Summer is here, and the trailer for “LEGO® Star Wars Summer Vacation” is about to heat things up! The all-new animated special from Lucasfilm and the LEGO Group and the newest entry in the popular signature branded cross-saga storytelling series that began with “LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” and continued with “LEGO Star Wars Terrifying Tales,” will premiere August 5, 2022, exclusively on Disney+.
“LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation,” which is set shortly after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” features the voices of “Weird Al” Yankovic, Yvette Nicole Brown, Kelly Marie Tran, Anthony Daniels, Billy Dee Williams, and returning cast members from previous “LEGO Star Wars” specials, and includes the new original song Scarif Beach Party performed by “Weird Al” Yankovic.
Looking for a much-needed break from stormtroopers and TIE fighters, Finn arranges a surprise vacation for his friends Rey, Poe, Rose, Chewie, BB-8, R2-D2, and C-3PO, aboard the ultra-luxurious Galactic Starcruiser, the Halcyon. But Finn’s plan to have one last hurrah together quickly goes awry when he’s separated from the group.
While searching for his friends, he encounters three Force ghosts: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Leia Organa, who each share their own unexpected stories of vacations gone wrong, helping him to understand that holidays are about more than just having fun. “LEGO Star Wars Summer Vacation” features the voices of: “Weird Al” Yankovic as Vic Vankoh; Yvette Nicole Brown as Colvett Valeria; Thomas Lennon as Wick Cooper; Paul F. Tompkins as Rad; Dee Bradley Baker as Boba Fett; Ashly Burch as the Tour Droid; Kyliegh Curran as Sidero.
Anthony Daniels as C-3PO; Trevor Devall as Emperor Palpatine; Allie Feder as Sy Snootles; Jake Green as Poe Dameron; Matt Lanter as Anakin Skywalker; Ross Marquand as Han Solo; Omar Miller as Finn; Kevin Michael Richardson as Jabba the Hutt; Matt Sloan as Darth Vader; James Arnold Taylor as Obi-Wan Kenobi; Kelly Marie Tran as Rose; Helen Sadler as Rey Skywalker; Billy Dee Williams as Lando (Holovid); Matthew Wood as Ben Solo; and Shelby Young as Leia Organa.
David Shayne is writer and executive producer, and the director is Ken Cunningham. James Waugh, Josh Rimes, Jacqui Lopez, Jill Wilfert, Jason Cosler, Keith Malone, and Jennifer Twiner Mccarron are executive producers. Produced in collaboration with Atomic Cartoons.
Fans of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion ride will love all the scary-good details in this miniature build-and-display model. Part of the interior is viewable from the back, including the dining room, a chandelier and a gallery.
The set includes an exclusive Butler minifigure to add to the display. Fans will recognize paintings of the Hitchhiking Ghosts, Madame Leota and the Gravekeeper. This buildable set makes a perfect gift for miniature collectors and Disney fans of all ages.
Collectible construction set – Features a miniature display model of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion ride, complete with an exclusive Butler minifigure
Give as a gift – A gift for LEGO® fans, miniature collectors and Disney fans aged 8 and up
Display piece – Standing over 5 in. (14 cm) high, 4 in. (12 cm) wide and 4 in. (12 cm) deep, this 680-piece model features details including a chandelier and sticker paintings for the gallery
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, coming to Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif., and Magic Kingdom Park, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in late 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story. (Artist Concept)
Strike up the band because we’ve saved a seat for everyone on this musical journey with Tiana and friends! The name of the new attraction evolving from the reimagining of Splash Mountain was announced during ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The all-new adventure which will bring guests into the world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog” like never before is coming to Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland park in California in late 2024.
Walt Disney Imagineers have been frequent travelers to Louisiana while conducting extensive research to ensure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure preserves the heart and soul of the city that inspired Princess Tiana’s story. From exploring the French Market and the bayou, to consulting with academics, chefs, musicians and cultural institutions, Imagineers have received inspiration from all over the region and learned from local experts along the way.
This research was explored in detail at the French Quarter’s historic Preservation Hall during an intimate event held in honor of ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans. With its own distinct history bringing people together, Preservation Hall was the ideal location to celebrate an attraction where music and community are at the heart of a transformational journey.
