That fall feeling has returned, and with it, sincerity as far as the eye can see now that Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and all their friends are bringing the best of Halloween into Knott’s Berry Farm for this year’s seasonal event, Knott’s Spooky Farm. Unlike the more thrilling and terrifying, Knott’s Scary Farm, Spooky Farm is a family-friendly event that is just as exciting, giving children of all ages, as well as those who are young at heart, a chance to jump into a candy-filled wonderland of activities, games, and spooky-filled surprises.
Right as you enter the park, kids are given the chance to grab an exclusive Snoopy-themed trick-or-treat bag that will be your ticket to a mountain of candy. Guests will discover an endless supply of treat stations sprinkled throughout Knott’s Spooky Farm, each ready to greet you and share in the excitement.
Please note that trick-or-treating is reserved for those 12 and under, and for those of us seeking to satisfy our sweet tooth, look no further than the multitude of sweet options you will find on your candy journey. We couldn’t help but pick out our favorite Snoopy lollipop to celebrate!
If trick-or-treating doesn’t satisfy your cravings, make sure to visit the old Calico Mine Train, which has been themed with a special holiday overlay perfect for Knott’s Spooky Farm. The calico mines might just be the motherlode, as the miners have discovered a treasure trove of candy, waiting to be discovered by all who visit. Guests will also get a chance to enter the heart of the mine to discover the magical pink fairy.
Once you get your candy fix, make sure to venture on over to the Birdcage Theatre, hosting the very talented Bob Baker Marionettes. These spooky puppets bring in all the fun through various Halloween-themed dance numbers sure to bring plenty of cheers and applause. Make sure to bring your best joys, as this is probably our favorite part of Knott’s Spooky Farm.
Visitors are also in for a big surprise when they visit the Timber Mountain Log Ride, celebrating their annual Halloween Hootenanny. This seasonal favorite features a spooky overlay that adds chills, charm, and a visit from the Calico Coffin Creeper Band. Calico’s very own Green Witch will also pay a visit, splashing down in Skull Mountain through a stunning labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns.
However, no day will be complete without visiting the Creepy Critters Corral, filled with creepy crawlers, spiders, lizards, and more! Everyone is all dressed up to impress, including Calico’s very own horse, wearing its best skeleton look for guests of all ages to see!
That’s not all you’ll see, as entertainment offerings will keep you dancing from sun up to sun down featuring Knott’s very own Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies. The band will strike up the music with sets throughout the day and invite Snoopy and the gang to visit the stage with guests of all ages for the Calico Carnival Costume Cavalcade. Costumes and fun are encouraged, as guests will get to celebrate their Halloween best and come together in a party that will help create Halloween memories for years to come.
Once you’ve taken in all the sights and sounds, make sure to grab some of Knott’s Spooky Farm’s seasonal food offerings and some of this year’s exclusive merchandise. There are plenty of unique food options, including The Swamp Gator Sausage: Alligator Sausage with a Pesto Sauce and Roasted Peppers, Mesmer’s Midnight Garden Salad: Red Kale, Green Kale, Feta Cheese, Blackberries, Rose and Carnation Petals, with a Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette, as well as The Gauntlet Garlic Overlord Burger: Alfredo Garlic Cream Sauce, Arugula, and Garlic Bruschetta.
Merchandise offerings include an exclusive Knott’s Spooky Farm shirt, featuring the entire Peanuts gang, as well as specialty plushes, toys, and accessories. Woodstock also receives a spooky update for the holidays, with a pumpkin themed design that is sure to fly right off the shelves!
Knott’s Spooky Farm is perfect for the whole family, as well as those that want to celebrate Halloween, but want to avoid the scares and frights that come along with some of the season’s more horror-themed attractions. You can learn more, purchase tickets, and prepare for your visit by heading over to Knott’s official site! Make sure to check out Knott’s Spooky Farm, happening now through October 29th, Columbus (Indigenous People’s Day), and Halloween!
Knott’s Spooky Farm will be taking place in the daytime, Thursdays through Sundays, September 28 through October 29, 2023, plus Columbus Day and Halloween.
Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, the globally acclaimed burger joint, in collaboration with Freeform, Disney’s young adult cable network, introduces its specially crafted “31 Nights of Halloween” Graveyard CrazyShake in celebration of Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween,” for a limited time only at all U.S. Black Tap locations throughout October.
Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” Graveyard Shake is a devilishly delicious treat consisting of an M&M cookie pie, gravestone cookie, crumbled Oreo, gummy worms, chocolate frosted rim, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and orange and black sprinkles. The limited-time CrazyShake comes with a wooden witch’s brew stick and, available only at Black Tap’s Anaheim location, a custom takeaway cup for to-go orders.
“Halloween month is all about fun, scares, and sweet treats. Everyone who is looking to indulge in the season of spooky can now grab Freeform’s ‘31 Nights of Halloween’ Graveyard CrazyShake, available exclusively at Black Tap locations, inspired by the flavors of the season — nostalgic holiday favorites like gummy worms, Oreo cookie crumbles, M&M’s and a signature mud pie milkshake,” said Chris Barish, owner of Black Tap. “Our collaboration with Freeform’s ‘31 Nights of Halloween’ brings two iconic brands together, introducing a limited edition, over-the-top (trick or) treat as friends and family gather to watch their favorite Halloween movies.”
Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” programming event returns for its 25th anniversary with a spellbinding lineup of Halloween favorites that will keep viewers enchanted all month. All October long, hair-raising entertainment awaits with a collection of Halloween films ranging from timeless classics to contemporary gems. Reconnect with beloved movies, including “Hocus Pocus,” “Monsters, Inc.,” the 30th anniversary of “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Cruella” and “The Addams Family,” and cozy up to the Freeform premieres of “Encanto,” “ZOMBIES” and “ZOMBIES 2.”
In “The Creator,” Joshua (Washington), a hardened ex-special forces agent grieving the disappearance of his wife (Chan), is recruited to hunt down and kill the Creator, the elusive architect of advanced AI who has developed a mysterious weapon with the power to end the war…and mankind itself. Joshua and his team of elite operatives journey across enemy lines, into the dark heart of AI-occupied territory, only to discover the world-ending weapon he’s been instructed to destroy is an AI in the form of a young child (Voyles).
“The Creator,” from 20th Century Studios, New Regency, and Entertainment One, is an epic sci-fi action thriller set amidst a future war between the human race and the forces of artificial intelligence. The movie is Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film stars John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Ken Watanabe, Sturgill Simpson, Madeleine Yuna Voyles, and Allison Janney. The screenplay is by Gareth Edwards and Chris Weitz from a story by Gareth Edwards. The producers are Gareth Edwards, p.g.a., Kiri Hart, Jim Spencer, p.g.a., and Arnon Milchan. The executive producers are Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Natalie Lehmann, Nick Meyer, and Zev Foreman.
