Guests visiting Animal Kingdom can now bring home merchandise inspired by the new holiday offerings at the park. The Animal Kingdom Holiday Merchandise Exclusives include a new t-shirt and ornament! The design features the logo emblem from the park banners.
Both the long-sleeved t-shirt and ornament are available at Island Mercantile now. The t-shirt is also available at Discovery Trading Company and retails for $34.99. The shirt is a cheerful crimson color, with a gold foil design of the park’s holiday emblem. The emblem is a snowflake that is actually formed by various animals!
The ornament has the same snowflake design! The ornament is beautiful, and crafted from wood for a whimsical and rustic feel. Layering of the wooden pieces gives the ornament dimension. The snowflake is also outlined in a burgundy accent. The ornament retails for $19.99.
Will you be commemorating your trip with the new Animal Kingdom Holiday Merchandise exclusives?
The Black Tap is located in the Downtown Disney District of the Disneyland Resort! Famously known for their CrazyShake and Hand Crafted Burgers, Black Tap will be whipping up something special for Thanksgiving.
Not only will Black Tap Anaheim be open on Thanksgiving Day, they will be serving a specialty burger and shake for the holiday! Behold, the Thanksgiving Burger! This is a turkey burger with brie, applewood smoked bacon, corn and sage potato roll stuffing, cranberry and orange aioli. This burger gives you all the yummiest tastes of the holidays in one sitting.
Since Black Tap is known for their unique CrazyShakes, they decided to create a festive one just for Thanksgiving. Their limited edition Pumpkin Pie Shake is a pumpkin spice shake. They top this yummy shake with mini marshmallows, a slice of pumpkin pie, turkey marzipan lollipop, whipped cream and a cherry!
You definitely do no want to miss Thanksgiving at Black Tap Anaheim in the Downtown Disney District. These specialty items will only be available from November 25 to November 28. Get your Thanksgiving Burger and Pumpkin Pie Shake while your can and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
For the first time, all the lands of Animal Kingdom have some type of holiday decor!
The tree at the entrance has always been one of my favorites with the giant wooden stars and all the beautiful ornaments.
The Tree of Life area near the entrance has so many new and beautiful wreaths, lanterns and garlands.
I love how true to environment these decorations are!
They are just gorgeous and so detailed!
With so many beautiful lights, it may just beat out Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios as the park with the most Christmas lights.
The theming in the garlands and trees by Dug and Russell’s meet and greet is so spot on! The doggie toys and marshmallows to roast are such a nice touch.
Dinoland probably has the most noticeable transformation. Colored lights everywhere and new holiday costumes for the characters make this area so fun!
The area is even more whimsical than before!
While still holding true to the theme of, well, Dinosaurs.
Africa still has some of the traditional Animal Kingdom holiday decor.
The decor items made from used and recycled materials are some of my personal favorites.
Pandora also has some decorations that look like they belong in the Navi world. I love their rendition of Santa Claus!
Asia also added some new, colorful lanterns right outside the Up! Bird Show.
Overall I loved what they have done with Christmas at Animal Kingdom. The extra lights and holiday decor move Animal Kingdom to the top of my holiday park list!
The Disney Television Animation Studio first launched in November 1984, now 35 years later, the studio is still going strong with new animation. The Glendale offices are filled with nods to The Walt Disney Company’s rich legacy which includes a vintage animator’s desk to a wall filled with images of iconic characters.
The Disney Television Animation studio is comprised of animation veterans and new talent with a creative platform centered around original and heritage characters, and created for a range of platforms, such as YouTube, the DisneyNOW app and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service for new storytelling opportunities. Meredith Roberts, senior vice president/general manager, TVA, Disney Channels, says that these newer platforms frequently inspire the creation of shorter, “snackable” story extensions.
The mission was to create special animation for television with the debut of the Adventures of the Gummi Bears. Now the Disney Television Animation studio creates new favorites, such as Elena of Avalor, Ducktales, and The Lion Guard to name a few of the more than 50 projects in development with the studio that will all be featured on Disney+ launching November 12, 2019.