The celebration included a panel moderated by Victoria Uwumarogie, senior lifestyle editor at ESSENCE Magazine. Joining in this discussion were colleagues and friends Charita Carter, executive producer of relevancy activations at Walt Disney Imagineering, Ted Robledo, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Stella Chase, daughter of the late Chef Leah Chase who inspired Tiana’s story. Guests were treated to live art demonstrations provided by emerging talent from YAYA Arts Center, an organization that engaged to commission artwork from alumna Sharika Mahdi. Music from the world-renowned Preservation Hall Jazz Band echoed throughout the hall, along with a performance by the voice of Mama Odie and living legend herself, Jenifer Lewis.
Guests are in for a true treat with local flavor when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in late 2024. As Charita Carter shared, “in many ways, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a love letter to New Orleans. Like the musical city that inspired this attraction, Tiana’s second act is about a community working in harmony to achieve something extraordinary. She reminds us of an immutable truth we can all relate to: ‘if you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way.’ And that’s a melody we can all sing along to!”
To be able to join New Orleans in the celebration of Black joy as we bring Tiana’s story to its roots is a full-circle moment. Ted Robledo added that “the joie de vivre that animates this region so brilliantly not only inspired Tiana’s journey, but also the team at Walt Disney Imagineering.” It’s our intention to do that jubilant spirit justice when advancing the storyline of Princess Tiana at our parks.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
First announced in 2020, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
In honor of the July 4th Holiday, Six Flags Magic Mountain, the “Thrill Capital of the World,” celebrates the red, white and blue with patriotic festivities on July 2-4. Coca-Cola July 4th Fest will feature live music, limited-time culinary delights, a dazzling fireworks and laser extravaganza, and your favorite collection of world-class coasters.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting three days of July 4th Fest, our favorite summer event. We’re offering entertainment for the entire family, including a nightly fireworks display, and all-American thrills,” said Park President Don McCoy. “We are proud to present this event to celebrate our country’s Independence Day, to display our American pride, and bring families and friends together for some summer fun,” he added.
Six Flags Magic Mountain is proud to present park-wide entertainment each day including:
A nightly, show-stopping fireworks show spectacularly choreographed to patriotic music at 9:15pm (viewed from the Main gate Plaza area and the Full Throttle Plaza);
The Coca-Cola “Sounds of Summer” zone, powered by Coke Studio, featuring a live DJ, an interactive photo booth, Coca-Cola sampling, games, and more;
Live music and entertainment in the Full Throttle Plaza; and
A refreshingly new Patriotic Punch beverage, available for a limited time; and
The Patriotic Punch, a blend of Sprite, blue raspberry syrup, and shimmering glitter, will be served in a special edition cup with a rock candy stirrer. It will be available for purchase exclusively at Six Flags for a limited time during Coca-Cola July 4th Fest. It’s the perfect patriotic refreshment to top off a day of thrills and fun while celebrating Independence Day at Six Flags.
Celebrate Independence Day with special Coca-Cola July 4th Fest discounted single-day tickets and save up to $20 on passes by visiting www.sixflags.com/coke.
Disney+ has revealed the key art and trailer for the third season of the GLAAD Media and Kids Choice Award-winning series “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” set to premiere on Wednesday, July 27 on the streaming service.
In addition, it was announced that Tony Award-winning actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson (“Modern Family”) and TIME Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” JoJo Siwa have been cast in guest star roles. Created and executive–produced by Tim Federle (“Ferdinand,” “Better Nate Than Ever”), this season will feature music from “Frozen,” Camp Rock” and the “High School Musical” franchises.
Season three of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is set at Camp Shallow Lake, a sleep-away camp in California, as the Wildcats and their fellow campers are primed for an unforgettable summer ripe with romance, curfew-less nights and a taste of the great outdoors. With a high-stakes production of “Frozen” on the horizon AND a drama-filled “docu-series” of the production in the works, the Wildcats will attempt to show who is “best in snow” without leaving anyone out in the cold.