During a recent press conference, we had the chance to hear from Director Gareth Edwards on where the idea came from and how he brought the movie to the screen.
Q: This was an original story that you wrote with Chris White, which I believe in 2020, you guys started it. Can you tell me how it came about?
Edwards: “Yeah. And also, Hossein Amini was also a writer for the movie. There are lots of ways of trying to explain where the idea came from. The most unique one that I remember very clearly was that I had just finished Star Wars. I needed a bit of a break, and we decided, with my girlfriend, that we’re gonna go and see her parents who live in Iowa, which [is like?] the other side of America. And we’re like, okay, we’ll do, like, a four-day road trip. And the great thing about having finished a movie is your brain sort of deletes, like, formats the hard drive.”
“And so, then you’ve got this, like, blank canvas. And I wasn’t expecting to think about the next film or get any ideas. But I’d just put some headphones on, I was looking out the window. And we went through this, like, tall grass, sort of farmland area. And there was this factory that went by and it had what looked like a Japanese logo on it. And I thought, just ’cause the way I’m wired, like in science fiction, I was like, I wonder what they’re doing in there? Like, oh, maybe it’s robots or something cool. I’m like, I doubt it. But then I was thinking, oh, imagine being a robot built in a factory and you step outside the factory for the first time.”
Director/co-writer Gareth Edwards says, “The Bming of this film is surreal. Even though we’ve been developing this movie for years, it’s opening at a fascinating time when our world is wrestling with a lot of the issues and questions we wanted to address with the film—what it means to be human, whether AI can be conscious, questions good and evil among AI and among people. I really think that exploring these questions is what sci-fi does best.”
Q: This is a film that was shot in several countries, like, seven or eight countries all around the globe. Now, tell us about that. Why did you choose to do that and what does that bring to a film in terms of the creative benefits and in terms of the obstacles, the challenges?
Edwards: “It’s mainly all benefits, I think, in that normally, when you make a film like this, what happens is you design the world. You do all these cool pieces of artwork. You show a studio. They say, “You’ll never find anywhere that looks like this. You’re gonna have to build it in a soundstage. It’s gonna cost $2 hundred million, and you’ll shoot it against greenscreen.” And we were like, “No, no, no, no, no, no, no.” Like, forget the literal images. This is just the idea. We’ll design it based on whatever we actually film. So, we’ll do all the design, like, when we finish the movie. Like, we’d sort of make the movie in reverse.”
“And so, we ended up saying, like, “Just let us go make the film.” If you get the crew small enough, the cost of the crew is so little that it’s cheaper to fly them anywhere in the world than it is to build a set. And so, suddenly, the idea of, like, picking every single best location based on the scene became a reality. And so, we cherry-picked, like, the volcanoes of Indonesia, you know, Buddhist temples in the Himalayas, you know, ruins of Cambodia and floating villages and all this.”
“Went to eight different countries and shot the movie a lot more like an independent film, to some extent. And then when it was all finished, we had, you know, a big chunk of the budget for Industrial Light and Magic and some other vendors. Basically, we edited the film, got frames from each shot in the movie, and gave them to the Production Designer and the concept artist. And what normally happens a year and a half earlier was then happening during the edit. And they were painting and designing all the sci-fi just on the shots we were actually using.”
Q: What is it about science fiction, in terms of, it can explore real questions, can’t it? Kind of big questions that confront society, and we all worry about them. And you can almost do it one step removed with a science fiction film. I mean, why do you think that is, and why does it appeal to you so much?
Edwards: “I think it’s probably two main reasons. I’m not sure. One of them is, like, growing up with Star Wars and being promised this amazing world with spaceships and robots. And then you kind of realize it’s not true and that’s not gonna happen.”
“And so, the second-best thing is, like, I’ll become a liar, like George Lucas, and I’ll create these, like, you know, stories for kids to grow up with. But then the other main reason is my favorite TV show growing up was The Twilight Zone, you know, the Rod Serling in the black and white TV show. And what’s so good about those stories is they change one aspect of real life. Like, basically, you can live your whole life and have certain set beliefs. They never really get challenged because nothing really happens out of the ordinary. And so, you think, you know, everything you believe about the world is correct.”
The filmmakers knew that their unconventional approach to filming meant that much of the movie would need to be designed in post. Production designer Clyne, whose background is in visual effects, worked shoulder to shoulder with Edwards in delivering the look of “The Creator.”
Even before the film was green-lit, supervising sound editors and sound designers Erik Aadahl and Ethan Van Der Ryn were instrumental in getting the movie to the ground by providing the sound design for the proof-of-concept teaser trailer shot across Southeast Asia in 2019. Their commitment to the project didn’t cease from that point, delivering an immense soundscape Spencer says is “as rich and diverse as the visual world of ‘The Creator.’”
In conclusion, Edwards says, “Things have changed a lot since the days when I fell in love with cinema. Sadly, the idea of a large original sci-fi in theaters has become very rare. But as in the ‘90s 13 when I started experimenting with movie-making technology, we’re living at a time where the tools available to filmmakers are developing at a mind-blowing pace. And maybe this is finally the moment where filmmaking becomes democratized. And the idea that anyone can make a movie from their bedroom could finally come true.”
Q: This is a film with incredible visuals. It’s got suspense. It’s intense. But obviously, it’s also got a core emotional story, which is so vital to the film. I mean, all of your movies are emotional. They have that kind of heartfelt element to them. Again, why is that so important to you? And tell us about it in this film.
Edwards: “I think essentially, like, the film that probably had one of the biggest impacts on me as a kid was Steven Spielberg’s ET. And as a kid, I went in, all I was interested in was I wanted to see an alien and a spaceship, you know, and BMX’es. And then I got absolutely moved to tears on this, like, emotional journey with the two of them.”
“And I feel like that’s the goal, every movie you make, you know, you don’t say this out loud because you set yourself up for failure. But, like, if you don’t make, you know, some people well up or cry, then you’re not really abusing, like, the power of cinema. And so, like, it’s always the secret goal when you write a film, is to do something that affects people emotionally. But yeah, I mean, it’s up for other people to say if you are successful or not, I guess.”
“So, I started writing this in 2018, when AI was up there with flying cars and living on the moon. You know, it was like, something maybe you would see in your lifetime, probably not. And so, I sort of feel like every major technological breakthrough that’s happened in the last century or so, like electricity, computers, the internet, they always have seismic, like, changes on industries. And you know, like, there’s a big bump in the road that we have to get over.
