Disney/Pixar’s first special for television, “Toy Story OF TERROR!,” a spooky new tale featuring all of your favorite characters from the “Toy Story” films, airs WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET).
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen Reprise Their Roles as Woody and Buzz
What starts out as a fun road trip for the “Toy Story” gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this “Toy Story OF TERROR!”
The cast of “Toy Story OF TERROR!” includes Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie, Carl Weathers as Combat Carl/Combat Carl Jr., Timothy Dalton as Mr. Pricklepants, Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head, Wallace Shawn as Rex and Kristen Schaal as Trixie.
“Toy Story OF TERROR!” is produced by Galyn Susman and directed by Angus MacLane. The special is from Disney/Pixar.
One of the most celebrated characters to be added into Disney Infinity, Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is now available for purchase Exclusively at GameStop. Just in time for Halloween, fans can play as Jack Skellington and be the “Scare Master,” throw explosive jack-o-lanterns at other characters and build their very own “Halloween Town” in the Toy Box mode.
The Jack Skellington figure is available for an MSRP of $13.99, exclusively at GameStop starting on October 5 and at all participating retailers starting October 29.
About Disney Infinity
Disney Infinity is an all-new video game initiative starring the beloved characters from Walt Disney and Pixar Studios’ most popular franchises. Players can place real-world toy versions of favorite Disney characters onto a device called the Disney Infinity Base and transport them into the virtual game worlds of Monsters University, The Incredibles, Cars, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Lone Ranger, as well as into a giant Toy Box.
Disney Interactive, Hollywood Records, Radio Disney and Vevo, the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform, have teamed up to launch the premier family-friendly music portal on Disney.com and across Vevo’s online, mobile/tablet and connected TV platforms.
Featuring Disney curated videos from Vevo’s catalog of 50,000 music videos and exclusive content from Walt Disney Records, Radio Disney and Hollywood Records, Disney.com/music is a family-friendly gateway for children and families to access behind-the-scenes content, interviews and videos from both established and on-the-rise artists.
As the final content portal to launch on the new Disney.com platform, the site lets fans access the best of Disney music across all of their favorite digital devices through an elegant and consistent interface. Disney.com/music integrates all content from across Disney’s music network into a comprehensive user experience:
– Radio Disney– Listen to Radio Disney live across the site, request songs and ask questions to in-studio artists.
– Hollywood Records– Watch exclusive interviews and webisodes from the hottest Hollywood Records artists like Selena Gomez, R5 and Zendaya.
– Vevo- For the first time ever, catch music videos from Vevo’s top artists like Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande and One Direction directly on Disney.com.
With regular content updates including music-focused original programming, coverage of exclusive events and premieres and live music experiences with the hottest recording artists of today, Disney.com/music will continue to expand into the definitive music site for families, kids and tweens.
Before the sun rises on Sunday, October 13, Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, will be filled with thousands of people coming together in support of the health and well-being of children. CHOC “Walk in the Park,” presented by Disneyland Resort, is the largest and most unique single pediatric walk event in the U.S.
Now in its 23rd year, the popular event benefits CHOC Children’s, a regional pediatric healthcare system serving children and families in Southern California and beyond. The 2013 walk covers three miles through Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park where “CHOC Walkers” get a special peek behind the magic before the parks open to the general public. At the end of the 5K walk, the event continues in the resort’s Downtown Disney District where event sponsors, hospital support groups, shops and restaurants have special offers for Walk participants.
Among the event’s estimated 15,000 walkers are participants from across the U.S. and around the world, including walkers from Canada, Mexico, Australia and South Korea.
Nearly 800 teams are expected, and include current and former patients and families, as well as doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Walkers come together to celebrate the lives of children saved by CHOC Children’s, and to honor the memory of those children who bravely lost their battle against serious disease or illness.
It’s the biggest yearly fundraising effort for CHOC. Monies raised by the event support a variety of patient and family programs, including education, research and the adoption and utilization of the latest technologies to advance the health of children.
