One of the last Disney animated films developed under Walt’s supervision before his passing, The Jungle Book epitomizes everything that he stood for in life. He always strived to entertain through pushing the imagination, and there is no doubt that there was no limit to the imagination on display on this film. As man-cub Mogwli makes his way through the jungle, encountering a series of talking animals and adventures along the way, the creativity of the Disney brand was in full swing. A swinging jazz based soundtrack, and lively animation and character work have helped this film stand the test of time. While it may not be set in the traditional Disney fairytale kingdom, this jungle-based tale of a young boy’s adventures with a the talking animals he encounters still retains that fantastical aura that have made these films family favorites for several decades.
Like Alice In Wonderland, the story is slightly episodic. Mowgli essentially works his way through the jungle, encountering one group of animals after another, with the occasional story overlap. Guiding him through these adventures are Bagheera, a panther, and free-spirited bear Baloo. Encountering wolves, elephants, the infamously ferocious tiger Shere Khan, Kaa the hypnotic snake, and more, this is a film with a scope beyond the confines of a typical animated film. The jungle itself is practically a supporting performer, providing an unusual backdrop for a Disney film; one in which you never know what’s just around the corner. The jungle is a wondrous and terrifying place, and this is perfectly captured in the film.
Bonus Clip: Personality and Characters
New to Blu-Ray, the Jungle Book has never looked better. Presented in Digital High-Definition, the picture is flawless and will allow old fans and children just discovering the film to lose themselves in this world that Disney created. In addition, there are several extremely entertaining bonus features. Walt’s daughter, Diane Disney, makes one of her final Blu-Ray appearances in a conversation between herself, Richard Sherman and more, where they talk about the history of the film. There is also “Bear-E-Oke” for those who want to sing along with the infectiously catchy music. One of my favorite features is a storyboard presentation of a Deleted Ending. I can absolutely see why it was cut as it takes the film beyond a perfect finale and extends the story into very dark territory. However, as part of the process, it’s fascinating to watch. They have also carried over the original extras that came from the prior DVD release, including a look at a new character and much, much more.
Overall, this is one of my favorite Disney films, based on the sheer joy inherent in every frame of the film. Combined with the jungle atmosphere, and some of the most endearing characters in the Disney catalog, this is a film that more than holds up with the best of the Disney name. While Walt never got to see the finished product, his fingerprints are all over it. This is a film he would have been very proud of, and is a worthy addition to any collection.
Starting Sunday, February 9, Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey will be available at retail stores nationwide for an MSRP of $12.99.
For the first time in more than 30 years, gamers will have the chance to experience Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey in a video game. The team at Avalanche Software chose this beloved version of Mickey, who is primarily featured at Disney Parks & Resorts, because they felt his mischievous nature and magical powers would deliver unique gameplay experiences to Disney Infinity. From magic broom sweeps to blazing fast energy bursts, Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey and his “Mickey’s Magical Escape” Toy Box adventure promises to bring fantastical fun to the Toy Box mode.
Players will also enjoy pairing Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey with other memorable Disney and Pixar characters from the past and present to create a number of outrageous scenarios such as having him hop into a vehicle to race Buzz Lightyear in Cinderella’s Coach and Sulley in Mickey’s Jalopy.
Starring Danielle Wade as Dorothy, who was chosen by the Canadian public through CBC TV’s reality show Over The Rainbow, the tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic. Developed from the ever-popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar®-winning movie score, all of the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. For further information, please visit www.wizardofozthemusical.com.
All pre-show activities will take place one hour prior to each performance and include:
The Yellow Brick Road to Oz where guests can write down on paper made bricks what they would ask the great and powerful Wizard if they had the courage and the chance.
One vast There’s No Place Like Home map for patrons to mark where they call home.
A hands-on Tornado Demo that includes facts about these fierce and destructive windstorms.
There will be a fun Photo Opportunity featuring the iconic yellow brick road. Guests are encouraged to post photos on their social media sites and use hashtag #WizardOC.
Audiences can browse the Fun Facts Display containing trivia about all things THE WIZARD OF OZ – from the original books to previous stage productions to the immortalized 1939 classic film.
