First released at the D23 Expo, Disney celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the film “Aladdin” with the Jasmine limited edition doll.
Jasmine maintains her classic turquoise ensemble with a gorgeous purple crop top and harem pants. Her modern take on a classic look features gold jewelry along the waistline and beautiful feather detailing to complete her whimsical look.
Back from her magic carpet ride, Jasmine is now available on shopDisney.com.
Designed by Disney artists, this limited edition doll has been carefully designed to ensure every detail was captured. This collectible doll is sure to be a treasured keepsake for many years to come.
There’s no place like Disney+ for the holidays with the “Happy Holidays” collection returning for the third year. In addition to perennial favorites, Disney+ will premiere exclusive new movies, series, and specials throughout November and December for everyone in your family to enjoy, including “Night at the Museum: Kahumunrah Rises Again” available on December 9.
With even more highly anticipated exclusive originals coming to the service in 2023, its the perfect time to share the joy of streaming with any Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic fans in your life, To give the gift of Disney+ this holiday season, visithttps://www.disneyplus.com/welcome/gift-subscription
New Additions to Disney+’s 2022 Season’s Streamings Collection
Disney+ will bring more of the season’s magic to subscribers with new titles from Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD coming to the “Happy Holidays” collection, including: “Mickey Saves Christmas” (Nov 28) and new holiday episodes of “Puppy Dog Pals” (Nov 23), Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Nov 30), “The Villains of Valley View” (Dec 7), “Raven’s Home.” (Dec 7), Alice’s Wonderland Bakery (Dec 7), and “Eureka!” (Dec 14).
As a special treat for Muppets fans, the full-length version of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” including the song “When Love Is Gone” will be added to the extras page of the film on Disney+ on December 9 in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
From Scott Calvin’s return to the big red suit to joyful music from Pentatonix, the following Disney+ Originals will be available to stream in the “Happy Holidays” collection:
“Donna Hay Christmas”: Now Streaming
Donna Hay shows us how to create the most spectacular festive celebration in her new four-part series, Donna Hay Christmas. From reimagined festive mains like the ultimate glazed ham, to show-stopping desserts like her signature centerpiece pavlova, Donna shares her best time-savers and signature cheats to create your very own kind of Christmas magic.
“The Santa Clauses” Streaming November 16
Scott Calvin is back! After being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.
“Best in Snow” Streaming November 18
“Best in Snow” is a festive holiday special, hosted by Tituss Burgess, featuring teams from around the world transported to a magical snowy village and thrown into a spirited competition to show off their snow-carving skills. Spectacular snow sculptures, lively musical performances from DCappella, and special guest Kermit the Frog make this action-packed winter event fun for the entire family.
“The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special” Streaming November 25
On a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, the Guardians head to Earth in search of the perfect present.
“The Hip Hop Nutcracker” Streaming November 25
RUN DMC’s Rev Run brings us along for a hip-hop reimagining of The Nutcracker ballet set in New York City. On the night of the annual New Year’s Eve Block Party, Maria-Clara’s Mom and Pop aren’t getting along and it’s bringing her down. Maria-Clara embarks on a holiday adventure to bring her parents back together. Will it be enough to rekindle their lost love before the clock strikes midnight?
“Pentatonix: Around the World for the Holidays” Streaming December 2
Superstar a cappella group Pentatonix needs inspiration for their annual holiday album. After getting locked in a mystical mailroom, a little Disney magic sends us on a whirlwind tour around the world, discovering holiday traditions and inspiration from Pentatonix fans across the globe. The journey leads the group to realize that wherever we find ourselves, it really is a small world, after all!
Exclusive Disney+ Originals Premiering During the Holiday Season
In addition to the seasonal themed offerings, Disney+ offers a dynamic slate of new exclusive content streaming. In addition to crowning the new Mirror Ball trophy winner in the season finale of “Dancing with the Stars” on November 21 and the exciting season 1 finale of “Andor” on November 23, Disney+ is also streaming the below and more:
Save Our Squad with David Beckham” Streaming November 9
David Beckham is coming home. Over the course of a season, David joins East London club, Westward Boys, a team playing in the league where it all began for him as a boy – the Echo Premier League. Westward haven’t won a game all season, and the threat of being relegated from the league looms large. David has a mammoth task at hand. Will he be able to save their squad?
