FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Brings the Magic to Fans Through Innovative Technology and Transformative PerformancesTickets for the September 3-5 Orlando show will go on sale on August 3, 2021

Orlando, FL – June 25, 2021 – Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party is bringing the magic to guests through dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air. This adventure delivers compelling storytelling through multi-leveled production numbers visits Orlando from September 3-5, 2021 at Amway Center. Tickets will go on sale on August 3, 2021 at www.ticketmaster.com.

While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is continuing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines. Face coverings are strongly encouraged, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC recommends face coverings if you are not fully vaccinated. Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here.

Additional Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party Show Details:  Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook’s treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney●Pixar’s Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men for a daring rescue in Andy’s room. Laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on tumble tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.

Join this magical search and help unlock an epic journey when Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party delivers an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

Event Location:  Amway Center, 400 W. Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801

Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting on July 27, 2021, to get the best seats available before tickets go on-sale to the general public on August 3, 2021. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.

Dates and Times of Performances:
Friday, September 3:  7:30pm
Saturday, September 4:  11:00am, 3:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday, September 5:  1:00pm, 5:00pm

To purchase tickets:
Online:  www.disneyonice.com / www.Ticketmaster.com
Phone:  800-298-4200
Box Office:  Amway Center Box Office
*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce.

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About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment® is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Sesame Street Live!, DreamWorks Trolls The Experience and Jurassic World Live Tour. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

• GODSPELL
• Starlight Theater
• Kansas City, Missouri
• June 22, 2021

45 years ago tonight, the musical “Godspell” opened on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theater.  It had been performed in workshops and on the road since 1971 so this year actually marks the show’s 50^th Anniversary.  What a great show to celebrate the return of live musical theater to Kansas City.

Most people know the show thanks to the song “Day by Day,” which was a hit on the radio in the summer of 1972, but may have never seen the show.  The story basically tells the story of Jesus, from beginning to end, in song and with a surprising amount of humor.  Obviously the show has been “punched up” since 1971, and jokes revolving around COVID, Netflix and the Kardashians hit their mark.  There’s even a brief mention of one of the “other” biblical musicals, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which, along with “Jesus Christ Superstar,” completed the Biblical Musical Trifecta!,

With a musical score by Stephen Schwartz, who also created “Pippin” and “Wicked,” the show is an ensemble extravaganza, with each cast member creating their own identity.  What made the show special was that every actor on stage had Kansas City roots.  The entire cast was brilliant but I’d like to give special mention to Eric Geil (Jesus), Patrick Lewallen (Judas) and Shon Ruffin (Shon), whose amazing voice reminded me of the great Nell Carter. 

As usual, Starlight was most accommodating to the audience, with a beautiful night to go along with a beautiful presentation.  “Godspell” continues its run in Kansas City through Sunday, June 28.  You can buy tickets HERE.

Quite simply, “Godspell” is a blessed return to musical theater!

The Legendary SoCal Band Announces Their First-Ever Graphic Novel Available to Preorder Now Featuring Special Editions With Covers By Longtime Sublime Artists Opie Ortiz and DJ Product ©1969

Z2 COMICS continues to roll out news of some of their most ambitious projects yet, with today’s announcement of the RYAN CADY-written graphic novel chronicling the misadventures of one of the most defining bands of the last three decades, the Long Beach, reggae-punk institution, SUBLIME!

The laid-back Long Beach trio spawned an entire genre—fusing reggae grooves, punk grittiness, ska energy, back-porch folk introspection, and hip-hop swagger.  

Those disparate sounds first collided back in 1988, when the gregarious Bradley Nowell paired up with a sturdy, simpatico rhythm section—bassist Eric Wilson and drummer Bud Gaugh—and quickly amassed a cult following in the SoCal scene.  Sublime found their niche at house parties: uniting Rastas, surfers, skaters, frat boys, cholos and ink-covered outcasts with a free-flowing melting pot approach that, much like the region itself, was impossible to pigeonhole.  The band goes from playing backyard parties and selling cassettes out of the trunks of their cars to creating an entirely new and revolutionary blend of chart topping music. 

Xanadu meets Superbad in this heartfelt anthology of SUBLIME legends brought to life by RYAN CADY (Green Lantern, Poppy’s Inferno), AUDREY MOK (Archie), ALEX DIOTTO (Youth), HAYDEN SHERMAN (Angel & Spike), LOGAN FAERBER (‘Namwolf), rising stars BILL MASUKU,ROBERT AHMAD and more. Featuring brand-new cover artwork by SUBLIME family members OPIE ORTIZ and DJ PRODUCT ©1969! Plus: the one and only LOU-DOG!

SCOTT SEINE, of Sublime’s management company Surfdog/DKM, adds “We knew the band’s iconic music always had the added elements behind it of their history of hijinks, anti-authority attitude and follow-no-rules lifestyle, and this combination would make for an amazing comic book the fans would cherish. So a Z2 Comics collaboration was a no-brainer.”

