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New Concept Art Released for Star Wars Land at the Disneyland Resort

July 14, 2016 By Daniel Hale

On July 11, 2016, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts released new artwork for the Star Wars-themed land being constructed at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. The new artist rendering shows the intriguing spaceport on a never-before-seen planet in the Star Wars galaxy. The 14-acre land will be the largest-ever, single-themed land expansion at the Disneyland Resort.

The new land is part of the continual evolution at the Disneyland Resort, which entertains guests with new and beloved entertainment and attractions, seasonal overlays for selected attractions, plus new theming and regular refurbishments.

star-wars-liand-concept-art

Filed Under: Articles, Disney Press Release, Disneyland, News/Rumors, Photos Tagged With: Disneyland News » Releases, Disneyland Resort, Star Wars Land

‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’, now Open at Disney California Adventure

May 27, 2016 By Daniel Hale

The wait is finally over and, ‘Frozen – Live at the Hyperion’ is now open. Replacing the very popular Aladdin the new show has a lot to live up to. But with an opening cast and crew of more than 200, six full musical numbers and a 2,200 square foot video wall, that should make for a unforgettable theatrical experience.

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Check out some clips from Frozen – Live at the Hyperion:

 

According to the official press release, the show is directed by Tony Award® nominated Director Liesl Tommy, and features elaborate costumes and sets, stunning special effects, and show-stopping production numbers.

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Disney Creative Entertainment, the arm of Walt Disney Imagineering responsible for live theatrical entertainment at Disney Parks, has produced this new stage interpretation of “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” with all of the creativity and resources of its predecessor “Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” which ran for a remarkable 13 years at the 2,000 seat Hyperion Theater.

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As would be expected from Walt Disney Imagineering and Disney Parks, new technologies – especially with projections, fabrics and special effects — will delight audiences in new and unexpected ways.  Guests are immersed in the world of “Frozen” from the moment they enter the theater and are surrounded by a specially lit “Aurora” curtain. As the musical unfolds, the scenic design and large moving set pieces create a cinema-style energy enhanced by state-of-the-art projections that create dynamic environments for the performers. Custom sound design envelops the audience in music and audio effects. And, of course, there will be snow throughout the interior of the theater – on stage and over the audience.

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“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios “Frozen,” which is the number one animated feature of all time. It is the winner of two Academy Awards (2014) for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

“While our production of ‘Frozen’ stays true to the heart and soul of the film, we have adapted it for the stage so it’s truly a musical theater production that befits our beautiful Hyperion Theater,” said Dana Harrel, creative entertainment executive with Walt Disney Imagineering.  “The goal of this creative team is to take all audiences – including those who know the film, and those new to these characters­ – on this exciting and touching adventure with Anna and Elsa.

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“We know that for many in the audience — adults and children alike – this production will be a first or rare theater-going experience, and we want to make it as magical as possible.”

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The new adaptation features music and lyrics by the creators of the film score, Kristen Anderson-Lopez (“In Transit,” “Up Here”) and Robert Lopez (“Avenue Q,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Up Here”), and is adapted from the screenplay by four-time Tony Award® nominee Chad Beguelin (“Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” at Hyperion Theater; Broadway: “Gotta Dance,” “Aladdin,” “The Wedding Singer,” “Elf”).

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“Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” is directed by Tommy, who was recently nominated for a Tony Award® for her Broadway show “Eclipsed.” The choreographer is Christopher Windom and this is his seventh collaboration with Tommy.  The musical supervisor/arranger/adaptor is Jason Michael Webb, whose Broadway credits include “The Color Purple,” “Motown: The Musical,” “Violet,” and “Memphis.” Clint Ramos, the principal costume designer, was also nominated this year for a Tony Award® for his work on “Eclipsed.”

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“I am approaching ‘Frozen’ as I would any new work – to search the story for what resonates most emotionally,  which is the story of the relationship between Anna and Elsa, their coming of age and conquering their worst fears,” explains Director Tommy. “It’s what made the movie so intensely satisfying and fresh. The theatrical version of ‘Frozen’ that my designers and I are creating for the Hyperion builds on the film’s emotional intensity using beautiful performances, thrilling choreography and the most cutting-edge design elements.”

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A great amount of creative energies have been employed to bring “Frozen – Live at the Hyperion” to the stage.  Harrel and Tommy have assembled a team of creative talent from both Broadway and Disney to create this production. The principal designers are Robert Brill (scenery), Charles Lapointe (wigs), David Weiner (lighting), Aaron Rhyne (projections) and Broken Chord (audio), and Ramos (costumes).