Zootopia+ (Shorts) Streaming November 9
“Zootopia+” heads back to the fast-paced mammal metropolis of Zootopia in a short-form series that dives deeper into the lives of some of the Oscar®-winning feature film’s most intriguing residents, including Fru Fru, the fashion-forward arctic shrew; ZPD dispatcher Clawhauser, the sweet-toothed cheetah; and Flash, the smiling sloth who’s full of surprises.
“Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” Streaming November 16
Chris Hemsworth is on an epic mission to discover how to live better for longer. With the help of world-class experts, family and friends, he’s embarking on a series of immense challenges to push himself to new limits and stop the diseases of old age before they take hold. Chris will discover how we all can unlock our potential to stay fitter, healthier and happier throughout our lives.
“Disenchanted” Streaming November 18
A live-action musical comedy “Disenchanted” is a sequel to Disney’s box office hit “Enchanted” featuring the original cast from the heart-warming story of the lovable, hopelessly romantic maiden, Giselle from the fairy tale world of Andalasia who has grown disillusioned with life in the city and moves with her growing family to the suburbs in search of a more fairytale life.
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse Streaming November 18
Mickey Mouse is recognized as a symbol of joy and innocence in virtually every corner of the globe. Mickey became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, Steamboat Willie. Through the decades, he evolved into strikingly different versions that reflect both his creator’s remarkable career and dramatic societal shifts in the nation he came to represent.
“Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” Streaming November 20
“Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium” is a concert event featuring legendary, global superstar Elton John, live from Dodger Stadium in his final North American show. As part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, this concert experience features special guests and performances of unparalleled global hits spanning decades, in one of the greatest send-offs in music history. This is a must-see concert event for audiences of all ages. Leading up to the concert is the “Countdown to Elton Live” red carpet event featuring celebrity guests and a countdown to the historic live concert.
“Willow” Streaming November 30
An all-new action-adventure series based on George Lucas’ fantasy-adventure film. The story began when an aspiring sorcerer, played by Warwick Davis, is whisked away on a journey to protect an infant empress Elora Danan and vanquish the evil Queen Bavmorda from their world of Andowyne. Now, the story continues with Davis reprising his titular role as he leads an unlikely crew of heroes on a quest to protect Andowyne from an even larger foe than they had imagined possible.
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2: Rodrick Rules” Streaming December 2
The riotous antics of angst-ridden, disaster-prone, middle school student Greg Heffley continue, focusing this time around on his complicated relationship with older brother Rodrick. Now, Greg takes on one of his biggest challenges yet – surviving a weekend alone with Rodrick and abiding by his growing list of rules.
“Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” Streaming December 9
Join Tony Award®-winner Idina Menzel on her journey to headline Madison Square Garden in this intimate and inspirational documentary.
“Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again” Streaming December 9
In “Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again,” Nick Daley is following in his father’s footsteps as night watchman at the American Museum of Natural History, so he knows what happens when the sun goes down. But when the maniacal ruler Kahmunrah escapes, it is up to Nick to save the museum once and for all.
“National Treasure: Edge of History” Streaming December 14
Jess Valenzuela’s life is turned upside down when an enigmatic stranger gives her a clue to a centuries-old treasure that might be connected to her long-dead father. Jess has a knack for solving puzzles, and her skills are put to the test as she and her friends follow a series of clues hidden in American artifacts and landmarks. But can Jess outsmart a black-market antiquities dealer in a race to find history’s greatest lost treasure and unbury the truth about her family’s past?
“Le Pupille” Streaming December 16
From writer and director, Alice Rohrwacher, and Academy Award®-winning producer, Alfonso Cuarón, “Le Pupille” is a tale of innocence, greed and fantasy. This live action short is about desires, pure and selfish, about freedom and devotion, and about the anarchy that is capable of flowering in the minds of girls within the confines of a strict religious boarding school at Christmas.
