Musical theater new component for theme parks at California Adventure

I've never found Musicals to be the best attractors at parks. They are very subjective in nature, I've noticed they get a lot of walk-outs during the show, particularly if the music isn't to the tastes of audience members (generally, most people who see a real Broadway musical, are after precisely that, whereas in a park, people are trying to get the most entertainment they can in a given visit). It seems that for best results, a park's show should be filled with lots of 'oohs & ahhs', maybe a bit of slapstick or jokes (admittedly most musicals do have at least the comedy - stemming back to Shakespeare's formula for plays); cultural enrichment isn't really what people are after.

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So what if the best coaster in Australia is a second hand Arrow?

I disagree entirely. "Popular" musicals like those from Disney, Phantom of the Opera, Rent, etc., have very broad appeal. That's why they tour and sell out night after night. To include some component of that show style at a theme park is an outstanding idea.

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Jeff - Webmaster/Admin - CoasterBuzz.com - Sillynonsense.com
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RE: I've never found Musicals to be the best attractors at parks. They are very subjective in nature, I've noticed they get a lot of walk-outs during the show, particularly if the music isn't to the tastes of audience members (generally, most people who see a real Broadway musical, are after precisely that, whereas in a park, people are trying to get the most entertainment they can in a given visit). It seems that for best results, a park's show should be filled with lots of 'oohs & ahhs', maybe a bit of slapstick or jokes (admittedly most musicals do have at least the comedy - stemming back to Shakespeare's formula for plays); cultural enrichment isn't really what people are after.

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As someone who has worked in the entertainment department in 4 major theme parks over the past 17 years, I can understand your comments, but I must take exception to them. Just because the audience you get at a theme park is not there for the entertainment does not mean you have to "dumb down" your shows for the masses. Take anything done at EPCOT...the parade, foreign language shows, classical music.

If you encourage your audience to think for themselves, they will be rewarded with more than your usual song and dance. I appluad Disney in their efforts to once again raise the bar as to what we feel theme park entertainment can and should be.

When I was 6 and visited Great America for the 1st time, they had a great Magic Show. In fact, it was what I most remembered about the trip. (A person dressed as Daffy Duck was steam-rolled and then blown up with a bicycle pump)

Back to the thread though, I'm kicking myself for not watching Blast. I'm not a huge fan of modern musicals (I LOVE the old MGM ones though), but it is a good idea to bring some quality entertainment to an entertainment park.

I think it may be difficult, though, given the parks' bottom lines.

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"If the beats were made of meat then they would have to be me ..." - L.L. Cool J

It doesn't open Jan 17th, its playing regularly every single day since the beginning of December. I had the DISpleasure of seeing this pathetic attempt at a braudway style show, and yeah... its bad! 1st off, I liked the fact that most of the songs and dialogue were about the same as the movie, but the actors were bad, and the special effects are far from "Disney Caliber". The magic carpet segment is pretty cool, although I'm sure that platform cost them a pretty penny. Anne Hamburger loves the show, so I guess we'll be seeing it for awhile till its cancelled. Hopefully Blast (or even Shockwave) will come to the Hyperion, that show kicked @ss!

And OrlandoCoaster- this show has been very dumbed down for the California audience. It's also a very long show (40 minutes I think) which is far too long for the average park goer to stay interested in throughout the show. *** This post was edited by ThePhantomLives on 12/16/2002. ***

I saw the show and thought it was a excellant show and the best show of its kind that disney has produced!!!!(though i still loved hunchback!!)
Shows like this and the Beauty and the Beast/Festival of the Lion King is what makes disney way superior to any other theme parks!!!
Shows like this are great entertainment besides a way to rest your feet while being entertained.
And maybe it happens at some parks but i havent seen people leaving any of the muscials that disney has put in their parks but have seen people not allowed in because the seating was full.
It may be that some may only want to ride rides all day but for people who perfer more well rounded entertainment options shows like these are great!!

The only live show I saw work at a park was Blast!

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Love,
The Mole

I really miss the Hunchback show at MGM. That was one I wish Disney would make into a full blown Broadway musical like thier others

The Mole- do you mean "Blast!" as in people running around and dancing playing instruments "Blast!"? I love them! I've only seen them on TV, but have one of their CDs. Amusement parks always seem to have their own little versions, the best I've seen is "Crew" at PKI.

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Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it'll be to ride Hulk at IOA!

Marimba Guy, Blast played in DCA's Hyperion Theatre for about a year (or so), ending their run this summer.

It was an awesome show, very entertaining and professional. (this coming from a guy who isn't a big fan of shows while at theme parks).

Cpcyclone-I agree Hunchback would make a great broadway show!!!

Seeing as how I play marimba, (note the sn) I loved the guy running around playing one. I believe the song was "Officer Krupke" from "West Side Story."

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Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it'll be to ride Hulk at IOA!