Disney Cruise Line will treat guests sailing this fall to a wickedly good time as the ships transform into a ghoulish wonderland filled with frightfully fun events and activities, special decorations, unique menu items in the restaurants and themed parties.
In 2016, Halloween on the High Seas takes place on most voyages aboard the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic from September through October. This extra-spooky celebration features Halloween-themed parties, lively entertainment and elaborate décor, including The Pumpkin Tree, which magically transforms throughout the cruise. Other special experiences include:
Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party, a celebration with games, dancing and lots of candy! Beloved Disney characters, wearing special Halloween costumes just for the occasion, will join guests for this fun-filled costume party.
A Nightmare Before Christmas—Sing and Scream, an interactive movie experience where guests are part of the action, followed by a meet-and-greet with Jack Skellington and Sally.
Haunted Stories of the Sea, where the bravest cruisers gather under the stars to hear some true—or not so true—tales of the sea told by a mysterious sea captain storyteller.
Creepy Cabaret, Halloween-themed music performed live in the atrium by a band of ghostly musicians.
Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids: For adults, the nighttime entertainment district becomes the ghoulish setting for a costume contest and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.
Spooky Movies: To get guests into the spirit of the season, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in staterooms.
Ghoulish Delights: Disney Cruise Line chefs have conjured some very special treats for Halloween, including chocolate cake with pumpkin filling, spider cakes and “Spooky Juice.”
More spooky fun includes mask-making and a ghostly takeover of ship announcements!
To celebrate Halloween, the Disney Dream sails three- and four-night Bahamian cruises departing Sept. 2 to Oct. 31; the Disney Fantasy sails seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing Sept. 3 to Oct. 29; and the Disney Magic sails five-night Canadian Coast cruises, and seven- and eight-night Bahamian cruises departing Oct. 2 to Oct. 29.
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, email me at [email protected] for a FREE Quote.
Universal Studios Hollywood announced that tickets are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios HollywoodSM, including a newly introduced After 2 p.m. Day/Night Combo ticket inviting guests to experience the theme park’s most exciting attractions by day and remain for the terror that awaits at “Halloween Horror Nights,” which kicks off Friday, September 16, 2016.
Tickets to this year’s event are available for purchase at www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood, including the Frequent Fear Pass which allows guests to visit multiple times throughout the event. Guests purchasing the all-new After 2 p.m. Day/Night Combo ticket can enjoy the park’s popular daytime attractions such as “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Fast and Furious—Supercharged” on the world-famous Studio Tour by day, then step into the mazes and attractions located throughout the park to experience the terror of “Halloween Horror Nights” for one admission price.
Watch a Sneak Peek into the Terror that Awaits:
“Halloween Horror Nights” guests can also purchase the popular Front of Line ticket, enabling them to enjoy one-time priority access to all the mazes, attractions, all-new Terror Tram, and the special hip hop dance performances by the returning Jabbawockeez.
Advance purchase for all tickets is recommended as event nights will sell out.
“Halloween Horror Nights” dates are:
September 16, 17, 23, 24, 29, 30, October 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and November 4 and 5, 2016.
For exciting updates and exclusive “Halloween Horror Nights” content, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com/Hollywood, like Halloween Horror Nights – Hollywood on Facebook; follow @HorrorNights #UniversalHHN on Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and Periscope; and watch the terror come to life on Halloween Horror Nights YouTube.
“Halloween Horror Nights” brings together the sickest minds in horror to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror inspired by TV and film’s most compelling horror properties. This year’s all-new terrifying line-up includes:
All-New Mazes:
· For the first time ever, supernatural thriller, The Exorcist, will take possession of “Halloween Horror Nights” in an all-new horrifying maze. In “The Exorcist,” guests will see, hear, feel – and even smell – every iconic levitating, head-spinning, vomit-wrenching, skin-crawling moment from the film. The maze will recreate some of the film’s most haunting scenes, ushering guests into its unparalleled terror as if their very souls were possessed by the devil. They will be paralyzed with fear as they witness the power of the supernatural, scream uncontrollably as they become part of Regan MacNeil’s possession and run in terror as they try to escape the horrific battle between innocence and evil.