“When you grow up in SoCal like I did, Sublime’s music is this powerful background radiation, permeating the culture” says writer RYAN CADY. “You hear it everywhere. Opie’s sun is everywhere–stickers of it slapped on taco stand walls, sharpie-tagged inside of every high school bathroom, screen-printed in every possible iteration. I saw these guys like neighbors, and as I research the human moments underneath their phenomenon with Bud and Eric, I get to share that feeling with everyone who picks up the book.” 

Publisher JOSH FRANKEL says “The gritty California sounds of Sublime transcended location and musical genres to foster a state of mind in listeners from coast to coast and beyond.  Our book will highlight Sublime’s vast musical influences and behind-the-scenes stories, all centered around the unbreakable bonds of friendship, and continuing in the tradition of essential graphic biopics we established with our GRATEFUL DEAD and CHARLIE PARKER releases last year.” 

Decades after Nowell’s untimely death, they remain an institution: They’ve sold over 20 million albums to date; their music still fills the airwaves and their merchandise, emblazoned with the iconic sun logo, dominates sales at retailers across America. 

Most importantly, the music remains timeless—a rite of passage for misfit listeners who refuse to color within the lines of conventional genre.  

The SUBLIME: $5 AT THE DOOR graphic novel clocks in at 120 pages and will be released in a standard soft and hardcover editions in comic shops and bookstores alike in June 2021, with a special deluxe edition, and highly limited super deluxe edition available for preorder now exclusively through the Z2 website! Deluxe and super deluxe edition include a special first-time vinyl edition of the Doin’ Time EP, unavailable elsewhere, as well as exclusive prints, Lou-Dog toy and more!

Ben Brainard is a comedian with a natural ability to make any crowd laugh. Originally from Daytona Beach, and now living in Orlando, Ben has toured across the country. He’s also produced several shows for Army Reserve units. During quarantine, Ben found viral success producing “The Table,” a sketch comedy series about how the various states of the US are handling current events.

Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Ben about his sketch comedy and also his upcoming tour dates and secret upcoming project!!!

Patrick Hinds is known best for co-hosting the hit podcast “True Crime Obsessed”. Well, he is launching a companion podcast to ID’s hit series “Disappeared” called “Obsessed With: Disappeared.” The series will be co-hosted by himself and Broadway star and Patrick’s friend of 20+ years, Ellyn Marie Marsh (“Pretty Woman: The Musical,” “Kinky Boots”.)

“Obsessed With: Disappeared” will recap episodes of Investigation Discovery (ID) Channel’s hit series “Disappeared” in a comedic and witty tone, with perpetrators always the butt of the joke. Starting with Season 1 / Episode 1, the show will cover infamous subjects like Maura Murray, The Springfield Three and Tanya Rider. The series will be similar in format to Hinds’ hit podcast True Crime Obsessed, which now sees 3.5M+ downloads a month. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Patrick and Ellyn and the show and find out what to expect.

Channah Zapotoczny: On May 27^th you are launching a new podcast called “Obsessed With: Disappeared” – tell me a little about the new podcast?

Patrick Hinds: Ellyn and I go way back. We have been best friends for twenty years. I make another podcast called True Crime Obsessed, where we recap true crime documentaries. The cases that always fascinated me where the ones with missing people. Ellyn is this incredible creative force. She is this Broadway actress, but she does like a million other things. I have always wanted to make something with her. When I heard of this show “Disappeared”, which focuses around missing people, I thought this could be it. Ellyn is also fascinated with true crime and she’s really funny. I thought maybe we could take formula that we have perfected with True Crime Obsessed, which is recapping documentaries and apply that to the show “Disappeared” and then Ellyn and I can be together, laugh and make a podcast about these missing people.

Channah: Ellyn, what drew you to this series?

Ellyn Marie Marsh: Well, everyone loves to have their opinions and have them be heard. This is pretty much the perfect platforms for two hams like Patrick and myself. We are both creative people. Patrick has published books and has done podcasting. We have always supported each other. He is always front row at one of my shows, but we have never been able to coordinate working together. We are both super ambitious and tend to over commit ourselves. We are always go-go-go and have been for so long and finally Patrick said to me that we need to do something together. It was just a matter of making the time to do it and committing to do it. We both love this medium of podcasting. We already have so much history and banter to our everyday life that we should just put this on a platform. It was just the right time and the right thing. It was always something we wanted to do, to join forces and do this together.

Patrick: Ellyn, I don’t know if this is same for you because you have done so much but I have never done a project with a person that is my exact personality type match. With True Crime Obsessed, Gillian is a little more reserved. She is a little more thoughtful that me. Ellyn and I are like screaming and laughing at each other and it is something to be seen.

Ellyn: I don’t know if that good or bad [laughing]. We definitely have to adjust the decibel levels of all of our podcasts.

Channah: So, is that what we can expect for this podcast, the fun laughter and banter?

Patrick: I will say this, I have been professionally recapping stuff now with True Crime Obsessed for three years. I feel very confident, as I am the one editing the shows also, that I am very good with the structure of the show. A lot of the things are the same. We are very funny and laugh a lot, but we also care very deeply about the cases. We never victim blame or victim shame. One of the things we are trying to do, is that many of these cases have never seen solved. So, we are trying to be another opportunity to see the sun again. You never know who will hear an episode of the podcast, who knows something. That is a real thing that could definitely happen. So, you can definitely expect us to be loud and funny and very Broadway. But also, we take the cases very seriously as well as the medium of podcasting. This is not off the rails three-hour long episode. They are very structured, but they are fun at the same time.