“But on the other side of it, when the dust finally settles, I think we all look back and go, I’m glad we have electricity. You know, I’m glad we have computers. I’m glad we have the internet. And I think this will be another one. Like, the next few years or more will probably be a little tricky. But I think the upside, it’s such a powerful tool that’s gonna just help so many things in the world, that I think the positives are gonna outweigh the negatives.”
The world of Disney animation is renowned for its captivating stories, beloved characters, and groundbreaking technology. Disney’s latest animated film, Wish, promises to carry forward this legacy in a unique and enchanting way. During a recent press conference, the filmmakers and creative minds behind Wish shared their insights, inspirations, and the magic that went into creating this milestone film, which celebrates Disney’s centennial anniversary.
The press conference began with the arrival of the film’s creatives: Jennifer Lee, Animation Chief Creative Officer, Writer/Executive Producer; Chris Buck, Director; Fawn Veerasunthorn, Director; Peter Del Vecho, Producer; and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster Jones, Producer. They set the stage for what was to come—a deeper exploration of Wish, a film that promises to be a nod to Disney villains and a celebration of storytelling magic.
Embracing Disney Villains and Legacy
Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee emphasized their desire to pay tribute to Disney villains, a much-loved aspect of Disney’s storytelling tradition. Buck, with a touch of humor, expressed the importance of introducing a new Disney villain, Magnifico, while reassuring the audience that there is much more to discover about this formidable character. The film’s heroine, Asha, will embark on a quest that requires her to tap into her inner strength and inspire her kingdom to confront Magnifico.
Fawn Veerasunthorn beautifully connected the film’s theme with the timeless Disney song, “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” emphasizing how Wish has been created from the hearts of the Disney Animation team. Their intention was to craft a story that resonates with the dreams and wishes of the audience.
Technology and Innovation
The press conference shifted focus to the technological advancements that enabled Wish to come to life. Buck discussed how Disney Animation has been continuously pushing technological boundaries, incorporating elements of hand-drawn artistry into their shorts and gradually refining their techniques. He highlighted the seamless fusion of hand-drawn aesthetics with computer-generated animation, a feat that was both challenging and rewarding.
Lee also emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between the artist’s vision and the final product. Wish aimed to capture the essence of the initial artwork of artists, such as the watercolors of production designer Lisa Keene, while still utilizing cutting-edge technology. She acknowledged the collaborative effort of the team, including animators, artists, and technicians, in bringing this vision to life. Fox Carney (Manager of Research at Archives Research Library) & Tori Cranner (Manager of Art Collections at Archives Research Library) brought original concept art from Pinocchio and Sleeping Beauty among other films, as examples of vintage animation that inspired the artists of Wish.
The filmmakers also addressed the film’s setting, which drew inspiration from Mediterranean regions between the 12th and 13th centuries. While not directly representing any specific location, Wish aims to capture the cultural convergence that historically occurred in the Mediterranean. The team worked closely with a culture consultant to ensure authenticity in this diverse and vibrant world.
The Enigmatic King Magnifico
One of the film’s central characters, King Magnifico (voiced by the inimitable Chris Pine,) piqued the audience’s curiosity. The filmmakers explained that they were inspired by a range of Disney villains, emphasizing their desire to explore the character’s evolution. They wanted to showcase both the best and worst sides of King Magnifico, as Lee said, “we knew we wanted to start where you get to watch him make choices where you might meet the best of him, and then hopefully, survive the worst of him.”
Nods to Disney Legacy
As part of the Disney100 celebration, Wish is filled with nods to the Disney legacy, both intentional and subconscious. Whether incorporating talking animals or wishing wells, the filmmakers highlighted the seamless integration of these references, showcasing their deep appreciation for Disney’s classic films while infusing Wish with a unique and contemporary flair.
Ariana DeBose’s Influence
Ariana DeBose, who portrays the film’s heroine, Asha, left a significant impact on the film’s production. Her physicality and expressive acting during the recording sessions provided inspiration for the animators, who used her movements as a reference for Asha’s character. DeBose’s ability to capture Asha’s vulnerability and determination helped shape the character and her emotional journey.
The Magic of Music
The press conference also delved into the film’s music, an integral part of the Disney tradition. Julia Michaels, the songwriter for Wish, composed the powerful and moving song featured in the trailer as her very first song for the film. The song served as a catalyst for the film’s storytelling, capturing Asha’s emotional journey and the overarching themes of hope, possibility, and connection. As Lee remembered, “we really wanted to talk about that time in life, ’cause Asha is 17, turning 18, where you have big aspirations and then the world shows you its flaws, and you go ‘this isn’t acceptable…’ That moment when you don’t have the answers, but you know something’s wrong and you know there should be more.”
Walt Disney’s Influence and Legacy
The discussion concluded with a look at the inspiration Wish took from Walt Disney himself.
Lee: “Walt had to fight through incredible obstacles, and that’s very real…being also just a human with all the same flaws as every human, but then persevering to bring something forward. And Asha’s wish for more for people, to bring joy, to bring happiness, to bring connection, and then Star…Star can’t make this wish happen for you. You have to do it. But Star represents the thing that was critical to Walt, that you need–you need hope. You need possibility. Doesn’t hurt to have some wonder. Don’t forget some joy. All the things that we grab onto that keep us going.”
Buck: “The other thing that is important to this story, too, along the Walt thing, is that Walt had that wish. He had that initial wish of creating these wondrous stories and trying to get them to everyone…And yet, he had a team of people that would help him, a team of artists, incredible artists. With any wish, we always talk about that…whole thing about the birthdays, where it’s like, you blow your candle out, but don’t tell anybody your wish. I always believed that, no, no, no–tell everyone your wish, ’cause they can help you get there. That’s exactly what happened with Walt. That’s what happens with Asha. Asha makes a wish, Star helps her along the way, along with others, as you’ll see in the rest of the movie. But you know, wishes don’t always happen by themselves. There can be a team that can help you.”
In Wish, Disney Animation has crafted a film that not only pays tribute to its rich heritage but also pushes the boundaries of animation technology. The press conference provided a glimpse into the passion, creativity, and dedication that have gone into making Wish a magical addition to the Disney canon. As the film’s release date approaches, audiences around the world can’t help but share in the excitement and anticipation for this extraordinary cinematic experience.
Community theater plays an important role in the Southern California region just as much as theme parks, food festivals, and special seasonal events. Take Westminister Community Playhouse for example with their live stage production of Wait Until Dark. The playhouse has grown to be known for producing live shows of suspense, and chills, and intrigued with their show selections, inspiring casting, and engaging direction.
