start that came from an in the round theater experience to a now traveling Broadway masterpiece, FUN HOME takes an intimate show and turns it into an immersive theater-going event. Keeping a sense of rawness and truthfulness, this impactful story delivers a life-lesson no matter your background. If you were on the fence before, leap off and head to Segerstrom Center for the Arts before this show skips town.
Marked as a true story, this enlightening musical follows the graphic memoir’s of Alison Bechdel. This awkward, corky yet endearing cartoonist grows up in a not-so-fun home who later comes to the realization of her own sexuality once she leaves for college. Captioning much the show, Alison is portrayed from three ages with the eldest narrating as well as reliving her past. She remains onstage throughout the entire show investigating her past to understand the life of her father.
Titled after the families nickname for their funeral home business, the “fun home” pun plays as a euphemism for the aspirations they have for their life at home, but is indeed a far cry from this. With a song that’s reminiscent of Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back” to a playful banter that is familiar to that of the Partridge Family, it’s evident that the Alison’s family lives in a denial of their tribulations within their own home.
The Bechdel’s include an on-edge and temperamental father, Bruce, who’s clearly keeping his troubles suppressed from his family including his overly forgiving wife, Helen. The mother of three children has turned a blind eye to her husbands double life, but the two remain a partially bi-polar mix for their three kids. While the two boys seem to live a semi-normal childhood, the show stays with Alison as she questions to understand the story behind her verbally abusive father that never admits his secret.
This emotionally powered production is highlighted by its talented, well-rounded cast. With a cast of a mere ten people (three of them children), it’s important for them all to balance out each other as well as ensure no one outshines another. In this case, everyone complemented the other to perfection. The three kids including small Alison, played by the delightful CARLY GOLD, were all exuberant! Never seeming to miss a beat or a note, the three delivered a performance that was equal to their senior counterparts.
The narrating eldest, played by KATE SHINDLE, must have a presence that at times is subtle and at others carry its own. Shindle absolutely nailed the shows showstopper, “Telephone Wire”. In fact, I felt this performance was more solid than the recorded album version. The dad is played by ROBERT PETKOFF and has a voice as soft and and spine-tingly as that of the Broadway casts recording yet plays to his angry side as well as his happy side. Helen, the mother, is brilliantly played by SUSAN MONIZ and floored me with her solo “Days and Days”.
However, while I state everyone balanced each other superbly, there is one performance that still stands out above the rest. Medium (college-aged) Alison, ABBY CORRIGAN, delivered a performance so real, so believable, that her awkward moments makes you feel as uncomfortable as her character appears to be onstage. Her performance of “Changing My Major” wasn’t just beautiful, but the comedy that comes along with it was so down right funny that I had to silence myself from laughter. Her comedic timing, slight socially awkward twitch and overall demeanor felt as though it wasn’t acting we were experiencing, but rather Alison’s actual life.
These performances along with the storytelling musical accompaniment bring this 100 minute show without intermission to an end too soon. Its rather simplistic set to its creative change in scenery toward the middle help encompass the show around the actors opposed to the scenery. FUN HOME plays out more like a play instead of a typical Broadway musical. And for this, we can focus on its content opposed to the next big scene change.
FUN HOME focuses on self-discovery along with a larger, deeper discussion that most of us can relate with. As some may suspect this show to appeal solely to the LGBTQ community, its theme of “say something” truly can relate to everyone. The show undoubtably will hit home to many, and possibly too close for some others. While the show deals with tough themes that those who have experienced first and second hand finding themselves unable to fight back the tears from pouring, it remains an incredible important message to society! It’s a timely sensitive subject that can no longer be dismissed. What is considered a dim and bleak ending of a life, FUN HOME offers an optimistic future that something can be done. Our world does not have to be so evil to so many. We must open our hearts, our minds, as well as provide the means for others to speak to an listening audience, a family.
FUN HOME is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts thru August 6th.
