Namale Resort & Spa in Fiji announces a special Holiday Romance package, offering guests the chance to stay seven nights at the 5-star resort for the price of five. Voted the Best Hotel for Romance in the South Pacific by Trip Advisor® and One of the Top 50 Most Romantic Places on Earth by Luxury Magazine, the all-inclusive resort and spa provides the idyllic backdrop for romance, unparalleled luxury and privacy.
To take advantage of this package, guests must plan to stay at Namale now through February 28, 2012. Couples can also expect extra perks upon their arrival at the resort.
Namale’s Holiday Romance Package includes two free nights in any bure or villa, plus the following amenities:
· All Meals – Full service breakfasts, 3-course lunches and 5-course dinners and snack in between each meal · All beverages including beer, liquor, red and white wines and champagne · Round trip transfers to and from Savusavu Airport · Fully stocked and daily replenished mini-bar · Daily laundry service · Complimentary access to the Namale Fitness Centre, Kava Bowl (Indoor Entertainment Centre) & Hydrotherapy Room at the Namale Spa & Sanctuary · Complimentary activities include freshwater pools, snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, golfing, volleyball, bowling, virtual golf, waterfall hikes, movie theatre and more!
Namale Resort & Spa served as The Bachelorette Ashley Hebert’s fantasy getaway in the ABC’s Television Network’s seventh season. Namale offered Ashley and her potential suitors the ultimate in romance –private villas, walks around the grounds to nearby rushing waterfalls, private dinners and luxurious spa treatments – an experience any couple can take advantage of with Namale’s Valentine’s Day package.
Offering 19 bures and villas of award-winning accommodations, along with 120 on-call staff members, Namale caters to anything their guests could ever need or want. Set on a volcanic cliff near an opaque rain forest, the Namale Fiji Spa and Sanctuary provides world-class treatments, ancient aromas, soothing rhythms and skilled therapists to guide guests on unforgettable journeys of rediscovery.
D23 devotes its entire Spring issue of Disney twenty-three magazine to the remarkable legacy and influence of Disney animated films. From Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to the animated classics of tomorrow, the official Disney fan club takes readers on a fantastic journey from the drawing board to the silver screen.
Available nationwide on February 14, this special issue of Disney twenty-three magazine is an extraordinary treasure trove of fascinating stories, insights and details of Disney animation’s heritage. From pre-production to music composition, every facet of making classic Disney animated features is explored—including the transcriptions from Walt’s story meetings with his animation team as they developed such classics as Fantasia, Pinocchio and Cinderella.
Plus, especially for Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, this all-new issue also features an inventive, breathtaking cover that incorporates a removable replica animation cel from Snow White.
“It’s often been said that animation is the heart and soul of Disney, so we knew we needed to do something truly spectacular with our magazine in this milestone year,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “Whether you’re interested in the first Golden Age of Disney animation or you’re looking forward to the next beloved classic, there’s something in this issue for every Disney fan.”
Fittingly, the magazine’s first story examines the legacy of Walt Disney himself and the vision he set forth even before Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs hit the screen. FiIm historian and Academy-Award® winner John Canemaker looks at how Disney animated films have continuously raised the bar for three quarters of a century, since audiences were first enchanted by the “fairest of them all.” Also included in the Spring issue are:
-The Six Older Men: A revealing look at the rarely seen talented artists and illustrators who helped train Disney’s legendary “Nine Old Men”;
-Ralph’s Wrecking Crew: An early glimpse at the process of producing Wreck-It Ralph, the next feature film from Walt Disney Animation Studios;
-Ballyhoo and Buzz: A colorful look at some of Disney’s off-the-wall stunts for marketing new movies before the advent of broadcast and digital media;
-Striking the Right Chords: An exploration of the memorable music written for animated features, with insight from film historian Leonard Maltin;
-Still Soaring: A touching interview with talented artist Tyrus Wong, now 101 years old, who helped create the extraordinary look of Bambi;
-A Work of Art: An introduction to Disney’s Animation Research Library, home to 65 million individual pieces of original animation art.