Written by Fredrick Knott. Directed by Priscilla Gonzalez-Suciu. A group of con men attempt to fool a newly blind woman into willingly handing over a doll full of illegal drugs. But the con men underestimate the woman’s resourcefulness leveling the playing field between herself and the three men. Set in the 1960s in a basement apartment in Greenwich Village.
The thrust stage of the Westminister Community Playhouse allows the audience to surround the stage on three sides and connect one end to the backstage. A layout is not too often seen and sets the theater apart from others.
With the more intimate proximity of blocking, lighting, and close-up views of performers, the audience can better appreciate the story that unfolds before them. One can capture the detailed facial expressions of the performers without using disruptive binoculars. The audience may even opt for a different angle of the same show upon repeat viewings.
The casting is top-notch with many newcomers and veterans bearing a mass of talent respectful of the source material. Bobby Lux as Mike Talman. Joseph Cartagena as Carlino (with Jorge Agustin on select nights). Neil Switzer as Roat. Desi Molinari as Susy Hendrix. Gregory Stokes as Sam Hendrix. Lizzy Calvano as Gloria. The tight pacing in dialogue exchange and technical cues keep the action steady then rakes it up to an intensifying finale.
The con men are distinct and cunning in their ability to weave a compelling but false story. Although the men work together, their alliance to each other is as distrustful to their unsuspecting victim. Neil Switzer slithers a menacing glee of sinisterness to the twisted scheme whilst juggling multiple disguises . Joseph Cartagena sweeps up as the macho low-life thug under the cover of a lawman. Bobby Lux carries the desperate determination to obtain the crucial doll between acting as a timely friend and despicable foe. Lizzy Calvano plays a little girl working with her self-esteem and aiding her blind neighbor in need when danger is afoot. Desi Molinari sets her sights as an unwittingly courageous lead peeling back and unraveling the layers of deceit encased upon her. Deception could span only so far before the slippery flaws are unnervingly revealed.
If you’re looking for something different and away from theme park prices, congested food festivals, or finding professional shows repetitive, give community theatre a chance. The experience becomes an edge-of-your-seat twisted game of cat and mouse. The tables can turn at any moment. Who will make it out alive? Westminister Community Playhouse is a great start to the fall season and gateway to the OC Theatre Guild. Wait Until Dark now playing on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. September 29, 30, and October 6, 7, and 8, 2023.
Knott’s Scary Farm returns for the 2023 season with even more reason to scare up the night. It’s the event’s 50th anniversary of thrills and chills! This year’s lineup digs up nostalgia for long-time fans and brings new ones up to speed on the legacy of this enchanting Halloween tradition. Featuring 10 frightening mazes. This includes 3 new mazes and 7 returning from the previous season. 5 sinister scare zones. 4 hair-raising shows. Along with exclusive merchandise and themed food and drinks. We’ll get right into the juicy meat.
The Chilling Chambers is a love letter tribute to mazes long since dead and buried. Or are they? You can’t keep a good concept down. This new maze stitches together the best of the past. The mausoleum, rows of coffins, and catacombs are the keys to transition between various themed environments. Everything from an asylum, metropolitan entertainment district, circus, chapel, doll factory, and graveyard uses props, sets, and music filled with nods and references to old favorites from the 50-year history of the event. An excellent choice for those who like a variety of themes in one walk-through.
Although The Keeper is a newly designed character specifically created for the anniversary, he only appears on video screens as a painting and stained glass window. That’s not a problem. It’s disconcerting not to have a live performer portraying The Keeper at the beginning or even the graveyard finale. Chilling Chambers is sure to open a floodgate of memories for those who roamed the original mazes.
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Cinema Slasher is the surprise favorite amongst the new maze offerings. The concept is simple enough and nostalgic in its own right as far as slasher movie genres go. However, the execution of the final product really exceeded many somber expectations after its public announcement. The entrance takes advantage of the movie palace design, bringing guests straight into a lobby of movie posters and concessions before walking into the projected screen and into the set of the screening slasher movie.
The effect has been done before, but not to this magnitude of glee. The audience is caught in a movie marathon of the fictitious slasher film franchise. The standard horror movie setting is all here from suburban house, lakeside camp, and a slaughterhouse. Each movie theme is connected by the movie theater screening and back rooms. A mischievous camera monster also appears to be stalking you along the way. Cinema Slasher is a definite must-do not to be missed.
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Room 13 expands the Goreing-20’s theme of the adjacent scare zone and Blind Tiger Jazz Band. The new maze occupied a previously unused location under the Beary-Tales Dark Ride and was a virtual reality experience at one point. A green glowing drink called the Devil’s Elixir is turning consumers into… not themselves. Follow the path of disaster from the hidden speakeasy of the Blind Tiger, into a hotel, and down it’s basement corridors. The art deco is certainly appealing design along with clever visuals such as a compressed elevator and boiler room. The high rise scaffolding is well accomplished. Would love it more with the sounds of traffic congestion.
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Returning Mazes
Bloodline 1842 brings the war of vampires and monster hunters in a Neo-Victorian steampunk battleground. 2023 does away with the interactive gun element. A blessing as now the line moves faster, the gimmick slowed the show timing, and the guns were more of a distraction than an enhancement. The rooms where the guns were distributed and collected have been boarded up. Unfortunate they were not incorporated more into the pathway or received additional set design. The audio still directs guests to shoot at non-existent targets. Finger guns will have to do.
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Dark Entities calls upon help from an alien outbreak on a space station deep in outer space. One of the darkest walk-throughs in the park thanks to the emergency nature of the story allowing alien hosts to disappear in hidden corners. The gore and alien mutation ups the dangerous threat the rescue team could be facing.
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Wax Works leads patrons on a journey of creation. The building materials being beeswax and live human models. How would you be displayed?
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The Depths takes explorers deep beneath the earth’s crust and ocean waters. Other worldly environments and creatures lay dead ahead. The mine shaft scene in the beginning has improved since its debut with effective infinity mirrors to complete the sense of being miles underground. The sunken city with the layer of green layers is most effective when there’s enough fog. The Kraken and shark attack are still impressive show pieces.
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Mesmer disorients its audience into a mind without thought. Accessing an open canvas of illusions to play with the mind. The hypnotist incorporating the circus theme from the nearby CarnEVIL scare zone. An enticing funhouse of chills.
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Origins: The Curse of Calico uncovers the trail, hunt, and rise of the Green Witch. The citizens of Calico demands justice from the witch’s wicked ways. The witch hunt follows a courtroom, jail house, vault, school house, funeral home, and a hideout throughout the town.
