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Cirque du Soleil Presents: Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour Feb 28-29

20 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

directed by jamie king

Two Orlando performances from February 28 – 29, 2012

at the Amway Center

I am SO excited about this event coming to Orlando. We are huge fans of the Cirque du Soleil shows as well as the music and dance of Michael Jackson, so my entire family is hoping to see this show. Here are all the details below, I’m sure it’s guaranteed to entertain audiences of every age!

Orlando, FL – The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil are proud to present Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour™ in Orlando on February 28 – 29, 2012 at the Amway Center. This once-in-a-lifetime electrifying production combines Michael Jackson music and choreography with Cirque du Soleil creativity to give fans worldwide a unique view into the spirit, passion and heart of the artistic genius who forever transformed global pop culture. Proudly sponsored by Sun Life Financial, the show is written and directed by Jamie King, the leading concert director in pop music today, and features more than 60 international dancers, musicians and acrobats.

Tickets are on sale now for Orlando performances of Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour on February 28 and 29 at the Amway Center. Tickets are $50 to $250 each and are available at www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/MichaelJackson.

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world, Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience. Aimed at lifelong fans as well as those experiencing Michael’s creative genius for the first time, the show captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop, celebrating a legacy that continues to transcend generations.

The Immortal World Tour takes place in a fantastical realm where we discover Michael’s inspirational Giving Tree—the wellspring of his creativity. The secrets of Michael’s inner world are unlocked—his love of music and dance, fairy tale and magic, and the fragile beauty of nature.

The underpinnings of The Immortal World Tour are Michael Jackson’s powerful, inspirational music and lyrics—the driving force behind the show—brought to life with extraordinary power and breathless intensity. Through unforgettable performances Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour underscores Michael’s global messages of love, peace and unity.

Writer and Director Jamie King has been called one of the most influential “movers and shakers” in the music industry, and the “Jerry Bruckheimer of tent-pole concert tours” by Variety. A multiple Emmy Award® and MTV Video Music Award® nominee, he has choreographed some of the most popular music videos and directed some of the highest-grossing concert tours of all time. For the past 12 years, he has served as Madonna’s creative director, and most recently directed world tours for Rihanna, Celine Dion, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and Avril Lavigne. King has worked with an array of superstars including Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Shakira, George Michael, Elton John, Diana Ross, Jennifer Lopez and even Ellen DeGeneres. This is Jamie’s first show with Cirque du Soleil.

The Tale As Old As Time Returns To Theatres-Beauty & The Beast 3D

12 January 2012 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The story of Beauty and the Beast has always been one of my favorite fairy tales. I remember reading books and of course watching the television series with Ron Perlman and Linda Hamilton. I was in high school at the time, and when I wasn’t doing homework, my days were filled with drama club daydreams of Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and Labyrinth. So when Beauty and the Beast came out from Walt Disney Animation, if fit right into my fandoms and I was very excited. It was also the very first Disney film my then boyfriend (now husband) and I saw together in the theatre. Twenty years later, we are still together and the film is now a wonderful momento of our first year together.

I remember what a big deal it was that Beauty and the Beast featured those great computer animated scenes during Be Our Guest and the ballroom dance. It was exciting for audiences to see computer animation move beyond what we’d seen in Tron, this time in a more realistic albeit completely animated setting. It was impressive. Of course the music was also a big deal, the team of Ashman and Menken having made such a splash with the Little Mermaid soundtrack. Howard Ashman passed away before the release of the film, but his work lives on and the score and original songs for Beauty and the Beast are some of the most well-known Disney songs around.

All of that praise behind it, I must admit I was a bit nervous about seeing a media preview last weekend, and what the 3D treatment would do to one of my favorites. I hoped that the computer animated scenes would translate seamlessly and it would all work out. And for the most part, it did.

I guess what Beauty and the Beast has working against it is the hilarious short preceding the film, Tangled Ever After. This short was a quick encore of what audiences loved so much about Tangled, Maximus the horse and Pascal the chameleon. See a clip below:

They are the official ring-bearers for Rapunzel and Eugene’s wedding, and hijinx ensue as they lose the rings and attempt to bring them back. The animation in this short is, of course, flawless. You see state of the art well, art, and the whole thing is just a delight to look at. Then, the 20 year old movie starts.

Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate the classics, and part of what endears Dumbo to me so much is that you can actually see the sketchy style of animation. But when you go from 2011 animation directly into 1991 animation, the differences stand out. I was actually distracted by the facial expressions and a lot of the main characters and kept comparing them in my head to Rapunzel and Flynn. Maybe that’s just me, but that’s how I felt watching it.

Many of the 3D effects were great and fit right in, the opening scene zooming into the stained glass windows, the landscapes and computer animated scenes were fun to see “pop” at you. At the end of the day, however, it wasn’t necessary to enjoy this classic animated story. I would’ve seen Beauty and the Beast as a re-release, regardless of the 3D effects. I’m sure many parents in my age range, or younger folks that grew up with the film would feel the same, and will see it in 3D too, but the film stands on its own, without need for gimmicks. It is a history lesson of sorts, a visual timeline of how far we’ve come in animation, including styles and design.

One of the previews let us know that Finding Nemo will be the next to receive the 3D treatment, which perhaps makes more sense, since the film is entirely computer animated. I know Disney is constantly looking for ways to bring classic films to a new generation, and of course looking to make money, they are a business after all. But where the Lion King excelled in bringing us breathtaking African landscapes in 3D, Beauty and the Beast falls short of really benefiting from 3D. I still enjoyed it, my children (who had never seen the film in theatres) loved it, and the tale truly is as old as time. I do recommend seeing the film, I just implore Disney not to feel like they have to 3D-ize every film in their vault. They can stand on their own.

Beauty and the Beast 3D opens in theatres nationwide this Friday, January 13 and is worth it to see Tangled Ever After alone!

Disney’s Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Canopy Show

22 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Yet another family tradition each year and yet another moment to cry tears of joy in a Disney park. My dad loved these lights as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so I’m always flooded with memories when we first turn the orner and see the amazing sparkling colors. I will have to admit, I was a little disappointed with the crowd control this year, normally we can walk right through from the Writer’s Stop, but this year we were detoured at every turn from left of the Great Movie Ride on, and funneled around to the back of the San Francisco area and Lights, Motors, Action!. Unfortunately, this is a terrible way to view experience the lights, especially for first-time visitors. You are able to SEE the lights as you turn into the New York Street area, but cannot gain access until the back, making for teeming throngs of disgruntled guests, and I was among them this week.

Having visited the Spectacle of Dancing Lights (SODL) each year since it premiered, the overall ‘show’ has always started at the end of New York Street and culminated with the turning Peace on Earth globe, angels and the Nativity. Granted, this route has changed slightly since first opening, when guests would get to walk down Residential Street, but the Peace on Earth was always the ‘finale’ so to speak. As years passed, the lights began to dance to music and more and more interactive elements were added. As a result, I understand that there isn’t any one centerpiece or finale, but the current route with countless detours and barricades made for a very disappointing experience.

In addition, there are many more PhotoPass stations now, making it almost impossible to take family photos, or even photos of just the lights, without a line of guests in front of you, waiting for professional photos. Again, I understand why Disney is doing what they are doing, but from a guest standpoint, it’s not something that benefits most people. How about photo stations outside of the fray of New York Street, where PhotoPass software can add the SODL into the background later? Surely, the photos will look better than a close-up of the base of a giant tree of lights, or building, where you can’t see the immense detail and overall wow factor of the experience. Just my thoughts, as a long-time visitor and someone that heard lots of complaints the night I went, and online too.

Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights — Still awe-inspiring, each year.

Luckily, the lights and the family memories won out in the end and magic again took over, but I implore Disney to work on a better plan that doesn’t involve so much confusion and frustration. When and if you visit, be prepared for crowds and ask the cast members where you actually enter for the lights so you can head there first. My advice is to go during the week and see the lights later in the night, not when the lights first switch on. Those caveats given, I’d love to share one of my favorite musical portions of the nights’ songs, that I was able to record. If, like me, it’s one of your favorite things at Walt Disney World during the holidays, or you aren’t able to make it down to see the lights, I hope you enjoy the show. This video features the all-new canopy, offering some amazing effects.