There’s even more to discover—including spectacular photography and artwork—in the Spring issue of Disney twenty-three, which will be delivered directly to all Gold-level D23 Members beginning inearly February with the limited-edition Snow White reproduction cel as their collectible gift.
Disney twenty-three magazine is available at retail locations across the country for $15.95, and can also be purchased online at DisneyStore.com and throughout the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts. Gold-level members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are treated to each issue delivered directly to their mailbox, accompanied by a special collectible gift.
D23: The Official Disney Fan Club celebrates the remarkable past, present and future of Disney, taking its name from 1923, the year Walt Disney founded his world-famous company. D23 brings its members ahost of exclusive benefits, including a bi-weekly e-mail newsletter; an array of discounts and special offers; free gifts throughout the year; and exclusive, member-only special events.
Disney fans can join the world’s only Official Disney Fan Club by visiting www.Disney.com/D23, or at select shops at the Disneyland® Resort, the Walt Disney World® Resort and www.DisneyStore.com/D23.
After making full-scale prop replicas and collectibles for some of the most iconic science-fiction, fantasy and action franchises of all time, eFX Inc. announced today that it will unveil an all-new line based on film and comics characters in the Marvel Universe.
eFX, which has acquired worldwide rights to create Marvel collectibles, plans to reveal its new line of Marvel collectibles in the first quarter of 2012, and to display the first collectible prop replicas from the upcoming Marvel film The Avengers at WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif., from March 16 to March 18.
Included in its initial line-up of limited-edition Marvel collectibles are expected to be Captain America shield, Thor’s hammer and a full-scale Iron Man Mark V mask. As fans worldwide anxiously await the May 4 theatrical release of The Avengers – which brings together some of the most famous Super Heroes ever created – eFX will continue introducing new Marvel-based collectibles based on these incredible characters.
In addition to prop replicas and high-end collectibles, eFX will also offer a series of items inspired by Marvel characters and properties, which, like the replicas, will be available on its website at www.efxcollectibles.com and at select retail locations. Prices are expected range from $49 to $1,500 and more.
“The Marvel universe is extraordinary, diverse and exciting – just like Marvel’s fans around the world – and we are really eager for them to see what we are creating with guidance and input from the Marvel team,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc. “Marvel’s comics and movies offer virtually endless possibilities for absolutely incredible propreplicas.”
Since its inception more than four years ago, eFX has created the highest quality, limited-edition collectibles based on many of the most recognized and iconic properties in the world. Many of its sold-out, limited-edition creations are prized and sought-after by fans.
Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and other characters from the Marvel universe join an incredible list of properties within the eFX portfolio, including the Star Wars Saga, Star Trek, the original Battlestar Galactica, and classic Disney movies.
More details about eFX’s current and upcoming collectible pieces can be found at the eFX Inc. website, www.efxcollectibles.com.
Disney announced today the launch of DisneyBaby.com, a new online destination and product showcase for expectant and new parents, filled with inspirational ideas, tips from real moms and the most comprehensive collection of Disney Baby brand products on the Web. At the heart of the site experience is Disney Baby Magical Moments, an easy-to-use tool for parents to upload their favorite baby photos and memories, adding to a dynamic collection of shared family experiences from other parents that flow throughout the site. DisneyBaby.com features the mom-trusted Huggies® brand, as its exclusive sponsor.
“Disneybaby.com continues Disney’s longstanding tradition of helping families create magical moments together,” said Jessi Dunne, executive vice president, Disney Moms and Babies for Disney Consumer Products. “Our new destination emphasizes the joys of parenthood by offering tools, products and everyday solutions in a fun but meaningful way that resonate with mom’s and dad’s desire to bond with their baby.”
To make the most of these special bonding moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com is organized around key moments of the day: Getting Ready, In the Nursery, Dressing Baby, On-the-Go, Mealtime, Playtime, Bathtime and Baby’s Firsts. Key site features include:
-Disney Baby Product Collections — Parents will find an extensive selection of Disney Baby products to meet Baby’s needs for every key moment of the day, including one-of-a-kind nursery products, on-the-go baby gear, delightful products for feeding and bathtime, magical toys, and Disney Baby’s softest, cuddliest clothes. Parents and gift givers can quickly browse Disney Baby product collections and filter by gender, product type, Disney character and retailer. Links to retailers’ websites are provided for purchase opportunities.
