“CATS” Musical Review

By

-

October 7, 2022

Attention all Jellicle Cats! Its time once again for the Jellicle Ball, as CATS has made its way back to the Hollywood Pantages until October 16 for a run you are not going to want to miss.

Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS is about an annual event among a group of street cats affectionately known as the “Jellicle Cats” called the Jellicle Ball. This event allows the elder cat, Old Deuteronomy, to select just one Jellicle Cat to leave this life and move on to the next of their nine lives. During this event, the Cats are dancing, singing, telling stories, and trying to highlight themselves as most deserving to be selected.

The first thing I noticed was honestly how talented this entire cast is. The opening number “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” really highlighted the dance and acrobatic skills of the cast and got the audience excited for what was to come. I was most moved by the tone set in “The Naming of Cats” which was the entire T.S. Eliot poem recited in chorus in a whisper tone.

The blocking and lighting for this number was ominous and intriguing, which was appropriate because the goal was to help the audience better understand what a Jellicle Cat is. From here, we are all invited to the Jellicle Ball and we begin to learn the wild names and personalities of the Jellicle Cats beginning with a story about Jennyanydots (Michelle E. Carter), which breaks into a full tap number.

Next, we meet Rum-Tum-Tugger (Hank Santos) who was the crowd favorite. His rock anthem was met with applause and screams, as he has a great voice and ability to sing while moving quickly about the stage. Mungojerrie (Brian Craig Nelson) and Rumpleteazer (Taryn Smithson) were a delight with their comedic timing and acrobatics. We then meet the standout of the show, Tayler Harris as Grizabella, an old and dirty cat who was a glamor cat and beautiful in her prime.

Now, the other Jellicle Cats have ostracized Grizabella and they run away from her when she arrives on the outskirts of the Jellicle Ball. Her haunting song, “Memory” pulls the audience’s heartstrings as she lingers near the ball wishing the Jellicles would accept her back into society. Harris’ performance was phenomenal and really sealed the show for me.

The second act was delightful, with an increased use of practical sets. In “Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat”, the cats create a train engine out of garbage and can lids that is visually stunning. Standouts for me in Act II were everything about Gus the Theater Cat (John Anker Bow), The vocal stylings of Bombalurina (Erica Lee Cianciulli) and Mistoffelees (Ibn Snell), The beautiful dancing of Victoria (Yuka Notsuka) and of course the beauty of the final rendition of “Memory” by Grizabella (Tayler Harris) featuring Sillabub (Sam Bello). If you have not seen the show, stop reading now, as I have a spoiler coming (but CATS debuted in 1981, so perhaps its okay for spoilers now).

“Memory” is the song everyone typically thinks of when they think of CATS, but it isn’t until you see the Act II performance that you really understand the gravity of the song and the performance of it. Grizabella, ostracized from the Jellicles, makes one last attempt to be heard as a cat deserving of being part of the Jellicle Ball. She is weak and at one-point collapses during her song, prompting Old Deuteronomy to reach out toward her instinctively as Sillabub helps her to complete her song.

Victoria eventually makes the first move to touch Grizabella, ultimately signaling the welcome back into the Jellicle Cats. Her plight resonates with Old Deuteronomy who ultimately decides to select Grizabella to move on to the Heaviside layer and on to another of her lives. This scene was moving both from the vocals, but also the use of practical sets to raise Old Deuteronomy and Grizabella up into the sky.

The orchestra was fantastic, with Music Director/Conductor Jonathan Gorst at the helm. The show has many different musical stylings that were created with a small off-stage orchestra. The lighting was a bit confusing at times, with some lights flashing at inappropriate times.

Overall, the show was fantastic! I highly recommend coming out to see CATS, whether its your first time or—like our hostess at a nearby restaurant—your 7th time, you are sure to enjoy this performance. You will be grateful that you accepted your invitation to the Jellicle Ball!

Announcing Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

October 6, 2022

Walt Disney Animation Studios has announced that it will team with Lighthouse Immersive Studios, the producers of the blockbuster Immersive Van Gogh, to develop Disney Animation Immersive Experience, which will receive its world premiere in Toronto this December and then can be seen across the United States and other areas of the world in the next year.

Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios will join forces with North America’s top creator of experiential projection exhibitions to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films—from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopiaand Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio. Audiences will feel like they’ve entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them.

Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will debut at Lighthouse ArtSpace Toronto in December 2022, and will subsequently be seen in Cleveland, Nashville, Detroit, Denver, Boston, San Antonio, Las Vegas, Minneapolis and Columbus in the first four months of 2023. Additional cities are currently being scheduled and Tokyo will be the first city outside of North America to receive Disney Animation: Immersive Experience.

“The collaboration with Lighthouse Immersive is a first for Disney Animation,” said Clark Spencer, president, Walt Disney Animation Studios and two-time Academy Award®-winner (Encanto, Zootopia). “It’s a dream to bring the best of animated storytelling together with the top experts in the immersive art experience. We can’t wait for audiences around the world, of all ages, to experience the great moments from our legacy of feature films in this incredible way.”