The Disney Television Animation Studio has enjoyed an incredible relationship with Walt Disney Animation Studios over the years, which continues today with Big Hero 6 The Series and Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure. “If they can think it and dream it within The Walt Disney Company, we can partner with those groups,” Roberts says. “The flexibility to ping pong around the Company with those big brands is fun and exciting and a great attraction for talent to come here. We’re the only ones who can do that.” “We understand the importance of these characters and we don’t want to disrupt anything that is important to our fans and to these worlds,” emphasizes Emily Hart, vice president, Original Programming. “We want to be additive in a positive way.”
The Television Animation Studio takes its position seriously by continuing on with traditions as well, to help with authentication the studios are looking for new and authentic voices to help continue with the heartfelt stories it is portraying. “We always want to hire the best writer but we’re certainly ensuring that the pool from which we’re looking at is well represented with everybody,” Roberts says. “The people that are coming through and gaining traction have a very unique experience that they want to illustrate in an animated series. It’s very personalized.”
Senior Vice President of Production Lisa Salamone adds, “That emerging talent frequently comes from within. The Owl House is a wonderful example of how the studio nurtures talent. The series’ creator and executive producer, Dana Terrace, first came to TVA as a storyboard revisionist on Gravity Falls and has also directed episodes of DuckTales. I love being at a place where you can help people realize their vision and their career goals.”
With emerging technology having an impact on TVA’s stories, the studio continues to work with hand-drawn, 2-D animation—art classes and character development classes are a popular feature of the studio’s vibrant culture—as well as modern CG animation. Salamone details, “For us, it’s about how can the technology push the creative and allow our showrunners and storytellers to find the look that helps them tell those stories.” In fact, earlier this year, a series of shorts created by TVA in collaboration with Unity Technologies, Baymax Dreams, received a Technology and Engineering Emmy® for real-time rendering.
While the studio continues to evolve to keep up with the changing of time, one thing was clear, they will still stay true to its 35-year-old roots while they continue to grow and entertain for another 35 years and more!
Celebrate the magic of Disney Parks with the new Disney Holiday Dooney & Bourke collection! This stunning new holiday collection features an allover pattern of holiday cheer, with a Disney flair. There are three regular styles available, and also an Annual Passholder exclusive!
There is an all over pattern design for this collection, as well as a full bag scenic design. The repeating pattern print features ornaments inspired by Mickey, teacups, carousel horses, stockings and candy canes and more. You can find this print on the crossbody, satchel, and also the AP tote. The scenic design featuring Mickey and Minnie in a timeless winter wonderland is available on the large shopper tote. The large tote is $298.00, the satchel is $268.00, and the crossbody is $198.00.
The Annual Passholder bag has the lovely repeating print pattern, and a stamped leather hangtag. The hangtag is stamped with the Annual Passholder logo, so you can share your passholder pride! The Annual Passholder bag is exclusive to passholders, and retails for $268.00.
You can find a couple styles from the collection online at shopDisney, and the rest are available at the Disney Parks.
Is the new Disney Holiday Dooney & Bourke Collection on your holiday wish list this year?
Disney+ Original Series and Specials Premiering on Disney+ After November 12th. When Disney+ launches on November 12, subscribers will discover the best in entertainment from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and more, alongside exclusive Disney+ Originals.
Disney+ will be the home to over 500 films over 7,000 episodes of various shows from Disney run channels such as ABC, Freeform, Disney Junior, and Disney Channel at the time of launch. So what comes after the Disney+ launch on November 12th? Several Disney+ Original Series have been announced for the new streaming service, but will be released over the course of several weeks.
Check out the schedule for the Original Series’ and Films coming to Disney+ in the first two weeks!
Photo Credit: Disney+
Tuesday, November 12:
The Mandalorian, A Mandalorian bounty hunter tracks a target for a well-paying client.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, “The Audition”, Ricky decides to audition for East High’s fall musical, “High School Musical,” in an effort to rekindle his relationship with his ex-girlfriend Nini.