Ellyn: We are both deeply sensitive people. A lot of these episodes are with parents recapping about their children and that does get us. We are finding laughter and humor in unsuspected places. I think that dichotomy works really well. We are not ignoring that these are sometimes sad situations but mostly wrapped up in detectives that have done things wrong or funny things about the documentary has been made. We are always going to find humor and levity in those moments.

Patrick: Yeah, it is definitely a different take. There are a lot of great missing persons podcasts out there that are very serious and straight forward and I love those podcasts too. But we have found a way to inject humor as a way to make these stories palatable and disgustable and I think we do a good job with that.

Channah: Each episode of ID’s Disappeared is between 40-45 minutes long, should we expect the podcast to be about the same length?

Patrick: We are figuring that out. What we want to be apart of the podcast is our decades of friendship without being that type of podcast that meanders into off the beaten path stories. As the editor it is a little bit of a tricky thing for me to figure out what to keep and what to cut. We will certainly be doing outtakes. Some of the stories told, we will find a way to make them mini or bonus episodes. I would say the episodes length would be 40-50 minutes that is what we are aiming for.

Ellyn: We are both also avid podcast listeners and the 45 minutes mark is a good spot that draws you in enough but doesn’t go on and on. Patrick has doing this way before True Crime Obsessed and has perfected making an arc out of the story.

Patrick: And if there is one thing, we learned from True Crime Obsessed is that people love the bonus material. None of it gets thrown away permanently. We will just find another way for you to hear it.  

Channah: That was going to be one of my questions, will you have a Patreon that you can give the extra material on?

Patrick: “Obsessed: Disappeared” is our second new podcast in the Obsessed Network, which I created with my husband Steve. The whole idea of the network is to produce podcast about things that people are obsessed with. Obviously, this falls under that category because people are obsessed with true crime and people are obsessed with the show “Disappeared”. We definitely will have a way on the network to do bonus episodes. We are trying to figure this all out now.

Channah: For those wanting to follow along at home will you be doing the series in order starting season 1? Or will you be jumping around?

Patrick: No, we are going to go straight through from the beginning. And as soon as the world goes back to normal in the world, we will be going live shows as well for this.

Channah: You two have been friends for over 20 years – what do you think that brings to this podcast that others just can’t compete with?

Ellyn: [laughs] The great thing about it is that Patrick and I are in such different worlds, he is more in the podcasting world and I am more in the Broadway world. We both come with a set of very loyal fans. I am so excited to dish about young Patrick to all of his fans. His fans love him so much and I am just ready with all the drunken stories and embarrassing moments.

Patrick: I think about making True Crime Obsessed with Gillian. We started making that podcast right after we met, and I didn’t know that Gillian was funny [laughs]. There was a bit of a learning curve getting to know her and which buttons to push or not push and with Ellyn I know all of that already. There is a deep level of knowledge and history and experience. It is really very sybiling-esque.  There is just a lot of history there.

Channah: Speaking of Broadway, I like to do a fun question – if each of you could pick your dream role on Broadway, what would it be?

Ellyn: I don’t think my dream role has been written yet. There are so many roles like Evita. You think of those parts and they are equated with such legends. You think of Evita and not think of Patti LuPone. So, I feel like I am fulfilling someone else’s dream. So, it is always a goal in the Broadway community to be involved with an original company of something. I have been in a bunch and I think it is great to make your own work. I think my part will be playing Ellyn Marsh in Ellyn Marsh: The Musical [laughs].

Patrick: I would want to be the standby in Ellyn Marsh: The Musical [laughing]. I don’t have the talent to do this, I wish I had the talent to play any role that Norbert Leo Butz played. He was great in “Catch Me If You Can” and has a great song and tap number, also “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”. Anything that Norbert Leo Butz has been in for sure.

Channah: What do you want fans to know coming into this podcast?

Patrick: Just that I am the funny one [laughs].

Ellyn: And the skinnier one [laughs].

Patrick: I am in general hotter, that is all.

Ellyn: I think Patrick and Gillian perfected the comedy true crime podcast. We really break down more of the surrounding factors and by no means laughing at anybody remotely associated with the victim.

Patrick: We take the cases very seriously. We are looking to bring more awareness to it. It is very funny and you are going to laugh a lot but we take the crime seriously.

“Mean Girls” is a musical based on the 2004 movie that was written by Tina Fey. The musical premiered in Washington, D.C. in October 2017 and opened on Broadway in April 2018. If you are thinking “Seriously they made a musical for Mean Girls?”, this show has no shortage of talent from the award-winning creative team, including Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). This show is packed with energy and devilish humor that will leave you howling.