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The Grimoire opens its unholy pages at a campsite hurtling its readers into the journey of the book through time. An evil presence awaits those who read from the book. From the trenches of war to a quiet home, and back to a clubhouse. The book seems to come to life to claim its victims.
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Entertainment
The Hanging: Uncancelled has been resurrected from the 2019 season with new humble abode at the Wagon Camp Theatre, respectfully. An appropriate location as the abundantly warned offensive show is contained within an outdoor show space. The Lawman and the Hangman return to dishonorably crown the most offensive individual of the year. Meanwhile poking fun at the current times with stunts, adult humor, and pyrotechnics. This is a welcome return to form that really helps fill out the entertainment roster for the seasonal event.
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Music, Monsters, & Mayhem brings back the live song and dance productions to the Walter Knott Theater. The Green Witch summons a master of ceremonies to embody past hosts of the Knott’s Scary Farm event as a tribute to the event’s 50th anniversary. Amusing portrayals of Sinister Seymour, Wolfman Jack, Dr. Cleaver, and even Elvira provide a meaningful throwback to the theater these hosts played. The soulful singers and captivating choreography play fun roles to the themes of Ghost Town, London, dolls, voo doo, and the underworld. The finale dance routine will have the audience needing a shower to cool off.
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Dr. Cleaver Returns to the Bird Cage Theatre in Ghost Town. The doctor orders up adult humor, handy assistants, and a cut throat magic act within a 15 minute run time.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque showcase performers in death-defying feats of terror and mystique. This year’s show is different and better than ever from its debut season. A clown now presides and joins the stage. The dance group delightfully gets more time in the spotlight. Acts of amusement include an entrancing aerial pole dance, fire play, and a wheel of death.
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The Blind Tiger Red Hot Jazz Band and the Tiger Tale Dancers also perform over the Gore-ing ’20s scare zone, beside the Walter Knott Theater. The live performers play and dance to their hearts content enticing onlookers to join in. This surprisingly fun addition rings up the joy in this corner of the park. Whereas this entertainment offering lists showtimes on the official Knott’s Berry Farm mobile app, processions in the Forsaken Lake and The Gauntlet scare zones are happenstance. Long-time guests often people watch for entertainment in scare zones like Ghost Town and CarnEVIL.
Into the Fog Art Exhibit return with new inspired art displays by local artists. Prints and original pieces are available for purchase.
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Scare Zones and Atmosphere
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The 50th anniversary celebration of Knott’s Scary Farm is open on select nights now until October 31, 2023. Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday hours are 7 pm to 1 am. Friday and Saturday hours are 7 pm to 2 am. Be sure to check the official website for chaperone and bag policy. Tickets start at $60 depending on selected evenings and depending on Fast Lane, parking, hotel, and other packages.
Do you hear the people sing? Les Misérables has marched over to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. I was excited for this one, as I’d never seen this show before, despite it being in touring rotation.
Les Misérables takes place in France in the late 19th century and follows the life of Jean Valjean—a man who was imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s starving child, Javert—the police inspector whose life’s mission is to recapture Valjean from his broken parole, and the people who come across Valjean in his life as he grows from a criminal to a man who is an anchor of morality in a complicated pre-revolution France.
Immediately, from the introductions in the prologue to Valjean’s “Soliloquy”, it is evident that this is one of the most vocally talented Casts on tour right now. The audience was immediately taken by the vocal performance of Randy Jeter as the Bishop of Digne. Nick Cartell (Jean Valjean) has a vocal range like I’ve never heard, going from low notes to almost falsetto throughout the performance.
On our show night, Javert was played by understudy Steve Czarnecki, who was phenomenal. Haley Dortch (Fantine) did a beautiful job, though I did feel that “I Dreamed a Dream” may have been performed a bit too cleanly to convey the character’s emotional and physical defeat, though it was nonetheless amazing. Matt Crowle (Thénardier) and Christina Rose Hall (Madame Thénardier) were hilarious as the swindling local Inn keepers in Montfermeil.
Aside from Cartell (Valjean) and Czarnecki (Javert), some standouts for me were Christine Heesun Hwang as Éponine, and Devin Archer as Enjolras. They had both passionate and powerful vocals and excellent acting performances. Hwang’s performance of “On My Own” was absolutely heartbreaking, and “Red and Black/Do You Hear the People Sing?” really showcased the clarity and fullness of Archer’s voice. It’s truly difficult to highlight the best performances when they were all so remarkable.
The set design by Matt Kinley was fantastic, with a few simple sets that were multi-purpose, and changed simply by turning them around (the interior of the Inn appeared to become the barricade, for instance). Which, mixed with Paule Constable’s expertly designed lighting and Finn Ross’ projection realization truly pulled the audience into the setting. A notable scene in the sewers highlighted the use of projections to serve as sets in a way I have never quite seen. Ross and the team at 59 Productions have really done some great work with projection realization.
This is not a short show, with a run time of approximately 160 minutes with one 18-minute intermission, however, the pacing is perfect, and I hardly noticed. In fact, this might be the first time that I felt myself on the edge of my seat leaning forward for the entire performance. A few times I caught my hand over my mouth, not having remembered putting it there.
This performance is captivating, and definitely not one to miss. Do not let “One More Day” pass before grabbing your tickets for Les Misérables.
Performing Until October 1, 2023, at Segerstrom Hall.
Millennials and Disney Adults of all ages rejoice as the time has finally come for the Disney 100 Decades Collection to debut its coveted 90s collection! Filled with plenty of nostalgic goodness, this collection features a handful of epic callbacks perfect for any 90s kid looking to stand out above the crowd. Let’s take a closer look below!
Let’s hit the open road with this first item, featuring some of the most iconic moments from the 1995 classic, A Goofy Movie. This Loungefly mini bag is filled with little Easter eggs from the world famous Goof Family Road Trip and it’s an item that is meant for nobody else but you!
Price – $88.00
Moving on to the great wide somewhere, let’s take a look at these stunning Beauty and the Beast ear headbands. The headband features the iconic stained glass design from the film, including a very special touch of enchanted rose petals.
Price – $39.99
If you want to get dangerous, look no further than this action-packed Darkwing Duck plush, bringing the best of the Disney Afternoon front and center. We can already see the legendary voice actor, Jim Cummings, scooping this one up for his own ’90s collection!
Price $29.99
The collection also features a throwback Disney pin for the Disney Afternoon that includes Chip ‘N Dale Rescue Rangers, TaleSpin, and Darkwing Duck.
Image courtesy of shopDisney
Price- $34.99
Traditional Disney animation isn’t the only thing 90s fans will find. The decades collection also has given a nod to the beginning of Pixar with the debut of a limited edition A Bug’s Life magic band.