“Like so many of us, I have a life-long love of Disney films,” said Lighthouse Immersive founder Corey Ross. “I’ve grown up with them since childhood and so has my family. The work lends itself brilliantly to the immersive experience and I am confident this program will give our guests the opportunity to be engulfed in the world of Disney, making them feel like they’re standing next to their favorite characters and seeing the world through their eyes.”

The creative team for the Disney Animation Immersive Experience is led by Oscar®-winning producer J. Miles Dale (Best Picture 2018 -The Shape of Water) who said, “Trailblazing in a new medium is always exciting, and this is truly going to be the most challenging and rewarding project of my career. Being entrusted with Disney’s rich archive of animation is a great honor, but also a tremendous responsibility.

With such a wealth of material and a treasure trove of memorable characters, it will be a thrill to bring the work of all the great Disney animators and performers to life in a 360-degree immersive environment.” Mexico City-based Cocolab is working with Dale and the Creative Legacy team at Walt Disney Animation Studios to develop the program for Lighthouse Immersive Studios. Special Projects Producer Dorothy McKim (Oscar-nominated, Get A Horse!) is spearheading the project for Disney Animation.

The audience experience will be further enhanced by Lighthouse Immersive’s Global Creative Director David Korins, (Tony Award®-nominee whose credits include more than 20 Broadway shows including Hamilton, and an Emmy Award® winner for Grease Live). Korins will develop never-before-seen interactive lobby elements that guests can enjoy before or after entering the gallery.

Ross captures the excitement both Disney and Lighthouse Immersive feel for the project as he describes how it begins: “Just imagine journeying through Zootopia with Judy Hopps, diving to the ocean floor with Ariel, flying on a magic carpet with Aladdin, and stepping into Casita with Mirabel and the family Madrigal. This is where the Disney Animation: Immersive Experience will take you.”

Collaborating with Lighthouse Immersive is the Creative Legacy team of Walt Disney Animation Studios, helping bring their library of films to audiences in a manner never before experienced.

The schedule of openings, on-sale date for tickets and prices will be announced at a future date. The public can sign up to receive more information at disneyimmersive.com.

Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins Jan. 27, 2023

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

October 6, 2022

As first announced at D23 Expo 2022 earlier this year, Disney 100 Years of Wonder will be the largest cross-company global celebration in the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Parks around the world will celebrate the 100^th anniversary, with the heart of the celebration at Disneyland Resort.

The Disney100 anniversary celebration will officially kick off Jan. 27, 2023, with special limited-time offerings taking place throughout the Disneyland Resort all year long.

Disneyland Resort Cast Members will be among the first to experience the new offerings with special #DisneyCastLife opportunities at the start of the celebration.

When the Disney100 celebration kicks off at Disneyland Resort, here’s just some of what you can expect, with many more details to come:

Beginning Jan. 27, the Happiest Place on Earth will receive new platinum-infused décor throughout the resort, new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more.

At Disneyland Park, Walt Disney’s original Sleeping Beauty Castle will be dressed in style for the anniversary. Celebrating wonder, the castle will be adorned with elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with their shimmering pixie dust. Two majestic water fountains will grace either side of the moat, while a beautiful wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.

Disneyland Resort guests will be dazzled by two all-new nighttime spectaculars.

“World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure Park will celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. It brings some of the most courageous, loving and inspiring characters to life in new ways. The show will also feature a new original song, “Start a Wave.”

And at Disneyland Park, Walt’s original magic kingdom will become a magnificent canvas with “Wondrous Journeys,” a new nighttime spectacular that will ignite the wonder in all of us. It will feature nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date, taking us on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart.

It will continue to build upon the park’s state-of-the-art projection effects, turning Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas that brings characters to life all around you. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” will go even bigger with the addition of sparkling fireworks in the sky above Disneyland. This spectacular will also feature an incredible new song, “It’s Wondrous.”

While Mickey’s Toontown is slated to reopen for guests in spring 2023, the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction will open early to kickoff the Disney100 anniversary celebration on Jan. 27!

In time for spring, the “Magic Happens” parade will have its long-awaited return to Disneyland park. “Magic Happens” celebrates the awe-inspiring moments of magic that are at the heart of so many Disney stories. This parade reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.

Plus, even more special entertainment moments are slated to pop up across the resort.

Additional news and details for the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort will be shared ahead of the debut on Jan. 27, 2023.

As you begin to plan your trip to visit Disneyland Resort for the Disney100 anniversary, please know that theme park reservation availability for Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park is currently paused for dates beyond Jan. 8, 2023, and will resume for guests in the coming weeks. Get a FREE QUOTE now for your Disneyland Resort Vacation.

Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry.

Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. More info Click here: Disney Destinations

L.A. Haunted Hayride Stalls in 2022

By

Russell Tom

-

October 6, 2022

L.A. Haunted Hayride rolls back in Griffith Park for another Halloween season. And sadly, in more ways than one. The annual spooky Halloween event of scary mazes, fair food, engaging characters, live entertainment, and the supposed crown jewel, the hayride itself, returns to the stretch of the park that marked ingenious design and layout from its debut last year, has somehow fumbled and tossed its pumpkins into a rotting mess.

The new and improved hayride last year was an invigorating jolt of life the event needed to welcome visitors after being held back from the 2020 season. There was so much potential to rise up from. The mothballs flew out and didn’t stick the landing. What is considered new, feels old. Is it time to put the L.A. Haunted Hayride out to pasture? We hope a few lessons are learned and major adjustments can be made for next season.