-Inspired Ideas — Chock-full of ideas that add a touch of Disney magic to everyday moments with Baby, DisneyBaby.com offers creative inspiration throughout the site, from nursery design tips to age-based playtime activities to DIY party ideas for Baby’s first birthday and more.
-Tips from Real Moms — Real moms offer go-to tips on a wide range of topics from making bath time fun for Baby to stocking the diaper bag with must-have essentials to games sure to get Baby giggling.
Disney Baby Magical Moments –Disney Baby invites moms and dads to weave their own experiences with Baby into the very fabric of the site by uploading and sharing their favorite moments and photos. Parents will watch them come to life as part of a vibrant panorama of shared experiences of parenthood.
“We continue to focus on building compelling new digital platforms to serve the needs of parents at every life stage, and are very excited to introduce a new destination that shows expectant and new parents how to add a little Disney magic to their growing family’s life,” said Brooke Chaffin, senior vice president, Disney Interactive Moms and Family.
According to Erik Seidel, vice president, Huggies® Brand, the new site serves as a great channel for the Kimberly-Clark brand to offer useful tips, resources, and tools to meet parents’ needs so they can enjoy every moment of their journey, while strengthening the brand’s long standing relationship with Disney. “We are thrilled to serve as the exclusive site sponsor for what we believe will become a go-to site for moms everywhere.” Huggies® is a part of Kimberly-Clark’s portfolio of trusted brands that lead the world in providing essentials for a better life. For more information, visit www.HUGGIES.com.
It is not unusual to take a musical and create a big screen adaptation. It was part of the norm back in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Some of the best of Broadway made it to the big screen bringing with it some of the stars of the stage. Here we are and some 56 years after a classic musical film that touched many lives and become part of or tradition during the holidays to watch has done the opposite. ‘White Christmas’ not only was the title of the film it was the song that solidified Irving Berlin as an amazing composer to be remembered always during the holidays.
It is appropriate the show is “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas”, to help make it stand out from the film. If you are expecting to see your grandparent’s favorite holiday film with the likes of characters that stood out as much as the actors that played them, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, you are in for a surprise. For this is a treat in a classic Broadway show filled with Berlin’s music, some of which were not in the original film.
Under the direction of Norb Joerder with book for the stage production written by David Ives and Paul Blake, ‘White Christmas’ is a joyful strole down a holiday tradition that those who came before would be proud to see. It provides the older and newer generation to have new traditions together.
It is a staged production that takes liberties with adding some of Berlin’s other classic songs to help to overall story flowing. With that said, the show also changes some key plots that throw the most seasoned watcher of the film in a whirlwind of shock. Be warned that parts of the story that kept the film flowing are gone, such as Phil saving Bob which of course Phil always reminds him about. The stage show also switches around some of the numbers sequences from the film for the adaption of the stage which does come across quite refreshing. So please if you do go see the show, have an opened mind and let the whole effect of the show be welcomed as the grand performance it is.
The story still starts during WWII with Bob and Phil hamming it up for the troops on Christmas day 1944 played by Stephen R. Burntrock and David Elder respectively. They are a well paired duo Bing and Kaye would be proud to see perform. Burntrock has a sultry voice that lets the words of Berlin seem so soothing and exciting again, while on the other spectrum, Elder, while no slouch of a vocalist, truly cuts the rug as a dancer. Light on his feet and fast in his tap dancing, Elder matches very well with fellow star Shannon M. O’Bryan playing the younger of the Haynes sisters Judy. O’Bryan had tough shoes to fill, but did it wonderfully as the original role had Vera-Ellen showing which of the sisters was fancier on her feet. To balance out Burntrock vocally you add sister Betty played by Stefanie Morse whose rendition of ‘Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me’ just reminds you of Rosemary Clooney and her style of power and control.