Ferguson will play “Marvin,” an old family friend of Olivia Rodrigo’s character “Nini.” Fresh off of his first-ever Tony Award win for “Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play” in the revival of playwright Richard Greenberg’s “Take Me Out,” the actor, author, producer, and host is known not only for his work but for his ongoing advocacy in the LGBTQIA+ community. He starred as the widely beloved character “Mitchell Pritchett” on the award-winning “Modern Family,” for which he received five Emmy Award nominations for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series” and four People’s Choice Award nominations for “Favorite Comedic TV Actor.”
Most recently, he produced the documentary “Broadway Rising,” which premiered this year at Tribeca and executive-produced and stars in Spotify original podcast, “Gay Pride & Prejudice.” He also recently wrapped production on the thriller “Cocaine Bear,” directed by Elizabeth Banks. In March 2021, Ferguson and co-author Julie Tanous released his first cookbook, “Food Between Friends.” Ferguson recently served as an executive producer on David France’s Emmy Award nominated and BAFTA Award winning documentary, “Welcome to Chechnya.”
In 2020, he hosted the reboot of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” as well as the prestigious James Beard Awards in 2017 and 2019. In 2012, Ferguson and his husband Justin Mikita co-founded Pronoun, previously known as Tie The Knot, an organization that has proudly raised over 1.5 million dollars and has supported important and impactful LGBTQIA+ orgs across the nation.
Siwa will play “Madison,” a Camp Shallow Lake alum. A global superstar, entrepreneur, singer, television and film star, New York Times bestselling author, and social media sensation, she has over 66 million followers on social media and over 3.7 billion views on YouTube. A consumer products powerhouse, she has sold more than 80 million of her famous bows to date. In November 2018, Siwa released her first EP, D.R.E.A.M. The Music, and in 2019 she performed her first-ever tour, selling out 100+ arenas. In 2019 she released a second EP, Celebrate and JoJo’s Rockin’ Christmas in 2020.
Her wildly successful concert tour wrapped this year with 132 dates, and her latest single, “Boomerang” has been viewed over 950 million times and is RIAA certified multi-platinum. Siwa recently starred in ABC’s competition series “Dancing with the Stars,” where she made history as the first contestant to dance with a same sex partner. She serves as creative director and executive producer of the reality competition series “Siwa’s Dance Pop Revolution” on Peacock, and she stars in “The J Team,” a live-action musical on Paramount+, where she serves as Executive Producer and performs the film’s original soundtrack. She was recently announced as one of the judges for Season 17 of “So You Think You Can Dance.”
In addition to Ferguson and Siwa, the third season stars Joshua Bassett (“Ricky”), Sofia Wylie (“Gina”), Matt Cornett (“E.J.”), Julia Lester (“Ashlyn”), Dara Reneé (“Kourtney”), Frankie Rodriguez (“Carlos”), Saylor Bell Curda (“Maddox”) and Adrian Lyles (“Jet”). Also featured this season are recurring guest stars Corbin Bleu (himself), Meg Donnelly (“Val”), Jason Earles (“Dewey Wood”), Kate Reinders (“Miss Jenn”), Aria Brooks (“Alex”), Liamani Segura (“Emmy”), Ben Stillwell (“Channing”) and Olivia Rodrigo (“Nini”) as well as guest stars Olivia Rose Keegan (“Lily”), Larry Saperstein (“Big Red”) and Joe Serafini (“Seb”).
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
Seasons one and two of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” are currently available on Disney+. The series was recently green-lit for a fourth season.
“Ba-la-la-la-la.” Your favorite Personal Healthcare Companion is back and better than ever in the brand new Disney+ short form series, Baymax! Inspired by the lovable and huggable Baymax from the 2014 hit animated feature, Big Hero 6, the new show shifts our focus away from the epic super hero battles from series past to the inner workings of San Fransokyo and the people who help make the city the special place that it is. All the while, Baymax lends a helping hand and fulfills his primary programming in a beautifully written story that will be sure to please fans of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds.
In celebration of the new series debut, we had a chance to hear from the creative team behind the world of Baymax! and Big Hero 6. The panel was made up of director and series creator, Don Hall, producers Roy Conli and Bradford Simonsen, as well as the voice of Baymax himself, Scott Adsit.
When diving into the narrative direction for this series, Don Hall took the reign, explaining why Baymax! hones in on the more subtle elements of Baymax and his work as a healthcare provider. “It was very intentional not to focus on the super hero thing”, Hall stated.