“Encanto at The Hollywood Bowl” Streaming December 28
Step into Casa Madrigal for an unprecedented concert spectacular as the original voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Academy Award®-winning “Encanto” reunites at the Hollywood Bowl. Starring Stephanie Beatriz (as Mirabel), Adassa (as Dolores), Carolina Gaitán (as Pepa), Jessica Darrow (as Luisa), Diane Guerrero (as Isabela), Mauro Castillo (as Félix), Angie Cepeda (as Julieta) and Olga Merediz (as Abuela Alma) and special guests, including legendary Colombian superstars and multiple Latin GRAMMY Winners Carlos Vives and Andrés Cepeda, “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl” turns the historic venue into the world of the animated film that became a global phenomenon.
This live-to-film concert experience, featuring an 80-person orchestra, 50 dancers and out-of-this-world special effects, gives viewers a front-row seat to the unprecedented musical extravaganza celebrating the world, characters and songs of Disney Animation’s “Encanto.”
2022 Disney Ultimate Toy Drive
The Disney+ Season’s Streamings celebration coincides with The Walt Disney Company’s 2022 Disney Ultimate Toy Drive benefiting the Marine Toys for Tots Program. For 75 years, Disney has supported Toys for Tots to help bring toys to millions of children in need during the holiday season. Families and fans can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and give back to those who need it most by:
• Donating a toy online at shopDisney.com from now through December 24, 2022, or
• Donating a new, unwrapped toy in person at one of our drop-off locations now through December 12, 2022 (the list of which can be found at Disney.com/toydrive)
Today, The Walt Disney Company launched the 2022 Disney Ultimate Toy Drive in support of the Marine Toys for Tots Program, continuing a 75-year tradition of helping the foundation deliver toys, hope and joy to children in need during the holiday season. Fans and families can join the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive by purchasing a toy to donate online at shopDisney.com now through December 24, 2022, or by donating a new, unwrapped toy in person at a Disney store or Disney store outlet location, the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland® Resort or Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort*, now through December 12, 2022.
Disney is committed to inspiring a better world through the power of stories, and today has released a heartfelt animated spot that celebrates the joy of giving to help raise awareness of the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive.
“Disney is incredibly proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary and continue our longstanding relationship with Toys for Tots to help make the holiday season brighter for children in need,” said Jennifer Cohen, executive vice president, Corporate Social Responsibility, The Walt Disney Company. “We all have the opportunity to deliver joy when we give back to our communities, and by working together through efforts like the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive, our combined impact is that much greater.”
The relationship between Disney and Toys for Tots dates back to the program’s beginnings when Walt Disney and his studio artists personally designed the Toys for Tots train logo that is still used to this day. Since 1947, Toys for Tots and volunteers have distributed nearly 630 million toys to over 280 million children.
“Marine Toys for Tots is fortunate to have a partner like The Walt Disney Company who has supported the program from the very start 75 years ago. Disney’s multifaceted support spanning decades has allowed Toys for Tots to expand its reach delivering hope and joy to millions of less fortunate children. Disney’s community service goals certainly align with those the Marine Corps has promoted for over 75 years through the Toys for Tots Program. We couldn’t be more proud to have a friend like Disney,” said Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), the President and CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.
Throughout the holiday season, The Walt Disney Company will support Toys for Tots in several ways, including by airing a PSA, voiced by The Conners’ John Goodman, on its television networks and streaming platforms – such as ABC, Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Freeform, FX, Hulu and National Geographic – to encourage viewers to participate in the Disney Ultimate Toy Drive. Content from across the networks, including ABC’s General Hospital, various ABC News shows and platforms, and ESPN’s GetUp! will feature Disney Ultimate Toy Drive and Toys for Tots integrations to highlight the season of giving and the importance of supporting communities in need.
Additional toy collections will be hosted by the ABC Owned Television Stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Raleigh-Durham and Fresno, as well as at in person events such as the premieres for Disenchanted and The Santa Clauses, both streaming on Disney+ in November.