With such talented principals you sometimes lose out on the seconds, those supporting and sometimes overlooked characters. Not so with ‘White Christmas’. The supporting cast is one of the strongest I have seen for a national tour. With Joseph Costa as Gen. Waverly being played opposite of Ruth Williamson as Martha you have a couple that is enjoyable to watch when you see them on stage, just waiting for what banter they are going to give you next. Add in the adorable Caroline Farley as granddaughter Susie, I’m sorry Susan, with the comedic levity of the barn worker Ezekiel, played by Richard Pruitt and you have some magic in store.
I cannot forget the ensemble that do an amazing job of doing what I consider the toughest thing to do on stage together, tap. It is an art form in its own right that you just do not see much of these days on stage in big productions. Dancing in time as a group is hard. Add in tap shoes and you can be in for some tough articulation and unity. I consider tap to be an extension of the music as it can create sounds and rhythms that can either accompany a song or done wrong, drown it out. You will be happy to know they make music.
If you are looking to keep with a holiday tradition with a twist, don’t watch ‘White Christmas’ at home. Go out and see it in real life. Listen and feel what Berlin is famous for doing, feeling the music. See the sights of some absolutely outstanding costumes, design by Carrie Robbins, with the visual stunning and technical grace of movement, choreographer Randy Skinner, and a dash of sounds to send you back in time, Musical Director John Visser. THIS ‘White Christmas’ is sure to become a new holiday tradition for many years to come.
As is my tradition for reviews, I add a little bit of life’s happenings in relation to the show. If I had to choose one bit of wisdom from both the film and the stage production it would be one of its little hidden gems of a thought. Life has been tough for many these past years, including myself. In order to go on and keep our spirits high we can’t stop and stall ourselves on the bad around us. We need to count our blessings. The positives in our lives should be our source of happiness and fire for our souls. Then and only then will we thrive as individuals, families or with each other. During this holiday season, count your blessings no matter what you believe in. That is the only way we will learn from each other.
Happy Holidays and may your dreams of your ‘White Christmas’ come true.
See ‘Irving Berlin’s White Christmas’ at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts December 13, 2011 – January 1, 2012.
Follow my adventures in entertainment in Southern California on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc.
While the specific events of The Help might not be real, the depictions of life in the South during the 60s couldn’t be more accurate. For this reason, The Help is an extremely important film, one that serves as a reminder of the darkness in our country’s past. The help of the title refer to the black maids who worked in the homes of the white families at this time. To the children, these maids were practically members of the family, often more of a parent than the actual mother. And yet, the were still treated as second-class citizens, forced to use seperate restrooms, drink from seperate fountains, etc. It’s sad, but this is a part of our past we must never forget.
Based on the best-selling novel by Kathryn Stockett, The Help frames it’s story around that of Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan, a wannabe journalist attempting to make a name for herself. Her breakthrough idea is to interview several black maids, and present the world from their point of view. It’s a radical plan, one that had never been done before, and one which would change the town forever.
This could have been presented in a heavy Oscar-bait sort of way, and while the film definitely deserves some Oscar gold, the film never has that self-serious air of importance you’d expect with a film such as this. I was surprised at just how funny the film is, and while this is definitely a serious subject, the film plays light with the material while never glossing over the importance of what we’re seeing. Writer and director Tate Taylor does a remarkable job balancing tone in this film, always finding the truth in every moment no matter how serious or lighthearted it may be.
Helping to strike this balance is a phenomenal ensemble cast, featuring Emmas Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Allison Janney, Viola Davis, Octavia Davis, and a star-making performance from Jessica Chastain. Expect to see a lot of these women as we get into awards season. While I have seen most of these actors in a lot of other films, I was able to completely lose myself in their performances here. The film feels like a perfect snapshot of a time I never saw, and each of these performers inhabit their characters with the layers you would expect each of these people to have from living in that world.