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The challenge of bringing the animated non-human characters of Sven and Olaf to the stage was assigned to master puppet designer Michael Curry, who co-designed with director Julie Taymor the animal creations of “The Lion King” on Broadway, the magic mirror in “Snow White: An Enchanted Musical” at Fantasyland Theatre, and many other Disney parades, shows and projects, as well as projects for Cirque du Soleil and the Metropolitan Opera. Curry’s intricate designs created for Olaf and Sven allow the performers to connect with the characters and bring them to life on stage in new ways.

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An entirely separate two-act Broadway production of “Frozen” is currently being prepared by Disney Theatrical Productions and is slated to join Disney Theatrical’s New York productions of “Aladdin” and “The Lion King” for spring 2018 at a theater to be announced. It will have a pre-Broadway engagement starting in summer 2017 in Denver.

Filed Under: Articles, Disney California Adventure, Disney Press Release, News/Rumors Tagged With: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland News » Releases, Frozen, Frozen – Live at the Hyperion, Hyperion Theatre

Soarin’ Around the World Takes Flight This Summer at Disney California Adventure Park

May 2, 2016 By Daniel Hale

New Version of Popular U.S. Attraction Debuts in China with Thrilling Bird’s-Eye Views Of Earth’s Scenic Wonders

ANAHEIM, Calif. – Imagine a wind-through-hair flight above The Great Wall of China, a lift-your-feet-or-they’ll-touch journey over the Great Pyramids of Egypt or a seat-of-your-pants dash through the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

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These are just a few of the more than a dozen breathtaking – and innovative – ways guests will be able to experience the wonders of the world on the groundbreaking Soarin’ Around the World, which premieres June 17 at Disney California Adventure at the Disneyland Resort in Southern California, just after the attraction’s world debut at the Shanghai Disney Resort.

Soarin’ Around the World will be located in the Grizzly Peak Airfield area of Disney California Adventure, utilizing the very hanger where Disney’s original “Soarin’” attraction first flew.

As the next generation of popular Soarin’ attractions, Soarin’ Around the World is an exhilarating aerial adventure that immerses guests in a multi-sensory experience, complete with stunning sights, spectacular sounds and even subtle scents.

Guests won’t just see these gorgeous landscapes with their eyes. They’ll use all their senses to feel, smell and hear the world through this thrilling experience that could only be created by Disney.

Employing high-definition, laser-projected footage and innovative motion-based ride technology, all developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Soarin’ Around the World lifts 87 guests at a time 40 feet aloft into an 80-foot projection screen dome. The effect is that guests’ entire field of vision is filled with panoramic beauty, giving them the sensation that they are actually flying over the globe’s grand landmarks, natural and manmade.

In Shanghai the attraction goes by a different name, Soaring Over the Horizon, to better fit its location in Adventure Isle at Shanghai Disneyland because of its spirit of exploration and discovery.

Soarin’ Around the World is also enhanced by its majestic musical score, composed by Bruce Broughton, based on the original Soarin’ score by the late film and television composer Jerry Goldsmith, and performed by the London Studio Orchestra.

Filed Under: Articles, Disney California Adventure, Disney Press Release, News/Rumors Tagged With: Disney California Adventure, Disneyland News » Releases, Sorin' Around the World

Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Cars Land opens March 7th

February 25, 2016 By Daniel Hale

Replacing Luigi’s Flying Tires, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters at Cars Land is finally opening on March 7th at Disney California Adventure!

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[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Disney California Adventure, Disney Press Release Tagged With: CarsLand, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland News » Releases, Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters

Music Legend Sir Elton John To Perform On ‘The Wonderful World Of Disney: Disneyland 60,’ February 21, On ABC

February 1, 2016 By Daniel Hale

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:

Sir Elton Will Debut the Title Track from His Upcoming Release “Wonderful Crazy Night”

Fans at Home Can Participate in the Evening’s Interactive Light Shows via Sync Capabilities in the Disney Applause App; a Virtual Reality Experience From Key Park Destinations Will Be Available in the Jaunt VR App and on ABC.com

One of the most successful solo artists of all time, Sir Elton John will perform two sensational songs on “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60.” The multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician will captivate audiences in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Park by singing the Oscar®-nominated song “Circle of Life,” from Disney’s “The Lion King,” and his new song “Wonderful Crazy Night,” from his upcoming album. “The Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60,” airs SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST), on the ABC Television Network.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Articles, Disney Press Release, News/Rumors Tagged With: disneyland, Disneyland 60th Anniversary, Disneyland Diamond Celebration, Disneyland News » Releases, Sir Elton John

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