Wanting a “different perspective”, the inspiration for the series took root in Hall’s childhood connection to medical dramas and procedural shows he had seen growing up. “I thought it would be a fun and funny way to look at a show about Baymax. And so, the focus would be on a patient, and it’s just that relationship.” The core would be to bring Baymax front and center, helping each person in each episode with their own personal struggles and find a way together to heal in a way that is heartwarming and full of soul.
Roy Conli added to the sentiment, wanting the series to also act as a thank you to all the healthcare workers who are still on the frontlines of all the current health crises that have brought society so much toil and anguish over the past couple of years. “Every episode is actually dedicated to our healthcare heroes because we are living in a time where our healthcare providers are in fact, heroes!”
Scott Adsid joined in the discussion, timing it perfectly in saying what the show has to offer to a wider audience. “I think it speaks to the richness of the world of San Fransokyo and that we can tell a very different kind of story with the same characters, and that could be extrapolated.” Each episode features new storylines, new characters, and new challenges for Baymax to overcome. All of it connecting in larger themes, while still carrying a standalone tale in each segment.
The result is a richer appreciation for the world of Baymax and a perfect reflection on how we can all help each other in our world. Though the world of San Fransokyo may be fictional, the stories, the struggles, and the lessons learned are very real and tie into the very fabric of community.
“You know it’s interesting. I mean, as we kind of went through and created these new characters, there’s a relatability to each one of them,” Conli stated. “And even though San Fransokyo is a kind of mythological place, it’s a very real place…I think that the big thing I was looking for is for kids to understand that, if you want to be a true hero, go out and help someone. And I think that’s kind of core to the story and hopefully San Fransokyo is infusing hope and infusing care in kids today”
“We really hope that the characters are inspiring, that Baymax is inspiring, that people take a moment to think about and care about each other”, said Bradford Simonsen.
It’s diverse, filled with so many different walks of life and journeys, each as special and impactful as the next. Most importantly, Baymax acts as an example and role model for us all, reminding us that you don’t need a rocket first or jetpack to make a difference. “It kind of left out the superhero thing and just let him be a more kind of grounded on the street type of superhero like our real healthcare,” Hall continued.
Now more than ever, it’s important to lift each other up. Baymax! does just that and will leave you satisfied with your care and will melt your heart with a warm hug that we all desperately need right now!
Catch Baymax! exclusively Disney+, now streaming all 6 episodes!
Baymax!
The new show will leave you satisfied with your care and will melt your heart in this new short form series. Baymax! delivers and is exactly what we all need right now!
Disney+ Original movie “Hocus Pocus 2,” reuniting Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, has launched the trailer and first look images.
The live-action, long awaited sequel to the perennial Halloween classic, which brings back the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters for more comedic mayhem, will debut on Disney+ on September 30.
It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. “Hocus Pocus 2” also stars Sam Richardson (“The Tomorrow War”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”), Whitney Peak (“Gossip Girl”), Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories”), Lilia Buckingham (“Dirt”), Froyan Gutierrez (“Teen Wolf”), and Tony Hale (“Veep”).
The film is directed by Anne Fletcher (“Dumplin,’” “The Proposal”) and produced by Lynn Harris (“King Richard,” “The Shallows”), with Ralph Winter (“Hocus Pocus,” “X-Men” franchise), David Kirschner (“Hocus Pocus,” “Chucky”) and Adam Shankman (“Disenchanted,” “Hairspray”) serving as executive producers.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego announced July 12, 2022 as the opening date for Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins – the biggest addition to Birch Aquarium at Scripps in 30 years.
Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins follows the world’s smallest penguins on their journey from hatchlings to adults, highlighting the challenges they face in a changing climate while celebrating the features that make Little Blues so unique (and adorable).
Little Blue Penguins are the smallest species of penguin – 10 to 12 inches tall, and weighing just 2 to 3 pounds – and are known for their unique blue color, and their big personalities. Birch Aquarium will be the only aquarium in the Western U.S. to house these gregarious seabirds.
“Many people don’t realize that not all penguins live in the ice and snow. Little Blues are from Australia and New Zealand, where the climate is surprisingly similar to ours,” said Kayla Strate, lead penguin aquarist. “We are so proud to be able to bring this species for the first time to the West Coast.”