From upbeat anthems like “Apex Predator” and “I See Stars” to the songs that show the difficult side of being a female like “What’s Wrong With Me,” the music never stopped. The female leads in the show, especially Mary Kate Morrissey (Janis), Danielle Wade (Cady), and Mariah Rose Faith (Regina George), all had unique singing voices that were nothing short of impressive. In addition, the show decided to use digital screens for quick set changes which led to seamless transitions when changing from classroom to classroom and location to location in the middle of a song. The comedic timing in the show, especially by Karen – played by Jonalyn Saxer, kept you laughing throughout the entire show. There was even a scene with the Lion mascot that had the audience laughing so hard some were in tears. Overall, the show captured the life of a teenage girl in a way that had you sympathizing, laughing, and swaying along to the amazing music.

Official Premise: Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

The show is playing at the Walt Disney theater from February 25–March 1, 2020. If you are able to get tickets, this is a show that is not to be missed. Overall this musical is just plain fun. You find yourself smiling and laughing till it hurts. Due to the success of the musical production it was recently announced that a film adaptation of the musical was being produced. So expect more of “Mean Girls” in the coming years!

Join us on February 28, 2020, at 6 pm in SoHo, NYC to celebrate the amazing artwork of Ron English with some very special exclusive releases! 

English’s most iconic figure, The McSupersize, meets the greatest MC of all time… Introducing the ultimate bootleg Hip-Hop Mashup… The Big Poppa!​

Limited to just 75 pieces worldwide, the much-anticipated release of the Classic colorway will be available exclusively at this pop-up event!

To celebrate this historic drop, we are also releasing a number of amazing crystalized versions of the Big Poppa with crystals from Swarovski!!

Teaming up with I am Retro and Swarovski, we will have a very limited amount of Classic Colorway and Gold & Black Big Poppas in all their crystal glory. The Classic Colorway collaboration is fully crystalized, featuring over 4000 crystals each, hand-embellished by the masterminds at Swarovski’s design lab in Manhattan. There will only be fifteen of these beauties available and are a MUST-HAVE for any serious collector of Ron English’s work. The Gold and Black version is accented with Swarovski crystals for those who just want a taste of bling!

Now that the Oscars dust has settled, it’s time to take a look at how we here at Media Mikes, readers and writers alike, voted for our top cinematic achievements of 2019 in our 9th Annual Media Mikes Awards

“Joker,” Todd Phillips’s dark look at the origins of Batman’s greatest enemy, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood,” Quentin Tarantino’s fable about the summer of 1969 and Sam Mendes’s enthralling WWI drama, “1917”, topped our lists with two awards each.

“Hollywood” took home the big prize as the year’s Best Picture and also nabbed Best Supporting Actor award for Brad Pitt. “Joker” earned wins for Joaquin Phoenix as Best Actor as well as Best Original Score, written and composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir. “1917” earned the award for Best Director for Sam Mendes and was also recognized for its cinematography by the legendary Roger Deakins.

Additional winners included Reneé Zellwegger as Best Actress for her portrayal of Judy Garland in “Judy” and Scarlett Johansson as Best Supporting Actress for her work in “JoJo Rabbit.”

“Toy Story 4” was chosen as the year’s Best Animated Feature.

This year saw more than 3,000 readers submit their choices in the seven top categories, check out the complete list of our winners below

Reader Voted Awards Went to…

Best Picture – “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Best Director – Sam Mendes, “1917”
Best Actor – Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
Best Actress – Renee Zellweger, “Judy”
Best Supporting Actress – Scarlett Johansson, “Jojo Rabbit”
Best Supporting Actor – “Brad Pitt, Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Best Animated Feature – “Toy Story 4”

Awards chosen by our Media Mikes writers went to…

Best Original Screenplay – Bong Joon Ho and Han Jin Won, “Parasite”
Best Adapted Screenplay – Greta Gerwig, “Little Women”
Best Documentary Feature – “David Crosby: Remember my Name”
Best Cinematography – Roger Deakins, “1917”
Best Original Score – Hildur Guðnadóttir, “Joker”

Composer John Williams, who recently earned his 52nd Academy Award nomination, was name the recipient of this years Media Mikes Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who voted!

“Disney’s Aladdin” is one of my favorite movies and it is also one of the only Disney plays that I haven’t seen on Broadway. It opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on March 20, 2014 and since then has become the 11th highest-grossing Broadway production of all time (as of May 2019), grossing over $400 million…and still going strong. The show is currently running from January 22nd through February 9th at the Dr. Phillips Center and it is a MUST SEE for the whole family.

Official Premise: From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Aladdin features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer). Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), this “Fabulous” and “Extravagant” (The New York Times) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris).

Orlando native, Michael James Scott, played the role of the Genie and easily stole the show. Michael isn’t new to playing this role after though after being apart of the original Australian Cast (2016-2017), as well as taking on the U.S. National Tour (Jan-Aug 2018), took over the West End (Aug 2018-Feb 2019), and Broadway (Feb-Sept 2019). So as far as I am concerned Michael James Scott is the Genie. I literally loved every second he was on the stage. Such energy and such love for his craft.

Speaking of returning cast Jonathan Weir, who played Jafar in the original US tour cast as well taking over the reigns on Broadway. There was no shortage of talent on this stage. Jonathan was a riot with his companion Iago, played by Reggie De Leon. Together they both commanded the stage. Jonah Ho’Okano, who plays Aladdin, is also fresh off the boat from playing the lead in the Disney Cruise Line version of “Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular”. So he is also no stranger to the character.