· “American Horror Story” has terrorized television viewers for five suspenseful installments, and for the first time ever, three chapters will come to life in a new frightening maze. Guests will venture through Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking horror anthology, encountering a plethora of iconic scenes and memorable characters designed to jolt them to their very core. Twisted Murder House scenes from Installment 1 will unleash the evil spirits that possess the Harmon estate, spiraling guests through decades of the tortured dead who previously resided there. From Installment 4’s Freak Show, guests will join a troupe of biological misfits in a sinister sideshow where they will be stalked by the murderous and deformed Twisty the Clown. Finally, guests will succumb to the warped desires of The Countess after checking in to the haunted Hotel Cortez, conceived from the beginning as a torture chamber for its customers, from Installment 5.
· Escaped mental patient Michael Myers makes a homecoming return in “Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield,” an all-new maze inspired by the second film in the classic “Halloween” horror franchise. Echoing the infamous words uttered by the film’s Dr. Sam Loomis, “You can’t kill the Boogeyman,” the twisted maze will shed new light on the terrifying lunacy of Michael Myers as he scours the streets of Haddonfield and stalks the halls of Haddonfield Memorial Hospital in ruthless pursuit of victims.
· In “Freddy vs. Jason,” demented killer Freddy Krueger (A Nightmare on Elm Street) returns to the scene of the crime, this time accompanied by notorious hockey mask killer Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th) to inflict twice as much terror. Inspired by the 2003 film that brought together two of the biggest icons in horror history, this new experiential maze will thrust guests into an epic battle between Freddy and Jason and a showdown in which the fate of only one mass killer will survive.
· The unspeakable terror embroiled within “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers” maze will pit guests against the unsavory wrath of demented killer Leatherface and his mentally unhinged brother ChopTop as they unite in misery to expand the family’s cannibalistic enterprise and slaughter a new generation of innocent victims. With the perverse duo at the helm of a grotesque BBQ restaurant staged inside a dilapidated roadside gas station, unwitting guests will soon come to realize the new terror that awaits as the blood brothers continue their hedonistic prey on human flesh.
· Tis the season for “Krampus” as the terrifying dark Christmas legend is manifested into a maze based on the Christmas-themed horror film. The dead of winter sets the stage for the terror that’s about to unfold one cold, dank and dreary Christmas Eve as the fabled anthropomorphic “half-goat, half-demon” horned creature emerges to terrorize those devoid of holiday spirit. Guests will navigate the dysfunctional Engel family home to encounter the evil ancient spirit of Krampus – the dark shadow of Saint Nicholas – and his band of Dark Elves and sinister Gingerbread Men, who cause the family to fight to see the light of day.
· “The Walking Dead” new permanent attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will have a starring role at “Halloween Horror Nights.” By elevating the scares with more walkers and effects for the nighttime event, “The Walking Dead” creates a no-holds-barred experience that significantly intensifies any other iteration previously developed within the theme park. Coupled with authentic walker make-up effects, sophisticated animatronic walkers, substantially more detailed set design and costuming, and highly recognizable props replicated from the series, the attraction delivers an uncompromised realistic environment that brings guests even further into the most watched show in cable television history.
Scare Zone:
· A terrifying twist on this year’s scare zone, “Halloween Horror Nights” introduces a new themed experience, inspired by Universal Pictures’ disturbing blockbuster trilogy, “The Purge: Election Year,” that permeates all areas of the park. Iconic scenes from each of the frightening films will recreate the turmoil and pandemonium that exists when masked vigilantes hunt for victims during the government’s annually sanctioned killing spree. Like civilians in the movie fighting to survive, guests must rely on their cunning wit, luck and speed as they attempt to outsmart and outlive the anarchy brought about by those who believe in an “eye for an eye.” An original scare zone element will be “The Purge: Gauntlet of Fear” that delivers unbridled fear as guests are funneled through an area of the park to try and escape the horrors of the mass slaughter that awaits them.
Show:
· Back by popular demand, Jabbawockeez, the acclaimed, award-winning hip hop dance crew, returns to the stage within the Special Effects Show venue, donning their signature white masks as they perform a repertoire of innovative, synchronized choreography before an enthusiastic crowd. The all-new, high-energy Jabbawockeez show, created exclusively for “Halloween Horror Nights,” will once again underscore the dance crew’s unique brand of humor as they transport guests into a new realm of gravity-defying dance, elevated to new heights by special effects and pulse-pounding music.
