Archives for : Disney
“Soul” follows Joe (Jamie Foxx) , a music teacher who has lost his passion for music and sense of purpose. But when he is transported into another realm to help someone find their spark, he discovers a new appreciation for life. I chatted with writer Mike Jones to discuss the film, what little things he appreciates about life, the value in asking people questions, and much more.
“Soul” is available to stream on Disney+ December 25.
NETFLIX’S “CHEER” AND VH1’S “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” LEAD SECOND ANNUAL “CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV AWARDS” NOMINATIONS
NETFLIX LEADS NETWORKS WITH 31 POSSIBLE WINS
JEFF PROBST TO RECEIVE CRITICS CHOICE REAL TV IMPACT AWARD
Critics Choice Real TV Awards Winners to be Announced on Monday, June 29
Los Angeles (June 8, 2020) – The Critics Choice Association (CCA) and nonfiction producers’ organization NPACT unveiled today the nominees for the second annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. They also announced that “Survivor” host and executive producer Jeff Probst will receive this year’s Critics Choice Real TV Impact Award, for his ongoing contributions to the unscripted television industry.
All Critics Choice Real TV Awards winners will be celebrated via a special press release and announcement on Monday, June 29. Winners in two categories – Female Star of the Year and Male Star of the Year – will be chosen by fan voting, which is now open at criticschoice.com.
Netflix’s “Cheer” and VH1’s “RuPaul’s Drag Race” lead this year’s field with five nominations each. “Cheer” is nominated for Unstructured Series, Sports Show, Limited Documentary Series, Male Star of the Year, and Female Star of the Year, while “RuPaul’s Drag Race” is nominated for Competition Series, Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series, Female Star of The Year, Male Star of The Year, and Show Host.
“Queer Eye” (Netflix) follows closely behind with four nominations, and “Couples Therapy” (Showtime) received three nominations.
Many programs received two nominations, including “A Very Brady Renovation” (HGTV), “Atlanta’s Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children” (HBO), “Chasing the Cure” (TNT), “Crikey! It’s the Irwins” (Animal Planet), “Dancing with the Stars” (ABC), “Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich” (Netflix), “Last Chance U” (Netflix), “Lego Masters” (Fox), “Making It” (NBC), “Making the Cut” (Amazon), “Nailed It!” (Netflix), “Shark Tank” (ABC), “Survivor” (CBS), “T-Pain’s School of Business” (Fuse), “Talking Dead” (AMC), “The Goop Lab” (Netflix), “The Last Dance” (ESPN), “The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez” (Netflix), “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” (Disney+), “Top Chef” (Bravo), “Trial by Media” (Netflix), and “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” (Bravo).
For the second year in a row, Netflix leads the network tally with 31 total nominations.
“Our nominees for the 2020 Critics Choice Real TV Awards reflect the broad range of dynamic unscripted content available on all television platforms,” said CCA TV Branch President Ed Martin. “We are once again honored to bring much deserved attention to the best of reality TV — a genre that continues to entertain and educate us all.”
“Each year of our joint awards program has presented a greater opportunity to highlight the breadth and excellence of nonfiction content, and its unique ability to reflect culture,” said NPACT Interim General Manager Michelle Van Kempen. “We are proud to honor Jeff Probst for his important contributions to our industry, both in front of and behind the camera, and to celebrate the programming and the people who work tirelessly to entertain, inspire and spark important conversation.”
Jeff Probst is a four-time Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Reality Host. He has traveled the world serving as both host and executive producer for “Survivor”. He received an Emmy in 2001 when the show won the first-ever Outstanding Non-Fiction Program (Special Class) award. This year marked the 20th anniversary of “Survivor” and its 40th season.
Probst is a New York Times bestselling author of kid’s adventure series, Stranded, as well as a feature film director. In 2002 he wrote and directed “Finder’s Fee,” starring Ryan Reynolds, James Earl Jones, Robert Forster and Matthew Lillard. Most recently, he produced and directed the feature film “Kiss Me,” starring John Corbett, Sarah Bolger, Rita Wilson, Emily Osment, Missy Pyle and Jenna Fisher.