The costumes are outstanding. There are so many quick changes that will leave you amazed as to how it is done. The colors are just so vibrant from the costumes to the set, which are also super elaborate – especially the Cave of Wonders. I absolutely loved the Cave of Wonders set. It was stunning and so well put together. Also “Whole New World” song was super impressive with the flying carpet, which I have no idea how it was done. This was a really beautiful moment of the evening.

Since this show running for a few weeks at Dr. Phillips Center, there are still plenty of time to get great seats for upcoming shows and Media Mikes had the tips for you to experience this amazing show. There are still great seats available for the following shows on Wednesday January 29th-Friday January 31st and from February 4th through Saturday February 8th. If you can make any of those shows, I cannot recommend any more to not miss this show. I had a smile on my face from the moment it started until the moment it ended. Definitely some magic happened at Walt Disney Theater.

• “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
• The Kauffman Center – Kansas City, Missouri
• January 21, 2020 

Oh, how sweet it is! Filled with colorful costumes, magical set designs, and wonderful songs that will put a smile on your face, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” now performing at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center in Kansas City, Missouri, is a terrific musical the whole family can enjoy. Based upon the 1964 children’s novel of the same name by British novelist Roald Dahl (1916-90), “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” was first adapted for the silver screen in 1971 and then again in 2005 before premiering as a musical in 2013 in London.

 The musical version takes us to Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory where, after being shut up for 40 years, the legendary chocolatier (Cody Garcia) decides to venture out into the real world to find an heir. Disguised as a chocolate shop owner, Willy ends up befriending, in a small way, a local boy named Charlie Bucket (Ryan Umbarila). Charlie lives an impoverished life just down the block with two sets of grandparents, who never leave their bed, and his widowed, overworked mother. 

Charlie is a dreamer to the tenth degree and so, it’s only natural that he becomes enamored with the idea of getting a Wonka chocolate bar in order to get a golden ticket. The five lucky recipients of which will get to go on a tour of Willy’s factory with the chance to win a lifetime supply of chocolate. Of course, the whimsical and quirky Willy has other plans. Charlie ultimately proves himself to be a good-hearted lad, especially when compared to the other four children who reveal themselves to be brats, each meeting their own unique, laughable fate during the tour. 

The first half of the show contained a couple of heartfelt moments between Charlie and his Grandpa Joe (Steve McCoy) that pulled at the heartstrings. Umbarila had an overall nice stage presence but was overshadowed a bit by McCoy’s charismatic delivery of his comedic lines. Despite Charlie’s underdog nature, the most fascinating character remained Wonka himself. However, his portrayal during the first act was a little flat, which was accompanied by a sluggish pace even with a few entertaining dance sequences. 

The true highlight of the night’s show was the second act. It was fun, lively, colorful and thoroughly entertaining. Garcia delivered a superb performance down the stretch run with a portrayal that was reminiscent of a blend between Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp. Supported by a solid orchestral performance, the musical’s second act was punctuated by well-choreographed Oompa Loompas who generated the biggest laughs of the night. 

In the end, don’t wait for a golden ticket in a candy bar to see “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” because it will be gone before you know it. 

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” runs in Kansas City at the beautiful Kauffman Center through January 26th. For tickets in KC or for the rest of the tour, click HERE.

Los Angeles, CA — Romantic Rock’s highly anticipated Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show makes its return to Los Angeles later this month, with a grand opening night and red carpet artist reception onSaturday, December 21 at Self Help Graphics & Art. This annual art exhibition celebrates the fine art and photography of creatives who share a passion for both music and art, and this year has partnered with Vans Footwear to give back to the community through “The Art Of Shoes.” 

“The Art Of Shoes” will feature one-of-a-kind designs painted onto Vans shoes by Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show participating artists and other iconic punk rock musicians. Each pair of Vans shoes will be auctioned off, starting at $200 per pair, with all proceeds benefiting The Sidewalk Project, a Los Angeles non-profit whose initiative is to enrich the lives of the Los Angeles houseless community. “Each band and artist that is a part of this project is giving their time to support both The Sidewalk Projectand Punk Rock & Paintbrushes, and we are SO honored to have every single artist joining us,” says Emily T. Nielsen, founder of both Romantic Rock and Punk Rock & Paintbrushes. “Every artist on this project is connected to us and that is what this is about…the punk rock ART community.” 

Musicians and artists participating in “The Art Of Shoes” at the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: Mike Ness of Social Distortion, Noodles of The Offspring, Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy, Matt Skiba of blink-182 and Alkaline Trio, AlisonMosshart of The Kills, Dan Pawlovich of Panic! At The Disco, Warren Fitzgerald of The Vandals, Eric Melvin of NOFX, ChristianJacobs of The Aquabats, Jennie Cotterill of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, Pete Dee of The Adicts, Matt Hensley of Flogging Molly, Eric Wilson of Sublime, Jason Cruz of Strung Out, Jared Watson of DIrty Heads, Jen Razavi of The Bombpops, Johnny Ness, Soma Snakeoil, Steve Caballero, ChadCantColor, and Chris Shary + LoriHerbst. 

