Newsies: Big Broadway Success

It may be one of my Most Underappreciated Disney Films, but it’s no flop on the stage: The Hollywood Reporter reveals that the Broadway version of “Newsies” has already recouped its expenses.  For a Broadway show that’s fast; in fact, “Newsies” sets a record for Disney Theatrical Productions as the show that’s made back the money spent to make it in the quickest amount of time. “Newsies” cost Disney Theatrical Productions $5 million.  It made that back in nine months after opening (on Broadway; its pre-Broadway run in New Jersey isn’t being counted here).  That’s even faster than Disney Broadway … Continue reading

“Newsies” to Carry the Banner to Broadway

At the end of March “Newsies” will come to Broadway to run for 101 performances through June. “Wait,” you might say, “wasn’t ‘Newsies’ already on Broadway?” Nope, when the musical ran in fall 2011 it actually played off-Broadway at a theater in New Jersey. Thanks to its popularity, both with critics and the general public (i.e., in ticket sales), it now gets to play on the Great White Way at the Nederlander Theatre from March 29 to June 15. Previews begin on March 15. “Broadway revival” is a popular term, though it usually refers to once-famous New York shows that … Continue reading

“Newsies” Show Debuts on Sunday

I can’t believe it’s actually happening. Almost a year ago I wrote about how “Newsies” was slated for Broadway, but although I read reports about it happening I didn’t quite believe they would come to fruition. But they have. “Newsies” opens on September 25 at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey, only 25 miles from Manhattan. It runs through October 16, and if it’s successful, who knows, it could come back for more. In further proof of the musical’s existence the Disney Blog has a variety of videos about the show, from rehearsal clips to an interview with composer … Continue reading

“Newsies” Set for the Stage

One of my recurring columns highlighted “Newsies” as a woefully underappreciated Disney film. Some critics thought the songs were flat but I vehemently disagree; Alan Menken composed the score and I knew some people who hated the film but conceded the quality of the soundtrack. Now “Newsies” might finally get a real shot at the popularity it deserves. Sure, it enjoys a strange sort of cult status amongst girls who discovered it when they were 14 or so (like me), but I think a stage version of the musical gives it a chance at some critical acclaim. According to Moviefone’s … Continue reading

The Best of YouTube: Disney Edition

How about a little silliness for a Friday? In the tradition of my recurring Pets blog posts on the best of animals on the internet, today I’ve done a round-up of the best Disney-related videos on YouTube. I’m not talking clips from films or music videos made with Disney soundtracks, but the best moments from the parks, song covers, and more. I’ll start off with the first series of videos that inspired this post. Actor Darren Criss has become famous for his role as Blaine on the television show “Glee,” but his internet popularity started before that. On the ‘net … Continue reading

A Study in Princesses: Belle and Jasmine

Continuing from last week is my study on the evolution of the Disney princesses, examining how they developed from one-dimensional fluff into dynamic characters, and detailing how far Disney still needs to go. It almost physically pains me to say anything against “Beauty and the Beast,” but I have to be honest. Belle is my childhood favorite and in many ways a superb heroine; an intelligent bookworm who doesn’t care what others think of her, she longs for adventure and shows enough discretion not to give in to the first man showing interest. However, I have to say that the … Continue reading

The Many Worlds of Disney On Ice

Are you dying to check out that Kraft Singles-Disney On Ice savings offer but can’t decide which live show appeals most to you? Never fear; today I’m going to outline all of the Disney On Ice tours traveling the country so you can decide which you’d best like to see. Last year I posted an in-depth profile of the Let’s Celebrate extravaganza, so check out my prior blog for all the details on that show. Here is the scoop on the rest of the performances. When I first read that there are two Disney Princess ice shows currently touring, I … Continue reading

D23 in 2011

Recently I wrote of an upcoming D23-sponsered event that didn’t seem to include any special tickets or opportunities for its club members. So now I will highlight what’s on D23’s agenda for 2011. For those not in the know, D23 is the official Disney fan club. I have a post on all the details about it here. After taking a year off to celebrate Disney history with the debut of Destination D, this year’s biggest affair is definitely the return of the D23 expo. Despite its name, the expo is actually open to the public, not just club members. Being … Continue reading

Adventures by Disney: Europe

Now that we’re coming to the Adventures by Disney trips in Europe and North America, I will have to break up these sections into even smaller increments because there are so many travel options. Today I will focus on Adventures by Disney’s trips in England, France, Ireland, and Germany. Adventures by Disney offers two separate trips in England and France: the Gateway to London and Paris tour and the England and France Family Vacation. Despite the names, however, both seven-day six-night tours include only London and Paris. I find that a bit disappointing, because many of the other Adventures by … Continue reading