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.
For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted children in the sleepy town of Millhaven with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger in these very woods, his stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home to speak of, who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliot, and from his descriptions, Elliot seems remarkably similar to the fabled dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Robert Redford for an intimate round-table interview with some members of the press and discuss his character in ‘Pete’s Dragon.’
When asked about the kids and other cast in the movie and how they reacted on set, he comments “Easy kids to get along with, there was no intimidation. They were both easy to work with. Oakes Fegley had a lot to say and talked a lot, and he enjoyed it. And then of course, Bryce, she speaks for herself. You see, she’s got an incandescent quality to her, it just beams out, so she was a joy to work,” recalls Redford
Redford then went on to talk about what drew him to the film. “Well, “Magic” is a big point in the film and it was a big point for me to be attracted to the character. Don’t just focus on what’s in front of you, there’s a broader canvas around and take that in, because it will broaden your point of view. And I just thought that was a very healthy thing, and the fact that that’s sort of in the film-he tells his daughter, “You only see what’s in front of you, but there’s something more.” So you can walk around, but also look around. You know, and I think what new technology has done is narrowed our focus on things.”
The screen legend, who has appeared in such classic films as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “The Way We Were,” “The Sting” and “All the President’s Men,” has been very selective in recent years as to the roles he chooses, so the filmmakers tailored the part to fit Redford’s strengths as an actor, which encouraged him to commit to the role.
“I think the story crafted here is very human and quite interesting,” says Redford. “It is an in mate story of a father, a daughter and a boy who has survived an accident and gone into the woods, and it has a lot of magic, but at its core, it’s a very emotional, human story.
Redford also discussed about New Zealand and what he thought about the country. “Well, I didn’t know about New Zealand before I went. It was such a pleasant shock, that it really had a huge impact on me, and also a profound sadness, because there was a time when America was like that. And I grew up at that time in the end of the Second World War when there was big mass stretches of land. People were friendly, because they were all together for the war effort, or paper drives, things like that. People were friendly with each other, the air was clean.”
New Zealand has a diverse topography, a variety of different climates and a wealth of experienced film crews, and it is also home to Weta Digital, the Academy Award®-winning visual effects company tasked with bringing Elliot to life on screen.
A question came up about Why we think it’s necessary for kids to explore in today’s society? “I think it’s necessary simply because the world is bigger and darker than they know when they are little. They’re not at an age of sophistication, so they don’t know how complicated things are. And so they only know things that make them happy, and you want to try to keep that going without creating a fantasy. You know, you want to keep that going, because once you leave that stage of your life, you say, “Oh, wow.” Redford continued by saying “This is the way it is?” You want to create something that keeps them going. And so for me, I’m drawn to projects that give you some kind of hope.”
Redford continues, “I’m a storyteller, and I believe in storytelling, so I told my kids stories. I think it’s really invaluable. In fact, I think ‘once upon a time’ is one of the greatest phrases imaginable. When you’re a kid and you hear ‘once upon a time,’ it’s ‘ah, I’m going to get something now.’”
Director David Lowery and Robert Redford on the set of Disney’s PETE’S DRAGON, the adventure of a boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just happens to be a dragon.
Director David Lowery, who credits Redford for helping nurture his talents as a filmmaker, says, “Working with him and having him in your film is such an honor, and it’s something I have never taken lightly. He is disarmingly relaxed and cool and game for anything, and there was no sense of pretention on his part, ever. He was there to roll up his sleeves and do whatever I asked of him.”
Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens nationwide on Friday, August 12th.
Physically based simulation is an indispensable tool for creating realistic and believable virtual environments. By leveraging the power of modern computer systems, and using novel algorithms based on the laws of physics, it takes a huge burden off the shoulders of an artist and allows the creation of highly complex visual effects which would otherwise be unfeasible to animate ‘by hand’, such as crashing ocean waves, snow blizzards and fireball explosions to name a few.