These wearable works of art will be available online for early bidding starting on Saturday, December 14 at www.32auctions.com/SIDEWALK. On December 21 at the 

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show opening night, the shoes will be on display with updated prices reflecting the online bids. The auction will be open for onsite live bidding until 11pm on December 21st, and again the next day from 11am to 4pm. On December 22 at 4pm the auction will close, and shoes will be awarded to the highest bidders. 

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show will feature multiple original works, prints and more from select artists in the music community including Tim Armstrong, Matt Henlsey, Carla Harvey, Jim Lindberg,AlisonMosshart, Soma Snakeoil, Natalia Fabia, Johnny Ness, Sara Wright, and many others, along with music from special guest DJs including Noodles of The Offspring, Jonny “Two Bags” Wickersham of Social Distortion, Stacey Dee of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, and Joe Sib of SideOneDummy Records. The night will also boast a full cocktail bar, a coffee booth featuring Oakland Coffee, red carpet, photo booth, live body painting, and more. 

To RSVP to this all ages event, please visit: https://prpb2019.eventbrite.com The Punk Rock & Paintbrushes art exhibition will also be open on Sunday, December 22 from 11am to 5pm, and will feature musical performances from Warren Fitzgerald (of The Vandals) and friends of “The Sidewalk Project,” DJ RyToast of Tyrone’s Jacket, Bent Duo and State To State. 

Sponsors for Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Holiday Art Show include: Oakland Coffee (founded by Green Day), AO Hemp (owned/founded by Nathen Maxwell of Flogging Molly), Punk Rock Bowling, The Sidewalk Project, KROQ, Vans Footwear, and Jägermeister.

Premier Conference and Trade Show for the Global Attractions Industry Takes Place at the Orange County Convention Center Nov. 18-22

ORLANDO, Fla., US (Nov. 18, 2019) — IAAPA Expo 2019 (formerly IAAPA Attractions Expo), the global attractions industry’s premier event, opens today at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Hosted by IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, this year’s event features more than 1,100 exhibiting companies from around the world filling 585,000 net square feet of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. More than 38,000 global attractions industry professionals from over 100 countries are expected to attend to learn, buy, and network.
 

“We’re thrilled to bring together the global attractions community for IAAPA Expo,” said Hal McEvoy, president and CEO, IAAPA. “The attractions industry continues to thrive around the world, and the strength, growth, and passion of our dynamic industry is reflected right here. We have an outstanding line-up of special events, speakers, and educational programming along with our amazing, diverse trade show floor. It’s going to be an exciting week.”

Trade Show Floor

More than 1,100 exhibiting companies will display the latest products and services in 125 different business categories on the trade show floor, including 130 exhibits in the adjacent “Exploration Station” and outdoor displays.

Education Conference and Special Events
Throughout the week, IAAPA Expo offers more than 100 educational experiences on a wide range of topics as of the event’s robust education conference. Attendees will learn from world-renowned industry experts, make new connections, and build their international networks.
 
Special events include the sold-out GM and Owners’ Breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 20, featuring Christine Duffy, president, Carnival Cruise Line. The sold-out IAAPA Celebrates event will take place at Universal’s Islands of Adventure on Thursday, Nov. 21.
 

Additional highlights include “Lunch and Learn: The Emergence of Authentic Reality” featuring George Walker, creative director, Universal Creative Studio; “Game Changer: Creativity is the New Attraction” featuring Vince Kadlubek, co-founder of Meow Wolf; and “Coca Cola Presents: How to Become Self Made and Have a Rich Life in Every Way” by Nely Galán, entrepreneur and author.

Participants can take part in more than 50 events highlighting member constituencies and regions, including the Opening Reception, Latin American Reception, Asia Pacific Breakfast, European, Middle East, Africa Reception, Water Park Social, Family Entertainment Centers Reception, and much more.

In addition, annual IAAPA awards will be presented throughout the week, including the IAAPA Hall of Fame Awards, IAAPA Service Awards, and IAAPA Young Professional Award. The 2019 IAAPA Brass Ring Awards ceremony, one of the global attractions industry’s most prestigious honors, will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Press Conferences
IAAPA Expo is where news happens. Attendees will be among the first to learn the latest industry news as exhibiting companies debut and unveil new products, host live demonstrations, and announce what’s new during press conferences from the trade show floor. This year, more than 30 exhibiting companies are hosting press conferences announcing new advances in rides, technology, products, and services in the global attractions industry.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

10:20-10:45 a.m. – Rocky Mountain Construction / Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Booth 4006

10:55-11:20 a.m. – Maurer Rides / Carnival Cruise Line, Booth 4803
11:30-11:55 a.m. – ETF Ride Systems / LEGOLAND New York, Booth 5140

12:05-12:30 p.m. – Great Coasters International, Booth 2273
12:40-1:05 p.m. – Zamperla, Booth 2024
1:15-1:40 p.m. – Triotech / Knott’s Berry Farm, Booth 1954
1:50-2:15 p.m. – Premier Rides / SeaWorld Orlando, Booth 5100
2:25-2:50 p.m. – Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), Booth 1066