Disneyland will never be complete without the sound of the whistle, the puffs of smoke from the engine, and the ringing of the bells that introduce one of the most iconic parts of the resort, the Disneyland Railroad.
Due to the popularity, wait times were not their usual 5 minutes, and the crowds were very eager to wait.
Returning in a big way this past weekend, crowds packed in to see the newly enhanced track and course around the park. Though Galaxy’s Edge did shorten the route, it did not cut into the excitement of seeing the latest layout.
The trail was breathtaking and the new trail transports you that much closer into the time of the old west. Along the new track, one of the most visually pleasing settings is the new bridge and waterfall.
A big smile comes from the conductor as the train rolls past those on the Mark Twain.
Watching the train roll down the track with the sun glimmering against the falls was something new, yet very familiar. That is the aspect of change that Disneyland needs to have, a tribute to what makes the steam trains so great along with a surprise that brings you a step into the parks future. As one of Walt’s passions, the effort in bringing the steam trains into full focus is a real nod to what makes Disneyland such a magical place.
The gateway to New Orleans Square.
The Rivers of America did not take a back seat however; as the Mark Twain and Sailing Ship Columbia took the stage to bring Guests back to the adventurous waters of the American frontier.
The Stars and Stripes.Ready to sail?“The first ship to carry the Stars and Stripes around the world!”Make sure not to fall overboard!“Sailing through the Rivers of America”
With wonderful small touches, like the animatronic animals, the newly centered Native American Shaman, the Beaver teething on one of the bridge passes, and the Fox family leading into Toontown, there were so many fantastic additions to the river.
One of my favorite parts of the journey!
Other subtle enhancements were made, including new audio for the Mark Twain as well as the Railroad. The Primeval World’s upgrade came in projections and digital updates to the gorgeous matte paintings currently used for the attraction.
The beautiful sight of the Mark Twain Riverboat.Grab a paddle and take on the river. Canoes are back.
For those trying to sneak a peek into the continual construction in Galaxy’s Edge, we will have to see how the rest of the park will come into play in the coming months. Rock walls safely tuck away the rest of the newest addition to the park, though the park crane and ride building structure can be seen along the way.
If you haven’t had a chance to explore the latest updates for yourself, hop on the nearest train and find your way to the frontier. There will be plenty of excitement ahead in both past and future. All aboard, it’s time for a grand circle tour in magical flair.
Terralina Crafted Italian, a new dining experience curated by James Beard Award-winning Chef Tony Mantuano, will open this fall at Disney Springs. The new restaurant, which will replace the space at The Landing previously occupied by Portobello Country Italian Trattoria, is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar makeover inspired by the design and lifestyle of Italy’s Lake District.
Set on the shores of Lake Buena Vista, Terralina Crafted Italian’s sweeping waterfront views and dining will provide guests with a tranquil escape to another part of the world. Just as in an Italian home, the kitchen will serve as the hearth and perfect centerpiece for guests to gather around in the restaurant. Each dining room will include eclectic decor made up of found art and pieces that share the stories of moments worth celebrating. A newly installed veranda bar outside the main entrance will serve as the perfect welcome mat for guests to relax and sip on craft cocktails, muddled with herbs similar to those grown in a garden located right outside the restaurant.
The menu will feature authentic, Italian cuisine cooked in Chef Tony’s signature olive oil, imported directly from Italy. The restaurant’s wood-burning oven will fire up a selection of artisanal, hand-tossed pizzas and fresh vegetable dishes. Fan favorites from Portobello Country Italian Trattoria such as the antipasti platter and signature pasta dishes will remain on the menu alongside new additions like mussels and pork chops.
“The new food landscape at Disney Springs is amazing and the guest choices are so diverse that it has become a true dining destination,” said Andy Lansing, President and CEO of Levy Restaurants. “We are excited to open Terralina Crafted Italian and share our vision to deliver authentic food, hospitality and every last detail as part of a memorable guest experience.”