Last year’s event raised more than $2 million, and since its inception in 1990, the Walk has raised more than $21 million.
In order to help CHOC reach its goal of providing quality healthcare to the region’s two million children, each CHOC Walker must raise a minimum of $50 to participate in the Walk. Everyone can register at http://www.chocwalk.org and receive up-to-date event information at CHOC Foundation on Facebook and Twitter.
For the past 12 years, CHOC “Walk in the Park” has been held at the Disneyland Resort but the Resort’s commitment to CHOC began more than 50 years ago when Walt Disney himself championed the need for a children’s hospital in Orange County. Since then, the Disneyland Resort – executives, Cast Members, VoluntEARS and beloved characters – have contributed funds, time and tenderness to enhance CHOC’s environment of healing.
To celebrate the upcoming release of Disney’s animated feature film “Frozen,” the studio invited members of the press to see about 30 minutes of the film, which included the original song “Let it Go,” featuring Idina Menzel. The comedy-adventure follows Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell), who sets off on an epic journey to find her sister, meeting Kristoff (voiced by Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven along the way. Elsa (voiced by Menzel) has used her powers to trap Arendelle in an eternal winter, and Anna and her new friends must battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.
Throughout the day we had the opportunity to learn about the animation process and how the filmmakers used state of the art technology to create some amazing animation special effects.
One of the workshops we attended was The Character of Snow. We had the pleasure of meeting with Evan Goldberg (Animation Technology Manager), Dale Mayeda (Co-FX Supervisor), Marlon West (FX Supervisor) and Andy Selle (Principal Software Engineer), who were very excited to share their experience on working with “Frozen.” Walt Disney Animation has created some new tools for generating trees, adding snow, doing snow simulation, having characters walk in that snow and be able to behave in an art-directable fashion that they fit a certain aesthetic. Creating animated snow was a challenge since each snowflake is unique because it travels in different ways. So Disney decided to create their own snowflake generator which creates over 2000 snowflake shapes. The work they do at the Walt Disney Animation studios is not about realism but more about believability. Also there is a certain amount of homework done to create the magical worlds we see on screen with research trips to various locations.
The team at Disney was excited to work on a film like “Frozen” and using that new technology to make the film even better. So why is snow so hard to work with? Characters have to interact with the snow, digging into it, get covered with it and walk in the snow. It’s always difficult because this really gives the audience a chance to see it close up without seeing all the usual FX Tricks.
Some other technologies that were used in “Frozen” include special motion cameras that are equipped with LED Lights that can track motion. It can put the FX Animations in the virtual world. Using a camera rig setup with motion sensors, the animations can track movements and use various types of camera angles to follow the animation sequences. Instead of using traditional 3D Animation software like Maya, which are hard to navigate around with a mouse and keyboard, this system allows smooth movement frame by frame. This also creates natural movement.
Check-out this Snow Demo that was created by Walt Disney Animation Studios exclusively for Socalthrills! This will give you an idea how detailed and textured the snow is.
It was fun to see these animators use computer technologies to bring to life a movie that is sure to please all ages. “Frozen” hits theaters in 3D on Nov. 27, 2013. For more information, check out Disney.com/Frozen, like us on Facebook: facebook.com/DisneyFrozen and follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/DisneyAnimation.
We will be posting more behind-the-scenes of “Frozen” in the coming weeks. So be sure to come back and visit Socalthrills.com often!
Through an app update, Disney Interactive today introduced new premium animated Disney themes, music functionalities, an improved viewing experience and more robust sharing features to Story, a free digital storytelling platform for iPhone and iPod touch that turns photography and video into compelling personal narratives.
Using intuitive technology to access the photo and video library on your device and automatically organizes them into rich digital experiences which can be personalized, saved and shared. This empowers users to focus on the customization and personalization of their narratives rather than aggregation and organization of their content, which truly sets Story apart from other multi-media sharing apps. Disney has been telling stories for generations, and now Story can help you tell yours.