1 of 18

“New Terrifying Attractions for 2022” is proclaimed but does not clearly deliver. What exactly is regarded as “new” could be a stretch. New costumes, facade, maze name, tweaks to a maze layout, a giant figure, and a new citizen? The classic pyramid of jack-o-lanterns is positioned inside the main grounds. That’s about the best decision made when you have a line of guests waiting to get their photos.

But everyone agreed the lack of proper lighting made for dark faces. The fair food consisted of choices from Mexican, lemonade, burgers, nachos, and Cinnabon. The menu changed with the BBQ. At least it had an impressive grill themed to a steam locomotive. The ice cream truck is back with ice cream flavors to try. The pickup truck and radio station are back for photo backdrops alongside flats of a main street. The community of Midnight Falls with supernatural townsfolk, neighborhood, and businesses is becoming an underdeveloped and stagnant concept. Still a promising premise, but without any new stories to build and tell, what’s to bring guests back?

Midnight Mortuary invites guests to tour the property to see wait awaits them upon death. The facade is new and creates a more engaging entrance towards the queue. Step inside a funeral home and a wake. Try and a get special on an empty coffin. Roam through the cemetery past tombstones. A stroll inside a mausoleum would be great addition.

The morgue for embalming cadavers is the last portion of this returning favorite that still works. The end of the maze could use a change from oversized spiders and white bed sheets on mannequins. Perhaps an incinerator would fire things up or stepping into a walk-in cooler. And more victims like a live embalming, trapped in a coffin, or burnt corpse can give actors more to play with to engage guests and enhance the environment.

1 of 16

Laughterhouse is considered a “new” maze. But returning guests will recognize most of the elements here is recycled from last year’s Dead End Diner maze. The diner facade is now a backdrop for the hayride queue. The meat packing warehouse facade and name change pulls you in to a false sense of a brand new experience only to be let down. After a short interior “S” turn, guests are thrown back outside to a truck stop lot with winding covered chain link fences into a blinding fog of strobe lights.

Approaching the barn was lackluster step down from last season devoid of any build-up. The series of wooden pallet walls strikes a visual appeal, but the anticipation leads to disappointment. Gone is a demonic goat and in its place, a giant Resident Evil-like giant carrying a buzzsaw. It’s guaranteed there were probably more strobe lights to hide the minimal number of active actors. It would have been more acceptable to keep the diner facade in the beginning and conclude the maze with the meat packing warehouse.

1 of 18

Trick or Treat is tired and needs to retire from being a returning maze. The suburban neighborhood of Midnight Falls welcome trick-or-treaters. The homeowners, if they’re even around, greets you even before you ring their doorbells. Facades of the homes could still be reused as photo backdrops in the open areas of the special event. Let’s see a new scare maze set in a school with the eerie school bus that’s already here.

1 of 18

Haunted Hayride has fallen from grace. The gas station theme still works to start the journey. The first show scene is able to pull together with the spirit of Halloween giving life to the scarecrow jack-o-lanterns. After the barn, it’s still a hodgepodge of discombobulated and disjointed show scenes with disregard to cohesion. It’s been like this before, but even more apparent now that the hayride makes no show stops.

That’s right, the tractors do not stop at the scenes and just keeps driving. Some enclosed scenes had a laser light or just completely dark with no actors. Overhanging mummies look like they should be more hidden. The event commonly feels like it’s plagued with technical problems. There was a significant amount of stationary props and set pieces hiding in the dark. The guests are pulled from a glowing lake, silent guillotine, laughing clowns, UFO crash sight, a biker hangout, and inflatable spiders you can probably find from Home Depot.

The hayride needs to tell a story of why we are on this ride. Hosted by a twisted operator like Captain Spaulding? Uncovering phenomenons like Gravity Falls? A fix is needed, and quickly.

1 of 23

Monte Revolta and His Band of the Living Dead is about the only saving grace and worthy enough for a visit. Guests can pass through security and not have to present a hayride or maze ticket. People are welcome to shop in the store, grab a bite to eat, and interact with the fun townsfolk while jamming to the only live entertainment on the stage.

In fact, some of the residents could inspire their own scare mazes. For example, the exterminator could be collecting and housing bugs instead of killing them. Mayor Monte has the alluring charisma of Beetlejuice. The Midnight Falls citizens are approachable and very willing to chat and take photos with out-of-towners. Between shows, the atmosphere is dead. A live DJ would brighten up the mood between sets. The band covers musical tributes to popular horror movies. They even dress up for each number.

1 of 9

It breaks my heart to see and experience L.A. Haunted Hayride take a stumble. It can do better. It needs to do better. The Halloween event still has legs, it just needs to spread its wings. The hayride runs out of fuel and falls flat for the 2022 season. Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group perhaps suffered a fallout from putting together their new event only a few miles away in Long Beach at the Queen Mary, Shaqtoberfest.

The event runs on select nights now until October 31, 2022. Different ticket options are available from $29.99 to $109.99 for Hayride only, General Admission to all attractions, VIP for limited waits, and Platinum for immediate entry to all attractions. More information at www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com

1 of 14

All Aboard Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Game

By

Maverick Bohn

-

October 4, 2022

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Game — The Wildest Game in the Wilderness!