In order to capture the reality of this world, Kathryn Stockett and Tate Taylor simply had to think back to their childhoods. It turns out that they both grew up together in the South, in the 60s. Taylor even had his own maid much like those depicted in the film. This is covered extensively in the fascinating behind-the-scenes features on the recently released Blu-Ray. In one of the features, Taylor even interviews his old maid. There’s an obvious affection for this woman he came to think of as another mother, and it’s sort of beautiful to see how everything came full circle for him with this film.
The main documentary on the set is called “Making of The Help: From Friendship to Film.” I feel like the key word in that title is “friendship,” considering that almost everybody involved behind-the-scenes have been friends for years. The film was shot in their old hometown, and some of the sets were actual locations from the director’s past. If he didn’t have a direct connection, the odds are still that he knew the history of the place. I can’t help but feel that it is this familiarity and personal connection that makes The Help so unique.
There are also deleted scenes, a music video, etc. But really, the standouts on this set are the making of doc, which is more of a history of the project than anything, and the interviews with the real maids. It truly is a touching feature. I would have loved a commentary track considering how obviously personal this film was, but what we get still provides a great deal of fascinating insight. This is a remarkable film, and definitely not one I expected to enjoy this much. We like to sweep these moments from our past under the rug, and that is why I am grateful for films like this. Films capable of telling an entertaining story while looking back without criticism, but with honesty and insight.
The best sequels are those that enhance the story that came before, evolving the characters and situations in a direction that make the continued journey worthwhile. Films such as The Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, etc. understood this. Unfortunately, The Hangover 2 falls more in line with dreck like Speed 2. That is, a film so afraid to deviate from the original that it literally replicates the original film, beat for beat. I actually enjoyed the first film, and if this one came first, I would have enjoyed this one as well. However, it’s almost insulting just how lazy this script is, bringing nothing new to the table while simultaneously highlighting the weaknesses of the first.
This time around, the Wolfpack find themselves in Thailand for Stu’s (Ed Helms) wedding. Wouldn’t you know it, they wake up on the day of the wedding with his fiancee’s little brother missing, and no memory of the night before. Once again, they must piece together their crazy R-Rated evening, find the missing person, and get back in time for the wedding. Along the way, they discover and have to come to terms with their own demons within. Innovative enough the first time, tedious the second.
I went into this film knowing there would be some suspension of disbelief. There’s only so many times people can get themselves into this situation. However, I was willing to go along with it. I could accept the setup if they took the story in a different direction. However, it took me as long as the opening scene to realize that this film was going to follow the EXACT same structure as the first one.
However, if you haven’t seen the first movie, the movie would be pretty entertaining. This is definitely an ensemble movie, with everybody in the Wolfpack getting their moments to shine. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zach Galifianakis all appear very comfortable in their roles, and there is a definitive comic rhythm between them. It’s apparent that there was a lot of improvisation on set, which is welcome considering how stale the story itself is. These are very funny characters, and I enjoyed spending time with them again.
Conceptually, it was a great idea taking this group to Thailand. It’s a fascinating location, with a gritty edge providing a terrific contrast to the neon lights of Las Vegas. Like the original was shot in and around Las Vegas, this film was shot on location in Thailand. They could have very easily shot this at a studio, and I have to give them credit for not going that route. The film is beautifully shot, and the location seems to have really inspired the production on a visual level.
Having shot on location, you’d think there would be some in-depth behind-the-scenes footage. Unfortunately, the Blu-Ray is pretty minimal for the most part. While there are a few extras, most of them feel more like filler than genuinely interesting material. The most confusing (and longest) extra is called “Unauthorized Documentary.” Supposedly this is a documentary about a documentary about the film. Or something like that. I admit that I just didn’t get this. It might have been some inside-joke that I’m not a part of, but overall, it was just frustrating. They even got legitimate filmmakers such as Morgan Spurlock and JJ Abrams to take part in this thing. Whatever this was, it was over my head.
The other extras are brief features that don’t really provide a lot of insight into the film. The best one is a brief look at director Todd Phillips’ style of filmmaking. There’s nothing revolutionary here, but it’s the closest this set gets to providing any sort of look into the actual process into making a film such as this. Other features include a look at the monkey from the film, an unbelievably annoying “tour” of Bangkok with “Mr. Chow,” and a completely unfunny gag reel.