Encore!, “Annie”, Twenty-three years ago, classmates from California’s Santana High School performed the Broadway classic, “Annie.” Now, with help from Broadway professionals, the cast returns to reprise the roles of their youth. Annie, who shares the same name as her character in the show, spent years chasing her Broadway dream before returning to San Diego to raise a family. Jeremy, reprising his role as Daddy Warbucks, overcame cancer and is now a deputy sheriff. Jaimie, a former homecoming queen, plays Miss Hannigan and like her character, she is now surrounded by children, raising four daughters and teaching kindergarten. Joining them are castmates Jarron, Debbie, Shenny, Benaiah, Katie, Sarah, and their beloved drama teacher Patty Di Puma. They have all come together in Santee, CA to spend a week singing, learning dance moves, memorizing lines, and taking a trip down memory lane, as they reunite for an encore performance of “Annie.”
Marvel’sHero Project, “Sensational Jordan”, Inspired by her limb difference, Jordan has honed her skills as a designer, and an inventor. A tireless champion for inclusivity in the industrial design community, she is giving the next generation of kids the tools to build a more accessible world. In recognition of Jordan’s effort and dedication, she’s about to be initiated into an elite group of extraordinary kids, joining Marvel’s Hero Project.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum, “Sneakers”, Jeff Goldblum sets out to investigate the multi-billion-dollar industry of SNEAKERS that’s transformed into an expansive phenomenon. His journey includes the basketball court, the country’s sneaker convention – Sneaker Con – and Adidas’ high-tech labs. Finally, he meets “The Shoe Surgeon” Dominic Ciambrone, who makes a customized sneaker fit for Jeff’s feet only.
Forky Asks A Question, “What is money?”, Hamm attempts to give Forky a lesson on how the US monetary system works.
SparkShorts: “Purl”, “Smash and Grab”, “Float”, “Kitbull”, “Loop”, “Wind”, Disney+ will be the exclusive home of “SparkShorts,” the Pixar Animation Studios short film series designed to discover new storytellers and explore new storytelling techniques from across the studio.
The Imagineering Story, “Part 1: The Happiest Place on Earth”, Walt Disney gathers a group of artists and engineers for the purpose of building a dream into reality. These ‘Imagineers’ formulate a set of design principles that transport people from their everyday lives to lands of imagination. Never has there been a place with themed environments, faithful to a story. Walt Disney vows, unlike a film that gets finished, Disneyland will never be completed.
Lady and the Tramp, In Disney+’s “Lady and the Tramp,” a timeless re-telling of the 1955 animated classic, a pampered house dog and a tough but lovable stray embark on an unexpected adventure and, despite their differences, grow closer and come to understand the value of home.
Noelle, In Disney+’s holiday comedy “Noelle,” Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick, who will take over for their father this Christmas. When Nick is about to crumble like a gingerbread cookie from all the pressure, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away…but when he doesn’t return, Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.
Photo Credit: Disney+/Pixar
Friday, November 15:
The Mandalorian, Target in-hand, The Mandalorian must now contend with scavengers.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, “The Audition”, E.J. is jealous and reeling after losing the leading role of “Troy” to Ricky, and Miss Jenn tells the conflicted leading lady, Nini, to “trust the process.”
Encore!, “Beauty and the Beast”, Twelve years after classmates from Saginaw High School in Ft. Worth, Texas performed the classic Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast,” the cast returns to reprise the roles of their youth with the help of Broadway professionals. We will meet Zane, who played the Beast and is now a father living in Colorado; Brittany, who played Mrs. Potts and now lives in Los Angeles pursuing an acting career; and Desiree, the choir kid who surprised everyone when she landed the musical’s leading role of Belle. The cast comes together to relearn complicated choreography and get reacquainted with the timeless music. Susan Egan, Belle from the original Broadway production, pays a visit and helps an apprehensive Desiree find her voice. Watch along as each member of the cast finds their way back into their roles for this encore performance of Disney’s beloved “Beauty and the Beast.”