The Wildest Ride in the Wilderness has come to life and gone off the rails, bringing the exciting adventure of Rainbow Ridge into your home with the release of Funko Games’ Disney Big Thunder Mountain Railroad game.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SocalThrills (@socalthrills)

Just in time to celebrate the “World’s Most Magical Celebration”, Big Thunder transforms one of Disney Parks’ most beloved attractions into an incredible, immersive experience that is filled with sudden drops, stops, twists and turns. Make sure to keep your hands, arms, feet, and legs inside the mine car at all times, as this is sure to become an instant classic and game night staple!

The game features the iconic Big Thunder mountain peak, absolutely beautiful playing cards, icons, and special game pieces, each designed to bring the thrill of the gold rush to you with the classic Disney Parks charm that we all hold dear.

The game is designed for 2-4 players and takes approximately 45 minutes to navigate, featuring customizable deck building with a large assortment of variations for each player. The game also features iconic references to various Big Thunder elements, giving fans a chance to discover changes of fate, including uncovering dinosaurs, explosive dynamite, gold, and other hidden treasures.

To make the game even more exciting, we had the opportunity to take the game into the fiery trails of Frontierland and played right next to Disneyland’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, creating a fun and memorable experience that really took the Disney story to new heights. Whether you’re at home, on a Disney vacation, or gathering with friends, Big Thunder is a fantastic addition to your game collection and brings it all together with a bang!

You can purchase Disney Big Thunder Mountain Railroad game by visiting Amazon and can learn more about what’s new and upcoming from Funko Games by checking out their official site!

Don’t let the fun and games stop there though and take a peek at our exclusive look at Funko Games’ A Goofy Movie Game.

Make sure to hold onto your hats and glasses and get ready to have a blast!

The Chills and Thrills Return to Winchester Mystery House

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

October 3, 2022

Things are “Unhinged” with the return of the legendary scares of the Winchester Mystery House after a two year hiatus this holiday season. This year promises to bring new chills and thrills, featuring a brand new story line, new characters, and truly terrifying scenes never before seen!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SocalThrills (@socalthrills)

Unhinged: Nightshade’s Curse invites daring guests into a fully immersive, real-life paranormal thriller. The walk through will showcases multiple route through the darkened corridors of the infamous mansion, bringing guests face to face with some of the most bone-chilling ghouls, spirits, and scenes that have no shortage of thrilling twists and turns.

The storyline will bring guests into some of the darkest hours of the mansion, winding the clocks back to the year 1949. Madame Nightshade, the mansion’s latest proprietor, will bring new life to the haunted establishment, touring guests through the house in the hopes of bringing to light some of the house’s most terrifying mysteries, as well as give guests a chance to discover her very own Spirit Carnival, which she has convinced the town to bring to the hallowed region.

Guests will uncover the secrets of the mansion with a variety of activities, including Madam Nightshades’ Spirit Carnival, the Spookeasy Bar, and much more. Guests can prepare for scare on 13 select nights through October 31st.

You can learn more and purchase tickets by clicking this link!

“Stand Out” with Funko’s ‘A Goofy Movie’ Game!

By

Maverick Bohn

-

October 3, 2022

If you need a break from modern livin’, make sure to shed your weary load and check out Funko Games’ new twist on a classic Disney favorite with the recent release of A Goofy Movie Game. Based on the 90s cult classsic, A Goofy Movie, this family friendly game is a perfect way to relive some of your favorite movie moments, bringing to life some of the film’s most iconic moments and visuals.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SocalThrills (@socalthrills)

The game features Goofy’s official family map, passed down from Goof to Goof, giving you the keys and making you and up to 3 additional players the opportunity to be the official navigator of the Goof Family Road Trip.

As you encounter various stops and destinations, you can earn points and rank up in the hopes of being the first to make it to the highly anticipated, sold out, and sensational Powerline concert in Los Angeles.

From start to finish, A Goofy Movie Game is a perfect addition to bring on your next big trip, being easy to play and fun for all ages. The game also includes quick play reference cards to remind you of special rules and objectives, as well as beautifully designed game pieces and icons that make the game a definite collectors item. For any diehard Powerline fans, make sure to turn the game board over, as it transforms into a stunning concert poster.

Yet, the best part of the entire game is the front board design, which is as mentioned above, is a perfect replica of the very map Max and Goofy used to trek across the country on their way to Lake Destiny and Los Angeles. What path will you take, and do you have what it takes to “stand out” above the rest? Check out some of the cool features below!

Includes 6 detailed character figures- Max, Goofy, PJ, Roxanne, Bobby Zimmeruski, and of course, Powerline
Travel across the road map game board to reach L.A.
Roll the giant gold, sparkly die to see where Goofy and Powerline go!

90s visual design captures nostalgia for the film.
Original card art depicts beloved locations and moments from the movie.

Game Highlights:

Age Range: Ages 7 and up
Players: For 2-4 Players
Play Time: 30-minute gameplay

You can purchase A Goofy Movie Game at Hot Topic and any other major retailers where Funko Games products are sold. You can learn more about the game, as well as other exclusive Funko releases by visiting their official site!