Theme Park Attractions:
· “Jurassic Park—In the Dark,” “Revenge of The Mummy—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride—3D,” and “The Simpsons Ride” will be open during “Halloween Horror Nights.”
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta.
Dolby Cinema combines Dolby Vision imaging and Dolby Atmos immersive audio to create a completely captivating cinematic experience. Kubo and the Two Strings is now open in Dolby Cinema at some AMC locations.
Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Marc Haimes, Chris Butler (“ParaNorman”); Story by Shannon Tindle, Marc Haimes
Voice Cast: Charlize Theron, Art Parkinson, Ralph Fiennes, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro, Rooney Mara, and Matthew McConaughey
To find showtimes, upcoming Dolby Cinema at AMC locations and to purchase tickets,
visit at www.amctheatres.com/dolby.
In response to impressive guest reaction and the overwhelming success of Dolby Cinema at AMC in its first full year, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. and AMC Theatres announced plans to accelerate Dolby Cinema at AMC installations to 100 operational sites by the end of 2017, seven years ahead of the originally announced schedule. The original agreement, reached in 2015, was for 100 auditoriums over a 10-year deployment.
In addition, AMC and Dolby are collaborating on expansion plans to increase the amount of Dolby Cinema at AMC locations beyond the initial 100.
To date, 22 Dolby Cinema at AMC locations are open around the country, earning rave reviews from guests. Eight more locations are currently under construction and approximately 50 are expected to be open by the end of this year.
“The popularity and success of Dolby Cinema at AMC led to its expansion at an accelerated rate, with 22 locations already open and a few dozen more planned for 2016,” said John McDonald, Executive Vice President, U.S. Operations, AMC. “It’s clear that our guests enjoy the premium audio, vibrant contrast and color, and the incredible comfort of the plush, power recliners at Dolby Cinema at AMC, and with this announcement, we’re thrilled that more guests than ever will have access to this incredible experience.”
“Dolby Cinema has clearly become a preferred cinema experience of consumers, and we look forward to offering the best films to more AMC guests with the most spectacular image, immersive sound technologies and inspired design at Dolby Cinema at AMC,” said Doug Darrow, Senior Vice President, Cinema Business Group, Dolby Laboratories. “Today’s announcement of the expedited expansion of Dolby Cinema at AMC theatres is a direct result of the incredibly enthusiastic responses we have received from consumers nationwide.”
Since its launch in spring of 2015, more than one million Dolby Cinema at AMC moviegoers have experienced Hollywood movies from a variety of genres, including action, drama, science-fiction and fantasy. With support from all major Hollywood studios, 50 Dolby Cinema titles have been released or announced. Recent and upcoming titles this year include Warner Bros. Pictures’ Suicide Squad, Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, LAIKA and Focus Features’ Kubo and the Two Strings, Paramount Pictures’ Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Marvel’s Doctor Strange, Sony Pictures’ Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Disney’s Moana, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Warner Bros. Pictures’ Wonder Woman and Disney•Pixar’s Cars 3.
Dolby Cinema at AMC includes award-winning technologies Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos®. The Dolby Vision laser projection system delivers high dynamic range with enhanced color technology that produces incredible blacks and a contrast ratio that far exceeds any other image technology on the market today. The result is a richer, more detailed viewing experience that delivers strikingly vivid and realistic images that make audiences feel like they are in the movie’s world. Dolby Atmos moves audio around the theatre, even overhead, with amazing richness and depth. The lifelike sounds of music, people and things flow all around the theatre in sync with the action to create a more immersive and moving experience.
The inspiration for design elements came out of the desire to achieve technically superior sight and sound capabilities for all Dolby Cinema at AMC locations. The design of the cinema itself has been created to set a mood and draw audiences deeper into the story. Through the Dolby technology, combined with the ultimate comfort and experience of the AMC power, reserved recliners with seat transducers, guests will feel closer than ever to the action on screen.
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with the Cast & filmmakers at a Press Junket for Ben-Hur which was held at Four Seasons Los Angeles. Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey started the roundtable interviews.
