Category Archives: Youth

Hollywood Theatre, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Life and Style, Musical Theater, Pantages Theater, Youth

4TH ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS CEREMONY WILL BE HOSTED AT HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE ∙ MONDAY, JUNE 1, 2015

May 20, 2015 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Hollywood, Calif. – The Nederlander Organization and Hollywood Pantages Theatre announced today preliminary nominees for THE 4^TH ANNUAL JERRY HERMAN AWARDS, a celebration of the achievement and excellence in high school musical theatre in Los Angeles. Final nominations in all production and performance categories will be announced on Tuesday, May 26^th.

Photo/ http://www.jerryherman.com

The annual awards show will be hosted by KABC-7 Reporter George Pennacchio at the Hollywood Pantages on Monday, June 1, 2015 at 7pm. All tickets for this awards celebration are $25 and are now on sale to the public online at www.JerryHermanAwards.com, www.HollywoodPantages.com/JHA2015,www.Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1–800-982-2787 or at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Blvd). Group tickets are available atwww.PantagesGroups.com or by calling 866-755-3075 Mon-Fri; 10am-5pm PT.

Presenters from the worlds of Broadway, film & television currently confirmed to present awards include Corbin Bleu, Roger Bart, Kevin Chamberlin, Rico Rodriguez, Raini Rodriguez, Renée Marino, Jared Gertner, Jai Rodriguez, Josh Sussman, Lisa Ann Walter & Davis Gaines. Additional celebrity presenters and other special guests are expected to be announced soon.

KABC-7 REPORTER GEORGE PENNACCHIO RETURNS AS EMCEE.

THE 4^TH ANNUAL JERRY HERMAN AWARDS is directed by John Bowab, with Musical Direction by Gerald Sternbach and Musical Staging by Patti Colombo. Director of Education and Outreach is Paul Gleason, and the event is produced by Martin Wiviott.

This year’s recipient of the Ed Lester Lifetime Achievement Award is Los Angeles Arts Educator, and L.A. Opera Legend, Suzanna Guzman, who will be receiving the award from last year’s recipient, Paul G. Gleason.

Following in the tradition of year’s past, THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS has invited four high schools to perform musical numbers during the awards program. Palos Verdes Peninsula High School will perform “Transylvania Mania” from Young Frankenstein, Oak Park High School will perform “And the Money Kept Rolling In” fromEvita, New Community Jewish High School will perform the opening number from The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Chaminade College Preparatory High School will perform “Gaston” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

All schools participating in THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS are given the opportunity to send a leading man and leading lady to audition before a panel of judges, who determine the winner of the Best Actor and Best Actress categories. Winners in these two awards categories will represent Los Angeles at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards in New York City, where they will participate in a week long workshop and eventually compete for the coveted “Jimmy” Award; named after the owner of Hollywood Pantages: James M. Nederlander. This year’s panel of judges includes Kenny Ortega, Cathy Rigby, Kay Cole, Nancy Dussault & John Bowab.

Preliminary Nominations for the 4^th Annual Jerry Herman Awards

During an eight month period this school year, over 32 eligible productions from 29 high schools were attended by adjudicators and scored in multiple creative, technical and performance categories, much like Broadway’s Tony^® Awards. Final high school productions are currently expected to conclude by Sunday, May 24^th.

For a full list of competing high schools and current breakdown of nominations, please visit www.JerryHermanAwards.com. Please Note: Final nominations in all performance and production categories will be announced on Tuesday, May 26^th.

THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS is a local celebration dedicated to recognizing, encouraging, and rewarding achievements and excellence in high school musical theatre. It is the local award ceremony for THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS, also known as The Jimmys, which take place annually at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in New York City. This year, the national awards show will take place on Monday, June 29^th.

THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS has a run time of 2 Hours and 45 Minutes and is recommended for all ages. (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 2½ years of age will be admitted to the theatre.)

For more information on THE JERRY HERMAN AWARDS, please visit www.JerryHermanAwards.com.

For tickets or more information about THE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS, please visit www.nhsmta.com.

Hollywood, Hollywood Legends, Hollywood Legends and Memories, Joan Rivers, Los Angeles, Star Watch, Youth

Musings on the life of beloved comic icon, Joan Rivers

September 4, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

By Margie Anne Clark

Words cannot express the sadness at the untimely death of Joan Rivers, she will be greatly missed. She’d probably be joking about it, but sadly there are few if any comics left that could say it as dead on and funny as she could.