This was the first follow-up to one of the most successful R-Rated comedies of all time. There has to be a better release than this. Unfortunately, this is what we got. I definitely wouldn’t recommend the film for the extras. In fact, the only reason I would recommend this release is if you haven’t seen the first film at all. This is still an entertaining story with entertaining characters. It’s just the repetition that kills it.
Chef Moises Carranza from the Blue Bayou, teaches Josiah how to make a fruit Brown Skewer. This easy to make dessert is sure to be a great crowd pleasure at your next holiday gathering or just at home with your kids. (download recipe below). During the holidays at the resort, you an enjoy a cornucopia of seasonal delights. Whether you’re in the mood for quick service, casual or signature dining, you’ll find something special to please every palette.
Make a Holidays Demitasse Dessert part of a new tradition. This chocolate and peppermint cake is topped with mousse and served in a souvenir Mickey Santa demitasse.
Only available at Cafe Orleans, the Holiday Beignet, is now a seasonal classic. These Mickey-shaped gingerbread French pastires are covered in cinnamon sugar and served with eggnog Anglaise for dipping. They are available until January 2.
Also, be on the lookout for Snowman Shortbread, Snowflake Cripsies and Mint Chocolate Cupcakes, all created in the Disneyland Resort Central Bakery. And special souvenir holiday hot mugs, cold cups and popcorn buckets are available with purchase.
We hope you enjoy thes wonderful festive food offerings available at The Disneyland Resort. Happy Holidays!
On Friday, November 18, Fashion Island, located in Newport Beach, CA celebrated with Mickey and some of his Disney pals from Disneyland® Resort at an exclusive performance and helped the lighting of the stunning 90ft. Christmas tree. This also included a live performance of “Small World Holiday” by the Disneyland Singers.
The complimentary event was be held in the Neiman Marcus – Bloomingdale’s Courtyard at 6pm. Orange County’s own Musical Theatre University entertainmed guests prior to the Disney performance with their new holiday production ‘That Magic Time of Year’. Check out our Video coverage below.
After the Tree Lighting, the magic at Fashion Island continued through the night as Santa was waiting in his cottage on Atrium Lawn to hear wishes and to take photos.
For more information contact Fashion Island at (949) 721-2000.
Experience a place where two magical worlds unite: Kinect for Xbox 360 invites you to take a journey where stories come to life and dreams come true, right in your living room! Explore Disneyland® park — from Main Street U.S.A. to Critter Country — join Peter Pan to battle Captain Hook, high-five Mickey Mouse or hug Snow White.
Harnessing the controller-free magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” allows children, families and Disney fans of all ages to explore Disneyland park, step into attractions, engage in challenging adventures, and interact with beloved Disney characters using their full bodies and voices,* no controller required. “Kinect: Disneyland Adventures” is your portal to a magical world of Disneyland park adventures through Kinect.
The idea behind Kinect Disneyland Adventures is simple, guide you character through Disneyland Park and go on various adventures and quests that are given to you by famous Disney characters. Having only played X-Box games with the controller, I was hesitant on how Kinect system would work. I had to make sure there was enough space so the Kinect sensors saw my image. Setting up the game was a challenge, but once you learn how to navigate around in the Kinect world, it becomes a fun-filled interaction with you and the game. At first it was difficult to walk around the Park, you simply move around by holding your hand up and holding it straight causes to move forward. To move to the left and right, you use your hands in those directions. I have noticed it’s very sensitive if you move your hands slightly and will make your character go in the wrong direction. With practice you can control the character pretty much the way you want.