Matterhorn is one of Disney Animation’s proprietary physically based simulators. It was originally developed for creating snow effects in Frozen (2013) . It employs the Material Point Method (MPM) at its core and is highly efficient at simulating large amounts of snow interacting with characters. Recently Matterhorn has been upgraded with more advanced constitutive models to be able to simulate more materials: mud, foam, sand etc.
The Science Behind the Simulator:
What is simulation? Originally, animated movies were created using traditional hand-drawn animation techniques. Teams of animators would draw all characters and the surroundings frame by frame which would be assembled to compose the final film. But there is only so much a person can draw! Things like water, smoke and fire have extreme amounts of richness and degrees of freedom to their composition and movement, which makes them nearly impossible to animate “by hand” in any reasonable amount of time. That is where technology and physically-based algorithms come in: environmental effects like water, smoke and fire are governed by physical equations, so why not let computers do all the heavy computation to solve those equations. The programs that do this computation are called simulators.
Why MPM simulation?
“How do we tell the computer about what something is and how should it be represented internally?” The choice of a particular representation typically depends on the properties of the physical problem to be solved. For example, computations in fluid dynamics are naturally handled using Cartesian grids, so it makes sense to represent fluids as occupying certains parts of such grids and moving through them over time as the simulation progresses. Grains and small rigid bodies are better represented by particles that have position, velocity and other properties. Snow, however, is a complex substance: on one hand it consists of individual grains and snowflakes, but on the other hand they are not that big, so it sometimes behaves like a fluid. The Material Point Method is designed exactly for these kinds of substances. It uses both Cartesian grids and particles to represent the material, and leverages the strengths of each representation.
How does MPM simulation work?
Particles are the primary representation of the material. Each of them has position, velocity, mass, deformation and other properties that determine the look of the snow, such as stiffness, wetness, breaking threshold etc.
Each step of the simulation progresses as follows. Since particles are not a good representation for computing material forces, they are first rasterized to a Cartesian grid, where the force computation is a lot simpler. These material forces act back on the particles, changing their velocities. Finally, the particles are advected with their new velocities, producing the next frame of the simulation.
The Matterhorn Team: Andy Selle, Rajesh Sharma, Alexey Stomakhin, Lawrence Chai
Tis the season for Krampus as Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando Resort bring the terrifying dark Christmas legend to life in an all-new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze beginning September 16, 2016.
The creative minds behind the nation’s best and most extreme Halloween events unleash the wrath of Krampus, Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures’ Christmas-themed horror film co-written and directed by Michael Dougherty, in a sinister new “Halloween Horror Nights” maze.
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. In scenes lifted from the film, 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.
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 Hollywood and Orlando 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.
This year, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast—the first animated film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Picture—celebrates its 25th anniversary, and Disney twenty-three is giving fans a spectacular look at the film from its inception to its timeless legacy. The issue features interviews with Paige O’Hara (Belle), Robby Benson (Beast), Angela Lansbury (Mrs. Potts), David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth), Richard White (Gaston), composer Alan Menken, screenwriter Linda Woolverton, producer Don Hahn, and many more, as well as stories about how the film has been equally successful in Disney theme parks and on stage. Plus, readers will learn more about the live-action adaptation of the film, coming to theaters in 2017.
The issue, exclusively for Gold Members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, also features a Fall TV Preview, which includes interviews with ABC’s Once Upon a Time creators Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz; the producers and stars of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.; and Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh (who created Phineas and Ferb), who reveal details about their new Disney XD show, Milo Murphy’s Law. Plus, Hayley Atwell of Agent Carter and Cinderella gives fans a preview of her new ABC show, Conviction, and shares with readers her favorite Disneyland attractions.
Also included in the fall publication of Disney twenty-three is an exclusive interview with Benedict Cumberbatch about his upcoming Marvel film Doctor Strange; a look at how Disney Theatrical Group creates spectacular shows for Broadway and beyond; a peek at the creation of Disney’s newest princess, Elena of Avalor; and a story focusing on the timeless artwork of Dumbo to toast the film’s 75th anniversary. The issue also includes regular columns such as Ask Dave, From the Vault, A Walk with Walt, and a special “From the Desk of” to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa.