Mark and Roma talked about the film’s Director, Timur Beckmamnetov. Mark Burnett said that Timur not only brought a grittiness to the film but a sensibility to bring a timeless classic to a new young audience. Roma Downey added how Timur studied Formula 1 and Nascar racing to bring different shooting angles to create the experience of not just sitting in the theatres but of being a part of the chariot race.
Roma and Mark shared the hopes that this film will bring to light the emphasis of forgiveness versus the vengeance that is needed during today’s upheaval that surrounds our country.
Jack Huston provided great insight on the challenges of playing the part of Judah Ben-Hur. The training for and filming of not only the chariot race but also Judah’s time on the slave ship required a lot of discipline. Losing 30 lbs. for the slave ship scenes was physically demanding but also emotional during his transformation of a sweet somewhat naïve prince into a hardened slave driven by hate Four hours of make-up and the physical side of filming the scenes was amazing yet taxing. Asked about his thoughts on portraying Ben-Hur, Huston shared that the film was one he loved and he respected Charlton Hesston’s performance but realized that the script paid homage to the original, but also allowed for the retelling in a modern, more relatable manner.
Ending the interview with a discussion of the chariot scene, Huston gave us a small look at the unbelievable experience of being a part of the scenes. Training nonstop, Huston and his co-stars were able to do all the scenes themselves. Morgan Freeman was very down to earth and talked about the stronger character he portrayed in this version. His relationship with Ben-Hur and the leadership he provides brings an added dimension to the characters. Mr. Freeman also brought up the fact that this film brings to light, especially in the today’s society, the meaning of love, hate, revenge and forgiveness.
Jack Huston plays Judah Ben-Hur in Ben-Hur from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Paramount Pictures.
Rodrigo Santoro & Nazanin Boniadi talked about their characters and the difference in how much stronger and more visible they are in this new version. Santoro’s demeanor and personality encompassed a calm and spirituality during the interview. Boniadi expressed the closeness she and Santoro developed during filming which helped bring to the screen the commitment and dedication to Jesus, as her character grows. Santoro’s comments about the crucifixion scene were that it was an iconic moment. Challenging to recreate and shoot carried a huge responsibility.
Toby Kebbell and Pilou Asbaek closed the roundtable with their thoughts about playing Messala and Pontius Pilate. Pilou comments about researching other military figures to help him portray his character. Sharing a story about a YouTube clip the director showed Asbaek about a unit in Afghanistan, Pilou realized the speech was from the film Gladiator and realized how film imitated life imitating film.
Toby talked about how interesting it was to be unlikeable and have to make such hard decisions. Toby wanted to make a point about his character in that it’s not about being a bad person but about the effects that a terrible decision causes. It was important for Toby (Messala) not to be the villain. The common theme between the cast was that their hope for the film is that viewers realize and learn the meaning of forgiveness.
Originally released in 1959, Paramount Studios and Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer (MGM) Pictures presented the new version in 3D. The new film is directed by Timur Beckmamnetov and produced by Sean Daniel, Joni Levin and Duncan Henderson. Along with Executive Producers Mark Burnett, Roma Downey, Keith Clarke, John Ridley and Jason F. Brown, the film brings a new look and feel to the original that will keep movie viewers of all ages on the edge of their seats.
Like the original, this version based on the screenplay by Keith Clarke and John Ridley brings us the story of Judah Ben-Hur and his path of revenge.
The film starts out with the first few minutes of the famous chariot race, but flashes back to Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) and his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell). Best friends and “brothers” since childhood, a freak accident during a competitive race cause hard feelings between Messala and his adopted mother. The events lead to Messala’s departure to find himself. While Ben-Hur a Jewish Prince remains in Jerusalem with his mother, Noemi (Avelet Zurer) and sister Tirzah (Sofia Black D’Elia).
Messala’s return as an officer of the Roman army brings changes to not only the city but to Judah and his family which now includes Esther (Nazanin Boniadi) previously a Jewish slave and now the wife of Judah. After a happy reunion, a series of unfortunate events, lead to Ben-Hur being falsely accused and punished for treason against the Roman empire. Messala is forced to sentence Ben-Hur to a life of slavery. After spending 5 years in the galley of a Roman slave ship, Ben-Hur escapes when the ship is lost in a battle. Judah is rescued by the wealthy Sheik llderim (Morgan Freeman) who plays a prominent figure in the training of Ben-Hur as a charioteer and helps plot revenge against Messala.