Story Feature Updates:
· Premium Animated Disney Themes: Exclusive to the Story app, now you can customize your stories with collectable animated Disney Themes available for in-app purchase ($1.99). These new Disney Themes include Disneyland Resort, “Cars,” “The Little Mermaid,” Mickey Paris (Free), and ESPN’s SportsCenter. The new Mickey Paris theme is complementary and can be downloaded for free.
· Music: Add a soundtrack to your Story with pre-installed songs from our Story music library, including Disney music classics from “Toy Story”, “Up”, “Finding Nemo” and more.
· More Immersive Viewing Experience: Our new video slideshow brings your storytelling to life with updated transitions dynamically tailored to your moments. And now, shared stories can be viewed directly in the Story app.
· Enhanced Sharing: Share your storytelling with our simple in-app tools that support today’s popular social networks like Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter… as well as our streamlined e-mail service for sharing directly with friends and family.
· Better Facebook Compatibility: Our new Facebook integration lets you to tag photos, allow comments (web view) and invite others to download Story to join in the fun.
To celebrate this magical update, Disney Interactive will be giving away iTunes gift cards on the Disney Interactive Twitter account (@DisneyInteract) so a few lucky winners can download all the new premium Disney themes! Visit the Disney Interactive blog (disneyinteractive.tumblr.com) for more info about how to enter.
The Empire needs your help! In collaboration with LucasArts and Tiny Tower creators NimbleBit, Disney Mobile introduces Star Wars™: Tiny Death Star™, a new game for mobile devices. Live life on the dark side and join Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader on a mission to attract Galactic bitizens, run intergalactic businesses, and build an all-new Death Star. Construct unique Star Wars themed locations to attract iconic characters and species to your space station in this 8-bit style game. Star Wars: Tiny Death Star will soon be available worldwide.
Every couple of years, there is a movie that redefines modern cinema. A movie that raises the bar with technological advancements in areas like sound, cinematography, and visual effects. More often than not, these movies are in the sci-fi or fantasy genre. Some of the best examples are “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” “Jurassic Park,” “The Matrix,” “The Lord Of The Rings” Trilogy, “King Kong,” and “Avatar.” Last year, the movie “Life Of Pi” pushed the technological envelope yet again, telling a unique story of survival at sea with an unlikely passenger. But 2013 has a new contender for one of the most groundbreaking and challenging films ever made: “Gravity.” Strap on your seat belt moviegoers, and try to remember to breathe.
“Gravity” tells a what-if survival story set in what may be the most difficult environment imaginable: outer space. In her first mission, Dr. Ryan Stone is partnered with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalski (played by Academy Award® winners Sandra Bullock and George Clooney). This fairly routine mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope turns into a nightmare as debris from a destroyed Russian satellite orbit the earth, causing a chain reaction of destruction traveling thousands of miles an hour. The debris field wipes out the Explorer Space Shuttle and the other crew, leaving Dr. Stone and Kowalski floating in space alone, with limited oxygen reserves and no radio contact to Houston. Their only chance is to make their way to the International Space Station, and hope that it has not been severely damaged by this cloud of wreckage. Considering the magnitude of the story, Bullock and Clooney manage to carry the weight of the entire movie. Bullock’s ability to portray fear and courage simultaneously as she struggles to stay alive will undoubtedly bring her recognition come awards season. And Clooney succeeds as the mentor and voice of reason in this time of peril.