The celebration of Beauty and the Beast’s 25th anniversary continues on September 5, when D23 Members—and Disney fans—are invited to join the festivities as the club kicks off its annual Fanniversary event. D23 will be holding member screenings of the groundbreaking film around the country, Gold Members will receive special “selfie kits” with the fall publication, and D23.com will offer fans exclusive features, new videos, printables, recipes, and much more. Fans are invited to “be our guest” for this 25-day event, and to use the hashtag #D23Fanniversary on social media to join the conversation. More details will be available in the coming weeks at D23.com/D23Fanniversary.
Disney twenty-three, which is delivered directly to fans’ doorsteps, is offered exclusively to D23 Gold and Gold Family Members as a benefit of their membership. The latest issue will begin arriving in late August.
The moment I walked into the sparkling lobby of Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, I shifted gears and put myself in total relaxation mode. I had escaped the heat of LA and was ready for a day and night of luxurious dining, pampering and a little gambling.
My getaway to Pechanga began recently when a friend and I checked into gorgeous 9th floor suite overlooking the property’s pool and nearby rolling hills. The room was highlighted by a large master bedroom with king bed, huge TV and large windows; and a living room area with a sofa, another TV and breathtaking views of the Temecula Valley through floor-to-ceiling windows.
The suites at Pechanga are plush and sweet!
The Four-Diamond suite also boasted a dining area with table and chairs, sink, mini-fridge and yet another television; custom made Italian furniture throughout; and two bathrooms – the main one featuring a soaking tub and separate glass shower.
When not lounging in robes inside the air-conditioned suite, we were exploring the rest of the resort. The hotel offers 517 rooms including 84 suites with free WiFi and no resort fees. There is an oversized sundeck with private cabanas, swimming pool and spa, and a poolside bar with food; and two high end retail shops, and an exclusive Swarovski crystal outlet.
Near the pool is Spa Pechanga, where I experienced a rejuvenating 60-minute rub down I won’t soon forget. The spa offers guests a range of massages and facial treatments, body wraps, exfoliation, couples massage, steam saunas, as well as a full-service hair and nail salon. Next to the spa is a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Pechanga offers a full service spa and a relaxing pool area with great views
And then there is the largest casino floor in California, which totals 188,000 sq-ft and features 3,800 slot machines, 154 table games, a non-smoking poker room with tables, and an ultra-modern, 700-seat bingo facility.
Before gambling and taking a spa treatment, I needed energy and that meant sampling some of Pechanga’s impressive array of 11 different, eclectic dining options. I began my culinary journey at Bamboo, where expert chefs created a Pan-Asian fusion of authentic dishes, prepared in the national style of Korea, Vietnam and China amid a fast-paced noodle bar featuring native drinks.
Our Bamboo lunch began with delicious Imperial Rolls, a mixture of shrimp, pork and vegetables wrapped in rice paper and deep fried. I followed this with Canh Chua Cá, a succulent sweet and sour fish fillet soup with bean sprout, tomato, ginger, bamboo shoots and tons of flavor. My friend enjoyed Bò Lúc Lắc, with marinated chunks of tender loin served on crisp Romaine lettuce.
The food at Pechanga is where I found my jackpot
After lunch we relaxed with Bloody Mary’s by the pool, with a spectacular view of the mountains behind us. I then took a nap and hit the fitness center before dinner.
For supper we strolled into Paisano’s Italian restaurant for a memorable dining experience of new meets old style Italian cooking, paired with the “best wines from California, Oregon, and Washington.” Here we began with tasty Calamari Fritti, fried baby squid served with tomato marmalade, pesto aioli and sweet peppers and California wine. For the main course I had Cioppino mixed seafood and shellfish stew in lobster broth and ciabatta bread. My friend devoured New York Steak sliced over garlic spinach, roasted potatoes, green peppercorn balsamic sauce.
After dinner, we hit the slot machines and caught a live band at The Cabaret Lounge. In the morning, we opened the curtains in our suite and watched hot air balloons rise above Temecula Valley’s picturesque wine country. For breakfast we took a shuttle across the Pechanga property to Journey’s End, the resort’s loge-like restaurant overlooking the golf course, a wooden bridge spanning an old stream, and the surrounding Temecula Valley.