“It’s been an honor to lead the concept and vision for Terralina Crafted Italian,” said Tony Mantuano, James Beard Award-winning chef. “We wanted to create a dining experience that would transport guests to the shores of Italy. Focusing on the hearth of the kitchen, dishes will embody the passion and flare of the flames. Executive Chef Justin Plank and I cannot wait for guests to come in and have a taste of Italy.”
Construction is expected to be complete this fall. Terralina Crafted Italian will be open for lunch and dinner.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is the best of both vacation worlds. Set in a lush canyon, next to a flowing stream, the resort offers guests a classy, rustic atmosphere. And located a few hundred yards from the Pacific Ocean, it also boasts a California beach feel. In other words, The Ranch is one of my new favorite hideaways.
A friend and I recently escaped to The Ranch to beat the summer heat of Los Angeles and to check out the annual Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. Our getaway began when we got to Laguna Beach, drove down Highway 1 and then turned down a nondescript driveway across from the beach. On one side of the tiny road was a hillside and on the other was a beautiful creek, lined with thick vegetation, birds and other wildlife.
When we got to the end of the quarter-mile-long road, we found The Ranch, surrounded by hills and tucked into Aliso Canyon like an oasis. We then checked into an elegant Canyon Room, nestled between the pool and the stream.
Boasting 410 sq-ft of country ranch / beach charm, the room featured a comfy king bed, backed by a huge, carved wooden headboard. Surrounding the bed was a large mirror and chandelier artistically covered with cowboy rope. The room also came with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and office desk, a 49-inch LCD TV, mini-fridge, coffee maker, universal charging station for phones and tablets, oversized walk-in shower, dual vanities and a shaving mirror.
The rooms at The Ranch are luxury with a classy western feel (photo courtesy of The Ranch)
The suite’s best feature was its patio, overlooking the well-manicured grounds, the pool area and the canyon walls that cradle the resort. After unpacking we sipped wine on the patio and watched wild bunny rabbits run from bush to bush.
Views from the rooms are gorgeous and peaceful
Once settled in, we walked a few yards to the pool and swam and enjoyed a couple cocktails at the poolside bar. We then strolled along the stream toward the ocean. When we got to the highway, we went through a pedestrian tunnel beneath the road that popped us out right on the sand of gorgeous Aliso Beach Park.
The hotel is built alongside a lush, flowing creek
The beach was great. It wasn’t too crowded and the water wasn’t too cold to get in. We laid out our blanket and enjoyed a perfect day in Laguna. After lounging, we headed back to the hotel and changed for dinner. We then caught a free shuttle in front of the hotel lobby that took us to town for dinner and a night at the legendary Pageant of Master, which is celebrating its 85th season.
Free trolleys run from the hotel to Downtown Laguna Beach
In the morning, we discovered Harvest, the resort’s signature restaurant. Led by Executive Chef Charles Imbelli, Harvest serves a creative and intensely local take on Californian comfort food. For my breakfast I devoured a memorable eggs Benedict creation with a crab cake, English muffin, poached egg, collard greens and chipotle hollandaise. My friend had the American Breakfast, with eggs, breakfast potatoes, bacon and toast. We washed it all down with a Green Thumb juice with fresh kale, parsley, cucumber, apple, lime.
Harvest Restaurant at The Ranch serves delicious items like eggs Benedict with crab cakes
While eating we gazed out the big windows and watched golfers stroll past on the property’s 9-hole, GEO Certified Laguna golf course and country club. The course is carved into the naturally dramatic and lush walls of Aliso and Wood Canyons, creating an ultra-private playing experience with stunning views and elevation changes on every fairway.
After breakfast I worked out at the fitness center and had a “Gentleman’s Facial” at the hotel’s 3,000 sq-ft, full-service Sycamore Spa. The 60-minute facial was rejuvenating and moisturizing. It is a balancing treatment designed specifically for men’s individual skin concerns and geared towards skin health longevity amidst sun damage, shaving and other irritants.