Marvel’s Hero Project, “Incredible Elijah”, Elijah’s extraordinary empathy is his superpower. Speaking out to prevent child abuse, he has galvanized children, adults, and those in public service to join him in his rallying cry to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Elijah is already a hero in his community, and now, in recognition of his commitment to helping children, Marvel is making him a Super Hero.
The World According to Jeff Goldblum, “Ice Cream”, Jeff Goldblum takes his taste buds on a delectable trip within the world of ICE CREAM! He forages for ingredients in the wild and serves the treat from a van at the Las Vegas Rockabilly Festival. Jeff’s curiosity also introduces him to the legendary Ben & Jerry. He discovers a deep connection between humans and food and the power of nostalgia at an ice-cream social aboard a US Navy aircraft carrier.
Forky Asks A Question, “What is a friend?”, Forky shares his thoughts on what makes a good friend based on his limited exposure to the insides of Bonnie’s house.
The Imagineering Story,“Part 2: What Would Walt Do?”, Without Walt’s guidance, the development of Florida’s Walt Disney World is a risky endeavor, but Roy O. Disney fulfills his brother’s wish. A second generation of designers carry out the last of Walt’s ideas – EPCOT, where the Imagineers achieve a higher purpose beyond entertainment. Simultaneously, the first international park opens in Japan. No future plans threaten the survival of the company.
Photo Credit: Disney+
Friday, November 22:
The Mandalorian, The battered Mandalorian returns to his client for reward.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, “The Wonderstudies”, After “losing” her phone and missing an important rehearsal, Nini suspects who is responsible for her bout with bad luck and surprisingly retaliates. EJ confronts Ricky about a heartfelt voicemail left for Nini. Meanwhile, Mr. Mazzara becomes suspicious of Miss Jenn’s past.
Encore!, “Sound of Music”, Twenty-seven years after students from Michigan’s Flint Central High School performed “The Sound of Music,” the cast returns to reprise the roles of their youth with the help of Broadway professionals. As they reconnect, these friends — some of whom haven’t been on a stage in a decade — wrestle with the past, struggle with the present and reconnect in ways that will alter their future.
Marvel’sHero Project, “Unstoppable Adonis”, When Adonis lost his eyesight at age 5, he didn’t lose his ambition to one day play professional football. Now, as a celebrated running back for his high school team, he has changed the way people see those who are visually impaired, on the field and off. Already a local hero, Adonis’s story is about to be broadcast to the world when Marvel makes him a Super Hero.
The Imagineering Story, “Part 3”, Michael Eisner and Frank Wells save Imagineering and encourage widespread growth. They make Disney cool and relevant with teenagers. Every design project the Imagineers touch turns to gold. The crown jewel, Euro Disneyland, goes over budget and encounters resistance. Poor press coverage and cultural missteps cause low attendance. Humbled, management shies away from future Magic Kingdoms.
Photo Credit: Disney+
New and exciting things will be making their way to Disney+ over the coming weeks, and we can’t wait to get streaming on Tuesday!
Photo Credit: Disney+/Lucasfilm
Disney+ is set to launch in the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019, followed by a launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 19, 2019. A direct-to-consumer, ad-free experience featuring original feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted series, and short-form content, along with unprecedented access to Disney’s incredible library of films and television series, Disney+ will also be the exclusive streaming home for movies released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019.
Photo Credit: Disney+
Which titles are you excited to stream? Have you ordered a Disney+ subscription? What parts of Disney+ would you like to learn more about? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney+!
Carrie Fisher’s Brother Reveals Leia Was Supposed to Be ‘The Last Jedi’ in “Rise of Skywalker“. During an interview with Yahoo! Entertainment (UK), Carrie Fisher’s brother, Todd Fisher, shared new details about the role his late sister was meant to play in the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Star Wars fans were shocked to hear of Carrie Fisher’s sudden passing in December 2016 after she suffered a heart attack while traveling for the holidays. In even more shocking news, her own mother, Debbie Reynolds, passed away merely a day after her daughters death, presumably due to the stress and heartbreak of her daughters passing.