Joan Rivers fan, Margie Anne Clark, talking with the comic icon at her book singing of Diary of a Mad Diva at Barnes and Noble the Grove Los Angeles in the summer of 2014. — Margie Anne Clark getting ready for a fan picture while talking with the legendary Joan Rivers at the comic icon’s book signing of ‘Diary of a Mad Diva’ at Barnes and Noble Bookseller at the Grove Los Angeles on July 10, 2014. The event attracted throngs of fans, young and old alike.

She was a force of nature – smart, witty, intelligent, always making such clever connections in her jokes and it’s sad that she had to go out this way when she was in such good health and at the top of her game. But maybe she would have had it no other way …. Her ‘Fashion Police’ attracted a multi-generational audience. She was loved by young and old alike. She was too young to go, she was one of a kind. She was a Joan Ranger in the truest sense that no matter how old you are, you can always work and bring good to the world. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to meet her, she was so great to her fans at her book signings. She said it best: “What pleasure you feel when you’ve kept people happy for an hour and a half. They’ve forgotten their troubles. It’s great. There’s nothing like it in the world. When everybody’s laughing, it’s a party.” – Miss you tons Joan Rivers! This Joan Ranger salutes you!

Fun Theme Park Rides, Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood, Youth

Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride now open at Universal Studios Hollywood for summer fun!

June 29, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Hollywood, Calif. – Experience Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and join Gru, his daughters and the mischievous Minions on a heartwarming and hilarious 3-D ride. Start your adventure in Gru’s home, where you’re recruited for his latest scheme – one where you’ll become an actual Minion.

After making it through “Minion training” things don’t go as planned! Within moments, you’re launched into an unforgettable trip through his super-villain laboratory.

The laughs keep coming after the ride with an interactive, Minion-inspired dance party.

Then, visit a re-creation of the first film’s memorable seaside carnival, Super Silly Fun Land, an all-new, over-the-top outdoor family play zone.

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/attractions/despicable-me-minion-mayhem/

http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/whats-hot/

California, LA Music Scene, Musical Artists, Pantages Theater, Star Watch, Youth

GREEN DAY’S GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL EVENT CELEBRATES L.A. RETURN AT HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES ONE WEEK ONLY – MAY 13 – 18, 2014

May 1, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Los Angeles Life and Style Entertainment News

Hollywood, Calif. – Hollywood Pantages Theatre is pleased to announced a lottery ticket policy for Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT, which returns to L.A. for a limited one week engagement; May 13 – 18, 2014.

The production will conduct a pre-show lottery at the box office, making a limited number of tickets available at $25 apiece; cash only. This lottery will be held prior to every performance. Entries will be accepted at the box office beginning two and a half hours prior to each performance; each person will print their name and the number of tickets (1 or 2) they wish to purchase on a card that is provided. Two hours before curtain, names will be drawn at random for a limited number of tickets priced at $25 each; cash only. Only one entry is allowed per person. Cards are checked for duplication prior to drawing. Winners must be present at the time of the drawing and show valid ID to purchase tickets. Limit one entry per person and two tickets per winner. Tickets are subject to availability. For more information, please visitwww.HollywoodPantages.com/Lottery.

AMERICAN IDIOT, a 2010 Tony Award^®-nominated Best Musical and 2010 GRAMMY Award^® winner for Best Musical Show Album, features the music of Green Daywith the lyrics of its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong. The book is by Armstrong and Michael Mayer and direction is by Tony Award^®-winner Mayer (Spring Awakening).

Individual tickets for AMERICAN IDIOT may be purchased online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. The Hollywood Pantages Theatre is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am except for holidays.

Winner of two Tony Awards^®, AMERICAN IDIOT is the story of three boyhood friends, each searching for meaning in a post 9-11 world. Through incredible spectacle, thrilling performances and with the hope embodied by a new generation, AMERICAN IDIOT has given audiences the time of their lives night after night since its Broadway run at the St. James Theatre (March 2010 – April 2011) and its subsequent national tour, which launched December 2011 in Toronto.