War Horse REVIEW-Spielberg Fans Will Not Be Disappointed

21 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

When I saw scenes from War Horse, the Broadway production, on the Tony Awards early this year, I was mesmerized and thought I would love to see this story in person. When I later heard that it was going to be a live-action movie from Steven Spielberg, I knew I’d probably never watch it.

As much as I love Mr. Spielberg, I just cannot watch movies where I know going in that animals will appear to be hurt. Even with that disclaimer at the end about no animals being harmed, my little brain cannot get past what the filmmakers want me to believe, that the animals are being hurt.

So when the opportunity to preview War Horse came about, I asked my movie buff husband, J.F. DiMarzio, to see the film and review it here. Now that I know a little more about it (I actually like spoilers with movies like this so I know what to expect) I may even see it myself. Spoilers are marked at the end if you’d like to avoid them:

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When the Oscars come around a few weeks, War Horse will most likely win everything it is nominated for, and deservedly so. Steven Speilberg has crafted an amazing movie. If you are familiar with, and a fan of, Spielberg movies you will not be let down. The lighting, cinematography, and sound design are impeccable.

All of the standard elements of a Spielberg movie are present and accounted for: close up on emotional facial reaction shot, check; obligatory crowd scene where everyone is looking at something that you cant see, check; locations are as much a character in the movie as the people, check; amazing John Williams score, check. Honestly, this is all I was expecting out of War Horse. After seeing the trailer I was not interested in the story at all, I did not want to see a glorified war movie about a boy missing his horsey..boo hoo. That is what I was expecting going into War Horse.

However, what Steven Spielberg managed to do is divided the 2 hour and 20 minute movie into five distinct parts; five distinct stories about people that are woven together by the story of the horse. This is not to say that the horse is a secondary character in the film, you are aware of its presence throughout every minute of the journey, but you find yourself gravitating more to the stories of the people who come into contact with the horse, than the horse itself. Each story in the movie is unique and each one could have been an amazing short on it’s own.

The story of War Horse plays out over the backdrop of World War I. Given Spielberg’s track record for war films (WWII ala Saving Private Ryan), you may be expecting a violent and realistically gritty portrayal of World War I, and you would be only half right. Yes, the war is gritty and dirty, but because of the delicate handling of a very complex story 95% of all of the violence is shielded from the camera’s immediate view. Showing realistic war violence would surely have overshadowed the surrounding story.

This does not mean that the story is violence-free. There are some scenes that are very tough to take, even without the violence, but again Spielberg tempers this. He manages to take the most harsh and violent scene in the movie and, before letting the audience get lost in greif, follows it up with the funniest scene of the film. In short, the overall theme of the movie is brought home beautifully in the line: there are big days, and there are small days, and this is a very big day.

Is War Horse perfect? No, it has its faults (to read about those however, requires a few spoilers), but you will quickly forgive its faults after getting lost in its story.

Spoiler Alert below the photo >>>

So what is wrong with War Horse? Steven Spielberg managed to figuratively turn a horse into Jesus, and it wasn’t necessary. Lest you think I’m exaggerating: The opening scene of the moving has the horse being born to a mare with no stallion in sight, symbolic of the virgin birth. A stretch you say? Wait, it gets better. The horse is immediately labeled as ‘miraculous’, for no apparent plot reason. Over the course of the movie it is crucified, dies for the sins of the warring nations, is resurrected after they realize the error of their ways, has its feet washed to reveal its divinity, and even heals the blind. A better name for this movie might have been Jesus Christ Superhorse – I kid.

Does it really detract all that much from the overall story? Only slightly, and only depending on how much thought you put into it. Is the horse (Joey) literally crucified? No. However, it what is the most disturbing scenes in the movie, the horse runs head long through a battlefield. Because the horse never learned to jump (a running theme in he movie) he barrels through barbed-wire barricades, eventually becoming so entangled in the barbs that he is flipped motionless through the air and comes to rest on the ground in a mass of wire with a cross shaped wooden support on its back. The warring nations break from their fighting and each sends a representative into the middle of the battlefield to cut free (resurrect) the horse.

