The Hollywood Pictures Backlot culminates in a spectacular forced-perspective scene, creating a trompe l'oeil effect of a streetscape of classic Hollywood movie palaces against a blue-sky backdrop. Among the theaters depicted is the El Capitan, which the Walt Disney Company has leased since funding a multi-million dollar restoration effort in the early 90s. The marquee of the El Capitan typically showcases the latest Disney film release (usually playing simultaneously at the real ElCapitan).
The scene also includes the "entrance" of the Hyperion Theater, based on the historic Los Angeles Theater which opened in downtown L.A. in 1931 with the premiere of Charlie Chaplin's City Lights. The Hyperion gets its name from the California street on which Walt Disney had one of his early studio facilities.
The actual entrance to the theater is around the corner where we discover that, like much of Hollywood Pictures Backlot, the show is held in an enormous soundstage behind the facade. The show that opened here with the park in 2001, entitled Disney's Steps in Time, went through several early revisions, but failed to truly appeal to audiences. For the park's second summer, the Hyperion Theater hosted The Power of BLAST!, an abbreviated version of the percussion-filled, Tony Award-winning Broadway show, BLAST!
In January 2003, the Hyperion finally got the show it had been waiting for in Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular. Directed by Francesca Zambello (who went on to direct The Little Mermaid for Broadway), the show brings the story of Disney's 1992 animated feature, Aladdin, to the stage with elaborate effects, gorgeous costumes and songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice. In fact, Menken and Rice penned a new song exclusively for this show. Entitled "To Be Free," it is Princess Jasmine's "I want" song, describing her yearning for a life beyond the confines of the palace.
Although it comes in at 40 minutes, longer than a typical theme park show, Aladdin became an immediate hit with Disney California Adventure guests. The Broadway-calibre performances and unique elements, like a flying carpet and Prince Ali parading through the audience on an elephant, contributed to the show's success. Fans have also found the experience highly repeatable, due to the fact that the Genie performer's comments and ad-libs change from time to time, reflecting the most current pop culture references.
Disney's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular is presented five days a week at the Hyperion Theater in Hollywood Pictures Backlot, but does occasionally go on hiatus. Please check the Disneyland Resort Entertainment Schedule before you go, to make sure you don't miss it.
No comments:
Post a Comment