The 2,900-square-foot exhibit is named in honor of a $1 million gift from the Beyster Family – who are long-time supporters of Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Birch Aquarium – and will include an 18,000-gallon pool where guests will observe the penguins socializing, interacting and nest building. The exhibit also includes a small amphitheater for guests to observe birds swimming, and a discovery portal where the aquarium’s youngest guests can get up close to Little Blue Penguins on land and inside their nesting burrows. Upon opening, there will be 15 Little Blue Penguins in the habitat.
“We are so very excited to be adding this amazing new experience to Birch Aquarium at Scripps. The new habitat will allow us to contribute to an international Species Survival Plan and create a fun and engaging guest experience,” said Executive Director, Harry Helling. “Little Blue Penguins will be wonderful ambassadors that can help us to engage our community more deeply and further our mission to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet.”
Little Blue Penguins are native to the coastal dunes and rocky shores of Southern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand and are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) collaborative international program called Species Survival Plans (SSP). Each SSP Program coordinates the individual activities of participating member institutions through a variety of species, research, husbandry, management and educational initiatives.
Though penguins are common in zoos and aquariums, only a handful of AZA institutions have Little Blue Penguins. They are Dallas World Aquarium, the Bronx Zoo, Adventure Aquarium, Louisville Zoo and the Cincinnati Zoo.
Celebrations for the opening of Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins begin June 30 with a preview event for Birch Aquarium donors. There will be a ribbon-cutting on July 12 when the exhibit opens to the public, as well as special events for members, media and other groups. Behind-the-scenes penguin tours will also be available to the public beginning July 26 with special access for Birch Aquarium members beginning July 19.
Birch Aquarium Info:
Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins is included in the cost of general admission to Birch Aquarium which is $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3-17. Annual memberships are also available. Advanced reservations are required for all guests, including members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information or to make a reservation.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home.
The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.
Lyle takes a trip through New York in Columbia Pictures LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE. Photo by: Courtesy of Sony Pictures
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
The movie will feature original songs performed by Shawn Mendes and written by the songwriting team behind The Greatest Showman, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul. Joining Pasek and Paul in writing original songs for the film are Ari Afsar, Emily Gardner Xu Hall, Mark Sonnenblick, and Joriah Kwamé. Directed and produced by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the screenplay is by Will Davies.
Mrs. Primm (Constance Wu) paints a portrait of Lyle in Columbia Pictures LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE. Photo by: Courtesy of Sony Pictures
The film is produced by Hutch Parker and executive produced by Kevin K. Vafi, Dan Wilson, Robert J. Dohrmann, Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, Tarak Ben Ammar and Andy Mitchell. The Sony Pictures film will release in the US on October 7, 2022.
“Everything starts and ends at Tim Hortons” states the mayor of Gander, a small town in Newfoundland as he arrives at the coffee shop to check in with the townsfolk. It is the morning of September 11th, 2001, and Gander is about to experience the most unexpected 5 days, opening their airport and their hearts to almost 7,000 strangers from all over the world.
Come From Away was imagined and created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, who ventured to Gander, Newfoundland in 2011 to interview and hear stories from locals and returning passengers who had come to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the attacks.
This Canadian musical is based on these true stories and tells a different perspective of the events that took place on 9/11, because while much of the world was glued to the images of the twin towers on their televisions, places like Gander were all-hands-on-deck, preparing to receive thousands of displaced travelers. 4,000 flights in the air were ordered to land at their nearest airport, 38 of which were coming to Gander. The townspeople were unsure how to prepare to double their town’s population in a matter of hours.
Gathering all their resources and energy, the people of Gander supplied shelter, supplies, transportation and friendly faces for the stranded passengers and their flight crews. The ASPCA helped take care of all the animals in the cargo holds, including two chimpanzees on their way to the Columbus Zoo. The Salvation Army mobilized to make food. They even cancelled hockey so the ice rink could serve as a walk-in refrigerator. In one of the largest acts of goodwill and humanity, the passengers were welcomed, busload after busload, to schools and community centers all over the island.