“Since its inception, audiences have been surprised by the emotional journey the show takes them on, told almost exclusively through Green Day’s songs, including many they are already familiar with and love,” said Tom Hulce, producer. “This is such a potent time for our country and the search of our characters for what to believe in is gorgeously celebrated through Billie Joe and Green Day’s wonderfully lush score,” he added.

The musical features the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track “American Idiot” from Green Day’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum album. Also included in the score are several songs from Green Day’s 2009 release “21^st Century Breakdown,” and an unreleased love song, “When It’s Time.”

AMERICAN IDIOT premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in September 2009 and played through November of that year. In April 2010, the musical opened on Broadway where reviews were unanimously positive with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times calling the show “the most adventurous musical to brave Broadway in the past decade” and the Toronto Star naming it “the first great musical of the 21^st century!”

The acclaimed creative team also includes choreography by Olivier Award-winner Steven Hoggett (“Black Watch”) and orchestrations and arrangements by Pulitzer Prize-winner Tom Kitt (“Next to Normal”). The Tony Award^®-winning scenic design by Christine Jones and the Tony Award^®-winning lighting design by Kevin Adams will also be featured in the tour.

The performance schedule for AMERICAN IDIOT is Tuesday through Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm. Opening Night is Tuesday, May 13^th at 8pm.

AMERICAN IDIOT has a running time of 1 hour and 35 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 13 and up. (Please note that in consideration of audiences, no one under 5 will be admitted to the theatre.)

Orchestra level tickets for AMERICAN IDIOT start at just $45. Prices are subject to change without notice.

For more information on AMERICAN IDIOT, please visit www.AmericanIdiotTheMusical.com.

For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of AMERICAN IDIOT, please visit the Pantages Theatre’s official website,www.HollywoodPantages.com.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates: MAY 13 – 18, 2014

Theatre: HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES THEATRE
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Performance Schedule: 8 PERFORMANCES ONLY!

Tuesday – Friday at 8pm

Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm

Opening Night: Tuesday May 13^th at 8pm

Ticket Prices: Orchestra level tickets start at just $45

Ticket prices subject to change without notice.

Running Time: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes with No Intermission

Parental Advisory: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

In consideration of audiences, no one under 5 admitted to the theatre

Tickets: Online: HollywoodPantages.com or Ticketmaster.com

Phone: 1-800-982-2787

In Person: Hollywood Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10am)

and all Ticketmaster Outlets

Description: The smash-hit musical AMERICAN IDIOT tells the story of three lifelong friends, forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Based on Green Day’s GRAMMY® Award-winning multi-platinum album and featuring the hits “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “21 Guns,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday” and the blockbuster title track, AMERICAN IDIOT boldly takes the American musical where it’s never gone before. With direction by Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening), choreography by Steven Hoggett (Black Watch) and orchestrations and arrangements by Tom Kitt (Next to Normal), the result is an experience Rolling Stone declares “a groundbreaking musical event!”

http://www.americanidiotthemusical.com

California, Family Resorts and Theme Parks, Hollywood, International Entertainment News, Travel, Travel and Resorts, Youth

Universal Studios Hollywood set to open much-anticipated arrival of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” April 12, 2014

March 31, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Studios Hollywood^SM announces the much-anticipated arrival of “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,” a 3D Ultra-HD movie motion-simulator adventure. Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me will come to life in Hollywood in an attraction modeled after the one in its sister park, Universal Orlando Resort® – with the addition of a few surprises unique to the Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM

“Based on the consumer feedback at our sister park, we expect the ‘Despicable Me’ ride experience to be a popular, family-friendly attraction for Universal Studios Hollywood. The ride continues the story line of the main characters from the blockbuster film through all-new 3D Ultra-HD animation, together with an interactive ride vehicle system,” said Larry Kurzweil, President and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Hollywood. “In ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem,’ our guests will experience the hilarious and heartwarming characters of the beloved film in a whole new way.”

The fully immersive experience will debut in 2014 with the loveable cast of leading characters that have captured the laughter of audiences worldwide: super-villain Gru, his adorable girls (Margo, Edith and Agnes) and the unpredictably hilarious Minions.

“The ‘Despicable Me Minion Mayhem’ attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood will continue to push the creative envelope with its exceptional show content, sight gags, special effects and 3D digital animation. The exterior treatment will feature even more thematic and colorful creative touches that will literally place park guests inside Gru’s world,” said Mark Woodbury, President, Universal Creative.