Last year, the Pechanga Tribe broke ground on a $285 million resort expansion, adding onto its current resort amenities. This includes a new, 568-room and suite hotel wing, a 2-story luxury spa, 5-acre pool complex, 2 new restaurants, 68,000 sq-ft of additional meeting and event space, and a new, 5-level parking garage. The expansion is expected to complete at the end of 2017.
Pechanga Resort and Casino is located at 45000 Pechanga Parkway, Temecula, CA 92592. For more information and reservations, call 888-PECHANGA or visit: www.pechanga.com
For the “first time in forever,” the beloved animated hit “Frozen” is getting the Disney Cruise Line theatrical treatment as a new stage show exclusively aboard the Disney Wonder. “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” debuts, along with a wave of new enhancements to the ship, on cruises starting Nov. 10, 2016, from Galveston, Texas.
The story will be presented like never before, with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy, completely unique to the Disney Wonder production.
“We’re so excited to bring ‘Frozen, A Musical Spectacular’ to the stage of the Walt Disney Theatre on the Disney Wonder. The production is going to delight each one of our guests because it’s a story for absolutely everyone in the family,” said Jim Urry, Vice President, Entertainment, Disney Cruise Line.
“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” will follow the captivating adventure of royal sisters Anna and Elsa as they embark on a journey to discover the meaning of sisterhood, inner strength and true love. Fans of the film and newcomers alike will be enchanted by favorite characters brought to life onstage along with beautiful renditions of the movie’s iconic music.
The show features dynamic costumes and sets, remarkable special effects, and spectacular production numbers that will delight Disney Cruise Line guests in new and surprising ways. The creative disciplines blend to create a seamless environment – blurring the lines between costume and scenic, set piece and video, puppet and puppeteer – and expand upon the most imaginative elements of the film.
“The story of ‘Frozen’ is one of the most iconic animated movies ever, so this is a unique and special opportunity to retell the story onboard the Disney Wonder, transporting guests right into the world of Arendelle,” said Kevin Eld, Creative Portfolio Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering.
To adapt this blockbuster animated feature into a quintessential stage production, Eld assembled a team of distinguished creative talent with Broadway credits and theatrical accolades.
The production is led by Tony Award-nominated director Sheryl Kaller (“Next Fall,” “Mothers and Sons”). Joining the creative team are Tony Award-winning costume designer Paloma Young (“Peter and the Starcatcher”), choreographer Josh Prince (“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), scenic designer Jason Sherwood (“Paint Your Wagon”), and writer Sara Wordsworth (“In Transit”).
“Frozen, a Musical Spectacular” will feature music direction by Marco Paguia, projection design by Aaron Rhyne and lighting design by Rui Rita.
Dynamic puppetry by Michael Curry, whose designs are featured in Disney’s Tony Award-winning Broadway musical “The Lion King,” will bring exciting physicality to characters like Sven and Olaf.
The production features the popular music and lyrics by the creators of the “Frozen” film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (“Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”).
The 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre provides the perfect setting to immerse audiences in the kingdom of Arendelle and showcase the renowned score. Songs like “For the First Time in Forever” and “Love is an Open Door” will be expanded into ensemble pieces, and the film’s wintry wizardry will be realized in lavish production numbers of “In Summer” and “Fixer Upper.”
A stand-out moment, the emblematic ballad “Let it Go” will be transformed into a full-fledged stage spectacle. Complete with real-life magic – transformative scenery, snow flurries and state-of-the-art video technology – this show stopping number will bring Elsa’s enchanted icy blasts to reality like never before.
“Frozen, A Musical Spectacular” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” which is the number one animated feature of all time. The acclaimed film earned two Academy Awards (2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
An entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver.
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“Doctor Strange” follows the story of neurosurgeon Doctor Stephen Strange who, after a horrific car accident, discovers the hidden world of magic and alternate dimensions.
