#Disneyland60.....Today In Disneyland History......July 29, 2007

Beauty and the Beast Closes On Broadway

July 29, 2007

On July 29, 2007, Disney’s lavish Broadway musical Beauty a the Beast gave its final performance after 5,461 shows, making it the eighth longest running production on Broadway. Based on the 1991 animated classic film of the same name, which was in turn adapted from the French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, Beauty and the Beast featured music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and book by Linda Woolverton. Beauty and the Beast tells the story of a prince who is transformed into a hideous beast as punishment for his cruel and selfish ways, and an adventurous young woman named Belle whom he imprisons in his castle. In order to become human again, the Beast must earn Belle's love before it's too late. Seven new songs were written for the stage musical. Luckily for lovers of this all time classic tale of love, guests of Disneyland can find Beauty and the Beast playing in the Royal Theater in the new Fantasy Faire across a small stone footbridge to the left of Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough.  

Three times daily, at 3:15, 4:35 and 5:45
 audiences of all ages are treated to this abbreviated version of a beautiful tale of love and longing.  This enchanting and rollicking version of Beauty and the Beast is told by Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones, a pair of vaudeville-style Renaissance storytellers complete with live musical accompaniment that further enhance the burlesque feel of this delightful show. Also on hand for the story telling are of course Belle and  Lumière. Following each performance, characters from the show are available to meet guests.  Audience members may even be invited to don a costume or pretend to be a character in order to aid the storytelling process. At 11:05, 12:15 and 1:30 each day, Fantasy Faire visitors can join in as Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones bring to life Tangled.   While you’re enjoying these sensational fairy tales, be sure to try some faire from Maurice’s Treats Snack Cart. The Twisted Treats along with a Boysen Apple freeze are the perfect afternoon indulgence. And that’s what happened today in Disneyland’s history.

It's Time to "Get Up and Go" With the Cast of Disney's "Newsies"

Photo Credit Disney Theatrical Group

Last April, one of my family’s favorite parts of the Disney Social Media Mom’s Celebration was experiencing the Disney Magic of Healthy Living Program first hand. From the Disney TRYit Campaign to the Disney Magic of Healthy Living, Disney continues to be a leader in encouraging parents to inspire their own families to lead healthier lifestyles.  Through their engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences, the  Disney Magic of Healthy Living Program helps families by making nutritious eating and physical activity more appealing and more fun.  And now Disney has really taken the next step in introducing the latest component in making their movement program as easy as 5, 6, 7, 8. 

Photo Credit Disney "Newsies"

Now you too can “Get Up and Go,” a new initiative to promote a healthier lifestyle in kids through dance.  Disney Theatrical Productions’ new wellness and fitness program “Get Up and Go” promotes fun ways that kids can lead healthier lifestyles through dance, inspired by the Disney’s Broadway shows and award winning choreography. The program launched in December 2013 and is currently offered to schools participating in Disney Musicals in Schools, Disney Theatrical Group's outreach initiative that builds sustainable theatre programs in New York City schools.

Check out this video that features Newsies Tony Award®-winning choreographer, Christopher Gattelli, who will leads aspiring dancers, or just people that want to have fun through dance, through a step-by-step tutorial in learning choreography from the thrilling production number, “Seize the Day,” that kids can do together in their schools and at home with family and friends.

This exciting new program will expand nationally with the onset of the recently announced Newsies National Tour in the fall of 2014. Programs in select cities will be announced at a later date. The program will expand to include sessions from The Lion King and Aladdin in 2015.  In the meantime, check out this high stepping fun when it hit the streets of New York on "Good Morning America".

“Get Up and Go” is in support of Disney Magic of Healthy Living which partners with parents and inspires kids and families to lead healthier lifestyles. This initiative  pairs the fun of Disney’s stories and characters with a well-balanced portfolio of foods and healthier lifestyle choices. Disney’s nutrition guidelines, which were first introduced in 2006, were developed with the help of experts and align to federal standards. For more information, please visit: www.thewaltdisneycompany.com/mohl

 It may be geared toward children, but this mom of a houseful of dancers is not going to pass up an opportunity to learn those impressive Newsies moves.  What are you waiting for?  If you can move you can dance! Throw on your dance shoes, grab some newspaper and along with the complete dance tutorial Be sure catch Newsies at the Nederlander Theatre before it closes on August 24 or when the Newsies seize the day in a city near you.  In the meantime, be sure to “Get Up and Go”.