Unlike the 1959 award winning film which starred Charlton Heston, the new version brings several characters forward in bigger roles and allows the film to take a modern approach to the timeless classic. Morgan Freeman along with Nazanin Boniadi’s characters come across stronger and provide much better depth, influencing key scenes to allow the viewer to see Ben-Hur in a modern light while keeping the emotional themes of the original 1880 novel written by Lew Wallace. Rodrigo Santoro portrays Jesus perfectly bringing a calm and peaceful strength to each scene. His strong presence throughout the film enhances the storyline to an almost spiritual degree. And his miracles may well renew faith and hope in the hearts and souls of many film viewers.
While the famous chariot race near the end will have your heart racing faster than the horses at each turn of the track, the pivotal scene of Jesus’ crucifixion and Ben-Hur’s reaction will cause your heart and breath to pause.
An emotional uplifting film that reminds viewers of how far love, hate, revenge and forgiveness can take us.
Ben-Hur is now playing in theaters. Ben-Hur is the movie of the year!
One of the most horrifying and wickedly gruesome shows in television history is bleeding off the screen and into your nightmares.
“American Horror Story,” FX’s critically-acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning television series that has terrorized viewers for five suspenseful installments, will come to life at “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, September 16.
Three chapters of “American Horror Story” will haunt the nation’s best, most intense Halloween event in all-new frightening mazes. Guests will embark on a terrifying journey to become the next doomed residents of Murder House from Installment 1, tortured performers in the disturbing and twisted Freak Show from Installment 4, and victims of the otherworldly, death-dealing Hotel from Installment 5.
For the first time ever, guests will venture through Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking horror anthology, encountering a plethora of iconic scenes and memorable characters designed to jolt them to their very core. Twisted scenes from Murder House will unleash the evil spirits that possess the Harmon estate, spiraling guests through decades of the tortured dead who previously resided there. In Freak Show, guests will join a troupe of biological misfits in a sinister sideshow where they’ll be stalked by the murderous and deformed Twisty the Clown. Finally, guests will succumb to the warped desires of The Countess after checking in to the haunted Hotel Cortez, conceived from the beginning as a torture chamber for its customers.
“‘American Horror Story’ is one of the most disturbing television shows ever produced, and with such perverse storylines unfolding with each installment, ‘Halloween Horror Nights’ is undoubtedly the only place that could create a living version of the nightmares that Ryan Murphy dreams up,” said John Murdy, Creative Director at Universal Studios Hollywood and Executive Producer of “Halloween Horror Nights.” “Plus, as a fan favorite, ‘American Horror Story’ has been the number one requested maze from our guests and we’re excited to let them know that we listened to them and are bringing ‘American Horror Story’ to life.”
“‘American Horror Story’ is engaging for so many reasons, one of them being the fantastic way each installment of the series reveals completely new characters and stories for its viewers,” said Michael Aiello, Director of Entertainment Creative Development for Universal Orlando Resort. “It’s that constant evolution that makes this popular series a perfect fit for Halloween Horror Nights – and we can’t wait for our guests to experience some of the horror they’ve seen on the show.”
“20th Century Fox Consumer Products is thrilled to team once again with Universal Studios to premiere visionary Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking series, ‘American Horror Story’ through an all-new Halloween Horror Night maze,” said Greg Lombardo, SVP of Global Live and Location Based Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Consumer Products. “The attraction – which showcases multiple chapters from the acclaimed FX anthology – offers a chilling live-action thrill and simultaneously complements the series highly anticipated premiere on September 14th.”
Captivating – and shocking – viewers since its debut in 2011, “American Horror Story” has won 13 Emmys, two Golden Globes, four Critics’ Choice Awards and one People’s Choice Award. “American Horror Story” 6 begins September 14 on FX.
Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” is the ultimate Halloween event. For more than 25 years, guests from around the world have visited “Halloween Horror Nights” in Orlando and Hollywood to become victims inside their own horror film. The streets of each coast’s event are transformed into highly-themed scare zones where menacing “scare-actors” lunge from every darkened corner. Multiple movie-quality haunted houses are erected throughout the event, based on anything from iconic slasher films to hit horror television series to haunting original stories.
Additional details about Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” will be revealed soon. For more information about Halloween Horror Nights at either Universal Studios Hollywood or Universal Orlando Resort, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.
Lucasfilm’s Rogue One, which takes place before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, tells the story of unlikely heroes who have united to steal plans to the dreaded Death Star.
The cast includes Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, Alan Tudyk, Riz Ahmed, and Forest Whitaker. “Rogue One” is directed by Gareth Edwards, produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel, executive produced by John Knoll and Jason McGatlin, and co-produced by John Swartz and Kiri Hart.
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” opens in theaters December 16, 2016!
Dongpo Kitchen, inspired by celebrated restaurant Meizhou Dongpo and its renowned and innovative owners, Chef Mr. Wang and his wife Mrs. Liang, join Universal CityWalk™, serving up authentic Sichuan cuisine in the first-ever U.S. casual dining concept is now open exclusively at the iconic open air destination.
Renowned for its Sichuan-style fusion of traditional and creative cooking, Meizhou Dongpo has become a widely respected and recognized restaurant with over 100 locations across China. In 2008, the 20-year establishment won the prestigious honor of catering the Beijing Olympic Games for thousands of athletes from across the globe within the Olympic Village.
Located at the heart of CityWalk in a completely remodeled, artisan-inspired venue, Dongpo Kitchen will tantalize diners with upscale and modern Sichuan cuisine within the comforts of a casual environment. Offering both indoor and al fresco dinning, the new CityWalk restaurant will serve Southern Californians, and guests visiting from around the globe, a variety of signature dishes ranging from Dongpo fried noodles, roasted duck salad, spicy chicken to specialty beverage shakes such as dragon well green tea and roasted oolong milk tea.
The much anticipated arrival of Dongpo Kitchen to Universal CityWalk coincides with the vibrant outdoor epicenter’s elaborate, multi-million dollar revitalization.
For over 20 years, CityWalk has boosted the city’s rhythm through a foundation built on providing memorable entertainment experiences. With a series of dramatic enhancements currently underway that includes the introduction of new restaurants, shopping experiences, visually aesthetic design features and a state-of-the-art movie theatre renovation, the spotlight shines brightly on CityWalk as it continues to resonate as one of L.A.’s most influential lifestyle centers.
When the news released earlier this week, it still gives me goosebumps as I write this. The Disneyland blog released that for a limited time an encore engagement of the Main Street Electrical Parade will return home to Disneyland in California in early 2017.
The sheer emotions that guests will have hearing the famous Baroque Hoedown blast thru the speakers down the parade route once more, and the electro-synthe-magnetic musical sounds will give guests of all ages a magic vibe in the air. The older generations can now share and “relives fond memories of the past…and here youth may savor the” original night time spectacle form many moons ago. I feel the sheer joy and happiness of this pageant of lights will bring families and generations closer together. Maybe to some of our younger generations only know the Main Street Electrical Parade was a thing of the past or that this current generation has been introduced to or familiar with only Paint the Night Parade.
The original Disneyland Main Street Electrical Parade opened on Saturday, June 17, 1972 and it ended its run on Monday, November 25, 1996, over the 24 years this night time parade ran at Disneyland almost nightly. Years later Disney brought it back to Disney’s California Adventure Park on Tuesday, July 3, 2001 to bring in guests during Disney’s California Adventures first summer to draw in the crowds and it closed on Sunday, April 18, 2010. The parade currently running at the Magic Kingdom in Florida will conclude its open end run on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
Now that the Main Street Electrical Parade will grace us with its presence once more here in California for a limited time engagement, I wonder what new surprises they might have up their sleeves. Are we going back to the original concept that Walt had envisioned with the Blue Fairy opening the parade once more? I sure hope so… when I learned that the Blue Fairy was Walt’s favorite fairy also since she was the original, for many years the Blue Fairy would open each Disney parade, her last nod was during Disneyland’s 50th Anniversary with Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams.