There have been countless movies that take place outside earth’s atmosphere, but few have ever been able to capture it this realistically. Oscar® nominated director Alfonso Cuarón decided to take a unique approach to recreating outer space. Most notably, “Gravity” focuses on the vast, open darkness and the chilling silence that truly defines space. And Cuarón is no stranger to taking risks when it comes to his filmmaking style. This is the man that came on board the successful “Harry Potter” franchise and completely reinvented it with the third entry in 2004, “Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.” That film, which many consider to be the best in the series, took a significantly darker tone and more artistic look than the previous two films. It was a decision that changed “Harry Potter” from a kid-friendly movie series into an adult movie series about emotion, fear, love and loss. Alfonso Cuarón was the best thing that happened to the franchise…he allowed it to grow up. Two years later, Cuarón released “Children Of Men,” which garnered him two Oscar® nominations for Editing and Adapted Screenplay. The film was praised for its art direction and harrowing look at our world thrown into chaos when women can no longer give birth. It showed how savage humans can become when they are struggling to prevent their own extinction.
As with his previous films, Alfonso Cuarón takes on multiple roles on “Gravity,” acting as Director, Producer, Co-Editor and Co-Writer. He shares the writing credits with his eldest son, Jonás Cuarón. He reunited with many of his previous collaborators, and worked with some new ones as well. These include five-time Oscar® nominated director of photography Emmanuel Lubezki (“Children Of Men”); editor Mark Sanger (“Children Of Men”); producer David Heyman and costume designer Jany Temime (“Harry Potter” films); production designer Andy Nicholson (“Alice In Wonderland”); Oscar® nominated visual effects supervisor Tim Webber (“The Dark Knight”); and lastly, composer Steven Price (“The World’s End”). This extremely talented group of people set out to create a movie unlike anything ever seen before.
From the opening credits, all the way to the final moments, “Gravity” is expertly crafted on every level. Cuarón clearly tried to make this feel as real as possible, presenting several moments from a first-person perspective inside the space suit. The opening scene feels like a documentary, stretching 17 minutes, all done as one continuous shot. And the use of 3D technology to capture thousands of pieces of floating debris, both out in space and inside the Explorer wreckage and International Space Station, puts the viewer directly in the action. And the way in which the films perfectly balances a lack of sound with an abundance of heavy score makes the tension even higher. I not only expect this movie to receive a multitude of award nominations (including Best Picture), I absolutely believe it will win.
“Gravity” is a blockbuster in every sense of the word. One that immediately grabs you and never lets go. One that has you holding your breath and gripping your seat. Sometimes you honestly forget that you are watching a movie and not a NASA documentary. That is how accurately outer space is recreated, complete with stunning imagery of Earth in the background. And this amazing technology gives the audience several different viewing options. Whatever you do, do not miss this film in 3D. If you want the biggest image around, of course opt for IMAX® 3D. But if you want a completely immersive experience, find a theater that is presenting the film with Dolby ATMOS™. This is without a doubt the best sound system I have ever heard. While IMAX® does an excellent job of surrounding you with massive images and earth-shattering sound, Dolby ATMOS™ utilizes an entirely new sound design, with speakers located above and around the audience. It is the best possible way I can recommend watching “Gravity.” This movie earns my HIGHEST recommendation.
Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind “Tangled” and “Wreck-It Ralph,” presents “Frozen,” a stunning big-screen comedy adventure. Fearless optimist Anna (voice of Kristen Bell) sets off on an epic journey—teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff (voice of Jonathan Groff) and his loyal reindeer Sven—to find her sister Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf (voice of Josh Gad), Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. The film is directed by Chris Buck (“Tarzan,” “Surf’s Up”) and Jennifer Lee (screenwriter, “Wreck-It Ralph”), who also wrote the screenplay. It is produced by Peter Del Vecho (“Winnie the Pooh,” “The Princess and the Frog”). Featuring original songs from Tony® winner Robert Lopez (“The Book of Mormon,” “Avenue Q”) and Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Winnie the Pooh”), and an original score by Christophe Beck (“The Muppets,” Oscar®-winning short “Paperman”), “Frozen” hits theaters in 3D on Nov. 27, 2013.