Their family has remained gracious and respectful since Fisher’s passing, but have recently opened up about their experiences with Carrie, and how plans for Fisher’s upcoming project, TheRise of Skywalker, had to go in a different direction than what they had hoped for, to remain respectful of the late actress and still satisfy fans with a climatic and well deserved ending to the Skywalker Saga.
Carrie’s brother, Todd, and her daughter, Billie Lourd, have spoken fondly of Carrie, with Billie even standing in for her mother during various events since her passing. Todd recently shared that the plan for General Leia Organa had been more intricate than fans realized and revealed that it was in fact, Leia, not Luke, who was meant to be “The Last Jedi”, and that this story was meant to be a huge reveal in Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.
“She was going to be the big payoff in the final film,” Todd Fisher shared with Yahoo Entertainment. “She was going to be the last Jedi, so to speak. That’s cool right?”
Photo Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
“People used to say to me, ‘Why is it that Carrie never gets a lightsaber and chops up some bad guys,’” Fisher even noted that Alec Guinness was roughly the same age when Obi-Wan Kenobi battled Darth Vader in A New Hope. “Obi-Wan was in his prime when he was Carrie’s age!”
“The truth is that J.J. Abrams was great friends with Carrie… he had an extraordinary sense of love for her,” her brother share. It was for that reason that Abrams decided to make a bold, and creatively risky decision: to take unused footage of Fisher as Leia from The Force Awakens and make it part of The Rise of Skywalker.
Carrie’s daughter, Billie Lourd, took on a mountain of responsibilities and refers to herself as “the keeper of Leia.” She goes on the share her story in an essay with Time, to read the whole essay, CLICK HERE. (It’s worth the read!)
“My mom died on Dec. 27, 2016. Two days after Christmas, four days before New Year’s and about a year before she was supposed to appear in her final Star Wars film. Losing my mom is the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I lost my best friend. My little lady in the TV. My Momby. And I inherited this weird, intimidating thing called her legacy. Suddenly I was in charge of what would come of her books, her movies and a bunch of other overwhelming things. I was now the keeper of Leia.”
Photo Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Billie goes on to share, “About a year later, J.J. called me into his office to talk about the plans for Leia. We both agreed she was too important to be written off in the classic Star Wars introductory scroll. This last movie was supposed to be Leia’s movie, and we wanted it to remain that, as much as possible. What I hadn’t known–and what J.J. told me that day –was that there was footage of my mom that they had collected over the years that hadn’t made it into the movies, footage that J.J. told me would be enough to write an entire movie around. It was like she had left us a gift that would allow Leia’s story to be completed. I was speechless.”
She continued, “J.J. asked me if I would want to come back as Lieutenant Connix. I knew it would be one of the most painful, difficult things I would ever do, but I said yes for her–for my mom. For Leia. For everyone Leia means so much to. For everyone Leia gives strength to. For my future kids, so someday they’ll have one more movie to watch that Mommy and Grandma were in together.”
Photo Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Carrie’s brother also shared just how much footage was left to use and it is a miracle that J.J. and Lucasfilm were able to piece Carrie’s final performance together.
“They had eight minutes of footage,” Todd shared. “They grabbed every frame and analysed it… and then reverse-engineered it and [got] it into the story the right way. It’s kind of magical.”
Fisher also went on to say he is not sure how Abrams worked his magic, but that ultimately, he believes this is what Carrie would want for fans, and he hopes it not only gives closure to her character, but also a kind of closure to fans.
“This is, in its own way, a payoff. … It’s Carrie talking to us all from beyond. The beautiful thing about the concept of the Force is that there is no real death; you just exist in another dimension. So Carrie is looking down or sideways or wherever and is still part of us. To be able to see that — it’s magical stuff only in the movies.”
Photo Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres in theaters December 20, 2019. You can order tickets now via Fandango.com, AMCtheatres.com, preferred theater mobile app, or at a theater box office window near you.