The Sycamore Spa at The Ranch offers rejuvenating therapies and treatments (photo courtesy of The Ranch)
The Ranch at Laguna Beach sits on 87 pristine canyon acres, with 97 rooms loosely scattered about the park-like grounds. The resort is a member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, a prestigious collection of lodges spanning 30 countries and 6 continents.
The Ranch at Laguna Beach is located at 31106 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651. For more information, visit: www.theranchlb.com or call (800) 223-3309.
The was a little bit of magic in Northridge this past weekend and Mickey and his loyal Cast Members at the Disney Store were there to share it with the world. Celebrating the Disney Store’s reopening, hundreds of fans had a chance to see the new look for Disney’s line of retail stores.
A closer look at the new Disney Store logo.
Starting off the event, Cast Members rallied the crowd with Disney Trivia, cheers, and a video ceremony with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Daisy. Selecting a fan from the bunch, a magical spell was used to summon Mickey and Minnie from the screen to the event to the delight of all in attendance. To commemorate the event, everyone was given a Disney Store mouse ear hat.
Cast Members pump up the crowd for the opening ceremony.A special set of ears were passed out to each guest waiting to go into the Disney Store during the event.Cast Members even got special embroidery commemorating the store’s grand re-opening.The gift for all in attendance was definitely an “earful”Fans rejoice as Mickey and the Cast of the Disney Store Welcome them to the new Disney Store.
With an open concept, interactive features, and state of the art displays, there were plenty of things to see and do for Disney fans of all ages. The new look is inspired by Disney’s modern approach to their company branding. The focus branches beyond Mickey and encompasses the entire universe of Disney storytelling from Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Studios, as well as Pixar.
The store also features limited edition merchandise that includes figures celebrating the latest Star Wars films in addition to Snow White’s 80th anniversary. Being Walt Disney’s first full feature length animated film, the impact and cultural significance of Snow White has never been more prevalent than today. The Disney Store is taking full advantage with a whole line of unique products to help usher in both past and future generations into the world of Snow, Price Charming, and the Evil Queen.
Snow White has a dazzling set of exclusive merchandise to celebrate the film’s 80th anniversary.
Shoppers even got a chance to experience some new adventures with Cars 3, Disney Channel’s Descendants, and Spider-Man Homecoming. The crowd, eager to take in every new product, display, and detail, gave the new look a very warm and positive reception. One of the biggest eye catchers was their newly interactive video wall, featuring videos from various Disney films and special magical mentions for those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and first visits. As a special surprise, shoppers had the ability to see a live stream of Mickey’s Soundsational Parade in Disneyland. With future plans for live streaming video, fans will get glimpses into the world of Disney Parks without having to step foot in the gates, which will add a unique element for shoppers to be a part of the fun.
The video wall, which highlights special celebrations, moments across the Disney universe, and other fun live surprises.
To see the store for yourself, please visit the Disney Store at Northridge Fashion Center: 9301 Tampa Avenue Northridge, CA 91324. You can also learn more about special in store evens, sales, and promotions at www.disneystore.com
Disneyland has debuted a new “Late Night” menu for all of it’s Disney foodies venturing into the parks this summer. With a varied assortment of quick munchies, Disney Parks is taking its first step into a larger world of food offerings. The new foods can be found at Tomorrowland’s Galactic Grill with the menu being offered between the hours of 9PM and park closing.
Blasting off the screen are options like the Micron Burger, which is a slider type sandwich that includes special house sauce, pickle, and caramelized onions. Bite sized and quick, it’s one of 6 new options at the popular venue in Tomorrowland.
Other choices include the Star Cluster chicken bites that come in both spicy and sweet varities. For boneless chicken wing fans, these two options are a must. Included with the bites are blue cheese coleslaw and pickle chips.