Once you learn the basics you can pretty do whatever you want. The virtual map of Disneyland is usefull as it can get you to your favorite attractions. Waiving at the Characters will allow you to interact with them and can give you challenges to complete. Mickey Mouse for example will give you an autograph book and instructs you to get the autographers of various characters (Donald, Goofy, etc.). This can be quite fun. You can also dance with the characters, give them hugs and high-five them. (Check-out the video below for an idea what the game is all about)
There are over 40 Disney Park characters you can interact with, as well as 20 iconic attractions such as Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Peter Pan’s Flight and Haunted Mansion. The lands you can visit include Main Street, U.S.A., Frontierland, and Tomorrowland just to name a few.The graphics and animation is flawless, you actually feel like you’re inside Disneyland. Everything was well thought out, from the buildings to the attractions. The attention to detail is amazing! With over 100 adventures in the game, you won’t get bored. Althought this game was clearly designed with children in mind, I’m sure adults who are young at heart will enjoy most of the adventures.
Kinect Disneyland Adventures is available now and would make a great holiday gift for anyone who loves Disneyland. We highly recommend this game for all ages! Click the Buy Now button below to order.
Poteat’s Sept. 18 homecoming from a seven-month deployment in the Middle East makes this ceremony and “day of play” at Disneyland especially bright. Poteat, who enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996, will be joined by his three children, nephew, niece and wife, Clarice, an advisor to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s family readiness team.
Gunnery Sgt. Derrick Poteat, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s S-6 communication platoon, will be recognized by Disneyland Resort and Sylvania as he and his family “flip the switch” on myriad lights blanketing “it’s a small world” Holiday, transforming the popular attraction into a visual wonderland and officially launching the holiday season at Disneyland Resort.
Scan this with your smart phone to get more info about Holidays at the Disneyland Resort:
Stage is dark. Three silhouettes from behind a screen emerge. Pounding on drums followed by colored water is flying everywhere. No voices, just rhythmic beats. This is Blue Man Group.
It has been some time since last I have seen these eclectic three other-worldly figures pounded their way into my heart. They are the premier artistic percussion acting troupe. The mix of comedy, drama, music, art and theatrics bring a range of ah inspiring moments.
The brain child of Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton, Blue Man Group is performing all over the world with permanent residences in New York, Chicago, Boston, Las Vegas, Orlando and International. This North American Tour is just one of the latest incarnations of the trio’s repertoire. A combination of the house shows around the country and special segments created just or this tour, BMG just keeps raising the bar.
As a performer, both musical and theatrical, it is always refreshing and exhilarating to watch artist’s engulf the audience in so quickly that you forget time completely and before you know it the show is done and you want more. In just under two hours the trio of blue faced men forgets about including an intermission because they know you will not want one. It is constant stimulation of the senses as music and theater collide.
From the audience you see a stage that is a techno junkies dream. With life-size screens that float through the air to the structure holding the musicians, it is a simple design with a purpose, to entertain. Every aspect of the stage is used throughout the show with projections emphasizing the Blue Men. My personal favorite piece would be the oversized “iPad” that the trio plays with showcasing their satire of current events.
It is the trio’s character of such childlike qualities throughout the show that truly is unique. As they venture out into the auditorium at one point to explore, they all know where each is and share what they’re seeing with one another. It is just one of the many audience participation pieces that happen during the show. Although I will give you one warning, “DON’T BE LATE!” If you are hope they do not see you, enough said.
It is tough for me to truly write this review as their performance comes across as a work in progress that is dependent on the audience buying into and helping create the music and energy, something that many shows I have seen, both large scale and small, forget to do. To really appreciate them you must see them for I could go on for days, weeks, months years expressing every detail I thoroughly loved about watching them. So just go see them and see for yourself what it is to be Blue.
That is what I think draws me to this group so much. As you know I always give my personal insight to a show in my reviews. This one is no different. This show really is an insightful show of three Blue Men who look at the world like a child does, with eyes wide open and not afraid. They remind us to try anything, everything at least once and not forget to keep discovering. It is through these discoveries that we find what we enjoy most, life. Having fun while life happens is what we as adults sometimes forget to do. We focus and worry about work, kids, money, and everything else and forget to relax and live life. That is what this group does very well; live while having fun, something we should all take to heart. Live life to its fullest.
See the Blue Man Group at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts now thru November 20th, 2011.
Follow my adventures in entertainment in Southern California on Twitter @SCThrillsMarc.
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