3:00-3:25 p.m. – Extreme Engineering, Booth 3266

3:35-4:00 p.m. – Brogent Technologies, Booth 5710

4:10-4:35 p.m. – Alterface, Booth E7041

4:45-5:10 p.m. – Luna Park in Coney Island, Booth 2031

Wednesday, Nov. 20

10:20-10:45 a.m. – The Producers Group / Extreme Engineering, Booth 872
10:55-11:20 a.m. – Polin Waterparks, Booth 847

11:30-11:55 a.m. – Infinite Kingdoms, Booth 2261

12:05-12:30 p.m. – MajorMega / Hersheypark, Booth 4631

12:40-1:05 p.m. – Talon Simulations, Booth 2980

1:15-1:40 p.m. – Intercard, Booth 2206

1:50-2:15 p.m. – Lagotronics Projects B.V. / Ride Entertainment, Booth 5427

2:25-2:50 p.m. – Virtuix, Booth 2686
3:00-3:25 p.m. – Bay Tek Entertainment, Booth 1015

3:35-4:00 p.m. – CAVU Designwerks, Booth 584
4:10-4:35 p.m. – Falcon’s Creative Group, Booth 1373

Thursday, Nov. 21

10:20-10:45 a.m. – Simworx, Booth 3069

10:55-11:20 a.m. – WhiteWater, Booth 2254
11:30-11:55 a.m. – LAI Games, Booth 1034
12:05-12:30 p.m. – Hownd, Booth 1073

12:40-1:05 p.m. – Simtec Systems GmBH, Booth 1783

1:15-1:40 p.m. – Embed, Booth 1336

1:50-2:15 p.m. – Walltopia, Booth 1686

2:25-2:50 p.m. – SEVEN, IAAPA Central

3:00-3:25 p.m. – Valo Motions, Booth E7141
3:35-4:00 p.m. – Virtual Room USA, Booth E7401

4:10-4:35 p.m. – Rebound Unlimited, Booth 3606

4:45-5:10 p.m. – TrainerTainment, Booth 1735

Friday, Nov. 22
10:20-10:45 a.m. – Arihant Water Park Equipment, Booth 1844
10:55-11:20 a.m. – VFX, Booth 140
12:15-12:40 p.m. – Ride Engineers Switzerland, Booth 3472

About IAAPA Expo 2019
IAAPA Expo is the premier conference and trade show for the global attractions industry, including amusement and theme parks, where visitors spend $45.2 billion around the world. IAAPA Expo 2019 will draw more than 38,000 industry professionals, including more than 24,000 decisions-makers and buyers from more than 100 countries to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, Monday, Nov. 18 through Friday, Nov. 22. The 585,000-net-square-foot trade show floor will be open Tuesday, Nov. 19, through Friday, Nov. 22. Additional information is available at www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAExpo. #IAAPAExpo

About IAAPA 
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents more than 6,000 attraction, supplier, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are located in Orlando, Florida, US. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Hong Kong, China; Shanghai, China; Mexico City, Mexico; and Alexandria, Virginia, US. To learn more, visit www.IAAPA.org or connect through social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA. 

Escape to Margaritaville is a musical that was first performed in 2017 in New Orleans and premiered on Broadway in 2018. The show features music and lyrics by legendary singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett and is based on a book of the same name by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia (My Name is Earl, Raising Hope) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (Survivors Remorse, Shameless). The show features both original songs and Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and many more.

The show focuses on Tully Mars, who works as a singer at run down hotel on a small island in the Caribbean called Margaritaville. He is always meeting new girls but never has any intention of keeping relationships after the tourists leave…that is until he meets Rachel. She comes onto the island with her friend for a Bachelorette party and a mind focused on her career. With the help of Tully, Rachel lands on island time and the two fall in love…but what happens after her trip comes to an end. Can the couple stay together or is it just another week long fling?

FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando Presents Escape to Margaritaville – The Jimmy Buffett Musical is playing at the Walt Disney Theatre at the Dr. Phillips Center from November 12-17, 2019. This is a show that I have been waiting to see since it first premiered in New Orleans in 2017…and I was not disappointed. I consider myself a Parrothead and I have seen Jimmy Buffett live as often as I can. There were a few of us “crazies” in the audience tonight, I caught eye of a lady dressed in a cheeseburger costume. This is not your typical play audience. The songs screams to be sang along to and the the music makes you move around in your seats. It should not be taken seriously. It is cheesy, dumb and self aware of how silly it is in certain parts. I had a lot of fun with this show and it is definitely a fun time to be had.

I want to point out that the sound at the Dr. Phillips Center was on point and the music was perfectly balanced. I remember seeing shows on the Bob Carr Theater and if you were too far back it was very hard to hear. The sets were simple but definitely delivered the vibe of Jimmy Buffett and his lifestyle. The bar set was my favorite. I loved the new originals songs as well. They blended well with the classics. If you are a Jimmy Buffett fan, this is a must see for any Parrothead. But don’t worry even if you are never heard half these songs before, like my fiance, you could still enjoy the show. My fiance is new to the music of Jimmy Buffett music and she still enjoyed the show just as much as I did. So if you can don’t miss this show. Grab a margarita and kick back and relax!