Guests will experience whimsically themed queues, preshow videos and comedic dialogue that set up the fundamental plot: Gru schemes to create more mischievous Minions from human recruits.

Guests will be transported into Gru’s house as they meander through his living room and encounter visual elements as seen in the film – including the moon-shrinking SR-6 shrink ray – while they zig zag through a zany adventure featuring Gru’s super-villain laboratory. The exciting journey continues as they swerve, bounce and plunge to get through the frantically humorous Minion training mission while donning specially designed 3D Minion goggles. Fun and frolic continue in a post-show dance party where Minion walkaround characters invite guests to strut their stuff in an impromptu Minion-inspired dance party.

“Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” was produced in collaboration between Universal Creative and Illumination Entertainment, and was recently honored as Best Animated Special Production at the 2012 Annie Awards, which recognizes Outstanding Achievements in the field of Animation.

Universal Studios Hollywood^SM, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.^SM, includes a full-day, movie-based theme park and Studio Tour; the CityWalk®entertainment, shopping and dining complex, the Universal CityWalk Cinemas, the “5 Towers” state-of-the-art outdoor concert venue, and the Gibson Amphitheatre concert and special event arena. World-class rides and attractions include the intense, award-winning ride, “King Kong 360 3-D” on the famed behind-the-scenes Studio Tour, “The Simpsons Ride^TM,” “Revenge of the Mummy^SM —The Ride” indoor roller coaster and “Jurassic Park® —The Ride,” as well as the award-winning, critically acclaimed mega-attraction, “Transformers™: The Ride—3D.”

By Universal Studios Hollywood

California, Family Resorts and Theme Parks, International Entertainment News, Los Angeles, Travel, Travel and Resorts, Youth

Disney Parks Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of ‘it’s a small world,’ Invites the World to Join a Global Sing-along at SmallWorld50.com

March 30, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

It's-A-Small-Road — It's a Small World--Disney Parks is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its iconic a small world attraction with a global celebration that benefits UNICEF. Capturing the happy, peaceful spirit of children everywhere, the attraction, which debuted at the 1964 World's Fair, now entertains guests at five Disney theme parks worldwide. Fans around the world are invited to join the celebration at SmallWorld50.com where they may record videos of themselves singing a small world and create virtual dolls in the style of those from the attraction. The celebration continues April 10, when hundreds of voices from the Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will be united in a global sing-along.

Sing the Iconic Song, Make a Digital Doll to Benefit UNICEF

NEW YORK/ANAHEIM, Calif./LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla./TOKYO/PARIS/HONG KONG – March 21, 2014 – In a historic, global event, guests and cast members at Disney Parks around the world will unite in song to

celebrate the 50th anniversary of “It’s a Small World,” the classic Disney Parks attraction that opened as a tribute to peace and hope at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Fans from around the world can join the festivities in a first-of-its-kind, online global sing-along at SmallWorld50.com.

On Thursday, April 10, 2014, hundreds of voices from Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan, Disneyland Paris in France and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will sing the unforgettable theme song of the “happiest cruise that ever sailed the seven seas.”

Fans around the world also are invited to join the global sing-along virtually. SmallWorld50.com launches today as a “global hub” of music and harmony where guests may record videos of themselves singing the classic song and create virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to benefit UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). UNICEF provides health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more to children around the world.

” ‘it’s a small world’ has inspired hundreds of millions of people through its timeless theme,” said Tom Staggs, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Every moment of every day there are Disney guests enjoying ‘it’s a small world’ somewhere around the globe. The 50th anniversary of this attraction represents a celebration of the shared optimism, hope, and humanity of people throughout the world.”

New Video Features People Around the World Singing “It’s a Small World”

To help announce the celebration, Disney Parks released a video featuring people around the world singing, dancing to and playing “It’s a Small World.” Filmed across six continents in more than 25 countries, the video features international “performers” – including bagpipers in Scotland, Bollywood movie actors in India, a firefighter in New York City, and members of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – to create one worldwide video.

That video and others will be part of the launch of SmallWorld50.com, the global website for the attraction’s anniversary. Fans around the world are encouraged to participate online by recording on the Small World 50 website videos of themselves singing “It’s a Small World” and by creating virtual “it’s a small world” dolls to share with their friends through social media.