Kids’ Night on Broadway takes place February 12 & 13 and includes additional pre-show activities for children. For each full-priced adult ticket purchased, a child’s admission will be free. This offer is valid for young people ages 5 – 18 and the promo code is: KNOB.
Disney Interactive has released five new Disney Infinity “Winter Sports Challenge” Toy Boxes to coincide with the start of the world’s biggest sporting event of the year. The new Toy Boxes allow players to enjoy their own versions of the winter games, which were masterfully created by members of the Disney Infinity community. Fans used the Frozen power discs to transform their Toy Box environments into snowy terrains, ideal for bobsledding, ice skating, snowboarding, ice hockey and more.
Winning “Winter Sports Challenge” submissions include:
· Disney Games – Compete for the gold in Sled Races, Snowball Fights, Ice Hockey, Curling, Alpine Skiing, Ski Jumping and Biathlon!
· Sochi Slaloms – Grab a board and hit the slopes. Try the beginner, intermediate or advanced course!
· Disney On Ice – Make the best time snowboarding (minimum 10 checkpoints to the finish) and ice skating!
· Extreme Racing- Race around this frosty winter stunt racetrack.
· Winter Resort- Compete in awesome winter sports. When you’re done, pay a visit to the winter resort!
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new comedy-adventure about second chances, featuring a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. When world famous air racer Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his courageous team, including spirited super scooper Dipper (voice of Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter Windlifter, ex-military transport Cabbie and a lively bunch of brave all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. Directed by Bobs Gannaway (“Secret of the Wings”), “Planes: Fire & Rescue” hits theaters in 3D on July 18, 2014.
“Planes: Fire & Rescue” is a new comedy-adventure in which Dusty joins forces with a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft and learns what it takes to become a true hero.
The sensational seductive 6-time Tony Award winning musical CHICAGO has arrived at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for a limited engagement. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, stop waiting and head to SCFTA.org now to get yours before CHICAGO dances off stage Sunday, February 2nd.
There’s a reason why CHICAGO is now the longest running Broadway American show. The musicals stunning performances, cherished songs, and glitz and glamour has soared the show to pure stardom. This tour includes JOHN O’HURLEYwhom is best known from his role on Seinfeld and recently winning Dancing with the Stars andnowreprising his role as the slick lawyer Billy Flynn. Also making their return is PAIGE DAVIS (Gloria in Boeing, Boeing, Sweet Charity, The Vagina Monolauges) in the role as Roxie Hart. These two alone make this production something special bringing everything you want out of a good OFF-Broadway show.
Set admits the roaring 20’s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly played by TERRA C. MacLEOD (Returning to the role after playing her around the world, Blood Brothers, The Producers), by hiring Chicago’s most popular criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines. It’s those very headlines Roxie has always dreamed of, but it’s the very thing that could hold her back from finding her own happiness.
CHICAGO is designed slightly different than you stereotypical onstage musical Broadway is known for. The differences you may find refreshing if you are unfamiliar with the stage production. The sets are minimal and the band plays onstage the entire performance. What I find even more unique is that majority of the dancers and cast are sitting along the side curtains throughout the show. This is more of a telling of a story with the focus on the music and dancing opposed to large sets and transformations of settings.
The show begins with a quick introduction along with a little narrating from scene to scene from the band conductor Jesse Kissel, breaking down that 4th wall. You will quickly notice a small band named The Side Street Strutters Jazz Band on stage leaving the actual performing space quite small yet more personal for the audience. The look created with excellent lighting and a couple scattered old diner-like wooden chairs is instantly recognizable for fans of the Miramax film. It has the same feel they went for during several numbers in the jail where the majority of this story takes places.
As the lights come up and the band begins to play, it will only take a couple of notes for you to recognize it’s the CHICAGO anthem, “All That Jazz” is playing. You should be mesmerized from Velma’s first words until the end of Act I. The show flows nicely with one smash-hit after another. Every song sounds as one should expect if you are at all familiar with the music.
Cellmate Matron “Mama” Morton played by CAROL WOODSdefinitely has a breakthrough performance beginning with “When You’re Good to Mama” with powerful vocals and some of the best comedic timing. C. NEWCOMER is supreme in the roll of Mary Sunshine and O’HURLEYsubtle antics with Mary are fantastic.