FROZEN’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will feature original songs by Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and original score composed by Christophe Beck, available from Walt Disney Records on November 25. Pre-order now: http://smarturl.it/fsAmazona1
Here is a list of deals available at the Walt Disney World® Resort, the Disneyland® Resort, Disney Cruise Line®, Aulani, Adventures by Disney®, Sea World and Universal Orlando Resort, courtesy of Destinations in Florida. Feel free to contact them for a free quote today or use the Price Your Vacation form in the Sidebar.
Disney Discounts
Walt Disney World® Resort
● Save Up To 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels This Fall: Book your room only or package reservation and save up to 30% off Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels for stays most nights Sept. 29 – Nov 22, 2013, and Nov 30 – Dec. 23, 2013. You can book a room only or upgrade to a package with tickets. You can even add one of the Disney Dining Plans for additional savings. The booking window is Aug. 1 – Nov. 3, 2013 for travel Nov. 10 – Nov. 22, 2013 and Nov. 30 – Dec. 23, 2013
● Florida Resident Fall & Winter Rates: Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays through December 14, just in time for the holiday season.
● Military Discount: Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Official Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels most nights from Sept. 29 2013 through Sept. 27 2014 time-frame. Service members can also get up to six 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper® Option for just $169.00, Four-Day Water Park and More Tickets for $169.00 or Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets plus the Water Park and More Option for $198.00 at their base ticket sales office.
Disney Cruise Line®
● Special Castaway Club Member Offer: Disney Cruise Line® Castaway Club Members can receive a US $100 onboard credit when they book a 4- or 5-night Disney Magic® cruise departing from Miami Nov. 1 – Dec. 18, 2013 (excluding Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, 2013). They can use their credit for a variety of onboard activities and experiences, including spa treatments, shopping, adults-only dining and more!
● Special Rates for Cruises from Miami – Be among the first to experience the newly reimagined Disney Magic® with new spaces and surprises to delight kids, adults and families! 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruises: Starting from $99 per person, per day / $495 total, based on double occupancy for Category IGT, Inside Stateroom with Restrictions, on most sail dates Oct. 27 – Nov. 15, 2013. Booking Window: Must book through October 20, 2013
Aulani
● Get 5 Nights for the Price of 4: That’s one more night to enjoy all there is to see and do at Aulani that’s already included in the cost of your vacation, including the Waikolohe Valley Pools, Aunty’s Beach House kid’s club, peaceful Ko Olina Cove, and family entertainment, such as Starlit Hui show and ‘Ohana outdoor movie nights. Book this offer by Oct. 15, 2013, for stays most nights Oct. 1- Nov. 23, 2013 or Dec. 1-15, 2013.
For more info and to book your travel, use the Price Your Vacation Form in the Sidebar or click here.
Universal Orlando Resort Discounts
● Save up to 30% on Universal Resorts: Discounts begin at 3 nights at any of the three Universal Orlando® Resort deluxe hotels during the best days to vacation. Plus take advantage of $150 in hotel savings including discounts on food, drinks, spa treatments and more! Vacation dates include: 08/18 – 10/3 11/11 – 12/19, 2013.
● FREE Dining – Enjoy 2 FREE Days of the Universal Dining Plan valid in both Universal Orlando® theme parks as well as select locations in Universal CityWalk®, when you and your family stay a minimum of 4-Nights at a Universal Partner Hotel with this exclusive Vacation Package! Hurry, offer valid for purchase now – 10/14/13. Valid for travel now – 11/24/13 and 12/2 – 12/19/13.
● Universal 1-Day or 2-Day Pass with Shuttle Transportation: Take a day away from the Disney World Parks to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Book a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Studios with shuttle transportation included in the ticket. This special ticket is only available with select companies including Destinations in Florida.
Sea World Discounts
● Add a day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10: Add a second day at SeaWorld Orlando for just $10 more within 7 days of your first visit.
● SeaWorld Orlando $50 Weekday Ticket: Enjoy 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando weekdays Monday thru Friday beginning August 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013. Advance purchase only. Not available at the park. Valid for 1 visit to SeaWorld Orlando on weekdays only. Ticket expires December 20, 2013.