The Walt Disney Company will donate $150,000 to benefit UNICEF in honor of the 50th anniversary of “it’s a small world,” plus $1 for every sing-along video recorded on SmallWorld50.com and another $1 for every virtual doll created on the website, up to $100,000. Disney began its relationship with UNICEF in 1964 with the debut of “it’s a small world” at the New York World’s Fair. More recently, Disney and UNICEF have worked together to create a brighter tomorrow for thousands of children through programming that helps foster imagination and creativity.

Throughout the day, Disney Parks also will sponsor Google Hangouts that invite people from around the world to participate in the anniversary events. Fans are encouraged to visit SmallWorld50.com for details.

Disney Store adds to the Golden Anniversary celebration with the “it’s a small world” doll collection, inspired by the original Fantasyland attraction, and stores nationwide will offer fans a chance to celebrate at “it’s a small world” events. From Thursday, April 10, to Sunday, April 13, children are invited to visit a participating Disney Store to take a journey on an imaginary boat ride around the globe, learning how to say “hello” in various languages and singing “It’s a Small World” along the way. Guests are encouraged to call their local Disney Store or visit DisneyStore.com to confirm participation and details.

The Creation of a Classic

One of the most beloved attractions in the history of Disney Parks, “it’s a small world” is featured at all five Disney Resorts around the world. The original attraction premiered at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City, created by Walt Disney himself and WED Enterprises, which eventually became Walt Disney Imagineering (the creative masters behind Disney theme parks and attractions).

The attraction features a gentle boat ride through a Lilliputian land populated by colorfully dressed Audio-Animatronics dolls representing children from many regions of the world singing a simple song about universal harmony. A team of WED artistic geniuses, including Disney Legends designer Mary Blair and costumer Alice Davis, created its now iconic style.

In 1963, Walt Disney was asked to create an exhibit for the 1964 World’s Fair to salute UNICEF and children around the world. With Walt’s blessing, Marc Davis, one of the original Disney animators, designed the boat ride attraction through the regions and countries of the world. The first version of “it’s a small world” entertained and thrilled more than 10 million visitors in New York from 1964-65. In 1966, after some major enhancements, including an enlargement of approximately 33 percent, the attraction found a permanent home at Disneyland in California.

In the attraction, hundreds of dolls “sing” the familiar song, “It’s a Small World,” in five languages (English, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Swedish). Academy Award® winning composers Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, who won two Oscars® for their work on Disney’s feature film “Mary Poppins,” were asked by Walt Disney to create a simple, yet catchy piece that could be sung in many different languages while guests traveled by boat through the attraction. The resulting song, “It’s a Small World (After All),” became one of the most well known and happiest of all Disney tunes.

– See more at: http://disneylandnews.com/2014/03/21/disney-parks-celebrates-the-50th-anniversary-of-its-a-small-world-invites-the-world-to-join-a-global-sing-along-at-smallworld50-com/#sthash.TV8LUChZ.dpuf

https://disneyland.disney.go.com

Art Exhibits, Santa Clarita, Youth

Santa Clarita Hosts International Young Authors and Artists Exhibit

January 9, 2014 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

Santa Clarita, Calif. – The City of Santa Clarita and the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Program will host a unique display of art and literary works of students from all over the United States and abroad. This exhibit features the winners and finalists of Sister Cities International’s (SCI) Young Authors and Artists Showcase 2013. It is touring the United States for a year and Santa Clarita is proud to sponsor this exhibit in the Valencia Library Community Room from January 23 to February 20, 2014.

The display will highlight an essay written by Santa Clarita’s Ashley Choi, which won SCI’s national grand prize. It also features an artwork from Santa Clarita’s Sister City in Sariaya, Philippines, which was chosen as one of five international finalists.

The Young Authors and Artists Showcase is part of Sister Cities International’s annual youth programming. This competition gives students (13-18 years old) the opportunity to express their ideas of global citizenship, cross-cultural communication, and global issues through art, an essay, or a poem. The Santa Clarita Valley International Program (SCVIP), through its Sister Cities Program and in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita, offers this unique opportunity to local students. The 2014 contest in Santa Clarita is currently underway, with entries due to SCVIP on April 15, 2014.