For the Critics Choice Real TV Awards, Bob Bain and Joey Berlin serve as Executive Producers. Michelle Van Kempen is Executive Producer for NPACT.
About The Critics Choice Real TV Awards
The Critics Choice Real TV Awards were launched in 2019 when the CCA (then known as the Broadcast Television Journalists Association) and NPACT joined forces to create a large-scale awards platform dedicated to giving the robust, ever-evolving unscripted genre critical attention and support. The awards celebrate programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms, and also recognize industry leaders with special awards highlighting career achievements.
Shows are eligible for nomination if at least three (3) episodes premiered between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020 to at least 50% of the total potential U.S. television market.
The Critics Choice Association monitors all awards submissions and selects the nominees in all competitive categories. NPACT leads the selection of non-competitive discretionary awards. A blue-ribbon nominating committee made up of CCA members with expertise in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming determines the nominees. Winners are chosen by a vote of the CCA membership and will be announced to the world on June 29.
About the Critics Choice Association (CCA)
The Critics Choice Association is the largest critics organization in the United States and Canada, representing more than 400 television, radio and online critics and entertainment reporters. It was organized last year with the formal merger of the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association, recognizing the blurring of the distinctions between film, television, and streaming content. For more information, visit: www.CriticsChoice.com.
Tickets to Disney’s Frozen, The Hit Broadway Musical, Go On Sale Friday, March 6, 2020. The Spectacular New Musical Will Play an Exclusive Four-Week Engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park June 17 – July 12, 2020
Dallas, TX (March 4, 2020) – Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) are pleased to announce tickets to Disney’s Frozen will go on sale Friday, March 6, 2020. From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, Frozen, the Tony®-nominated Best Musical, will play an exclusive four-week premiere engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park beginning Wednesday, June 17, 2020, with performances playing through Sunday, July 12, 2020. Opening night is set for Thursday, June 18 at 7:30pm.
Single tickets for Disney’s Frozen start at $20 (pricing subject to change) and are available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by phone at 800-982-2787. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.
About Frozen
Frozen has joined Disney Theatrical hits The Lion King and Aladdin on tour across North America, and the critics agree, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News). Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” Frozen has emerged as the biggest hit musical of the last two Broadway seasons, breaking four house records at the legendary St. James Theatre, its New York home where it is currently celebrating its second smash year.
“Disney’s struck gold! Sumptuous sets, gorgeous costumes, and plenty of special effects to wow the audience!” raves the New York Post. “With the magic, the dancing, and all those iconic tunes, Frozen was born to be a stage musical!” exclaims the Evening Standard, and The Telegraph declares, “Frozen will burn up Broadway for years to come!”
In addition to the North American tour and Broadway companies, Frozen’s global footprint will soon expand to include London, Australia, Japan, and Hamburg.
A mysterious secret. A family torn apart. As one sister struggles with being an outsider and harnessing her powers within, the other sets out on a thrilling adventure to bring her family together once again. Both are searching for love, but they’ll learn that to find it they’ll have to look inside themselves first.
Frozen is melting hearts on Broadway and across the country in an all-new production created for the stage by an award-winning team. It features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Joining them on a creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards are Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer).
The design team for Frozen includes scenic and costume design by two-time Tony and Olivier Award winner Christopher Oram, lighting design by six-time Tony Award winner Natasha Katz, sound design by seven-time Tony nominee Peter Hylenski, video design by Tony winner Finn Ross, puppet design by Michael Curry, hair design by David Brian Brown, makeup design by Anne Ford-Coates, and special effects design by Jeremy Chernick.
Two-time Tony Award winner Stephen Oremus is music supervisor and creates vocal, incidental and dance arrangements. He is joined on the music team by Tony nominee Dave Metzger (orchestrations), Chris Montan (executive music producer), David Chase (additional dance arrangements), and Faith Seetoo (music director).
An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, Frozen is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.
Frozen is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions under the direction of Thomas Schumacher.
For information or to register for advance ticket access notifications, visit FrozenTheMusical.com/Tour, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Onward” is the first MUST-SEE movie of 2020. The film follows two teenage elf brothers, Ian (Tom Holland) and Barley Lightfoot (Chris Pratt), who are on a quest to finish a spell that will allow them to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.