Lunar Space-adilla Pepper Jack Cheese, Ortega Chilies and Chicken Breast on a Flour Tortilla with Chipotle Ranch SauceSpicy Star Clusters Crispy Chicken Bites over Blue Cheese Coleslaw, Pickle Chips, with Buffalo Sauce served in a Waffle BowlMeteor Potato Bites chopped Ground Beef, Caramelized Onions, House Sauce, with Sharp Cheddar Cheese SauceMicron Burger Mini-Double Slider with American Cheese, House Sauce, Pickle and Caramelized OnionsSweet Star Clusters Crispy Chicken Bites over Blue Cheese Coleslaw, Pickle Chips, with Sweet Chili Sauce served in a Waffle Bowl
For any space explorers on a mission to satisfy their sweet tooth, Little Dippers are sure to be a huge hit. The french toast sticks include caramel and special strawberry dipping sauces. This last one was a favorite with the team here at SocalThrills and we are sure they are bound to become a Disneyland staple in the upcoming summer months.
Little Dippers French Toast served with Salted Caramel and Strawberry Sauce
Whether or not Disneyland will have any other food surprises is yet to be seen. Here’s hoping for some more culinary creations debuting in the future!
A full house of fans enjoyed the return of Michelle Branch at the Anaheim House of Blues this past Sunday. Performing songs from her new album, Hopeless Romantic, as well as hit classics, Branch took the crowd through a powerful playlist that was met with thunderous cheer and applause.
It was a packed house at the event, drawing in fans from all over Orange County.The main event.
Opening for Branch was the band, Haerts, who threw in a unique set of tunes that definitely grabbed the attention of the room. Filled with energy and excitement, the band did a great job warming up the crowd for the evening’s festivities.
Haerts pleases the crowd this past weekend at the House of Blues
Branch’s last album, Hotel Paper, came out in 2003. Coming back the spotlight, the veteran artist did not disappoint and to the delight of fans, performed two encore songs, including her hit song, “Everywhere”. As she departed, she thanked not only the crowd, but also her uncle, who gifted her a guitar at the age of 14.
Michelle Branch performed various songs from her new albums and fan favorites.
Now that the House of Blues is at their new location in the Anaheim GardenWalk, shows like Michelle Branch’s performance are bringing in new traffic and popularity. With a full roster of events to come this summer, it’s a great excuse for a fun night out. You can view more offerings and future events by visiting the venue’s website at www.houseofblues.com/anaheim
Michelle takes a bow after her second encore performance of the evening.
A very special THROWBACK THURSDAY is coming to the big screen at Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre for its first ever Double Feature celebrating the 35th Anniversary of TRON with TRON (1982) and TRON: LEGACY (2010), both screened on one night, Thursday, August 10, 2017.
“Our THROWBACK THURSDAYS been very popular, and we are as thrilled as our El Capitan Guests to see these two classic Disney live action films, TRON and TRON LEGACY, together for one night, back-to-back, on the big screen,” said Ed Collins, General Manager of The El Capitan Theatre, “ Over the years since TRON was first introduced to audiences in 1982, the world of TRON has spawned a loyal and expansive following worldwide, encompassing video games, comic books and even an animated television series. It’s a perfect double feature Throwback Thursday and the first one we have ever offered at The El Capitan Theatre. We couldn’t be more excited!”
Special Double Feature VIP Preferred Tickets are just $15.00 for both screenings, which include VIP Preferred Seat, 64 oz. El Capitan Theatre souvenir Popcorn Bucket with Lid and 20 oz. twist top bottle of choice. To see a Single Movie, Reserved Tickets are $10, which include Reserved Seat, 39 oz. Popcorn Box and 12 oz twist top beverage bottle of choice. All are on sale now and available at The El Capitan Theatre box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396). Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Show times and dates are subject to change.
Seize the day one last time! NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL, the Tony®Award-Winning Broadway Musical, is back by popular demand for a special encore presentation at The El Capitan Theatre, August 4-9, 2017 and stars Jeremy Jordan, reprising his Tony Award®-Nominated performance as “Jack Kelly.” NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL will screen August 4th and 5th at 7:00pm and 10:25pm, and August 6th through 9th at 7:00pm.