SCVIP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to “connect local to global.” It focuses on the development of sister city relationships and projects that promote mutually beneficial strategic alliances and international goodwill between the people of Santa Clarita and people of international cities/countries. Santa Clarita has two sister cities – Tena, Ecuador, and Sariaya, Philippines.

For information on this exhibit or on the 2014 Young Authors and Artists Showcase, please call (661) 286-4157 or (661) 255-4317, email scvip@santa-clarita.com, or visit scvipsantaclarita.org.

California, Hollywood, Hollywood Legends and Memories, Musical Theater, Pantages Theater, Theater, Youth

Disney’s ‘Lion King’ returns to the Los Angeles at the Pantages in Hollywood, circle of life continues in time for the holidays.

November 23, 2013 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

News from the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood

The Los Angeles – return of Disney’s THE LION KING opened Friday at at the Hollywood Pantages for a limited eight-week engagement through January 12, 2014. Hollywood Pantages General Manager Martin Wiviott says “The Circle of Life is once again complete as THE LION KING returns to its Los Angeles home. From its initial debut here in 2000 until now, the excitement and enthusiasm for this spectacular stage production hasn’t diminished, but has instead grown by leaps (of the gazelles) and bounds. All of us here at the Hollywood Pantages look forward to a holiday season full of good cheer and great theatre. Welcome home, Lion King!”

Individual tickets for THE LION KING may be purchased online at www.HollywoodPantages.com or www.Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 1-800-982-2787. Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Hollywood Pantages Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. The Hollywood Pantages is located at 6233 Hollywood Boulevard, just east of Vine Street, and the box office opens daily at 10am except for holidays. Groups of 15 or more may inquire about pricing and availability by visiting www.PantagesGroups.com or calling 1-866-755-3075. Premium Ticket Packages, which include prime seat locations, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.

The Holiday Performance Schedule is as follows: November 29 – December 1, 2013: Friday at 2pm & 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm and Sunday at 1pm. December 23, 2013 – January 5, 2014: Monday & Thursday at 7:30pm,Friday & Saturday at 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm.

Photo by Joan Marcus, courtesy Pantages Theatre

THE LION KING began as a 1994 animated feature-length film developed and produced by the Walt Disney Company. The story, a coming of age parable set among animals indigenous to its setting, the African savanna, tells the tale of Simba, the lion cub who rises to be the King of the jungle.

The production features Patrick R. Brown as “Scar”, L. Steven Taylor as “Mufasa”, Brown Lindiwe Mkhize as “Rafiki”, Nick Cordileone as “Timon”, Andrew Gorell as “Zazu”, Ben Lipitz as “Pumbaa”, Jelani Remy as “Simba”, Nia Holloway as “Nala”, Keith Bennett as “Banzai”, Rashada Dawan as “Shenzi” andRobbie Swift as “Ed.”

The role of “Young Simba” is alternated between Jordan A. Hall and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre, and the role of “Young Nala” is alternated between Nya Cymone Carter and Zyasia Jadea Page.

The North American touring productions of THE LION KING have been seen by more than 15 million theatergoers and grossed over $1 billion to date. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, THE LION KING now proudly makes its Los Angeles return at Hollywood Pantages.

ABOUT THE LION KING

In its 17^th year, THE LION KING remains ascendant; it is the highest-grossing Broadway show in New York history and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been seen by more than 70 million people and, cumulatively, run a staggering 104 years. Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), THE LION KING is only the second show in history to generate five productions worldwide running 10 or more years. Translated into eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Mandarin, Spanish and Portuguese), productions of THE LION KING can currently be seen on Broadway and on tour across North America, in Tokyo and on tour in Japan, in London’s West End and on tour throughout the UK, and in Hamburg, Madrid and Sao Paolo. To date, THE LION KING has played 98 cities in 17 countries on every continent except Antarctica.

Among the most successful titles in entertainment history, with a cumulative gross in excess of $5 billion, the stage production of THE LION KING has already earned more than the biggest hit films in movie history: more than the Lord of the Rings trilogy combined, more than the six Star Wars films combined, and more than Avatar and Titanic, the two highest-grossing films in movie history, combined.

The award-winning musical will celebrate a new milestone in December 2013 when it returns to Australia, making it the tenth concurrent worldwide production ofTHE LION KING, the highest number of productions running at any one time in the show’s history.