“Doctor Strange” is the latest film in Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Phase 3’s goal—over the course of four years and nine films—is to introduce audiences to new heroes and continue the adventures of fan favorites.
Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” is produced by Kevin Feige with Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth, Stephen Broussard and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.
Director Scott Derrickson’s creative team also includes director of photography Ben Davis, B.S.C. (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”); production designer Charles Wood (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”); costume designer Alexandra Byrne (Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”); editors Wyatt Smith (“Into the Woods,” Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World”) and Sabrina Plisco, ACE (“Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,” “Charlotte’s Web”); and visuals effects supervisor Stephane Ceretti (Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy”).
Based on the Marvel comic character who first appeared in “Strange Tales” Issue 110 published in July 1963, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in Marvel’s “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Ant-Man” and the upcoming “Captain America: Civil War,” (May 6, 2016), “Guardians of the Galaxy 2” (May 5, 2017) and “Thor: Ragnarok” (November 3, 2017).
The Guardians of the Galaxy are coming to the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Beginning summer 2017, guests at Disney California Adventure Park will join in a daring confrontation with one of the most unusual characters in the park’s history: Tanaleer Tivan, the Collector. He has opened his unique collection of fauna, relics and species to guests for a special tour culminating with his latest prized possessions: the Guardians of the Galaxy, themselves! Fortunately, Rocket has a plan to free his friends – and that plan includes recruiting Disneyland Resort guests in a sensational rescue effort.
This comically cosmic, rocking new adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is the result of a collaboration between the creative minds behind the comic books, the films and Walt Disney Imagineering. The attraction will drop guests directly into the story alongside characters from the comic books and the blockbuster films.
Joe Rohde, Portfolio Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering, is leading the project. He shared this preview of the new attraction: “The setting is a kind of fortress that’s owned by the mysterious Collector and it’s packed with creatures and his latest acquisitions from across the universe. Now he has imprisoned the Guardians of the Galaxy and they’re hanging in display cases over a giant abyss. The captor doesn’t know it but Rocket Raccoon has escaped and is enlisting our aid—all the guests—to help the Guardians in a breakout scheme. And the rest is comical chaos; a very funny, very irreverent story and a really wonderful addition to Disney California Adventure.”
“It’s such a thrill to be working alongside a true visionary like Joe Rohde and the entire Walt Disney Imagineering team,” said Joe Quesada, Chief Creative Officer, Marvel. “Like our stories and characters, projects led by Joe are the stuff of legend, so Marvel fans rejoice! The universe couldn’t be in better hands! Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! is going to be an out of this world experience and what has me even more excited are Joe’s ‘secret’ plans for the future. We’re just getting warmed up.”
The announcement was made today at San Diego Comic-Con by Kevin Feige, President of Marvel Studios, who said: “The incredibly talented Disney Imagineering team has found a way to harness the spirit which drove Guardians of the Galaxy’s success to create this immersive experience. With its debut timed to the release of the film’s sequel, we are eager to present the attraction to the millions who visit Disney California Adventure and place them in the center of the action as they join in a mission alongside our audacious Guardians of the Galaxy team.”
Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! takes place in the fortress-like museum of the mysterious Collector, who has trapped his newest acquisitions, the Guardians of the Galaxy. One member of the group, the intrepid Rocket, has escaped, and he calls upon brave visitors for help. Guests board a gantry lift which launches them into a daring adventure as they join Rocket in an attempt to set free his fellow Guardians.
The new attraction will anchor a broader universe of Super Heroes that will grow over time in Disney California Adventure Park. Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! will transform the structure currently housing The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ into an epic new adventure, enhancing the breathtaking free fall sensation with new visual and audio effects to create a variety of ride experiences. Guests will experience multiple, random and unique ride profiles in which the rise and fall of the gantry lift rocks to the beat of music inspired by the film’s popular soundtrack.
Fans of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror will want to experience the attraction from now until its final “drop day,” which will be celebrated in true Disney fashion in early January.
During Destination D23, Disneyland Resort culinary director John State unveiled a never-before-seen artist concept rendering of the enhanced patio space from Napa Rose at...