The Disney Ultimate Toy Drive aims to inspire hope where it’s needed during the holiday season. For more information, visit www.disney.com/toydrive.
* At Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, collection bins are located at the World of Disney store, Star Wars Trading Post, and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort. Guests and Disneyland Resort cast members can also participate on 12/10/22-12/11/22 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., when U.S. Marines will be on hand near the Downtown Disney® LIVE! stage to accept donations on behalf of Toys for Tots. At Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort, collection bins are located at the World of Disney store, Marketplace Co-Op, Star Wars Galactic Outpost and the Disney Springs Welcome Center.
20th Century Studios has released a new trailer and poster for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” James Cameron’s highly anticipated, first follow-up to his Academy Award®-winning “Avatar,” the highest-grossing film of all time. “Avatar: The Way of Water” opens in theaters on December 16.
In celebration of the trailer and poster launch for “Avatar: The Way of Water,” a stunning light show of massive proportions featuring highlights from the film will be projected tonight (November 2, 2022) over Niagara Falls.
With “Avatar: The Way of Water,” the cinematic experience reaches new heights as Cameron transports audiences back to the magnificent world of Pandora in a spectacular and stirring action-packed adventure.
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure.
Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the Lightstorm Entertainment Production stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet. Screenplay by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver. Story by James Cameron & Rick Jaffa & Amanda Silver & Josh Friedman & Shane Salerno. David Valdes and Richard Baneham serve as the film’s executive producers.
This year, four new Starbucks holiday cup designs offer the comforts and cheer of the season, each wrapped up like a gift.
“We have always talked about the cups as little gifts, and we hope they feel like a festive present to our customers and store partners,” said Gary Jacobson, Starbucks creative director for this year’s holiday campaign.
To bring that sentiment to life on the cups, designers created a collection of holiday motifs – like sparkles, ornaments and snowflakes – to add a sense of seasonal joy. Ribbon and tape elements bring another gift-giving element, along with gift tags on the back of each cup – perfect for a personalized note. The color palette features classic seasonal colors with the added flair of mint green. The result is a warm and welcoming vibe during a season that brings people together.
“We are really focused on creating a joyful experience throughout the entire Starbucks experience – whether a customer is visiting at our drive-thru or in our café,” said Jacobson. “Whatever we can touch, we wanted to make sure that we make someone’s day a little bit brighter in a holiday way.”
Cozy Evergreen This bold red cup features white evergreen trees in a graphic pattern, sure to warm the hands and the heart on a cold winter’s day.Frosted Sparkle Retro starbursts and diamond shapes adorn on this frosty mint green cup for a merry moment of holiday joy.Gift-Wrapped Magic Wavy ribbons and shimmering sparkles give this red and green cup a magical vibe, all wrapped up like the perfect gift.Ornament Wonder Designers started with the iconic white Starbucks cup and wrapped it in a delicate micro-pattern of colorful holiday motifs like festive ornaments.
Nothing says the most magical time of the year like the Starbucks red cup returning. This year is extra special as Starbucks celebrates 25 years of the iconic holiday cup and the return of a full menu of seasonal handcrafted beverages and festive food.
Starting Nov. 3, holiday beverages officially return to the Starbucks menu, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Irish Cream Cold Brew and, returning for its second holiday season, the nondairy Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.
In the bakery case, new this year is the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which joins the returning Reindeer Cake Pop, Sugar Plum Cheese Danish, Cranberry Bliss Bar and Snowman Cookie.
Holiday Beverages
Turning 20 this year, the Peppermint Mocha has become one of the most beloved holiday beverage on the menu. The beverage, which debuted in 2002, features espresso combined with steamed milk, mocha sauce and peppermint-flavored syrup, topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls*.
Espresso, steamed milk and rich caramel brulée sauce are combined and topped with whipped cream and caramel brulée topping to create the Caramel Brulée Latte*.
The Chestnut Praline Latte features espresso, steamed milk and the flavors of caramelized chestnuts and spices topped with whipped cream and spiced praline crumbs*.