Photo Credit: Disney/Lucasfilm
Are you excited to see the epic finale of the Skywalker Saga? Will you be seeing The Rise of Skywalker on opening weekend? What other Star Wars projects are you excited to see coming to theaters and Disney+? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Star Wars!
Wondering what you should be eating at Hollywood Studios this Christmas season? Look no further! This is your one-stop-shop for answers about the amazing seasonal treats that Walt Disney World has released in the park of cinematic spectacles.
First stop: the ABC Commissary. This is where you’ll find the coveted Mickey’s Santa Hat Chocolate Mousse. Certainly, one of the most aesthetically-pleasing treats at Hollywood Studios, this dessert belongs on your Instagram feed and is sure to be a sell-out during the season. Also available at the Commissary are the Strawberry Mint Verrine, Holiday Wreath Cookie, and Winterberry Margarita.
Pizzarizzo will also be serving up some holiday magic during their hours of service. These are limited to the Strawberry Mint Verrine and the Winterberry Margarita, but don’t let that stop you from heading over! The adults in the group may want to grab that margarita more than once during their stay!
Baseline Tap House, a favorite spot for picking up drinks and small bites, will provide Elsa’s Magical Macarons in honor of the upcoming release of Frozen 2. They’ll also have gingerbread cookies, so everyone will have an after-dinner treat to suit their tastes. The Market will be serving both of these options as well, so guests will be able to access them from multiple locations.
Gingerbread cookies, as a Christmas staple, will also be sold at Dockside Diner, along with a Hot Cocoa Flight. This Flight can also be purchased at Woody’s Lunchbox, along with a Holiday Lunchbox Tart, a spin on their usual classic treat, as well as at Fairfax Fare, which is where you’ll find the adorable Olaf’s Chocolate Marshmallow Verrine, another great choice for those who like to photograph their food.
The Winterberry Margarita can be found in a third location, that being Rosie’s All-American Cafe. Their menu also boasts the Goofy’s Hot Chocolate, Not Hot Chocolate Verrine. This is another popular choice at Hollywood Studios this season and it is also available at Backlot Express. But if you’re headed for Backlot Express, fair warning, the amazing Chocolate Chestnut Pinecone is back this year and is an irresistible mousse-like treat. The Holiday Blondie is also available there, and with it’s dried cranberries and orange essence, it’s looking like all three dessert options may need to be on guests’ to-eat lists.
The Trolley Car Cafe (also known as the Hollywood Studios Starbucks) will also have the Chocolate Chestnut Pinecone or a Prep and Landing Cupcake that should complement guests’ afternoon coffees perfectly.
Other locations offering seasonal treats are Catalina Eddie’s with their Caramel Apple Verrine, popcorn carts around the park serving Holiday Festive Popcorn, and any of the outdoor bars which will feature a Holiday Mule as well as the Frostbite cocktail.
Verrines are particularly popular this year, so be sure to choose at least one to sample, but don’t let them be the only thing you eat because there are lots of delicious options. Now get out there and get snacking! Christmas comes but once a year.
“In the summer of 1899, the newsboys of New York City took on two of the most powerful men in the country — Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst — and won. Inspired by true events, the Broadway smash hit is a testament to the power of standing up and speaking out. The Tony Award-winning musical features fan-favorites like “Carrying the Banner,” “King of New York” and “Seize the Day.” Newsies is “a winning, high-energy musical” (Entertainment Weekly) just in time for the holidays and perfect for the whole family.”
Recently, we chatted with one of the shows performers, Chaz Wolcott (Race) about his experience with Disney’s Newsies and his time at the Arena Stage and we think you are in for a real treat!
Photo Credit: Michael Hull Photo
Chaz has an impressive resume, particularly with Disney’s Newsies. He has filled many roles for the show through out his career, including actor, director, and choreographer. He is best known for his performance as ‘Buttons’ in the film version of Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical, and is currently cast as ‘Race’ for his performance at the Arena Stage. Chaz has performed in Disney’s Newsies over 800 times during his career, and is extremely passionate about the performing arts as well as his charitable work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
We hope you enjoy getting to know more about Disney’s Newsies through one of their top performers. (We sure did!)