● Expedition Antarctica at SeaWorld®: Experience the Freeze! Package includes free Quick Queue (front-of-the-line) at SeaWorld’s Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™, dining at the Expedition Café, a free photo and a third hotel night FREE!
● SeaWorld + Aquatica Add Aquatica for just $40: Enjoy unlimited access to the sights and splashes of SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark™ during your vacation.
● Free Food: Book your Sea World Package at a partner hotel and get the All Day Dining for FREE. Add a day at Aquatica and eat there free, too!
● Kids Free, PLUS 2nd Visit Free, through 12/25: SeaWorld is the place for families this holiday season. And now, enjoy one free kid’s admission (ages 3-9) with each full-paid adult admission ticket.
● Save $10 on Sea World Tickets: Pre-order your Sea World tickets and save $10 off per ticket. You can also print your Sea World tickets, so you do not have to wait in any lines once you arrive to the park. Plus, even better, your 2nd day at Sea World is free!
● 5 Incredible Parks, 1 Ticket, Orlando’s Best Vacation Value: See more for less! This package features the Orlando FlexTicket, offering unlimited admissions to SeaWorld, Aquatica, Universal Orlando, Islands of Adventure and Wet’n Wild during your stay. Perfect for your Orlando vacation. Stay at least 5 nights and enjoy the best of Orlando! Plus, free transportation and other great benefits available when you choose an Official Hotel of SeaWorld. Package requires a 10-day advance purchase. Stay a minimum of 5 nights and as an added value, your 5th night is FREE!
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 to book. Make sure to mention that you were referred by Socalthrills.com! Safe travels everyone.
BBC Worldwide, in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox and creators Evergreen Studios, today announced the launch of its Walking with Dinosaurs: Photo Adventure app for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices. Now you can see dinosaurs stomping down the street, roaming through schools and offices, and roaring to life in your home with this new augmented reality app.
Using the camera function of a mobile or tablet device users will be able to pose in any real world location with the stars of the 3D movie Walking with Dinosaurs, released in cinemas worldwide this Christmas. Using state-of-the-art technology created for the movie, Walking with Dinosaurs: Photo Adventure brings the dinosaur characters to life in incredible lifelike detail with sophisticated animation, sound and graphics that show every tooth and scale.
The free to download app, available at iTunes and Google Play, awakens six dinosaur movie characters and thanks to enabled picture sharing, allows users to instantly upload their unique dinosaur posed images to Facebook and Twitter at the tap of a button in both ‘Photo Booth’ and ‘Adventure Mode’.
The app’s Adventure Mode uses a printable target to uniquely create a virtual dinosaur habitat
on any flat surface. Watch dinosaur rivalries play out in front of you as the beautifully animated Pachyrhinosaurus and Gorgosaurus, the 3D movie’s hero and villain, spring to life and vie for territory.
“Walking with Dinosaurs: Photo Adventure brilliantly uses augmented reality to bring the big screen stars of Walking with Dinosaurs bursting into your world thanks to a fun and creative app that allows you to come face to face with a gigantic Gorgosaurus and share the moment with your friends,” said Paul Joffe, VP Digital Entertainment & Games, BBC Worldwide.
Walking with Dinosaurs: Photo Adventure app highlights:[unordered_list style=”bullet”]
Astonishing lifelike augmented reality dinosaurs, added to any real world location.
Easy to use camera features allow placing and posing virtual dinosaurs in the camera view, with options to adjust lighting and add colour to the dinosaurs.
Ability to instantly share pictures to Facebook and Twitter.
Meet the stars of Walking with Dinosaurs, including our hero-in-waiting Patchi, his tough brother Scowler, sweet Juniper, and a terrifying Gorgosaurus villain.
Facts at your fingertips about a variety of lesser-known dinosaur species.