Festive flavors of caramelized white chocolate mocha sauce meet espresso and steamed milk to create our Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, which is then finished with whipped cream and a topping of holiday sugar sparkles and crispy white pearls*.
Back for a second season, the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte combines sugar cookie syrup, Starbucks® Blonde Espresso, ice, creamy almondmilk, and is topped with festive red and green sprinkles*.
The Irish Cream Cold Brew unites bold, super smooth Starbucks Cold Brew with Irish Cream syrup, which is then topped with vanilla sweet cream foam and a strike of cocoa powder.
Holiday Food
The NEW Chocolate Pistachio Swirl’s creamy chocolate filling with notes of cinnamon and coffee is swirled into buttery brioche-inspired dough with mint chocolate chips and topped with chopped pistachios**.
Vanilla cake with chocolaty icing is finished with a festive red nose and antlers to make the Reindeer Cake Pop**.
The Sugar Plum Cheese Danish features cream cheese filling surrounded by a fluffy Danish and topped with spiced sugar plum spread**.
A blondie cake with tart dried cranberries, garnished with a layer of cream-cheese icing, orange zest and a sprinkle of dried cranberries make up the beloved Cranberry Bliss Bar**. Also available for purchase by the tray.
The fan-favorite Snowman Cookie starts with a buttery shortbread snowman dressed up in white chocolatey icing**.
*Available hot, iced, and as a Frappuccino® blended beverage available in U.S. Starbucks stores for a limited time, while supplies last.
** Available in U.S. Starbucks stores for a limited time, while supplies last.
Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can participate in a limited test experience that will bring their favorite stories to life with special access to must-have merchandise available on shopDisney for this holiday season. For a limited time, Disney+ subscribers can visit shopDisney.com/DisneyPlusSpecialAccess or the details pages of select movies, series and shorts on Disney+ to scan QR codes to purchase highly-anticipated items before the general public. Subscribers can purchase products from fan-favorite franchises and titles including Star Wars, Marvel Studios’ Black Panther and Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness and receive exclusive access to merchandise from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen 2 and Disney•Pixar Lightyear.
“Special access to this curated collection of merchandise for the upcoming holiday season is the latest example of the many ways we experiment with how to improve the user experience on Disney+, which includes enhancing the benefits of being a subscriber,” said Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+. “We’re excited to collaborate with shopDisney to explore how we can potentially better serve our audiences by expanding the ways they get to interact with the stories and characters they love on Disney+.”
During this test experience, eligible subscribers can visit shopDisney.com/DisneyPlusSpecialAccess or navigate to the Shop tab within the details pages of select movies, series and shorts on Disney+ to scan QR codes that will take users directly to the merchandise on shopDisney. The Shop tab will be available to Disney+ primary profiles in the U.S. that have been verified as 18 and older.
“shopDisney has all of the products to bring your favorite Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel and National Geographic stories to life,” said Naveen Seshadri, EVP Global Retail. “By providing our Disney+ subscribers special access to curated merchandise on shopDisney, we are uncovering new ways for our fans to shop and further connect content and commerce.”
Special access will grant Disney+ subscribers early access to products including:
Additionally, Disney+ subscribers will have exclusive access for shopDisney made-to-order merchandise, including new t-shirt and sweatshirt designs from Disney’s Frozen 2 and Disney and Pixar’s Lightyear.
Electronic Arts Inc. has announced it is collaborating with Marvel on a long-term deal to develop at least three new action adventure games that will be available for consoles and PC. Each of these games will be their own original story set in the Marvel universe with the first title in-development being a single player, third person, action-adventure Iron Man game coming out of Motive Studios.
“We have been long-time fans of Marvel and their impressive leadership, so this is a remarkable moment for our developers as well as our players and fans,” said Laura Miele, COO at EA. “We look forward to welcoming Marvel into the EA family of creators and know this collaboration will produce exceptional experiences for our players. We can’t wait to see players’ reactions when they suit up as Iron Man and do the extraordinary things this Super Hero is known for.”