I sat down with set designer, Carlos Felipe Leon, to discuss the bonds with our siblings, which film’s setting/world he’d like to spend 24 hours in and more about the movie! Check out the interview w/ Carlos AND my full ICTN review of the film below!
“Onward” opens in theaters March 6.
Tickets for Disney’s The Lion King On Sale Now!
Performances Begin on June 13, 2018 and Play for 4 Weeks
Through July 7, 2018 at the Music Hall at Fair Park
Disney Theatrical Productions, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) and Broadway Across America (BAA) announced today that tickets for the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s The Lion King go on sale to the public today. Disney’s The Lion King will leap onto the Music Hall at Fair Park stage on June 13, 2018 for a limited 4 week engagement through July 7, 2018.
Beginning today, tickets will be available at DallasSummerMusicals.org or by calling Ticketmaster at (866) 270-2717. They can also be purchased in person at the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. Orders for groups of ten (10) or more may be placed by calling (214) 426-4768 or emailing Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.VIP Ticket Packages, which include a prime seat location, a commemorative souvenir program and an exclusive merchandise item, are also available.
Ticket buyers are reminded that Dallas Summer Musicals and Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances. Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that Dallas Summer Musicals is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and is unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.
The North American touring productions of The Lion King have been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers. Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its 4th return to the Music Hall at Fair Park.
About The Lion King
In its 20th year, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world. Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 95 million people. 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. Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway; London’s West End; Hamburg; Tokyo; Madrid; Scheveningen; Sapporo and on tour across North America, for a total of eight productions running concurrently across the globe.
Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office 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 around the world.
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 co-producer.
For more information worldwide, visit LionKing.com.
The animators at Disney/Pixar bring emotions to life – literally – in the new animated feature, “Inside Out.” I sat down with Producer Jonas Rivera and Director Pete Doctor about their new film. We discussed cherished memories, the emotions they felt when they began film-making and much more!
“Inside Out” opens in theaters June 19.
Rating: 4.5/5
It’s as true as it can be. Disney fans will be in bliss as they watch one of the most beloved classics come alive on stage. Beauty & the Beast performed as a Broadway musical may seem like a tough feat with the surely difficult theatrics that the play would need to pull off. Fortunately, AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Winspear Opera House put on a magical show that the whole family will enjoy.
Beauty & the Beast is one of the most beautiful tales of how the beauty within prevails over any outer appearance. When Belle (Hilary Maiberger) sacrifices her own freedom in exchange for her fathers, she is forced to stay in an enchanted castle that is run by an angry and bitter Beast (Darick Pead). To ease her distress, Belle is comforted by the other unusual members of the house who happen to be a candle stick, a clock, and tea pot. Little does she know that the fate of everyone around her, including the Beast, hinge on whether or not she can fall in love with someone who looks like a monster.
Following the original Disney animated feature, this musical still contains the same script and music, but has added a few originals songs that go along with the familiar score. The new songs blended in perfectly with the story, but they were no match for the classic soundtrack we all love to sing. When “Gaston” is performed by the tavern patrons and the well-played arrogant Gaston (Tim Rogan), you might think “it doesn’t get any better than this.” The musical number is humorous, creatively choreographed, and thoroughly entertaining. But you have spoken too soon, because you have yet to witness the luminous, breath taking, work of art that is “Be Our Guest.” The song begins with the voice of Hassan Nazari-Robati, who gives a stand out performance as the hilarious talking candle stick, Lumiere. Hassan, along with the eloquent Kristin Stewart (not Twilight) who plays Mrs. Potts, lead the rest of the enchanted objects in a colorful dance that is enhanced by the vibrant set design (Stanley A. Meyer) and well produced lighting (Natasha Katz). I am delighted to know that I will surely dream about dancing plates and silverware tonight.
They could not have cast a more perfect Belle. Hilary Maiberger is no stranger to playing a Disney princess. Having played Cinderella and Jasmine in previous musicals, she handled the role of Belle with such ease, and not once did she over act her character. Her vocals are incredible, best out of the entire cast. When she sings, goose bumps appear, as well as a smile on your face. Her leading man played by Darick Pead did a fantastic job as the intimidating, yet sometimes juvenile Beast.