Chip and Co.: What is the biggest challenge you have taken away from your experience in Newsies?
Chaz: Performing in the round (with audiences on all sides of you) is so different than performing on a typical proscenium stage. It’s been really interesting to learn the ins and outs of how to perform for an audience in the round!
Chip and Co.: Have you enjoyed your time on the Arena Stage with your fellow cast members? Which cast members have blown you away with their performances?
Chaz: The cast at Arena is incredible. I am so blown away by all their performances, especially that of one of our 16-year-old company members, Luke Spring, who will knock your socks off with his amazing tap dancing!
Chip and Co.: Do you feel Newsies still connects with audiences and can be reflective of todays current events?
Chaz: I think Newsies is even more relevant in 2019 then when the show first debuted on Broadway. We are witnessing multiple children’s crusades happening in our current society from the students in Parkland, Florida to the climate change activists all over the world demanding a better future for our planet. Newsies is about a group of young people taking on the most powerful people in New York in 1899, but it feels exactly like modern day movements you read about in the news every day.
Chip and Co.: You have experienced all kinds of productions that range from touring for months on end to single location performances. Do you prefer to tour and visit new places when you perform, or find it more comforting to have a “home” theater during a shows run?
Chaz: Both types of situations have their perks and their challenges. I love finding a home and building a family in one theater, but I also love traveling and exploring new places so touring can be pretty fun as well. Honestly, in a business that is so tough to find work, I’m just happy to have a job doing what I love, no matter where it is!
Photo Credit: Arena Stage
Chip and Co.: You have made magic for Newsies audiences previously as ‘Buttons’, but in this performance you play ‘Race’, what are the biggest differences between the two characters?
Chaz: It is really interesting to find different characteristics for each Newsie depicted in the play. Buttons was more of a follower, one of the boys, not entirely developed in the script, whereas Race is one of the leaders and helps to drive the plot throughout the whole show. One of my favorite things about ensemble shows like this, is creating a specific identity for each of the characters using context clues from their lines in the script. The character of Race is actually rooted in a historical figure of the Newsboys’ Strike- Ed ’Racetrack’ Higgins- so it’s also been fun to research him and incorporate that into my show.
Chip and Co.: If you had to sing impromptu Disney Karaoke for a blind audition what song(s) would be your go to?
Chaz: This is a tough one – but I’d have to go with “Poor Unfortunate Souls” from The Little Mermaid or a one man production number of “Belle” from Beauty and the Beast!
Chip and Co.: What do you hope audiences take away from Newsies at the Arena Stage?
Chaz: I hope audiences find inspiration in the themes depicted in the show of children taking over the reigns on the future of the world. We live in a time in America, where change is coming, and coming quickly, and instead of being scared of it, I think Newsies shows us to “step aside and invite the young to share the day”.
Chip and Co.: Finally, What advice would you give young performers, directors, and choreographers who may be sitting in the audience?
Chaz: It took me 7 auditions to Book my first Newsies. I’ve now performed the show over 800 times in 70 cities across 2 countries, performed in a live film of the show, choreographed it 5 times and directed it 3 times. Don’t let a few NO’s stop you from getting what you want!
Photo Credit: Arena Stage
“CHAZ WOLCOTT (Race / Ensemble / Crutchie u/s) is elated to make his Arena Stage debut with Newsies. Chaz’s New York/National Tour credits include Disney’sNewsies, Cats (Mr. Mistoffelees) and Me and My Girl (City Center Encores!). Regional theatre credits include Music Theatre Wichita, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Fulton Theatre, Casa Mañana, Westchester Broadway, Lyric OKC and The Gateway. Chaz was Buttons in the film version of Disney’s Newsies: The Broadway Musical and was featured on So You Think You Can Dance. Chaz is an alum of Oklahoma City University and is currently on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway in NYC.”