Price $64.99
You can find your favorite throwback items at ShopDisney.com as well as at various locations throughout the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts! The next chapter in the collections, the 2000s will debut on October 16th.
Toastique celebrates the grand opening of the vibrant and health-friendly food and drink establishment known for its eye-catching artisan toast, wellness smoothies, cold-pressed juices, espresso drinks, and collagen lattes. The one-stop boutique gourmet shop that uses fresh and seasonal products makes Balboa Island their first location in California. Toastique’s mission is to make “eating healthy accessible and exciting, simple to understand and appreciate, and easy to enjoy.”
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Freshly made smoothies and bowls to go
Cocolada Bowl
OG Acai Bowl
Black Mystique Bowl
Matcha Bowl
Mango Tango Bowl and Dragonberry Bowl
PB+B Bowl
Tasty options
Creative creations of chilly satisfaction come in appealing flavors—a mix and match of seven bowl choices as well as seven smoothie choices composed of wholehearted ingredients. Fresh fruits include strawberry, banana, blueberry, acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), mango, kiwi, pineapple, coconut, chopped dates, lime, and goji berries.
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Avocado Smash Toast
Tomato Burrata Toast
Smoked Salmon Toast
Greek Toast
PB Crunch Toast
Fresh eats
The delectable artisan toast includes a wide variety of cool selections. Toast menu items are spread throughout eight choices. Avocado Smash and Smoked Salmon will be immediate favorites among Greek, Three Cheese Italian, Tuscan Tuna, Tomato Burrata, Spicy Crab, and PB Crunch. Selected bread is made between multigrain, rustico, sourdough, jalapeño cheddar, and cranberry walnut raisin. These are designed to complement the palette with ingredients like watermelon radish, tomatoes, chili oil, cucumber, arugula, olives, feta, paprika, capers, roasted garlic onion jam, sriracha aioli, just to name a few.
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Menu for Coffee and Espresso
Menu for Smoothies, Juices, Collagen Iced Lattes, Wellness Shots, and Overnight Oats
Menu for Toasts and Bowls
Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Dates, and Cacao Nibs
Activated Charcoal, Blue Spirulina, Chia Seeds, Flax Seeds, and Hemp Seeds
Cacao Powder, Collagen, Vegan Protein, and Matcha
Dried Mango, Sliced Almonds, and Candied Ginger
Pre-packaged Energy Bites
Additional ingredients join the fun to a healthy lifestyle. Waiting in glass containers are nuts, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, blue spirulina, activated charcoal, and cacao. Many menu items also have the option for add-ons at an additional price. For quicker service, pre-packaged energy bites are the way to go. Requests can be made for nut and gluten-free orders.
Cold-pressed juices come in large containers while wellness shots come in smaller sizes. you can’t go wrong when these little wonders are packed with beets, carrots, ginger, turmeric, spinach, cucumber, celery, kale, cayenne, and so much more. Don’t forget the overnight oats to satisfy that rumbling hunger. If the coffee and espresso raise an eyebrow, the collagen-iced lattes will have beet, matcha, turmeric, or blueberry lavender mixed with almond milk.
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Cold-pressed Juices
Cold-pressed Juices
Cold-pressed Juices
Cold-pressed Juices
Wellness Shots
Cold-pressed Juices and Wellness Shots
Cold-pressed Juices and Wellness Shots
There’s simply no doubt that Toastique has what it takes to make better lifestyle choices easier to decide. Everything on the menu has the possibility to pair food and drinks well with one another. This is the kind of boost needed to encourage more customers that eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. Toastique Gourmet Toast and Juice Bar is located at 226 Marine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92662 open daily from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Halloween Horror Nights brings heart-pounding thrills and cautionary chills to haunting evenings at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. The 2023 frightful season features immersive experiences that reign supreme in the southern California area. Eight scary haunted houses based on a variety of original themes, cultures, and properties such as “The Last of Us”, “Stranger Things”, “Evil Dead Rise”, and “The Exorcist: Believer” envision imaginative nightmares. Three scare zones ensure there is no escape. Two live theatrical performances serve up mayhem and showcase horror filmmaking. The one and only Terror Tram drops guests off on a horrific stroll through the backlot.
Horror today has many definitions and fandoms. It’s refreshing to see Universal try to cater to a variety of fears and tap into what is currently popular in the mindset of mainstream audiences whilst providing original experiences with retold and borrowed concepts. A season break and rest without the pandering of mainstay stables from the likes of Freddy Krueger, Jason Vorhees, and Leatherface.
The highly anticipated haunted houses based on the video game “The Last of Us” and season 4 of the Netflix series “Stranger Things” can be found in the Lower Lot. In a post-apocalyptic world, a fungal infection causes humans to become victims of their host. A pair of survivors fight to stay alive.
Trekking through an abandoned cityscape past barricades, shows scenery that pushes the story forward like a cut scene, and dodging the infected; “The Last of Us” makes attendees feel like they’re playing through a video game environment in a physical world setting. A gratifying exposure to detailed creatures and set design sets the bar high for the Halloween season.
The performers that portray the protagonists feel like they came straight out of the video game play. Another impressive aspect is the sights and sounds of the infected creatures coming to scary life, only to be sent back to the wall of their starting positions by gunfire. Thus completing the POV illusion for attendees. A few audio clips of exchanging dialogue could play longer than five seconds.
Understandable to want attendees to quickly continue walking at a steady pace and not linger too long. But if you happen to be stopped in a spot where the people in front of you are not moving, the fear of repeating dialogue could easily become irritating and feel like the game is broken. Using different words that have the same meaning can go a long way.
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“Stranger Things” returns to Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights with season 4 of the popular Netflix series. The television season jumped back and forth between different locations outside of the town of Hawkins, but the haunted house wisely concentrated between the trailer park, laboratory, and the Upside-Down.
In place of the demogorgons, Vecna stalks you whenever he gets a chance. The haunted house flies right into the cheerleading victim in the trailer park which serves as a doorway for more scares to come. The experience is more exhilarating for those already familiar with the franchise and caught up with the latest season.
Even more so lucky enough to attend previous Horror Nights whenever there is a house based on “Stranger Things”. The grandfather clock counts down the seconds to a final showoff between Eleven and Vecna. The sprawling vines covering the unkept hallways of a decrepit house work wonders to retain the story over simple black paint. Expectations will depend on what iconic moments from the show are anticipated for each person.
The next-door haunted houses in close proximity to each other in the Lower Lot are “The Exorcist: Believer” and “Holidayz in Hell”. The former is based on the upcoming movie sequel and occupies a new location reserved for Horror Nights. Bypass a marketplace with a demonic doll of glowing red eyes. After being lost in the woods, two girls are found in a barn with no recollection of their whereabouts.