[/unordered_list]
For the first time in movie history, audiences will truly see and feel what it was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Presented by Twentieth Century Fox and Reliance Entertainment, in association with IM Global Walking with Dinosaurs, from BBC Earth Films and Evergreen Studios is the ultimate immersive, big screen adventure for families, airing in thousands of movie theatres around the globe from December 20th. Meet dinosaurs more real than you’ve ever seen before, as you take off on a thrilling prehistoric adventure, where Patchi, an underdog dinosaur, triumphs against all odds to become a hero for the ages: www.walkingwithdinosaurs.com/movie/
The Walking with Dinosaurs: Photo Adventure App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch or at www.AppStore.com.
Anything Goes is a fun romp through all the classic musical tropes with mistaken identities, goofy antics, and awesome songs. It’s no surprise that this production won the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2011.
Featuring the music and lyrics of Cole Porter, most people nowadays may likely only be familiar with the titular song… and likely due to its prominence in the opening act of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Other songs may be known to a more seasoned mind (“It’s De-lovely” & “Friendship”). Yet every song is a classic and is performed fantastically by the ensemble cast. I found myself to be unwittingly smiling after several numbers due to the impressive staging, performances, and music.
Anything Goes follows the story of Reno Sweeney (played by Rachel York), a nightclub singer, and her friend/crush, Billy Crocker (played by Josh Franklin) as they board the S.S. American with different goals in mind. Just before the boat departs, Billy runs into the girl he fell in love with just 3 weeks past and decides in a minute to stowaway… with some help from gangsters on the run. When Billy finds out that the girl he loves, Hope Harcourt (played by Alex Finke), is engaged to a Lord Evelyn Oakleigh (played by Edward Staudenmayer), he, Reno, and his newfound gangster friends band together to try and break up the marriage!
While I enjoyed the first act’s numbers greatly, but I didn’t notice the smile on my face until that act’s finale (“Anything Goes”). The incredible tap dancing choreography (done by Kathleen Marshall who also directed) couple with the amazing singing of Rachel York wowed me. The ensemble all came out and tap danced in unison and was a sight to behold. It didn’t quite top the opening to Indiana Jones but it came close!
Two other numbers were memorable, but for different reasons. “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” is a great evangelical number that showcases Ms. York’s talents, as well as those of the ensemble. I couldn’t help but smile and applaud at their energetic and fun performance of that song. Finally, “All Through the Night” stuck out to me for the great singing by Mr. Franklin and Ms. Finke, as well as the set. While the set normally reflected the S.S. American’s deck, this particular scene features their moving cabin sets as well as an incredibly evening scene, as the young lovers sing about their dilemma. The sight of Billy in the brig under the deck, while Hope sings on deck, staring at the stars, is incredible.
I also want to point out the role of Erma, the gangster’s moll, who happens to play the man-crazy comic relief. She only has one song to herself (“Buddie, Beware”), but she sings it well and provides a great deal of laughs with her performance throughout!
The set is simple, amazing, and dynamic at the same time. Ship cabins will roll in and out as needed, portholes will light up with various colors to match the mood of the song, and you’ll be surprised at how well they handle changing the deck of the ship to a nightclub.
It should also be noted that Segerstrom Center for the Arts also has its own performance premiering with this show! Stage & Screen is a new exhibit that will be updated throughout this season to provide background information, videos, and memorabilia pertaining to the shows. For Anything Goes, I noticed a nice overview of the history of Anything Goes, showcasing the various productions and movies and providing little tidbits of knowledge (like how Ethel Merman allegedly did not get along with Frank Sinatra during the filming of the 1954 television production and refused to work with him again!)
The second feature was “You’re The Tap” demo lessons before the show in the lobby. This interactive show has a tap dance artist, Ashley Rentfro, guide the audience through a sample tap dance lesson. I watched for a few minutes and noticed that the participants were having a good time and those gathered around were enjoying the event.
If you are looking for a feel-good show that covers a lot of classic songs, Anything Goes is a good choice. Grab your tickets and catch Anything Goes at Segerstrom Center for the Arts from September 24th to September 29th!