“Hamilton” Musical Theatre Review

By

Maverick Bohn

-

September 29, 2022

Don’t throw away your shot to catch one of the biggest Broadway hits of all time this fall at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The musical smash, “Hamilton”, has returned to Orange County for a limited run from September 28th to October 16th.

“Hamilton” does not disappoint, delivering a stellar performance that pulls on every heartstring and emotion, weaving a brilliantly performed tapestry of talent onto the stage in a way that can only be described as unforgettable!

Coming from someone who has never had the opportunity to see this performance live and only being able to see the Disney+ release of the original cast recorded performance, “Hamilton” delivers, shaking and rattling the historic and legendary foundations of the production’s origins, satisfying in bringing the same energy, vigor, and unique qualities that made that original cast and production such an instant classic.

It all comes down to the magnetic performance of Deaundre’ Woods as Alexander Hamilton. From start to finish, Woods encapsulates every element of what Hamilton represents, not throwing away any opportunity to bring the audience closer into the heart and mind of the title character.

Yet, the best part of his performance comes from the chemistry he sets on fire with the rest of his cast, navigating the larger than life persona of Hamilton with ease, still making room in the spotlight for the rest of his ensemble; especially looking at his dynamic with Donald Webber Jr, who brought in a wonderful performance as the infamous rival to Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr.

Webber Jr was the perfect foil to Woods, dialing in all the right elements to showcase the complex and complicated relationship Burr had with Hamilton throughout the fray of the revolution and construction of a new nation. In the end, he delivered a show stopping performance, slowly and patiently building you up to the final moments with a mixture of empathy and scorn. We cannot help but love every second of it!

Regardless of some of the more serious and melancholic historical tones “Hamilton” has packed in, the laughs and whimsical moments are still plentiful, with many of the laughs coming from Paris Nix, who took the dual roles of both Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, as well as Jared Howelton for his dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton. We also cannot forget to mention Rick Negron’s King George, who in true ‘Hamilton’ fashion, brings down the house with non-stop laughter. Each of these remarkable players brings the charm and then some, making the show’s energy balanced and full of fun.

Though we have to save the best for last, as we cannot forget the where the spotlight may have shined its brightest. Morgan Anita Wood and Marja Harmon absolutely slay as Eliza Hamilton and her sister, Angelica Schuyler. Anita Wood took our breath away time and time again, while Marja Harmon’s Angelica left a lasting presence that was impossible to ignore. The core of “Hamilton” is the music, and hearing Anita Wood and Harmon’s renditions of “Satisfied” and “Schuyler Defeated”, it doesn’t take long for the audience to “look around” and find that every single note is a masterful tribute that creates a totally new experience each time!

It’s safe to say “Hamilton” is as popular and strong as ever, with the entire cast bringing their all in a limited engagement that is unlike any other. Whether you’re a “Hamilton” veteran, or have yet to see a performance, make sure to grab your tickets soon before this tour fades into the history books.

Here’s a full look at your opportunities to catch “Hamilton” below:

Show Schedule

9/29- 1:30PM/7:30PM
10/1- 2:00PM/8:00PM
10/2- 1:00PM/7:00PM
10/4- 7:30PM
10/5- 7:30PM
10/6- 7:30PM
10/7- 7:30PM
10/8- 2:00PM/8:00PM
10/9- 1:00PM/7:00PM
10/11- 7:30PM
10/12- 7:30PM
10/13- 7:30PM
10/14- 7:30PM
10/15- 2:00PM/8:00PM
10/16- 1:00PM/7:00PM

You can purchase tickets and learn more about Segerstrom’s upcoming performances by clicking here!

Hocus Pocus 2 Casts Its Spell with Newfound Magic

By

Maverick Bohn

-

September 29, 2022

On All Hallows Eve, 29 years past, a candle was lit by a virgin, unwittingly igniting a fervor and conjuring a spell everlasting with the release of Hocus Pocus. Now with almost three decades of loyal fans, the Halloween season couldn’t possibly be complete without the Sanderson Sisters. The film, which opened with a faint spark, would eventually become one of the most beloved holiday films of all time and capture the hearts of millions of mortals the world over.

Flying forward to the modern era of streaming services, countless legacy sequels. and non-stop media coverage of explosive releases like Top Gun: Maverick, it almost nonsensical not to wonder if the spell that helped lift Hocus Pocus to the status of pop culture classic could reignite the same ghoulishly delightful reception with a sequel all its own and craft a whole new reign for our favorite sisters of Salem. This Halloween season, we finally get our answer to that question.

Hocus Pocus 2 is spellbindingly spectacular, completing the impossible task of reviving the magic and mischief we all know and love from the original classic, all while weaving a new legend destined to become a spooky staple for generations to come!

It all comes from a beautiful concoction of nostalgic callbacks, new story direction, and a deeper dive into the very origins of what would become the legend of The Sanderson Sisters.

Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy charge back onto the screen with the same comedic timing, charm, and essence we’ve come to adore from Winifred, Sarah, and Mary, making the viewer really question if any time has passed at all. They do not miss a single cue, bringing back peak performances that will release an overflow of pumpkin spiced flavored serotonin.