If you can get past the overt correlation between the bible narrative and War Horse then it is still an amazing movie that will surely go down as one of history’s finest.

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For real Spielberg fans, or those wishing to learn more about the filming process and story, watch this Q&A with director Steven Spielberg:

You can see more about War Horse, opening Christmas day – December 25 at the War Horse site, by liking War Horse on facebook or following on twitter.

Holiday Happenings at Universal Orlando Resort

16 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Okay, first I have to admit that before last weekend, I had never been inside either Universal Orlando park. Shocking, I know. We’d been to City Walk a few times, for Hard Rock Cafe and Margaritaville but that was it. Of course when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened, I was determined to get there. Being able to walk in Hogwarts and order a Butterbeer? Sign me up! But time got away from us and we just never made it over there. I was thrilled when Universal invited the family and me to check out their holiday offerings and no one was more surprised than me that I actually LOVED Universal! As a life-long Disney fan, you’re sort of unofficially conditioned to like one place or the other, but after walking around the Universal parks, I gained a real appreciation for their design and look. Of course, I still have to get on some rides there, but hopefully I’ll fix that soon. In any event, I loved the holiday decorations, shows and parade Universal Orlando Resort offered, and hopefully sharing this here will convince some other hold outs to give them a try!

Here’s a video highlighting the holiday events:

Tim Gunn Joins Disney Junior in Sofia the First Movie and Series

13 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

We first learned of Disney Junior’s upcoming series Sofia the First back in March at Disney’s Social Media Moms conference. I was particularly excited since my daughter’s name is Sophia. More news is now out about Sofia the First – a movie will premier in 2012, with the series starting in 2013. An all-star cast provide the voices for this new set of stories.

Here’s the latest press release below:

Disney will introduce a little girl princess to its celebrated legacy of princess fairytales in an animated television movie and series, “Sofia the First,” premiering in fall 2012 and spring 2013 respectively, on Disney Channel and Disney Junior channels around the world. While Disney princess fairytales have been enchanting audiences for more than 70 years, this is the first time a series has centered around a princess as a little girl. The stories are designed to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to preschool-aged children. The series and movie are productions of Disney Television Animation.

“Sofia the First” stories are set in the storybook world of young Sofia who starts out life as a regular girl. But when her mom marries the king, she is whisked off to a glamorous, but sometimes confusing, castle world of royalty, pomp and new step-siblings, Amber and James. “Sofia the First” will include appearances by Fauna, Flora and Merryweather (fairies seen in Disney’s classic “Sleeping Beauty”) as the headmistresses of Royal Prep, the academy that Sofia, along with other princes and princesses, attends. Special event appearances will be made by classic characters including Cinderella and other Disney Princesses.

In announcing the series, Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide, said, “In Sofia, we have a ‘peer to peer princess,’ a relatable girl experiencing the same social issues as our young viewers – learning how to fit in, making new friends, conquering new skills and building sibling relationships.” She continued, “Although Sofia will have plenty of pretty dresses and sparkly shoes, our stories will show Sofia, and our viewers, that what makes a real princess is what’s inside, not what’s outside. That the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace make you special, not the dress you wear.”

Providing the voice of Sofia is Ariel Winter (ABC’s “Modern Family”). Also highlighting the voice cast is Sara Ramirez (ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Queen Miranda; Wayne Brady (“Whose Line Is It Anyway?) as Clover, a wise-talking Rabbit; and Tim Gunn (ABC’s “The Revolution,” “Project Runway”) as Baileywick, the family’s Royal Steward. The actors providing the voices of King Roland, Amber and James will be announced soon.

The series was developed by Craig Gerber (“Pixie Hollow Games”) who also wrote the movie. Jamie Mitchell (“Special Agent Oso”) serves as both Executive Producer and Director on the series. Gerber is Co-Executive Producer and serves as the Story Editor.

Will your little one be watching Sofia the First? I’m excited to see where the series goes. Sofia’s pretty cute too, she sort of sounds like she could be Cinderella’s sister.

ALL NEW Disney Prep & Landing on ABC Plus More Webisodes! Now!