O’HURLEY’s portrayal of Billy Flynn is quite different from the films take, but I cannot compare to past productions as I am not too familiar with how it was originally portrayed. However, if you know O’HURLEY’s past work then his representation won’t surprise you. It’s very… well, him! Expect J. Peterman from Seinfeld yet more suave and classy, but the same humor as his normal roles. Billy is really in it for the money where as the films portrayal appeared to be more about trying to save Roxie.
DAVIS is an absolute delight as Roxie. Even with all of her flaws and bad character, I couldn’t help but adore her. She has some very corky parts that are endearing and yet has the other levels of the shallow character Roxie actually is. I wish I could say more for MacLEOD as Velma. She has played this role on and off for a long time and is still good, but it didn’t jump out to me like some of the others did
Roxie’s husband Amos is played by original on-tour cast member RON ORBACH. He’s as lovable and charming as you might expect. His silly solo was fun and he could hold his own. Everyone really fit their part well and I wasn’t dissatisfied with anyone.
The guts of this show though is truly the dancing and singing. All the performers are fit and know how to show their sensual side. It’s definitely a sexy show and not recommended as a family outing. As a jazz fan, I really enjoyed it being more of a jazz performance too
CHICAGO is wildly entertaining without a dull moment. Check out some themed food beforehand at “The Onyx Club” in the Fire Bird Cafe at the Hall and make this a classy date night. It’s fun, not terribly deep and quite arousing. Get out there and enjoy this well-loved show!
CHICAGO is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
January 28th – February 2, 2014 Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, February 1st will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.
Universal Orlando has revealed additional details about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter- Diagon Alley expansion. Hogsmeade over at Islands of Adventure theme park and Diagon Alley and London at Universal Studios theme park will be connected by the Hogwarts Express train. Guests can ride the train between Hogsmeade Station in Hogsmeade and King’s Cross Station in London. This will mimic the considerable distance it takes to travel between these locations in the books and movies. Universal Orlando Guests can expect surprises on board the Hogwarts Express as well as views of London and the British countryside. A Park-to-Park ticket is required to travel between the 2 theme parks. The vision for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is unprecedented, with Universal Orlando creating the world’s first centrally themed, multi-park experience.
After arriving at King’s Cross Station aboard the Hogwarts Express, Guests will pass through London and the iconic brick wall archway from the films into Diagon Alley – a bustling, wizarding hub within a Muggle city. The signature attraction at Diagon Alley will be the groundbreaking new, multi-dimensional thrill ride, Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts,which will place riders in the middle of an incredible adventure as they navigate their way through the perils of the Gringotts vaults.
Universal Orlando also provided a sneak peek of the shops and restaurants that can be found at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley Shops and Restaurants:
Borgin and Burkes – a shop specializing in the Dark Arts that will offer a wide variety of Dark objects, such as Death Eater masks, skulls, and other sinister items. This will be located at Knockturn Alley, the darker side of Diagon Alley.
Ollivanders: Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC-one of the wizarding world’s premier wand shops
Scribbulus, featuring authentic writing implements and products such as feather quills, ink and inkwells, bookmarks, journals, parchment paper, seals, stationery sets and postcards
Wiseacre’s Wizarding Equipment, where guests can grab wizarding essentials such as telescopes, binoculars, armillary spheres, compasses, magnifying glasses and hourglasses
Quality Quidditch Supplies, offering a wide assortment of apparel and equipment including Quidditch sweaters, brooms, Golden Snitches, Bludgers, Bludger bats, Quaffles and more
Magical Menagerie, which features a collection of plush animals, such as owls and Hippogriffs
Madam Malkin’s Robes for All Occasions, where guests will find a variety of wizardwear from Hogwarts school uniform ties, scarves and jumpers, to authentic wizard’s robes and character costumes
Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, a vibrant shop featuring novelty items, magical jokes, and toys inspired by the books and films that will amaze the mischievous child in everyone
Leaky Cauldron, Enjoy traditional British fare that includes favorite dishes such as fish and chips, bangers and mash and more
Florean Fortescue’s Ice-Cream Parlour, visit Harry Potter’s favorite ice cream parlour for frozen treats in a variety of tantalizing and unique flavors such as strawberry-and-peanut-butter ice-cream and many others
The Hogsmeade section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be getting a slight makeover during the expansion process as well. Honeydukes will be expanding into the current Zonkos space while Zonkos merchandise will be relocated to Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley is expected to open Summer 2014. More details about this multi-park, immersive Harry Potter experience will be released over time.