Beauty & the Beast the musical throws in some extra comedic moments that will only add to your laughter, and music that you will want to add to your play list. I could go on and on about this lively performance, but I’d rather you allow yourself to be a guest and take pleasure in this remarkable “tale as old as time.”
A HOT ARM COULD LEAD TO A COOL MILLION!
DISNEY’S MILLION DOLLAR ARM PITCHING CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN $1 MILLION
Contestants Can Test Their Fastball Skills at
Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif., ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World®Resort in Florida or
the Tribeca Family Festival in New York
Nine Finalists Will Advance to the Final Contest Held at
Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” World Premiere in Hollywood, California
Burbank, Calif. (April 11, 2014) –Disney is giving amateur baseball pitchers in the nation a chance to compete for a $1 million prize in the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest. The Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest is being held to celebrate the opening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm,” an incredible true story about two young men who went from never throwing a baseball to getting a Major League tryout.
Amateur baseball pitchers—male or female, who are legal United States residents at least 18 years of age or older—are invited to qualify to compete in the preliminary rounds of the Million Dollar Arm Pitching Contest at either Walt Disney World®Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Resort in California or at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day at the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City. The three contestants from each location who throw the fastest pitches will advance to the finals and have a chance to compete for a $1 million prize at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, California. Official rules are available on Disney.com’s “Million Dollar Arm” homepage at http://disney.com/PitchingContest.
Presented by SUBWAY® restaurants, the three qualifying events will take place on April 25 and 26, from 7 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at both Downtown Disney District in Anaheim, Calif. and ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World® and on April 26 only, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Tribeca/ESPN Sports Day during the Tribeca Family Festival in New York City. Contestants will throw three pitches, each tracked by a radar gun, in an attempt to throw the fastest pitch. All participants will receive tickets for themselves and a guest to see an advance screening of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” at an AMC Theatres location later that evening.
Nine finalists chosen during these qualifying events will have a chance to compete for the $1 million prize at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm.” The top three eligible pitchers with the fastest pitches from each qualifying round location will be flown with his or her guest to the final contest, which will take place at the world premiere of Disney’s “Million Dollar Arm” in Hollywood, Calif., on May 6. Each of these finalists will throw three pitches on Hollywood Boulevard. Any eligible finalist who throws one 100 mph strike (out of three pitches) will become a potential winner of the $1 million grand prize.
The nine finalists and their guests will be VIPs at the film’s premiere along with stars, filmmakers, major league players, coaches, scouts and celebrities.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Subject to Official Rules available at event or at http://disney.com/PitchingContest.
ABOUT THE MOVIE
Based on a true story, sports agent JB Bernstein (Jon Hamm) finds that business has changed and things aren’t going well for his career. In a last ditch effort to save his livelihood he concocts a scheme to find baseball’s next great pitching ace. Hoping to find a young cricket pitcher he can turn into a major league baseball star, JB travels to India to produce a reality show competition called “The Million Dollar Arm.” With the help of cantankerous but eagle-eyed retired baseball scout Ray Poitevint (Alan Arkin), he discovers Dinesh (played by Madhur Mittal from “Slumdog Millionaire”) and Rinku (played by Suraj Sharma from “Life of Pi”), two 18-year-old boys who have no idea about playing baseball, yet have a knack for throwing a fastball. Hoping to sign them to major league contracts and make a quick buck, JB brings the boys home to America to train. While the Americans are definitely out of their element in India, the boys, who have never left their rural villages, are equally challenged when they come to the States. As the boys learn the finer points of baseball, JB, with the help of his charming friend Brenda (Lake Bell), learns valuable life lessons about teamwork, commitment and what it means to be a family.
Directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay written by Tom McCarthy, Disney’s drama “Million Dollar Arm” stars Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Bill Paxton, Suraj Sharma, Lake Bell and Alan Arkin. The producers are Mark Ciardi, Gordon Gray and Joe Roth. The executive producers are Palak Patel, Kevin Halloran, Bill Simmons and Connor Schell. The film will be release in the United States on May 16, 2014.