Many lives were changed forever during this week, as relationships changed or blossomed. On September 15th, 2001 they all left as quickly as they came—back to their normal lives—whatever that meant now. Through collective trauma and circumstance, the people made light of the situation to the best of their abilities and created lasting friendships that resulted in reunions continuing today.
I wore eye makeup to the theater and left without it. I don’t think I’ve cried this much during any show I’ve ever seen. I should add, it was almost all happy tears, because it is truly an amazing story to witness. I am not sure what was the most compelling part of the show, as the story was amazing…but the acting, singing, live music, sets, and lighting were all phenomenal. I have never seen anything like this format, with a lot of characters being played by the same 12 actors changing accents and articles of clothing to become someone entirely different.
It was easy to forget they were just someone else, as every actor was fantastic at bringing emotion and comedy to each individual character. Stand out actors for me were Julie Johnson (Beulah and others), Jenny Ashman (Beverley/Annette and others), and Kevin Carolan (Claude and others). Ashman’s performance of “Me and the Sky” was amazing.
The ensemble performance of “Prayer” was so moving, especially today in a time of so much divisiveness, because it demonstrated how the shared need to pray transcended the culture and religions of the people. “Screech In” was also a delight! With no intermission, “Screech In” is a fun pace change that also showcases both the talents of the on-stage musicians and comedic prowess of the actors.
If I were there, I would probably also kiss the fish! (You’ll see what I mean when you go see the show because you HAVE TO go see this show). “Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere” as my favorite song in the show because the vocals were absolutely beautiful.
The set was insanely simple; trees along the wings with stage lights affixed, and 12 wooden chairs with some tables. The back wall, though immobile, had two hidden doors used for many purposes. Neon bar signs were occasionally lit to bring us into the local pub or Tim Hortons.
The use of the chairs to create everything from air traffic control rooms, buses/planes, community centers, and even scenic overlooks was amazing. One scene simply used lights held by the actors and one shift of their chair’s position to go from being air traffic controllers to pilots responding to their commands. Upon the passengers’ arrival in Gander, the stage began rotating to add even more depth to quick character changes and to represent movement. The simple sets and quick movement maintained the perfect pacing of the show.
I am a sucker for Uilleann Pipes, Mandolins, and a Bodhran, and having all the musicians playing on stage behind the trees was a lovely aspect of the show because it allowed them to come into the scenes to play as appropriate to the story. Kiana June Weber is a fantastic fiddle player and was a joy to see performing in the show. Conductor Cameron Moncur was instrumental in maintaining the perfect pacing of this show along with playing three of the instruments himself.
I didn’t know what to expect seeing Come From Away and boy was I blown away. This might just be the best show I’ve ever seen. As an American seeing this show, it was heartwarming and contemplative.
I felt new gratitude for the people of Newfoundland who went above and beyond during an American crisis to ensure all people we taken care of. I felt for the people who knew people in New York and in the skies that day. As a high schooler in Southern California, I did not have a connection to the attacks on 9/11 that made it truly feel real.
This story is an important one to tell because it’s a positive piece of this horrible situation—proof that humanity transcends the pain and darkness of dark times and finds ways to support each other. I hope to take more people to see Come From Away before it’s gone. If you want your faith in humanity renewed, I hope you take the time to come from away and experience this masterpiece and the amazing cast who bring it together.
15-time All-Star and basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal and ABG Entertainment today announced a partnership with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the producers of world-class live events and location-based entertainment experiences including LA’s own Haunted Hayride, for the first-ever SHAQTOBERFEST Halloween event, taking place at the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA this October.
Officially open to the public beginning late September through Halloween, the interactive experience will be the ultimate Halloween destination for family-friendly trick-or-treating, ghoulish games, delicious treats, specialty libations, frightfully fun nighttime haunted trails and exciting live entertainment that encapsulates O’Neal’s playful personality.
“Halloween can’t come soon enough,” said O’Neal. “Thirteenth Floor Entertainment and I have some tricks up our sleeves to make this the most spook-tacular Halloween event ever!”
SHAQTOBERFEST Info
Located alongside one of Los Angeles’ most haunted landmarks, SHAQTOBERFEST will include six thrilling Halloween-themed areas for guests to explore, each featuring Halloween trails, games, live entertainment, food and beverage vendors and more. The experience will be narrated by O’Neal’s instantly recognizable voice.