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, Universal Orlando, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
Mr. Peabody, the most accomplished dog in the world, and his mischievous boy Sherman, use their time machine – The WABAC – to go on the most outrageous adventures known to man or dog. But when Sherman takes The WABAC out for a joyride to impress his friend Penny, they accidentally rip a hole in the universe, wreaking havoc on the most important events in world history. Before they forever alter the past, present and future, Mr. Peabody must come to their rescue, ultimately facing the most daunting challenge of any era: figuring out how to be a parent. Together, the time traveling trio will make their mark on history.
Check-Out the new Trailer!
MR. PEABODY & SHERMAN
Time Travel Adventure Comedy Release: March 7, 2014, in 3D Director: Rob Minkoff Producers: Alex Schwartz and Denise Nolan Cascino Cast: Ty Burell, Max Charles, Ariel Winter, Allison Janney, Stephen Colbert, Stephen Tobolowsky, Mel Brooks, Leslie Mann, Stanley Tucci, Patrick Warburton, Lake Bell, Zach Callison, Dennis Haysbert
Disney Interactive has released the winners of the Disney Infinity “Pirates Adventure” Toy Box challenge. Players were tasked with creating ARGH-mazing Toy Boxes utilizing many of the Pirates of the Caribbean items that are available. Check out the latest episode of the new web series featuring the top global Toy Box of the week, “EpicPirateCombat,” where players will need to get to the “Dragon’s Den” to save the trapped Princess.
Winning “Pirates Adventure” submissions include:
EpicPirateCombat – Reach the “Dragon’s Den” to free the trapped Princess! Rules: no flying, gliding or hovering.
Man the Cannons! – Avast matey! Board ye ship and destroy the pirate fort. Send those 3 ships down to the locker while ye at it!
Blast and Seek – Choose your side in a two-player pirate ship battle and take a walk in the village.
TreasureHuntRace – Race round the Pirate Island Racetrack and then help Jack Sparrow find the X and get the buried treasure!
Blackbeard’s Map – Use the map to find the 10 hidden chests – all leading to the greatest treasure of all… The Fountain of Youth!
How to download new Toy Boxes:
Select “Toy Box” from the Disney Infinity Main Menu
Select “Toy Box Share” and “Disney’s Toy Boxes.”
There will be a list of all the featured Toy Boxes for players to download.
When you’re ready to submit your Toy Box for consideration, follow these directions:
Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U
Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Online/Multiplayer.”
Then select “Toy Box Share” > “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”
Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured.
iPad
Bring up the Pause Menu and select “Toy Box Share.”
Then select “Disney’s Toy Boxes” > “Submit to Disney.”
Follow the prompts. You’ll be asked to give your Toy Box an original name and description. Choose carefully – they will be shown to everybody if your Toy Box is featured
Now through March, 31, 2014, save up to 30% on select Walt Disney World Resort Hotel rooms. This offer applies to stays most nights from March 14, 2014-April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014-June 15, 2014. Add more Character to your vacation by upgrading to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-Day Magic Your Way Base ticket and get one more ticket day FREE.
This offer excludes Campsites at Fort Wilderness, 3-Bedroom Villas, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
The Spring is a great time to visit Walt Disney World with the upcoming grand opening of the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom and the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival.
When Heather isn’t busy sharing Planning tips about Walt Disney World, the Disneyland Resort, and more, you can find her planning Disney and Universal Orlando vacations. Contact her on Facebook at Heather Abbott-Agent with Destinations in Florida. For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here. You can also call 877-918-8941 and ask for Heather to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone!
Actor Chris Hemsworth and Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs announced the nominations for the 86th Academy Awards® today (January 16).