5 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis Leave a Comment

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This is an emergency message from the All-elf Broadcasting Company (ABC!) Set your sets and dvr’s for 8:30 tonight (7:30 Central) to catch a brand new Disney Prep & Landing show – Naughty vs. Nice…

The yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue this season. With the Big 2-5 fast approaching, Wayne and Lanny must race to recover classified North Pole technology that has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking Naughty Kid! Desperate to prevent Christmas from descending into chaos, Wayne seeks out the foremost Naughty Kid expert to aid in the mission, a bombastic member of the Coal Elf Brigade who also happens to be his estranged brother, Noel.

Once you’ve seen Naughty vs. Nice, head over to ABC.com for even more Prep & Landing fun – Webisodes and exclusive content await! TINSEL!

Making Christmas on the Disney Cruise Line’s Dream

2 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

The Disney Cruise Line‘s Dream is celebrating its first Christmas on the high seas and the elves (or pixies?) have been quite busy decorating the beautiful ship! Check out this video below, showing the decorating process, including the 20 foot tree in the atrium lobby:

I’ve definitely now added a holiday cruise on a Disney Cruise Line ship to my “must-do” list, or maybe Santa is reading this?? 😉

Contemporary Sweets & Treats at Walt Disney World

2 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 1 Comment

Contemporary Mary Blair gingerbread tree - my favorite display!

Yesterday we took a quick photo tour of Walt Disney World’s monorail resorts and their holiday decor. Today we’ll focus on what Disney’s Contemporary Resort is cooking up for guests who visit the Mary Blair-themed gingerbread tree in the Grand Canyon Concourse.

As you know, Mary Blair is the gifted artist responsible for so much within early Disney history, including the awe-inspiring murals on the fourth floor of Disney’s Contemporary Resort. Perhaps her most famous contribution is whimsical design of the “it’s a small world” attraction. As a tribute to Mary’s art, Disney has created a gingerbread tree in her style for the past 3 years. This display instantly became my favorite of the Disney resorts, surpassing even the giant gingerbread house at the Grand Floridian, simply because of the simplicity and tribute to Mary Blair.

The gingerbread tree has changed a bit since its first year, when it was just a plain tree with some frosting ‘snow’. Last year candy canes and ornaments were added with space for photo ops. This year the tree has brighter ornaments, a hidden Mickey or two, and the “it’s a small world” background is now edged in lights, has a black backdrop, and Mr. Sun’s face moves as it does in the attraction. When the tree first appeared, all that was sold at the counter were gingerbread cookies in the shape and style of “it’s a small world” characters and a few other treats. Now there are quite the array of elegantly decorated and beautiful cookies and treats, in addition to a Contemporary Resort-shaped A-frame gingerbread house with white chocolate monorail inside! Let’s take a closer look:

Contemporary gingerbread treats — more views of the Contemporary gingerbread house

The Contemporary gingerbread house WITH monorail!

Disney Monorail Resort Holiday Highlights

1 December 2011 by Suzannah Otis 2 Comments

It’s a family tradition to do a Walt Disney World Monorail Resort tour during the holidays, and my mom and I did just that this week. Of course we’ll venture back with the rest of the family, and go at night so we can see all the lights, but this was a lovely day and I captured some photos to share here: (click for full-sized photos)

Polynesian wreath — One of the many hanging wreaths at the Polynesian Resort

Looking back across the waterfalls to the Polynesian Christmas tree

Elegant Grand Floridian deer, which light up at night

Grand Floridian gingerbread house — Be sure to look for the golden hidden Mickeys!

GF Gingerbread House sign — A sign in the shop upstairs tells guests to seek out the giant gingerbread house

Grand Floridian tree upstairs — Grand Floridian tree viewed from upstairs

Contemporary gingerbread guard shack-smells delicious in person!

Contemporary tree Mickey Topper — Chef Mickey atop the world atop the Mary Blair gingerbread tree

Stay tuned for more posts on the individual resort goodies, starting with the delicious treats offered at the Contemporary Resort. We’ll also visit the Grand Floridian gingerbread house up close, see what the Beach and Yacht Clubs have to share and come back to the Polynesian when their little gingerbread houses are out!