“At Marvel, we strive to find best-in-class teams who can take our characters on heroic journeys in ways they haven’t before and collaborating with Electronic Arts will help us achieve that,” said Jay Ong, Executive Vice President at Marvel Games. “We pride ourselves on being enthusiastic, creative collaborators with developers so they have the freedom to create something deeply unique and truly remarkable. The team at Motive is getting started on that with their Iron Man video game and we can’t wait for players to learn more in the far future.”
Developed in collaboration with Marvel, the Iron Man game will feature an original narrative that taps into the rich history of the character, channeling the complexity, charisma, and creative genius of Tony Stark, and enabling players to feel what it’s like to truly play as Iron Man. The team is being led by Olivier Proulx, who brings experience working on past Marvel titles like Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, and is joined by a dedicated team of passionate industry veterans including Ian Frazier, Maëlenn Lumineau, and JF Poirier at the studio.
Anaheim’s all-new Day of the Dead-inspired eatery, Calaca Mamas Cantina is celebrating Halloween and Dia de los Muertos from October 30th to November 2nd and inviting everyone to join in on the magical celebrations!
Calaca Mamas is kicking off the spooky celebration on Sunday, October 30th, with face painting for guests from 10:00AM-12:00PM & 4:30PM-6:30PM plus balloon art from 11AM-9PM.
Then, on Halloween (Monday, October 31st), from 1PM-5PM guests can come in costume to the restaurant to enjoy festive balloon art, face painting, and trick or treating!
Additionally, on November 1st from 4PM-8PM and November 2nd from 4PM-9PM dining guests can enjoy balloon art, face painting and a special performance by the Grammy Award-winning, Mariachi Divas, who perform frequently at the Disneyland Resort!
Crafts will also be available for kids and families to create themed mementos to take home and mark the Day-of-the-Dead celebration!
In addition to all the fun, Calaca Mamas will be serving Atole– a Mexican drink that is traditionally served at Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in remembrance of those who have passed on.
The Day of the Dead-themed restaurant’s owners, Angela and Mariam El Haj, are second-generation restaurateurs with a passion for the food industry and a deep-rooted love for Mexican food and culture. The sisters’ love for bringing families together while surrounded by delicious food culminated in the opening of Calaca Mamas Cantina, which celebrates the core themes of family, comfort, fun, and great Mexican-inspired cuisine. Inside the restaurant, guests will find an ofrenda that further celebrates their love for family. To honor their Disneyland neighbor, a photo of Walt Disney can also be found in the ofrenda, too!
I am not typically a play person. Like some people prefer books with pictures in them, I prefer a show with music. That being said, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is a play that is a critical watch at this time in history, and I was deeply moved by it.
This version of To Kill A Mockingbird is abridged to meet the level of complexity necessary to tell the story in just under three hours. Scout (Melanie Moore) and Jem (Justin Mark) Finch, as well as their friend Dill Harris (Steven Lee Johnson), narrate their last summer together breaking the 4th wall. During this summer, they are fascinated with the mysterious “Boo” Radley (Travis Johns) who lives at the end of their street and seek to find out what he looks like, as they only know his legend and have never actually seen him.
Meanwhile, Scout and Jem’s father Atticus Finch (Richard Thomas) is representing Tom Robinson (Yaegel T. Welch), a Black man, in a doomed rape case of Mayella Ewell (Arianna Gayle Stucki), a white woman. Mayella and her father Bob Ewell (Joey Collins) are extremely racist, with Bob even being affiliated with the local Ku Klux Klan in Alabama. The Finch’s Black cook, Calpurnia (Jacqueline Williams), works to teach Atticus to understand that, though he is an ally, he does not yet fully understand the plight of Black people in the South. Scout and Jem learn the hard way about racism and prejudice through their experiences both watching their father in court and when learning about who Boo Radley really is.
There were quite a few moving and stand-out performances in this play. First and foremost, Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch blew me away with the conviction of his monologues. His warm demeanor toward his on-stage children and toward the audience made it feel like he was everyone’s father-figure. Specifically, his final courtroom monologue was phenomenal, giving Atticus’ final argument in favor of Tom Robinson’s innocence. Melanie Moore as Scout Finch was expertly acted. Her comedic timing, emotion, and athleticism all shined throughout her performance. Jacqueline Williams was both hilarious and moving as Calpurnia, dropping some truth bombs that resonated beyond the play and into our modern racial environment.