Act I
“License to Chill”
“Fins”
“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”
“Ragtop Day”
“It’s My Job”
“Why Don’t We Get Drunk”
“Three Chords”
“We Are the People Our Parents Warned Us About/The Natives Are Restless”
“Son of a Son of a Sailor”
“My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink and I Don’t Love Jesus”
“Medley: Coconut Telegraph/Last Mango in Paris/Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes”
“Margaritaville”

Act II
“Volcano”
“Grapefruit—Juicy Fruit”
“He Went to Paris”
“Cheeseburger in Paradise”
“Tin Cup Chalice”
“Love and Luck”
“Come Monday”
“A Pirate Looks at Forty”
“One Particular Harbor”

• THE SIMON & GARFUNKLE STORY
• The Kauffman Center – Kansas City, Missouri
• October 22, 2019

For the curious, the best selling album of 1967 was “More of the Monkees.” I’ve got it. In 1969 it was Iron Butterfly’s “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.” Got that one too. AND I’ve got the best selling album of 1970, as well as 1971 and 1972. That album is Simon & Garfunkle’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and it is one of the almost 30 songs showcased in the new show “The Simon & Garfunkle Story.”

As the show opens we meet Paul Simon (George Clements) and Art Garfunkle (Andrew Wade), two school chums who enjoy singing together. They open the show with “The Sound of Silence,” the first of their many successful hit singles. Paul and Artie take turns telling their story, going back to when they recorded the song “Hey, Schoolgirl” under the name Tom and Jerry (a bit of trivia I already knew). As the stories are told, they are highlighted with a video display of the various time and era being recalled.

Both actors were outstanding. Mr. Clements was not only in great voice, pretty much nailing Simon’s sound, he also showed himself to be an excellent guitar player. Mr. Wade appears to be channeling Art Garfunkle, seemingly being able to mimic his stances and cadence with ease. He also has the unenviable task of trying to pay tribute to one of the greatest voices in music history, a task he undertakes, and completes, perfectly.

The first act concentrates on their earlier music (“I Am a Rock,” “Homeward Bound”) while the second act take the audience through their greatest period, from “The Graduate” to the end. While it was great hearing all of the songs featured (both hits and album cuts), the highlight for me was when Mr. Wade brought the house down with an amazing rendition of one of the greatest songs ever written, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The two stars are backed up by an amazing group of musicians who each contribute a highlight or two to the show.

I’ve been lucky enough to have caught Paul Simon in concert a few times. Sadly, I never got to see him live with Art Garfunkle. Until tonight.

“The Simon & Garfunkle Story” is currently on tour. For information on where you can catch it, click HERE.

SET LIST: The Sound of Silence, He Was My Brother, Hey, Schoolgirl, Bleecker Street, Kathy’s Song, I Am a Rock, Richard Cory,, Somewhere They Can’t Find Me, The Big Bright Green Pleasure Machine, Patterns, For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, Homeward Bound, Scarborough Fair, The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin Groovy), Mrs. Robinson, A Hazy Shade of Winter, Voices of Old People, Old Friends, Punky’s Dilemma, America, Fakin’ It, Cecilia, Keep the Customer Satisfied, The Only Living Boy in New York, 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover/You Can Call Me Al/Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard, Late in the Evening, Baby Driver, Bye, Bye Love. ENCORE: Bridge Over Troubled Water, The Boxer.

• “Dear Evan Hansen”
• The Music Hall – Kansas City, Missouri
• October 15, 2019

I’m going to borrow Anna Kendrick’s introduction of “Dear Evan Hansen” at the 2017 Tony Awards to describe the show best: “A letter never meant to be read that tells a lie never meant to be told.” Exactly.

Evan Hansen (an AMAZING Stephen Christopher Anthony) is a young man about to start his senior year in high school. We meet him sitting in his room, his arm in a cast from a tree-climbing accident, working on a letter…to himself. Evan has had some issues in his life and part of his therapy is to write himself a positive letter each day. But he’s not feeling positive. Evan is shy and quiet and friendless. He lives with his hard working mother – when she’s not working she attends classes to be a paralegal – and feels all alone in the world. He writes his letter, but it’s not positive. And when it’s finally read, it changes Evan’s life in ways he never intended.

Winner of 6 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Dear Evan Hansen” is a show that will make you examine your life and the choices you made in it. Taking place on an almost bare stage with an abundance of video screens, “Dear Evan Hansen” shows the impact a simple misunderstanding can make in a world dominated by social media.

The cast is superb. Mr. Anthony repeatedly brought the audience to tears with his portrayal of a boy who wants desperately to be loved and accepted. The supporting cast is equally strong. As Evan’s mother, Jessica E. Sherman portrays a woman who only wants the best for her son but can’t find the way to tell him. Her love is obvious to everyone but Evan and you can feel the pain she feels by not being able to communicate with Evan. Take away the music and this show would have won a Tony for Best Play.

But the music is there and it is amazing. With so many Broadway shows using either popular tunes or adapting from films, it’s a treat to see an original show with an original idea. If you want to see Broadway at it’s best, you can’t go wrong with dropping “Dear Evan Hansen” a line!

“Dear Evan Hansen” runs in Kansas City through October 20th. For information on the show and other upcoming tour dates, click HERE.