In many ways, not much has changed for the Sandersons, as they one again crash into the modern world with a hilarious sense of innocence, struggling to catch up to the rest of us here in the 21st Century, and along with that struggle comes comedic gold and plenty of very familiar slapstick chemistry that will leave you coming to a rolling boil of laughter. All the same, the sisters have learned the lessons of their past failings, wanting a shot at redemption and to take their vengeance out on the mortals of Salem with the power of song (Yes, it wouldn’t be Hocus Pocus without a musical number) and wickedly misplaced optimism.

There is definitely more than meets the eye of a very special spell book here, and with it, Hocus Pocus 2 avoids turning into a layered graveyard of fan service and tired gags that many legacy sequels have trekked upon.

Instead, the movie branches into a fresh and unique territory that contains plenty of new and diverse elements, making it as relevant as ever. Hocus Pocus 2 shines through the expectations and holds its own Black Flame candle up proudly without the need to heavily rely on what came before.

It does this in two ways, with the first being a subtle and brief glimpse into the Sandersons’ past, as well as some additional sprinkles of character development for our very well established witches. This new element adds to the rich tapestry of the legendary tale tastefully and without diluting the core of what made the sisters so special to us all in 1993.

To do this, Disney conjures up some fresh faces that bring the young Sanderson Sisters to life, each being a perfect mirror into their older counterparts. Taylor Henderson takes the helm as young Winifred, playing alongside Nina Kitchen as Young Mary, and Juju Journey Brener as Young Sarah. Each of them bring in the laughs and will leave you wanting more. Clearly, younger versions of our favorite characters seem to be something Disney continues to strike gold with and something audiences can all appreciate.

The second element that brings Hocus Pocus 2 home is the introduction of a brand new cast and stakes, taking shape through the brilliant talent of Whitney Peak, Lilia Buckingham, Belissa Escobedo, along with Veep star Sam Richardson and Toy Story 4 and Arrested Development alum, Tony Hale. That’s not to say there aren’t other fun cameos, including the ever talented Doug Jones, who reprises his role as the clumsy and friendly zombie, Billy Butcherson.

The true standout is Peak, who steals the show and creates a magic spell all her own, going toe to toe with the legendary Midler and company without any trouble fitting right in with the veteran ensemble.

Starring as Becca, Peak opens the door for a brand new twist that drives the film to new heights of emotion and feels. Peak isn’t alone in the battle, as she gets some help from Escobedo, who does a glorious job rounding out the final touches of this wonderful new team. Not to forget some fun moments with both Buckingham and Richardson, both who stand on their own in this incredible new team with a nostalgic “passing of the torch” vibe that would make Team Dennison proud.

There is plenty in store for hardcore fans of the original, and plenty of reasons for newcomers to join in the fun. Whether or not any other surprises await will be discovered when Hocus Pocus 2 flies into its debut on Disney Plus September 30th. Make sure not to miss the spooky event of the season!

Kim’s Convenience: Theatre Review

By

Russell Tom

-

September 28, 2022

“Kim’s Convenience” sweeps up a wholesome wholesale of dramedy with family, life, dreams, and pursuit of happiness. It’s finally time to checkout more Asian stories be told on both screen and stage. Any customer of TV’s “Fresh Off the Boat” and cinema’s “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once”, should instantly buy into the market of “Kim’s Convenience”. The show focuses more on the drama which helps the audience relate to the characters more when the punchlines are given that releases the tension. This timeless and relatable story is worth the full price of admission for any audience with an immigration background.

Laguna Playhouse opens its 2022-2023 season with the California premiere of “Kim’s Convenience”, written by Ins Choi and directed by Jon Lawrence Rivera. The most successful new Canadian play of the last decade, “Kim’s Convenience” is an ode to generations of immigrants set in a family-run Korean convenience store. Mr. Kim is a first-generation Korean immigrant and the proud owner of Kim’s Convenience for the past 30 years. He runs the business with his church-going wife.

Now he’s trying desperately to grapple with both a changing neighborhood landscape and the chasm between him and his second-generation offspring. His daughter, Janet, pursues a career in photography while his estranged son, Jung, is unhappy working at a rental car company. Since its debut in 2011, the play has been a proud recipient of numerous Canadian theatre awards. “Kim’s Convenience” latter translated into the hit Canadian TV series and featured on Netflix program of the same name headed by the original writer.

Yong Kim as “Appa” establishes a character dependent on his genuine instincts to survive the real world with stubbornness and pride. Janet Song as “Umma” flowers grace and carries a bridge between father and son. Susane Lee as “Janet” struggles to keep her sanity in the tug of war between generations. Clinton Lowe in multiple roles as “Alex”, “Rich”, “Mr. Lee”, and “Mike” puts on display a rolling range of talent and harmony. And Gavin Kawin Lee as “Jung” respectively.

Mr. Kim receives an offer to buy out his store; enough to retire. He faces the potential of change and searches what actions to take. Options present themselves, but not without their own series of setbacks. The interaction between parent and child show the generational gap that strain relationships. “Appa” is from another country with traditional culture and background. He is superficial when it comes to profiling his customers and neighbors.