Thank-you Chaz for the wonderful interview and giving us some insight into this truly timeless story you love so dearly. Special thanks to our friends at Arena Stage for spectacular opportunities to dive deeper into Newsies and the Arena Stage. Thank-you!
Be sure to check back here at Chip and Company for all things Disney and for our review of Disney’s Newsies presented by the Arena Stage around mid-November! We look forward to seeing the performance soon.
The iconic Walt Disney Archives is celebrating their 50th year anniversary. The Archives are hosting a grand exhibition at the Bowers Museum entitled “Inside the Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic“.
In order to celebrate this important moment, the Walt Disney Company has collected pieces from the archives to set up a historical exhibit in its honor. The event will take place at the Bowers Museum located in Santa Ana, California. Guests will be invited to talk a stroll down memory lane and view over 400 different objects. The exhibit will include original artwork, memorable costumes, and familiar props. Special items will be on display, like one-of-a-kind sketches from Fantasia and the Haunted Mansion attraction. Guests will also get an exclusive look at superhero costumes and other threads from characters you all know and love.
The exhibit will also be hosting a preview event and a Gala fundraiser that will include a special VIP guest list. Members of the Bowers Museum can partake in an exclusive Member Opening Night on Friday, March 6. “Inside the Disney Archives: 50 Years of Preserving the Magic” will open to the general public on March 7th and continue through August 30, 2021.
The exhibit isn’t the only way the Disney Archives will be celebrating is anniversary! The Walt Disney Archives will be hosting a series of festivities taking place throughout the year 2020. It’s a celebration you definitely do not want to miss!
For tickets and more information, please visit: bowers.org
Pop! Pop! Pop! Cute Christmas merchandise is popping up all over Walt Disney World, and high on our holiday wishlist are the numerous new popcorn buckets to be had. Every year, seasonal buckets turn up all around the parks and make us crave popcorn all the more, not to mention how cute we feel carting our treats around in these special containers.
Hollywood Studios has brought out a few souvenir treat holders, with one of the most popular options being the Toy Story Alien Popcorn Bucket. The hilarious little green men who stole our hearts in that Pixar classic have returned, dressed in flannel winter pajamas, to take us to their leader. Or the nearest popcorn cart for a refill!
The alien’s mouth opens to reveal a cavity for popcorn, or maybe another snack guests would like to carry around with them. He is equipped with a strap for easy travel. Each bucket costs $25, tax included and can be refilled for $2 as many times as guests would like for the length of their stay. Considering what a healthy and filling snack popcorn is, not to mention what other Park options can cost, this is a great deal to keep your family munching throughout your Christmas visit! Plus, your new friend will be ”eternally grateful” to be going home with you.
Whether guests are big popcorn fans or big Toy Story fans, this little alien is a hard souvenir to pass up. Check out any one of Hollywood Studios’ popcorn carts to pick up one for yourself!
Have you been collecting the commemorative keys from the Disney Store and shopDisney this year? The year is almost over, but there is one last bit of magic, a beautiful Disney Store Holiday Key! This festive key will be free with a purchase of $10.00 or more on November 17th.
This special key will be available in store for the first 150 guests to make a purchase of $10.00 or more. The design on the key has a cheerful red train, which is perfect for this year’s Disney Store holiday theme. Snowflakes are also sprinkled about the red and green accents on this key too! The train also ties in seamlessly with the fabulous Toys for Tots campaign also going on in store!
So far this year we have seen a lot of exciting keys including one commemorating the release of Frozen 2 this month, and my personal favorite Donald Duck’s 85th anniversary! I’ve been collecting all year long, and only missed one, but I will be sure to get the holiday one!
The Disney Store Holiday Key will debut for the U.S. stores on Sunday November 17th. There will also be a limited quantity available on shopDisney as well.
The UK key release will be online at shopDisneyUK November 15th, and in store November 16th, how lucky!
Will you be adding the final collectible key of 2019 to your collection?
