‘Hunchback’ Musical Opens Today!

Paper Mill Playhouse debuts The Hunchback of Notre Dame tonight. The musical was the first Disney musical to premiere outside the US, having originally opened in Berlin, Germany in 1999. According to Playbill:

Produced in association with La Jolla Playhouse, the Paper Mill Playhouse production of Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame will feature Ciara Renée as Esmeralda, Michael Arden as Quasimodo and Patrick Page as Dom Claude Frollo. Book is by Peter Parnell, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Scott Schwartz directs. Performances begin March 4 with an opening date of March 15. Performances run through April 5. See show details.

Check out some of the show’s highlights in the video below:



I don’t know what you think, but it looks pretty fantastic to me! Personally, I believe The Hunchback of Notre Dame to have one of the most beautiful and chilling scores, which I’m glad was highlighted in the video. According to theatermania.com:

At each performance, 32 local choir members from the Continuo Arts Symphonic Chorus will serve as the onstage choral ensemble.

Let's get this show to Broadway!

Image from Playbill Tumblr

See you all real soon.

Just a Heads-up

Sunday afternoon, MMM is driving me back down to Kansas, back to school.  And what does that mean?  Well, I can’t promise anything, but probably with my classes and work (both my previous job and in the Theatre department for my major), I’m guessing there will be less posting as before. Not another hiatus, but I can’t promise posting twice a week.

I’m keeping a notebook with important Disney-related events so that I can remember to post for those events and other such things.  For example, I’m hoping to post on the new movie Oz: The Great and Powerful when it comes out in March.  Or Merida’s coronation in July.

So don’t say goodbye quite yet!

And speaking of school (and the Theatre department), here’s random little story.  Okay, not so random.

Last semester, I took the Intro to Theatre class.  Before I left for college, my books arrived.  Interested in at least glancing through them, I picked up the Theatre book.  And just what did I happen to turn to?

A picture of Disney's The Lion King Broadway musical!
Picture taken by THE Disney Freak.

Mere coincidence?  I think not!

See ya all real soon!

Making This a Lion King Weekend

Be prepared...The Lion King is getting a big spotlight this weekend.

Who doesn't love this group of characters?
Photo from the Disney Wiki.

First, the movie is actually airing today on Disney Channel.  I do not know the time, especially since my family doesn't get cable.

And tomorrow is the last day to see the Broadway show at the Orpheum theatre here in Minnesota.

I realize this is really short--just wanted to give ya'll a heads up!

The Lions are Coming! The Lions are Coming!

The Lion King started out as a Disney movie back in 1994.  No one thought it would do that well.  They were wrong.  It's become one of the most beloved Disney's classics and was hailed as "the greatest wonder of all" by the Los Angeles Times.  Books were developed, sequels were created, and now there's a magnificent Broadway version of the movie.  And better yet: it's here in Minnesota!

The Lion King show was developed in 1997 by Julie Taymor, who also is the director of the show.  It opened on July 8, 1997 in Minneapolis at the Orpheum Theatre, and 15 years later, it's returned to the same theatre, same town, same state this very month!

This is the official promo video that gives you a glimpse at just how spectacular and stunning this show really is.

Now then, if you're interested in checking out this great show, I've found the sites where you can buy tickets online.  Check them out, and enjoy the show!
Tickets at the Hennepin Theatre Trust
Tickets at Ticketmaster

PS: if you've gone to the show, please share about how amazing it was in the comments!  And if you went to it but didn't really like it, please share with us what you didn't quite enjoy; we want to hear both sides of the story!  If you're going, please share your excitement in the comments!  And if you haven't...well, tell us how you want to. :)