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Marveling at Disney Magic

6/23/2015

While on the East States Tour with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, we will be able to spend some time in New York City. One of the extra activities I opted to do in my spare time is take in a Broadway show. A group of us from the choir will be going to see Disney's "Aladdin." I have been to Disney World and Disneyland and seen all of the movies, and some of the stage productions. I have even directed some of the Disney Junior shows (including "Aladdin, Jr."), but I still marvel at Disney 'magic." I really want to know how they accomplish the magical effects.

But, as I have been told before --- it's Disney MAGIC!

A friend sent a link to a Back Stage Pass video about the stage show "Aladdin,"
https://youtu.be/B2QkcGcnpB8 and I got excited. Maybe they would reveal some of the "how to's" to accomplish this Disney MAGIC. But no -- it's still Disney Magic! Although they did give close up glimpses of the costumes and some of the contraptions under the stage. My daughter was once a performer at Disney World. She said that the performers sign a contract that they will never reveal the Disney "Magic" or even who they portray or where they will be at any time in the Park. Guess that is still in effect.

It will be exciting to see the magic carpet fly. The artwork on this show is simply astounding. Notice the perspective to make the carpet look like they are sailing high above the world below.

Check out the perspective here when Aladdin is down in the Cave of Wonders. Wow! The budget expenses must be astronomical! I know that the cast is fairly small and they make frequent costume changes to make it seem like the population in Aqaba is sizable. But, the stage crew must be pretty large to tackle all of the set changes, lighting cues and do all of the "magic." It would be quite an education to be a back stage hand during this show. I am really looking forward to seeing it. Here's to Disney "Magic!"
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P.S. The production of "Aladdin" was just as magical as we expected, even if our tickets were in the nose-bleed section behind some structural columns. I get so pumped-up by seeing professional live theater done so well. I always hope to be able to draw inspiration and encouragement for my own writing from these experiences.

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Setting the Stage for "Momotaro"

6/12/2015

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Years ago, my youngest son brought home a library book from school. At bedtime, we climbed onto the lower bunkbed and snuggled up to read. As I read, I noticed that the story was having an interesting effect on my boy. He really got into this tale about Momotaro. He kept saying that his was a "superhero" story. Just what a Kindergartener likes.

In the story, the people in the village were regularly having their food stores raided and their fields trampled by the Oni monsters who had taken up residence in the nearby castle. Those monsters even stole all of their weapons. It was clear that the village needed a hero to go to fight those demons. Meanwhile, the old woman had prayed and prayed for a son whom they could raise to become that hero. Her husband could train him in the martial arts and he could go on a quest to save their village. Finally, just as she was about to give up all hope, the River Spirit comes up out of the water and brings the Old Woman a peach. She says that inside is a baby boy, the fulfillment of her desires. The Old Woman rushes home to show her husband, They are deliriously happy and set about to raise their son Momotaro.

When Momotaro is old enough, he sets off on his quest. Along the way, he is joined by three animal compatriots -- a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant. They sneak up to the castle and fight the Oni monsters. During the fight, the Kamikaze wind comes and blows away the Oni monsters. Momotaro and the animals return home as heroes.

As I was reading, I could see the play come together. The songs formed in my mind and so did the actions -- in Japanese Kabuki style, of course. This became a fun little show to write -- perfect for the 5-7 years olds I was working with in a summer camp that season. A story of bravery, with heroes, monsters, fantasy animals, Spirit dancers, a rippling river of fabric, little girls dancing with baby dolls, a dancing forest, and slow motion martial arts fighting. All I had to say was that this was a Japanese "superhero" tale, and the five year old boys were all over it!

So, in a few weeks, I am producing this show again as a Summer Theater Camp. Looks like we will have 27 kids between the ages of 5 and 10.
I am gearing up and preparing for the fun. Wish me luck!

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Marveling at Disney Magic

Setting the Stage for "Momotaro"

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