A scrim wall scene fades in and out of the possessed girls. A series of red-lit hallways and black-painted cracklings consume most of the walk from this point. A home filled with red glowing cracks and fallen chandeliers hint at the awaiting danger. Compared to the previous “The Exorcist” experience at Universal Studios Hollywood, guests are spared from the void of black-painted hallways and the repetition of a singular bedroom scene.
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Next up is “Holidayz in Hell”. This original concept began as a scare zone from previous years which then evolved into its own haunted house. Traversing the year through the seasons starting from New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Each given its own sinister twist. “Holidayz in Hell” was resurrected in 2019 located in the Upper Lot. Because of the layout, it’s not the same experience as it was before.
But more could have made this version more distinct. Abundant smoke in the Fourth of July room caused low visibility. Crackling firecrackers would have added more as well. Live performers in the Halloween segment could have held pumpkin masks in their hands to add more distortion in the black-lit room. Still a fun walk-through.
The Lower Lot offered Horror Night exclusive refreshments themed after Netflix’s “Stranger Things”. Scoops Ahoy ice cream shop featured themed ice cream sundaes and milkshakes. Surfer Boy Pizza with pizza and wings. Stellar Bar had a Starcourt Mall theme with specialty drinks, food, a lounge, and a pinball machine.
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Haunted houses for Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count and Universal Monsters: Unmasked can be found past Hogwarts Castle on the Upper Lot. Witness Chucky at his most heinous as he does away victim after victim in creative ways. From a Good Guys stock room to residential homes, and a dark forest. Although not particularly scary, it’s a fun time for fans of the killer doll. He even targets theme park guests and influencers as evidenced by “Universal Studios” shirts and video recording for streaming. Be on the lookout for Tiffany and Glen as well. The finale ends big with a chase to the finish.
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Universal Monsters: Unmasked was perhaps the most unexpected disappointment of the evening. It felt whatever was left in the budget was unceremoniously given to this house. The Universal Monsters series had a pretty could track record up to this point. Not even the unmentioned Slash soundtrack could save this. The few fully fleshed scenes that did come to fruition worked well. These are the moody catacombs, the organ room, the hunchback’s stretching torture, the impressive spilling cauldron, the mirror spectacle between Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and the ominous death theatre.
They’re all loosely connected between the newspaper clipping headlines told by a female narrator. The dreaded endless black-painted hallways make their unwanted return here. The almost forgotten invisible man gets a borrowed blacklight effect that feels out of place here with contrasting concepts.
The death theatre featured an effect that poured a vicious stream of water, pressing my glasses into my face. Without my glasses for protection, I most likely would have gone blind in my left eye for the rest of the evening. Universal Monsters was designed to make the classic monsters scary again. This house was scary for the wrong reasons.
The Exterminatorz takes over the Terror Tram for Horror Nights 2023. An eccentric character, like those in low-budget TV commercials, wants the world bug population to take over the disgusting pests owned as humans. The Terror Tram follows the same path as before through the Bates Motel set (now a roach motel), Psycho House and War of the World set. The theme is welcomed but the execution has hits and misses. There are humanoids with bugs, rats, and houseflies for heads. Bug projections on the roach motel windows are a great touch.
Not nearly enough human victims with large and small creepy crawlers on the attack. The main character is overused and quickly becomes less scary. A random Karen is out of place complaining about the motel service. Is this funny or scary? There are two large show scenes in the motel parking. One should not be sacrificed for the other only to leave an empty set. Humans are also warned about a poisonous substance named “sqwooge”. But there is little evidence to show what threat it poses to humans. Hoping it was just bad timing when visiting.
The finale of the Terror Tram brings back a welcome return to the worlds of Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and “Us” with a walk-through of Jupiter’s Claim set. Waiting for a photo opportunity at the exit is Santa Claus himself from Universal’s “Violent Night” film.
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The main area of the Upper Lot houses went to Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America and Evil Dead Rise. Universal Studios has had a successful connection with Latin American folklore with La Llorona and El Cucuy. Monstruos provides an opportunity to introduce more of those terrifying beings. A gravedigger introduces creatures with shape-shifting abilities, witches that feed on infants, and stuffing misbehaving children in sacks of staggering bones. A child’s nightmare comes to life.
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Evil Dead Rise brings the newest chapter of the Sam Raimi horror franchise out of the big screen. The haunted house cleverly uses last year’s hotel Horror Hotel layout with modifications to fit the apartment setting. The elevator attack, the bathtub, the book of the dead, the kitchen, the work desk, the hallways, playing a recording of incantations, window view of the city, parking garage, the mega monster reveal, and of course, the wielding chainsaw are all here.
Three scare zones call the Upper Lot home. Ghostz welcomes park guests at the gates with buzzing chainsaws. Toyz fights back from being tortured as disregarded playthings and returns the favor with mutilating mayhem. El Terror de la Momias harkens back to Latin American B-movies in the Parisian street by the exit of Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America.
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With Animal Actors Stage and Special Effects Stage torn down for a new roller coaster, new shows had to be designed for Horror Nights both out of necessity and practicality. Blumhouse: Behind the Screams and The Purge: Dangerous Waters offer entertaining respite from a sometimes overwhelming environment of scares. The Grabber from the film “The Black Phone” draws an audience to Blumhouse: Behind the Screams inside the Dreamworks Theatre.
The pre-show room showcases a multitude of costumes, props, masks, and photo opportunities from a collection of Blumhouse horror films past, present, and future. The room fills quickly and to capacity which makes getting around to each display a bit difficult. Inside the theater, the audience is quickly seated for a sizzle reel of Blumhouse films that gets interrupted by one of its own characters. The show is a brief but playful distraction. A highlight for any fan of the film “M3GAN”.
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The Purge: Dangerous Waters utilizes the Waterworld stunt show arena. Reworking the story, choreography, and special effects with the film franchise The Purge. The show is a retooled concept from Horror Nights years ago called Splatter World. With this year’s show, the liberty has been taken to add more flame effects, stunt performances, blood bags, special lighting, laser projections, and a new soundtrack.
There were plenty of “oohs” and “ahhs” exclaimed from the audience due to the bloodier nature of the fight sequences. Thankfully, the show does not get the audience soaked like in the daytime show. No one wants to be dripping wet on cold evenings through a haunt event. The Purge: Dangerous Waters is a welcome back and reinvigoration of a 15-minute show fueled with action-packed adrenaline that fits comfortably as a Halloween overlay to a long-existing stunt show. This also gratefully means the Waterworld queue does not have to close for haunted house construction. If you’re not interested in shows, stunts, or The Purge, this may not be for you.