Hemsworth and Boone Isaacs announced the nominees at a 5:38 a.m. PT live news conference attended by more than 400 international media representatives. For a complete list of nominees, visit the official Academy Awards website, www.oscar.com.
Academy members from each of the branches vote to determine the nominees in their respective categories – actors nominate actors, film editors nominate film editors, etc. In the Animated Feature Film and Foreign Language Film categories, nominees are selected by a vote of multi-branch screening committees. All voting members are eligible to select the Best Picture nominees.
Official screenings of all motion pictures with one or more nominations will begin for members on Saturday, January 25, at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Screenings also will be held at the Academy’s Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood and in London, New York and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Active members of the Academy are eligible to vote for the winners in all categories. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2013 will be presented on Oscar® Sunday, March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live on the ABC Television Network. The Oscars, produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
(Here is a partial list):
Performance by an actor in a leading role
Christian Bale in “American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Bruce Dern in “Nebraska” (Paramount)
Leonardo DiCaprio in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Paramount)
Chiwetel Ejiofor in “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
Matthew McConaughey in “Dallas Buyers Club” (Focus Features)
Performance by an actor in a supporting role
Barkhad Abdi in “Captain Phillips” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Bradley Cooper in “American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Michael Fassbender in “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
Jonah Hill in “The Wolf of Wall Street” (Paramount)
Performance by an actress in a leading role
Amy Adams in “American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Cate Blanchett in “Blue Jasmine” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Sandra Bullock in “Gravity” (Warner Bros.)
Judi Dench in “Philomena” (The Weinstein Company)
Meryl Streep in “August: Osage County” (The Weinstein Company)
Performance by an actress in a supporting role
Sally Hawkins in “Blue Jasmine” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Jennifer Lawrence in “American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
Lupita Nyong’o in “12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
Julia Roberts in “August: Osage County” (The Weinstein Company)
June Squibb in “Nebraska” (Paramount)
Best animated feature film of the year
“The Croods” (20th Century Fox)
“Despicable Me 2” (Universal)
“Ernest & Celestine” (GKIDS)
“Frozen” (Walt Disney)
“The Wind Rises” (Walt Disney)
Achievement in cinematography
“The Grandmaster” (The Weinstein Company)
“Gravity” (Warner Bros.)
“Inside Llewyn Davis” (CBS Films)
“Nebraska” (Paramount)
“Prisoners” (Warner Bros.)
Achievement in costume design
“American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
“The Grandmaster” (The Weinstein Company)
“The Great Gatsby” (Warner Bros.)
“The Invisible Woman” (Sony Pictures Classics)
“12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
Achievement in directing
“American Hustle” (Sony Pictures Releasing)
“Gravity” (Warner Bros.)
“Nebraska” (Paramount)
“12 Years a Slave” (Fox Searchlight)
“The Wolf of Wall Street” (Paramount)
Check out Oscars.com for a full list of the Nominations!
The classic Disney animated film turned Broadway sensation has returned to Segerstrom Center for the Arts! DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a tale we all know, a tale as old time, and a story we have all fallen in love with. The essence is still there with the outlandish characters, sets and music mostly returning. Your favorite musical numbers and incredible effects remain along with the whimsy you have come to expect. Grab the kids and the young at heart quick to see this memorable tale before it’s too late. DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is only playing till Sunday, January 19th!
Have you seen this show before? Well, if it was prior to 2010 you may notice quite a few changes. This production is put on by NETworks who has been producing popular musicals since 1995. They know what they are doing, but this production of DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is scaled down just a tad from the original Off-Broadway production that ran for many years.
The songs we all know remain and you will not be disappointed by the vocal performances of most. Belle is played by the charming Hilary Maiberger from Yucaipa, CA. Her credits are vast, but probably most notably for this performance is Aladdin: The Musical Spectacular from Disney California Adventure where she played Jasmine. The vocals here are quite similar to the music from Aladdin and in fact the song “Home” from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has very similar crescendos and theme to “To Be Free” from Aladdin. It’s still beautiful and Maiberger does very well with it, but it’s definitely worth mentioning to get an idea of her performance. They are both after all written by legendary Disney composer Alan Menken.