Fathom Events and Disney Theatrical Group are thrilled to be able to present Disney’s NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL to the big screen. Captured live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in 2016 and transformed onto the movie screen, the event stars Jeremy Jordan reprising his Tony Award-Nominated performance as JACK KELLY. Joining Jordan are original Broadway cast members Kara Lindsay as KATHERINE, Ben Fankhauser as DAVEY and Andrew Keenan-Bolger as CRUTCHIE, and NEWSIES North American Tour stars Steve Blanchard as JOSEPH PULITZER and Aisha de Haas as MEDDA LARKIN.
Since opening on Broadway in 2011, NEWSIES has played 1,711 performances between Broadway and the North American tour, to more than 2.5 million audience members in 65 cities across the country.
Tickets now on sale for $18, available at the El Capitan Theatre (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at www.elcapitantickets.com or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Show times and dates are subject to change. A special VIP ticket for $20 includes VIP Preferred Seat, Popcorn in an El Capitan Theatre Souvenir Popcorn Tub & 20 oz. Drink.
“Our earlier engagement of NEWSIES: THE BROADWAY MUSICAL thrilled and galvanized our El Capitan Guests, and we are delighted to be the only theatre offering 8 more showings of this audience favorite. This exhilarating Tony winner took New York and the country by storm and will do so at The El Capitan Theatre once again! ” said Ed Collins, General Manager of The El Capitan Theatre.
Tickets are now on sale at www.elcapitantickets.com, by calling 1-800-DISNEY6 (347-6396) and at The El Capitan Theatre box office, for the El Capitan Theatre’s presentation of “THE LION KING SING-ALONG”, August 4 to August 20, 2017.
The El Capitan Theatre General Manager Ed Collins said, “Disney created an instant classic with the original release of ‘The Lion King’ in 1994 and its popularity has never wavered. We are thrilled to offer a whole new way to enjoy this beloved Disney film at The El Capitan Theatre. Who can resist singing along to such unforgettable songs as “Hakuna Matata,” “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life”? “THE LION KING SING-ALONG” will also include a special live appearance by Timon on The El Capitan Theatre stage before every show. There is simply no better way to experience the laughter, music and majesty of this Disney masterpiece.”
Showtimes from August 4th through August 10th are 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. From August 11th through August 20th showtimes are 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Showtimes and dates are subject to change.
Special group rates for “THE LION KING SING-ALONG” of $10 for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110.
Tag using #ElCapitanTheatre | @ElCapitanThtre
ENJOY BREAKFAST PROVIDED BY MEL’S DRIVE-IN (HOLLYWOOD) & MEET TIMON PLUS RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE PHOTO AND A COMPLIMENTARY DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF THE LION KING ON DISNEY MOVIES ANYWHERE!* (c) 2017 Disney. Each ticket package includes: Reserved Seat (no concessions) to see the movie at The El Capitan Theatre, and a meal from Mel’s Drive-In served at the theatre. Advanced Reservations and Ticket Purchase Required (tickets must be booked no later than 24 hrs business days).
The El Capitan Theatre will also host a very special Tiny Tot Tuesday with Raffle Prizes Tuesday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 15 at 10:00AM during the run of “THE LION KING SING-ALONG”. During these special screenings, parents and small children may enjoy the movie in a tot-friendly way—with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels.
*Only one code per reservation while supplies last. Each qualifying transaction must include both movie tickets and breakfast tickets for each person in their party attending the same show on the same date and showtime to see The Lion King Sing-Along at the El Capitan Theatre August 4th – 20th, 2017. Code expires August 21, 2018. Code will only be provided to person whose name is listed on the reservation. DisneyMoviesAnwhere.com membership required to unlock your digital movie. Disney Movies Anywhere is open to U.S. residents ages 13+. Visit DisneyMoviesAnywhere.com for complete details and terms of conditions. This offer is subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. Offer expires August 20, 2017.