Steven Lee Johnson as Dill was so funny, and his character created a great juxtaposition of emotion when the story was getting really heavy. Joey Collins was a stand-out in terms of acting ability, especially because I am sure his dialogue was far out of his comfort zone. I imagine it is extremely difficult to play the part of Bob Ewell in a way that invites the audience to hate him, and Joey Collins did just that.
The story takes place in 1934 Alabama, but some dialogue and theming is representative of things that are still going on in the United States at some level, and the audience appropriately reacted to these points of the story. I felt myself tearing up throughout the show at a few points because Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation truly touches on prejudice issues that are very dark, sometimes hard to stomach, but vital messaging to ensure this level of prejudice does not permeate society again.
Set pieces were relatively minimal, using a few moving parts, some tables and chairs, and a few windows to create different scenes from all over Maycomb, Alabama. Though the actors were also those moving the sets and securing them, the actions were done in a way that made it flow into the scenes. This was impressive because these actions of locking stairs in place or pulling chairs off tables were a natural flow within the blocking. Musical interludes during set changes were appropriate for the overall vibe of each scene.
If you (like I was) are on the fence about seeing this show, don’t be. Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird might be one of the most moving theater experiences you’ve had. I laughed, I cried, I left more introspective than I arrived. The standing ovation through the entire curtain call proved I was not alone in loving this show and gave a brand-new meaning to the line, “All Rise.”
LOS ANGELES LISTING INFORMATION Dates: Playing NOW through November 27, 2022 Theatre: Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm Parental Advisory: Children ages 12 and up. Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age. Tickets: Tickets Start At $39. Prices Subject To Change.
Online: BroadwayInHollywood.com or Ticketmaster.com
Phone: 1-800-982-2787
In Person: Hollywood Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10am) and all Ticketmaster Outlets.
COSTA MESA LISTINGS INFORMATION Dates: December 27, 2022 – January 8, 2023 Theatre: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm Parental Advisory: Children ages 12 and up.Children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre. All patrons must have a ticket, regardless of age. Tickets: Tickets Start At $29. Prices Subject To Change.
Online: www.SCFTA.org
Phone: 1-714-556-2787
Disney+ debuted a new trailer and key art for the upcoming Original series “The Santa Clauses.” The first two episodes of the six-episode series will premiere Wednesday, November 16, exclusively on Disney+.
Scott Calvin is back! After being Santa Claus for nearly thirty years, he’s as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his Santa magic. Scott struggles to keep up with the demands of the job, as well as being there for his family. Upon discovering there is a way to retire from his post, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband.
The series stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin/Santa Claus, Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol/Mrs. Claus, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Devin Bright as Noel, Austin Kane as Cal, Matilda Lawler as Betty, Rupali Redd as Grace and Kal Penn as Simon Choksi.
Award-winning Jack Burditt (“30 Rock,” “Modern Family,” “Frasier,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”) is the executive producer and showrunner and Tim Allen, in addition to starring, Kevin Hench (“Last Man Standing”), Richard Baker and Rick Messina will also serve as executive producers along with Jason Winer and Jon Radler for Small Dog Picture Company.
The Disney Branded Television series is a production of 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
Cemetery Lane shares an open invitation to welcome families and Halloween fanatics to one haunted neighborhood for a fun and friendly trick-or-treating experience. The houses are eerily lit and the vibrant occupants are ready with morsels of candy to hand out and have their photos taken with you decked in your Halloween best. All in attendance are encouraged to arrive in costume as part of the joyous occasion.
A Vampira-type hostess hovers along with the cult classic movie “Plan 9 From Outer Space” playing on a television set in the living room. An archeologist stands guard of his precious artifacts at the doorstep to his home. A walking mummy roams close by. Get ready for your big close-up with a Hitchcock film director and his leading lady in front of a house engulfed by a murder of crows. The striking green and pink color palette of one house with a mad scientist and their beautiful creation invite visitors inside for a glimpse of the living room and kitchen decked in experimental fashion.