Janet is born and raised Canadian who has a love/hate view of her father. He does not see how mocking her dreams devalues her self-worth. She is reluctant to his advances of teaching her how to run the store. Even when it comes to taking out the trash. It was also a powerful and scary-accurate moment to witness on stage the difficulty a clueless parent has when it comes to exchanging words like “thank you”, “sorry”, and “I love you” to their child. The conversations with “Umma” is refreshingly spoken in Korean with English subtitles projected on an overhead wall for the audience.

Towards the end, closure takes a forward step with the children. Jung returns to the store after many years away. I thought for a moment the show would end right there, but thankfully there was more. “Appa” had Jung spouting Korean history. I thought maybe one puzzle was to be the year Jung was born, but that was not the case. Perhaps that would have been too cheesy? Janet’s story arch felt more wholesome and authentic. Jung’s story arch was askew and remains as such in the end.

There wasn’t enough draw to pull me in. Maybe I missed the point of Janet’s story having an affect on Mr. Kim’s attitude toward Jung. The one act stage play is presented with no intermission and runs about an hour and twenty minutes.

Playing now and ready for checkout at your earliest convenience until Sunday, October 9, 2022 at 1 pm at the Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Drive in Laguna Beach. Performances will be Wednesdays through Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 2 pm & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 1 pm & 5:30 pm. There will be added performances on Thursday, September 29 at 2 pm and Tuesday, October 4 at 7:30 pm. There will no performance on Sunday, October 9 at 5:30 pm.

Tickets range from $50 – $75 and can be purchased online at www.lagunaplayhouse.com or by calling (949) 497-ARTS (2787). Group discounts are available by calling 949-497-2787 ext. 229. Prices subject to change.

The box office is open Mondays – Saturdays between 12 pm to 4 pm; Sundays open 2 hours prior to show time until 15 minutes after curtain. Open until showtime on all performance days.

Disney Music Teams up with Deaf West Theatre

By

Socalthrills Staff

-

September 24, 2022

Disney Music Group has teamed up with Tony Award®-winning Deaf West Theatre to release an American Sign Language (ASL) version of the Billboard chart-topping song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Walt Disney Animation Studio’s Encanto, in celebration of International Day of Sign Languages, which was on September 23rd.

“The impact this film has on children cannot be dismissed. The majority of Deaf children are born to hearing families and sometimes the only exposure to the community and sign language is through videos like this. By working with Disney Music Group on expanding the access to one of their songs to the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities brings us immense pride. We’ve previously collaborated with Disney Music Group on ASL videos for World Princess Week and Encanto’s ‘Surface Pressure,’ and are excited by our continued collaborative relationship advancing inclusion,” said DJ Kurs, Deaf West’s Artistic Director.

Featuring an all-Deaf Colombian and Latinx cast, this signed video adaptation of the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” utilizes both American Sign Language (ASL) and Colombian Sign Language (LSC, Lengua de Señas Colombiana) to add additional layers of authenticity and poetry to the song.

The sung English lyrics were translated into ASL and CSL by a team of Sign Language Choreographers who worked through the text to find the best and most accurate translation into sign and once complete it comes together into a seamless ballet of sign and music.

The video features Nataly Barahona (Pepa), Andres Otalora (Felix), Donna Valverde (Mirabel and Abuela), Jasmine Garcia (Isabela), Joseph Rocha (Camilo) and Andrea Rodriguez (Dolores). The principle creatives include Donna Valverde and Nataly Barahona (ASL Choreographers), Andres Otalora (Director of Photography), and Austin Balaich (Editor).

The Encanto Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features eight original songs by Academy Award-nominated, Tony® and Grammy®-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) with an original score by Academy Award-nominated composer Germaine Franco.

The R.I.A.A. Platinum-certified soundtrack held the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 album chart for 9 non-consecutive weeks and the R.I.A.A. 3x Platinum-certified song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” topped the Hot 100 chart for 5 weeks. The soundtrack and song held the No. 1 position on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100 simultaneously for five consecutive weeks.

Founded in Los Angeles in 1991, Tony Award®-winning Deaf West Theatre (Artistic Director, DJ Kurs), engages artists and audiences in unparalleled theater experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the expressive power of sign language, weaving American Sign Language (ASL) with spoken English to create a seamless ballet of movement and voice. Committed to innovation, collaboration, and training, Deaf West Theatre is the artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing worlds and a trusted resource for authentic storytelling and casting in film, television, and video projects.

Projects include: A fresh and thrilling new adaptation of Oedipus at The Getty Villa, the groundbreaking production of Fidelio with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Gustavo Dudamel; The Solid of Life of Sugar Water by Jack Thorne; Our Town, in a co-production with the Pasadena Playhouse; Edward Albee’s At Home at the Zoo, in a co-production with the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts; Spring Awakening the Musical, which transferred from Inner-City Arts to the Wallis and then to Broadway (three Tony Award® nominations including Best Revival of a Musical).

American Buffalo (Los Angeles Times “Critic’s Choice”); Cyrano, a co-production with the Fountain Theatre (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Production); Big River the Musical (Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and Backstage Garland awards for Best Musical in its L.A. premiere, a Tony Award® nomination, and four Drama Desk Awards on Broadway); Pippin, produced at the Mark Taper Forum in a co-production with Center Theatre Group; Sleeping Beauty Wakes, also a co-production with Center Theatre Group, presented at the Kirk Douglas Theatre; Oliver! (Ovation Award for Best Musical) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Ovation Award for Best Play).