There are some highlights in the music that makes this musical not only unique from the film, but keeps it a fun and upbeat show the audience is probably looking for. “Be Our Guest” is epic and creative starting with a different comical representation to the beginning from Lumiere. The Beasts main song “I Can’t Love Her” finishes the first act nicely as Darick Pead leads it on the balcony, even though set design here is scaled back from previous versions.
Apparently, gone are two musical numbers that were created for the Broadway show as well as some of the elaborate sets. Thankfully the fun and large number “Human Again” returns that you may have seen on later editions of the film. It has been quite a few years since I saw the previous production, but I do remember some intricate backgrounds that were more realistic than sparse and abstract. There were some very memorable moments from previous years that won’t exist due to artistic representations of what the scene is, more or less conveying the feeling of the setting rather than actually immersing the audience in that world.
Don’t let this scare you away, however, as all the scenes are still incredibly beautiful and lavish. As the musical continues into the tavern for Gaston’s big number, you may miss the larger ensemble and larger interior of the cartoonish pub, but they still hit their mark on comedy and fun. “Gaston” keeps its exciting mug number that will surly delight everyone.
The show has a lot of comedic elements to it, but trying to possibly over compensate for not actually being animated, many of these moments seem over-the-top and childish. In this case I feel that less could have been more. Not less comedy, but less outlandish characterization. Gaston played by Tim Rogan has some of the best laughs except at moments I felt he based his character after Jim Carey’s The Mask or Ace Ventura. His silly sidekick Lefou, Jordan Aragon, is clearly a master at slapstick but the production had too many knockdowns and falls that became tired. He is still short, but skinny opposed to the character in the film. It doesn’t take anything away from the character though. His timing was impeccable and he did everything I think he could have done with the direction he was given.
There are others that just seemed to miss the mark for me or appeared to be trying too hard. Madame de la Grande Bouche the “wardrobe” played by Roxy York, a Boston native, definitely had her moments but clearly was trying to take the show away, but sadly failed. There are few of these moments where they took one joke and ran with it too far. I am not quite sure if it was truly because of the actor or because of the material given.
This brings me to Lumiere played by Hassan Nazari-Robati who put forth the effort, but lost me when his French accent was more dark and raspy than suave and sexy. There is still a great dynamic with Clogsworth, Lumiere, and quite risqué Babette at least. Mrs. Potts, Kristin Stewart, luckily captured the motherly charm of the character in the film and really added to this production whereas Belle’s father seemed like a completely different character to me except for the fact he was an odd inventor.
Thankfully the songs should still be enjoyed, the Beasts transformation is still magical, and the story still follows the progression you would expect. Each act plays well and there are laughs for everyone. The children in the audience all appeared to be sitting up straight and completely engaged. If you are already a fan of the show, you are still going to get the essence of you want from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. If you have not seen the original production, then even better!
This a light-hearted, silly and fun show that still plays well with today’s audience. Belle sung beautifully and Beast was witty and silly, but perhaps just a little too much. Gaston and Lefou play well to the audience and the enchanted inanimate objects are all there. You’ll surely fall in love with the sights and sounds, but you can expect a little different characterization that may get a little carried away. DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a show created to bring entertainment, joy, and laughter to children and adults. NETworks production still delivers that show!
NETworks Presents DISNEY’S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is now playing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall
January 14th – 19th, 2014 Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m.
The 2 p.m. performance on Saturday, January 18th will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.
In an exciting new collaboration with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the Winchester Mystery House is launching "Festival Fright Nights." This all-new Halloween event will...
One of the last Disney animated films developed under Walt’s supervision before his passing, The Jungle Book epitomizes everything that he stood for in life. He always strived to entertain through pushing the imagination, and there is no doubt that there was no limit to the imagination on display on this film. As man-cub Mogwli makes his way through the jungle, encountering a series of talking animals and adventures along the way, the creativity of the Disney brand was in full swing. A swinging jazz based soundtrack, and lively animation and character work have helped this film stand the test of time. While it may not be set in the traditional Disney fairytale kingdom, this jungle-based tale of a young boy’s adventures with a the talking animals he encounters still retains that fantastical aura that have made these films family favorites for several decades.