Docent tour guides are also available to answer questions about the house. And an excitable duo of 1950s doo-wop girls were a delightful pair considering their octagon-shaped house is full of spider-webs and spiders of various shapes and sizes. What lurks around the dark porch with a flickering light bulb is anyone’s guess. The character interactions were truly a delight with engaging conversations from each host. The colorfully lit homes also make a standout backdrop for group costumes like Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc., The Addams Family, Hocus Pocus, and more just to name a few.
Mansion Photo Gallery
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There are other small-sized entertainment to be had around Cemetery Lane. The train depot is dressed as a radio station. A hay bale maze keeps the little ones guessing which way to turn while adults can monitor with amusement. Candy surprise awaits at the completion of the attraction. Movie clips play beside a photo-op set up with the event’s name can be used to show off your Halloween costume. Everyone is a winner here. Be sure to slow down and admire the spooky pumpkin patch and creepy graveyard. The groundskeeper may have a plot dug up just for you.
Take a closer look at he tombstones as some may have recognizable names attached to the actual hauntings of the residential neighborhood. A mausoleum is home to a hairy-armed creature that just wants to hand out candy. Finally, a local scout troop has set up carnival-style games for a chance to earn more candy. The church has a few vendors inside for your Halloween shopping convenience from local small businesses. Many of which you may have seen at the Halloween convention Midsummer Scream. Food is also available outside with options for Mexican, hot dogs, and ice scream.
Event specific merchandise range from stickers, pins, shirts, and even a commemorative cloth trick-or-treat bag. The design of which is of one of the Heritage Square Museum. Hopefully with the return of Cemetery Lane, perhaps a complete set of all the buildings can continue to be designed by the same artist behind the popular video game “Cuphead”.
Activities, Cemetry, and Pumpkin Photo Gallery
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North of Downtown Los Angeles, sits ten acres of sanctuary preserved for eight historic Victorian era structures of various states of restoration. Saved from demolition, Heritage Square Museum serves to educate about Southern Californian life from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.
It’s no wonder the museum’s mission statement is to preserve, collect, and interpret the architecture, physical environment, and culture of Southern California during the first 100 years of statehood, (1850 to 1950). The structures of the museum have been featured in many forms of media including movies and television shows such as Saving Mr. Banks, Legally Blonde, Tales from the Crypt, Drunk History, and It: Chapter Two.
Some of these intricately beautiful mansions are considered to be really haunted and so frightfully and appropriately harness the power of Halloween ever so eloquently in a spirited celebration of the season. Enter Black Cat Orange, the team behind Southern California’s premiere Halloween convention, to partner with Heritage Square Museum to bring Cemetery Lane to undead life.
Atmosphere and Merchandise Photo Gallery
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Cemetery Lane is a fun, safe, family-friendly Halloween trick-or-treat event set in a neighborhood full of haunted houses. Characters abound that make a delightful, not frightful experience. The noise level is also kept to a minimum not only for the nearby living residents, but also a low stress and low audio-sensory sensitivity factor. This is the best event and best time of the year to take a peek behind the gates of Heritage Square Museum for a closer look at the extraordinary homes of a forgotten past. For more information and to order tickets, visit www.cemeterylane.com.
Event operates on select nights from now until October 30, 2022. Ticket prices range from $27-$32. A portion of each ticket sale will go toward the preservation efforts of Heritage Square Museum. Price includes one plastic trick or treat bag per ticket purchase. Commemorative cloth bags are also available for purchase. Toddlers under two years of age are admitted free with adult paid admission-one child per adult. Costumes are encouraged for all ages. But no prop firearms.
NEW ENTRANCE is located at 3515 Pasadena St. Los Angeles, CA 90031. Limited parking in nearby neighborhoods and across the street at the Heritage Square Metro Gold Line Station parking lot. The majority of Heritage Square pathways are grass, dirt, and gravel and uneven dirt terrain. So plan accordingly when it comes to strollers, wheelchairs, footwear, and costumes that drag on the ground.
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