In 2005, Deaf West Theatre was selected to receive the Highest Recognition Award by the Secretary of Health and Human Services for its “distinguished contributions to improve and enrich the culture lives of Deaf and hard of hearing actors and theater patrons.

D23 Expo 2022: A Celebration of Disney Animation’s “Encanto”

By

Jeanine Yamanaka

-

September 21, 2022

One of the many star-studded panels at D23 Expo this year was the joyful and very specifically named “A Celebration of Disney Animation’s Encanto — Technology Powered by AT&T 5G”

Hosted by Tamron Hall, this panel of filmmakers included choreographer Jamal Sims, Adassa (Dolores,) Clark Spencer (President, Walt Disney Animation,) Carolina Gaitán (Pepa,) Diane Guerrero (Isabela,) producer Yvett Merino, Mauro Castillo (Félix,) writer/director Jared Bush, and Wilmer Valderrama (Agustín.)

Highlights:

Sims on the process of choreographing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno:” “It started with conversations with our directors, producers…talking about the story. For me, that’s where I connect. I have to know what the story is and what story I’m telling through movement…I really wanted to make sure that if the words went away, the movement would tell the story, you know, and so that was really important to me.”
While songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda could not be there in person, he joined the panel virtually through the magic of AT&T 5G.

Miranda: “I’m trapped in Bruno’s tower…and if you remember, they never really explained how Mirabel got down from there?” Bush: “Shh! Shh!”
Asked how he got involved with the project, Miranda said he had heard “rumblings” about a Latin-themed Disney animation piece while he was working on Moana, and told anyone who would listen that it was something he had been preparing for all of his life–“put me in that room!”
After a brief discussion about the difficulties of making a film together but apart during COVID times, Miranda reflected on the influences of the time: “…to piggyback on what you said about making this during the pandemic. It’s not lost on me that the two biggest sort of chart hits were ‘Surface Pressure’ and ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno.’ I wrote those in April and May of 2020, like at the height of this thing. I was living with my in-laws. ‘Surface Pressure’ is about how do I keep my family safe? at the bottom of the day, and ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ is about what are we allowed to talk about in front of your mother?…So I think some of that secret sauce is why that resonated with people. I think we all went through versions of those two questions, like how do we live with each other when we’re all under one roof? and how do we stay safe?“
Valderrama on seeing his character for the first time: “…You were in that room and your character pops up and it hits you in the heart so incredibly. It just goes wow that’s…that’s me, and that’s gonna be me forever. It’s a beautiful gift, and only Walt Disney Animation Studios has the capability to bring that magic to all those actors. And the memories that we remember growing up with, now we can provide to our kids. It’s unbelievable.”

The rest of the cast had similar emotional responses to their characters, and often found they shared goals and dreams with them. From Isabela’s need to let go of perfection, to Pepa’s ability to allow herself to feel whatever she feels in the moment, to Dolores’ soft-spoken, centered nature, they all found elements of themselves in the characters as well as aspirational traits they wished to take from the characters.

A special event was then announced: “ENCANTO AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL.” For two evenings, November 11 and 12, the Encanto cast will reunite to perform songs from the film in an immersive concert experience with a live orchestra and 50-person ensemble. The cast will include Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel Madrigal), Carolina Gaitán (Pepa Madrigal), Olga Merediz (Abuela Alma Madrigal), Jessica Darrow (Luisa Madrigal), Diane Guerrero (Isabela Madrigal), Adassa (Dolores Madrigal), Angie Cepeda (Julieta Madrigal) and Mauro Castillo (Félix Madrigal.) Chris Howe and Jamal Sims will direct, and the orchestra will be conducted by Anthony Parnther.

Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. PT on Friday, Sept. 23. American Express^® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning Sept. 20 at 10:00 a.m. PT through Thursday, Sept. 22, at 10:00 p.m. PT.

The panel ended with a rousing sing-along of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” perhaps giving a taste of what lucky concert-goers will experience at the Hollywood Bowl in November.

Socalthrills.com

“CATS” Musical Review

Announcing Disney Animation: Immersive Experience

Disney100 Celebration at Disneyland Resort Begins Jan. 27, 2023

L.A. Haunted Hayride Stalls in 2022

All Aboard Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Game

The Chills and Thrills Return to Winchester Mystery House

“Stand Out” with Funko’s ‘A Goofy Movie’ Game!

“Hamilton” Musical Theatre Review

Hocus Pocus 2 Casts Its Spell with Newfound Magic

Kim’s Convenience: Theatre Review

Disney Music Teams up with Deaf West Theatre

D23 Expo 2022: A Celebration of Disney Animation’s “Encanto”

Highlights:

Latest Posts

JAKKS Reveals All New Toys at SDCC

Disney Store’s Mickey Mouse Family Halloween Collection

Theatre Review: Spring Awakening

Your August 2025 Disney+ Streaming Guide

Disney Releases Trailer for “Tron: Ares”

Thunderbolts Treatz Truck Arriving in SoCal with treats