Who else is ready to join us and the hundreds that will come out and relive the magic of this nighttime spectacle, dust off that denim jean jacket, T-shirt, sweatshirt or button the Main Street Electrical Parade will be on its way back home soon enough! More news and updates about its return as we get word of the official date. Join us at SoCalThrills as we will be their on opening night.
The undeniably sensually erotic Broadway classic has made its way to town! Greeting audiences with the sexy and seductive “Willkommen” number sung by that flamboyantly colorful iconic Emcee, the show begins as one should expect from a show called CABARET. While the first act remains mostly cheery, energetic and full of exotic numbers, Cabaret’s second act may find audiences in darker not-so-happy place. Regardless of structural issues stemming from the source material, this production of Cabaret is polished with a solid cast and top-notch performances.
Leaving a slightly sour taste in theatergoers mouths by lights out, those that may not know what they are getting themselves into will leave the theater scratching their heads. Cabaret is not the musical you’ll be leaving uplifted and skipping away to your car humming away to the beat of any reprise. Rather this 1966 classic invigorates non-expecting deeper thought out of an unlikely type of musical.
Originally hitting Broadway in the 60s that would later spawn to a 1972 film starring Liza Minnelli, Cabaret has been followed up by a long stint in London, Broadway revivals, and countless national tours. The shows leading lady Sally Bowles has been played several famous actress other than Minnelli including Molly Ringwald, Judi Dench, Michelle Williams and even Emma Stone. It’s safe to say there is a definite clear audience for this musical, but it’s not without some structural flaws and a difficult ending.
Taking place around 1930s Berlin, Cabaret features the carefree sexually curious side of Germany just prior to the Nazi takeover. The first half focusing heavily on an unsuccessful novelist from America and an unwanted starlet from the Kit Kat Club. When their paths meet, they are remain tied together with their need for a place to stay. Living in an old apartment-like complex owned by a stickler of a landlord, Fraulein Schneider, their stories get interwoven and convoluted with Faulein’s new love interest and the antisemite politics that struck Germany.
Strangely enough the second half of Cabaret plays vaguely familiar to the second act of The Sound of Music, which was last played here, but without the upbeat fun-loving musical numbers from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
Every musical number is well-sung and well-choreographed nearly outshining any dialogue heavy moment as the stories progression can be oddly paced, and at times rushed. At times reprises seem long and unwarranted. Sally and her unbelievable love interest, Clifford, fall for one another truly out of the blue. The love affair never felt right, although at times its meant to feel forced, it still never worked for the two characters.
Fortunately, the MC or ‘Emcee’, played by Randy Harrison (“Wicked”, TV: “Queer as Folk”), is astonishing; absolutely phenomenal. While I’ll admit I am not as familiar with any other production including the film, I cannot deny how good Randy Harrison was throughout the show. His mannerisms and well-timed humor was spot on. His eccentric style and voice holds true to that of what I know of the character. I cannot ask for it to be played any differently! Holding the entire show under his wing, the role of Emcee is absolutely vital to the overall feel of the show. This guy alone is reason enough to see this show.
It’s worth noting the Emcee’s role is crude and sexually blunt. This is not a show to take the kid and may be incredibly uncomfortable for any situation with older teens and their parents. With that being said, this unadulterated musical doesn’t hold back, and there are no qualms about that.
The production features a relatively simple set design. While lighting plays an integral role, you will find yourself staring mostly at the same scenic design through the shows entirety much like “Chicago”. The beautiful band is on display throughout the entire show and even play several characters within the show. The level of intricacy to have the these musicians leave their music chairs several times to play a part and get back to playing their instrument is impressive.
Cabaret remains hot and steamy, but takes an odd turn by intermission and escalates quickly. While the beginning makes the audience believe it will be one type of show, the latter half can come at an unwelcoming surprise for some. The performances were all astounding and for those that know the show, this is not a production to miss. I cannot knock a shows story structure that has been playing to audiences for 50 years, but I do wish that some day that the shows ending wont be so abrupt. However, now knowing a little of what to expect, Cabaret may be just the show you have been waiting for. It’s not your everyday musical.
Cabaret is playing at the Segerstorm Center for the Arts until August 21st. LGBT Night at CABARET, Friday, August 12!