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The Upper Lot is plentiful in its atmosphere and refreshments. Chucky gets his own BBQ-themed restaurant featuring a new menu. Complete with an interactive popcorn bucket that is exclusively sold at Halloween Horror Nights. Just across the way is the Peacock Halloween Horror Bar with visits from special guests. Universal Plaza brings back carnival games, bars, and food. And for Harry Potter fans, the Wizarding World conjures up Death Eaters for spine-tingling encounters.
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Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights continues to be one of Southern California’s best and most popular Halloween events every season. A day and night combo ticket, early access, Fear Pass, Universal Express, or R.I.P. tour will help make the most of your time to do as much as you can. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is a separate ticket event open on select nights from now until October 31, 2023.
Make way…for Prince Ali! Disney’s Aladdin has flown into Los Angeles on a flying carpet, inviting you to come join in on the theatrical adventure inspired by the 1992 animated film. Aladdin, a “street rat” from the fictional city of Agrabah, does what he can to get by with the help of his three friends Omar, Kassim, and Babkak. With a proven heart of gold, Aladdin takes time to help those less fortunate than him and stands up for those who need his help, despite his own lot in life.
Aladdin stumbles across a rare opportunity to meet Princess Jasmine and finds himself embroiled in a plot for succession to the throne and on the way, meets a genie from a magic lamp. The fun and hilarity that ensues is delightful and will be a somewhat new experience even for the biggest fans of the animated film.
Audience members arrived wearing various nods to the film and the stage production, there was palpable excitement awaiting the first notes of the overture. The overture was delightful and nostalgic, but the opening number “Arabian Nights” was visually stunning, with a great introduction to the amazing vocals of Marcus M. Martin (Genie) who was the standout of the show. Immediately impressive are the clean vocals by Adi Roy (Aladdin) while performing “One Jump” while running around the sets and performing choreography to escape the Palace Guards. “Proud of Your Boy” was orchestrated beautifully.
Senzel Ahmady was amazing as Jasmine, being a standout right out the gate in “These Palace Walls” continuing with the harmonies in “A Million Miles Away”. “Friend Like Me” was delightful and uplifting, keeping the audience grinning ear-to-ear the entire time. Martin was fantastic, and even led a delightful mid-song tap number, the song concluded to uproarious applause.
Act II begins back in Agrabah when Aladdin, as Prince Ali of Ababwa, arrives in Agrabah to seek Princess Jasmine’s hand in marriage, with the song “Prince Ali” performed by the Genie and Aladdin’s newly well-dressed friends from the Marketplace Omar (Ben Chavez), Kassim (Colt Prattes), and Babkak (Jake Letts). “A Whole New World” was dazzling, utilizing a practical set change and an actual “flying” carpet to lift the performers into the stars.
The stage chemistry between Roy and Ahmady was tangible, and the ending of the number got the audience to audibly “aww”. “High Adventure” was my favorite of the newer songs, and that was mostly due to the performances of Chavez, Prattes, and Letts as Aladdin’s friends. The song and performance were high-energy and their ensemble comedy was delightful. All three of Aladdin’s friends were memorable performances, but I got the most joy from Babkok who loves food as much as I do.
One notable difference between the 1992 animated film and this stage rendition is the lack of non-human sidekicks. Aladdin’s friends Abu and Carpet, as well as Jasmine’s pet tiger Rajah from the film, are not represented in the stage production, and their roles are filled in with a new cast of friends for Aladdin, and attendants for Jasmine. The exception to this is Iago, whose role is represented by a human henchman who gleefully follows Jafar around and hilariously joins in on his evil laughs.
They poke some fun at this with a parrot joke regarding Iago right off the bat. A discerning Disney fan may also note several nods and references to other units of the company including Marvel, Star Wars, ABC, and even other Disney movies.
The sets were simple, yet effective. With a combination of physical set pieces, background art, and projection mapping. The sand blowing over the dunes and the arrival of the Cave of Wonders were key examples of their great use of projections. The Cave of Wonders interior was an especially beautiful set, shimmering with the riches of the cave. The costume design of Gregg Barnes was phenomenal, with several quick changes that appeared effortless and were critical to the storytelling. Partnered with the lighting direction of Natasha Katz, the costumes literally sparkled on stage.
There were several children in the audience, and this is definitely a great choice as a first foray into musical theater for budding theater enthusiasts of all ages. This retelling was fun and creative, and Marcus M. Martin’s Genie will be the talk of the car on the way home. It’s music you know, and some you don’t. It’s a story you know, told in a different and imaginative way. It’s the fun and delight you felt seeing Aladdin in the movie for the first time all over again. So hop on your carpet and fly to the Hollywood Pantages, to see Disney’s Aladdin.
Merchandise is now available for Halloween and horror fans alike at Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Top off your wardrobe with shirts, hoodies, backpacks, handbags, hats, and beanies. Hang up posters, wood signages, and photo frames. Take home products like fragrant candles, mugs, and glassware. Smaller trinkets include keychains, patches, magnets, ornaments, decals, lanyards, and dish trays.
The “Never Go Alone” product line evokes a fortune teller and Demon summoning motif that’s sure to raise undead spirits.
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Vecka beckons “Strangers Things” fans to take a piece of the Upside-Down with you.
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Chucky laughs up with a product inspired by the fictional Good Guys toy company from the popular film franchise. Be sure to check out the dolls used in the show inside the Universal Studio Store at the theme park’s entrance. Although they are not for sale, they are an amusing display.
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Holidayz in Hell, The Last of Us, Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America, The Exorcist: Believer, Terror Tram… The Exterminatorz, and Universal Monsters: Unmasked round out the Halloween Horror Night merchandise lineup. Oddly enough, there is no sign of Evil Dead Rise as it has a maze in their year’s event and a theatrical release earlier this year. More fun and cute designs are included. Pop versions of the classic Universal Monsters and Halloween-themed Minions appeal to a more wholesome audience.
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Last but not least, an original fan-favorite Universal Halloween character named Little Boo gets a star-studded showcase as well.
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We couldn’t possibly show everything that is available for purchase in one post. You’ll just have to go down to Universal Studios Hollywood yourself to check out more. The Universal Studio Store and Animation Studio Store in the Upper Lot are covered—as well as the Jurassic Outfitters in the Lower Lot of the theme park. Universal CityWalk has Halloween products on either end of the entertainment center. Also, be on the lookout for a Hello Kitty-inspired mash-up with Chucky!
Disney Legend, author and Cal State Fullerton alumna Martha Blanding will speak at a CSUF commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and Social...