“We are beyond thrilled to be partnering with Shaq and ABG Entertainment for a truly unique Halloween experience coming this fall,” said Chris Strafford, CEO and Founding Partner of Thirteenth Floor Entertainment. “SHAQTOBERFEST will be unlike any other Halloween attraction that we have ever produced, and we couldn’t be more excited to be launching it at one of the area’s most well-known locations and show our fans what we’ve created for them. Not to mention, we’re really excited to be able to produce an event in Long Beach, which has a long running history of hosting amazing Halloween celebrations.”
Each afternoon will provide family fun trick-or-treat offerings and entertainment for children of all ages who are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes. Come nighttime, the energetic lights and music turn on as the witching hour begins, unleashing O’Neal’s ghoulish minions into the haunted trails and midways as the spirits of SHAQTOBERFEST are brought to life.
“We are incredibly excited to launch the first-ever Shaqtoberfest,” said Matt Goldstein, SVP, Entertainment and Special Projects at ABG Entertainment. “Fans of all ages are going to have the time of their lives celebrating Halloween with Shaq.”
For more information and to stay up to date on ticket information, activations and location announcements visit Shaqtoberfest.com
If you love the holidays and can’t wait for the winter months to come, don’t worry, because it’s time for Halfway to the Holidays! Whatever way you celebrate with loved ones, you can get in the spirit early with festive happenings going on at Disney Parks. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled starting June 23 to make sure you don’t miss a second of the fun festivities coming up this week.
One of the best ways to celebrate is the tasty way, and we’ve got a few eats, sips, and novelties for you to get your fix until the winter comes around. From the Peppermint Churro at California Churro over at Downtown Disney District to the Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, both coasts are serving up the dishes to get you feeling in the spirit to celebrate!
Let’s see all the exciting treats making their way to Disney Parks in honor of Halfway to the Holidays.
For a limited time at Downtown Disney District, you’ll find two delicious eats to enjoy for this exciting occasion. First up, we have the Christmas Dinner Corn Dog from Blue Ribbon Corn Dogs. Beginning June 23 through 30, this twist on a classic features a corn dog made with a turkey hot dog, hand-dipped in batter, rolled in panko crumbs, and served with a side of cranberry sauce for dipping. It’s like a holiday feast on the go!
For those with more of a sweet tooth, from June 23 through 30, California Churro has the Peppermint Churro, a churro rolled in crushed peppermint and drizzled with a mint frosting topped with peppermint candy pieces. Few things give you the feeling of the season more than peppermint, and this churro sure does the trick.
At Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll also find some delightful options to choose from. At Gasparilla’s Island Grill, found at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the pastry team has brought back one of their sweet treats. From June 23 through 26, you can get a festive favorite, the Very Merry Minnie Mouse Cupcake. It’s a chocolate cupcake filled with cookies and cream mousse and topped with ganache-dipped buttercream, cookie ears, and a chocolate holiday bow. That sure does sound delicious!
If peppermint is one of your favorite flavors, then you need to take a trip over to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where The Mara is also joining in on the fun. This team has whipped up the brand-new Peppermint Bark Cheesecake, a peppermint cheesecake with a chocolate cookie and peppermint crust and whipped vanilla panna cotta. This delicious treat is also available June 23 through 26.
Are you wanting to bring the holidays home with you? If so, there’s a novelty that’s coming to Disney Springs! The Gold Christmas Tree Popcorn Buckets are back for the festivities. If you weren’t able to get your hands on them during the holidays previously, no need to fret because all across Disney Springs at outdoor vending carts, you’ll be able to find these buckets. Not to mention, popcorn is included with the purchase – what a treat! But don’t wait too long because these are only available while supplies last.
Also at Disney Springs, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Companywill be serving up not one, but two special items. From June 23 through 26, you can get the Peppermint Mocha with dark chocolate sauce, peppermint syrup, and whipped cream or the White Chocolate Gingerbread Latte, a delicious combination of white chocolate sauce and gingerbread syrup topped with whipped cream. What could be better than a little touch of the season in your coffee? These delights are also available hot or iced and can have some spirits added for those over 21.
Disney Parks Halfway to Holiday starts June 23!
*this info was reposted from the Disney Parks Blog
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