Nearly 40 years after its original counterpart, yes FORTY, Disney has continued their streak of live-action revivals with PETE’S DRAGON. Embodying the soul and quaint charm of the 70s classic, Walt Disney Pictures has managed to develop a reimagining of this epitome of a family friendly adventure film and make it as grandiose as possible while retaining its heartfelt gentle story. The revisited Pete’s Dragon is the quintessential Disney film stuffed with their brand of magic they’re known for – a true heartfelt tale that’s absolutely perfect for that young kid still daydreaming for a world filled with unimaginable creatures and that parent that misses believing in magic.
The original is by far too slow for the todays audience and has overwhelming shown its age. While the new Pete’s Dragon still has its somber moments that cause audiences to get restless, the pay off in the end is far too good to discredit it. Pete’s Dragon will leave a glimmer of joy in everyones heart along this boyhood journey though wild adventure and friendship leading to the ultimate kind of love, family.
Disney’s Pete’s Dragon follows an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, a giant whimsical and somewhat magical dragon named after Pete’s favorite book. The old fables told by the ever endearing Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) of dragons from the deep forests of the north have been delighting children now for generations, but no one has ever taken his stories as reality. For his daughter Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), these tales a far more meaningful as she has grown to be a lover of the forest and a conservationists ranger. Engaged to be married to a logger named Jack, Wes Bently (“American Horror Story”), she’s constantly striving to save trees from being unnecessarily cut. It’s when her and the timber cutting crew stumbles upon a mysterious 10-year-old boy Pete, Oakes Fegley, with no family and no home.
After claims of having a dragon-sized friend to help while he has been lost in the wilderness, it takes Grace to connect the dots that this may very well be the dragon her father has told tales about for all these years. Meanwhile, the lumber mill is threatening Elliot’s home and livelihood in a Beast like hunt. With a little help from Natalie, Oona Laurence, an 11-year-old daughter to Jack, they set out to understand Pete’s history and the truth behind this magical dragon.
Forgetting some pretty terrible dialogue and ridiculous non-acting from Karl Uban (“Star Trek”), Pete’s Dragon has some wonderful performances from Oakes Fegley and the beautiful Bryce Dallas Howard. Oakes is perfect fit to comical up-beat Pete from the original, and Bryce is incredibly motherly and sweet that you cant help but wish that this character was in your life. Robert Redford is your young able-being grandfather that just doesn’t give a crap what others think anymore.
It may take some help to forget the unbelievable-ness that a kid has been lost for 6 years in the forest due to a tragic car accident, whilst living with a giant green dragon that has an invisibility power, which is basically there to help move along the original story. However, Pete’s Dragon director and writer David Lowery has help bring to todays audiences a stunning, picturesque film that is as big as they come, yet manages to stay humble and small. The story is not complex, but it’s that timeless tale of mystery and the power of good will prevail that makes this re-telling still work for a very savvy new audience.
While conflict is mostly low, and any truly horrific images or deep subplots are shied away from in order to keep this a truly family friendly film, Pete’s Dragon doesn’t make an apologies for being stupidly cute and fun. Being set into a rather nondescript 70s/80s time period, David Lowery was able to capture some of the magical formula that has made Steven Spielberg’s movie last the test of time.
I have left out Elliot on purpose. The dragon is presented probably a little too quickly, but this adorable giant is hard to not feature. I feel not too much should be said about this CGI headliner as part of the wonder of the film is that he looks near believable. Elliot remains dragon-like, massive and scary at times, yet undeniably cute and puppy-like at others, even bearing the chipped bottom fang. CGI is king here as it’s not noticeable. That’s how it should be. Instead Elliot with all of his emotion and individual strands of hair just turns into just another character.
Pete’s Dragon is a warm lovely film with some big action, but merely is nothing more than a stroll through the forest with heartfelt characters and a cute story. The movie is perhaps debuting a little too soon to it’s adult counterpart Tarzan as the stories will have there similarities, but this simple film is far superior to the meaningless action packed movies of the summer. While at times perhaps even too gentle even to Disney standards, Pete’s Dragon should win the hearts of adults and the imagination of children for years to come.
Disney’s Pete’s Drago opens August 12th, 2016 in Theaters.