THE LION KING won six 1998 Tony^® Awards: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. THE LION KING has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The show’s director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor continues to play an integral part in the show’s ongoing success. The first woman to win a Tony^® Award for Direction of a Musical, Taymor has in recent years supervised new productions of the show in Las Vegas, Madrid and the UK tour and just completed casting the Brazilian production in Sao Paolo.

The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s music from The Lion King animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from “Rhythm of the Pride Lands,” an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The resulting sound of THE LION KING is a fusion of Western popular music and the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award®-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to the haunting ballad “Shadowland.”

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay. Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as associate producer.

THE LION KING has a running time of 2 hours and 40 minutes, including intermission, and is recommended for ages 6 and up. (Please note that all persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket.)

Prices are subject to change without notice.

For more information on THE LION KING, please visit www.LionKing.com.

For tickets or more information about the Los Angeles engagement of Disney’s THE LION KING, please visit the Hollywood Pantages’ official website,www.HollywoodPantages.com.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates: NOVEMBER 20, 2013 – JANUARY 12, 2014

Theatre: HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday at 7:30pm

Friday at 8pm

Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm

Weekday Matinees at 1pm on 11/27 & 1/8/14

Holiday Performances: November 29 – December 1, 2013

Friday at 2pm & 8pm

Saturday at 2pm & 8pm

Sunday at 1pm

December 23, 2013 – January 5, 2014

Monday & Thursday at 7:30pm

Friday & Saturday at 8pm

Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 2pm

Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm

Running Time: 2 Hours and 40 Minutes including Intermission

Parental Advisory: Recommended for Ages 6 and Up

All persons entering the theatre, regardless of age, must have a ticket

Tickets: Online: HollywoodPantages.com or Ticketmaster.com

Phone: 1-800-982-2787

In Person: Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10am) and all Ticketmaster Outlets

Ticket prices subject to change without notice

Description: Experience the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Oscar®-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” and “Circle of Life.” Good Morning America calls it “The most exciting, most inventive, most moving theater that has ever come to Broadway!” Let your imagination run wild at the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensationNewsweek calls “a landmark event in entertainment.”

By Margie Anne Clark, Film and Television, Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II, Harry Potter World, LA Life and Style, Los Angeles Life and Style, Movie Reviews, Universal Studios Hollywood, Youth

HARRY’S FRIENDSHIPS TESTAMENT TO HIS APPEAL – HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 OPENS NOV. 18 IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE

November 16, 2010 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

By Margie Anne Clark

The first installment of the two-part conclusion to the Harry Potter series finds the bespectacled wizard (Daniel Radcliffe) walking away from his last year at Hogwarts to find and destroy the remaining Horcruxes to end Voldemort’s bid for immortality.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I will be releasing in the USA on 19th November, 2010. The $250 Million Dollar film will soon be followed by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II to be released on 15th July, 2011. Photo/Warner Bros.

Continue reading HARRY’S FRIENDSHIPS TESTAMENT TO HIS APPEAL – HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 1 OPENS NOV. 18 IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE →

Family Resorts and Theme Parks, Fun Theme Park Rides, Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood, Youth

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT KICKED OFF ITS GRAND OPENING AMID STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATION

June 17, 2010 Los Angeles Life and Style Leave a comment

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT KICKED OFF ITS GRAND OPENING AMID STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATION. – JUNE 17, 2010

Orlando, Florida – The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort kicked off its grand opening celebration Wednesday with help from Harry Potter film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, James and Oliver Phelps, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis.

Fireworks explode over the Hogwarts Castle as part of the grand opening celebration at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort theme park in Orlando, Fla., Wednesday, June 16, 2010.(AP Photo/John Raoux)Hundreds of people gathered in front of Hogwarts castle for a spectacular display of fireworks choreographed to a special performance of music from the Harry Potter films conducted live by renowned composer John Williams. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will officially grand open to the public Friday.

Posted by Margie Anne Clark, City Life Communications.

By Margie Anne Clark

THE WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER AT UNIVERSAL ORLANDO RESORT KICKED OFF ITS GRAND OPENING AMID STAR-STUDDED CELEBRATION. – JUNE 17, 2010

Los Angeles Life and Style – City Life Communications – L. A. Life and Style – SCV Style – Entertainment Magazine