It's time to grab the kids and get ready for a big dose of nostalgia. A musical tribute to Disney, both on screen and on stage, is coming to Bellevue courtesy of the Bellevue Society for the Arts.
Want to go?
WHAT: “A Disney Spectacular!”
WHEN: August 17 show only 7:30 p.m.; August 18 dinner at 6:00 p.m; show at 7:30 p.m.; August 19 cookies and story time 1:00 p.m.; show 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bellevue Society for the Arts, Hirt Theatre, 205 Maple Street, Bellevue
COST: Show only: $10/adult, $8/senior 60 & over, $6/student; Dinner and show: $20/adult, $15/child under 18 years of age; Story time: $12.00/person or $30.00 for a family of 4
INFO: 419-484-ARTS (2787)
Who knew that Cinderella’s prince had a name? He does, and it’s Dave Riegel. At least it’s Dave Riegel playing Cinderella’s Prince Christopher in “A Disney Spectacular!” at Bellevue Society for the Arts. When asked how he knew his character’s name, Riegel replied, “because they told me so.” Guess he’s taking it on faith.
“It’s a tribute to Disney songs. A musical revue,” says director Angela Bickhart-Sommers. She did a tribute to Broadway last season and has many more ideas she would like to bring to the BSA board. Bickhart-Sommers chose the music and songs and then brought it to her musical director Erica Washburn, who, apparently, was the one who knew Prince Christopher’s name.
There’s no dialog and no script, just a love of Disney music from both Broadway and movies being brought together. Riegel, as the Prince, will sing “10 Minutes Ago” which is actually from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Riegel will also perform “Go the Distance” from Disney’s “Hercules” and “He Lives in You” as Mufasa from Broadway’s “The Lion King.”
“The chorus will stay on stage the whole time,” says Bickhart-Sommers, who will also be a featured soloist belting out a song from “Pocahontas.” She insists there aren’t any costumes so to speak, she will be dressed in Native American garb but not necessarily dressed as Pocahontas.
“A Disney Spectacular!” will have three different performances. On Saturday attendees will solely enjoy the show, where as on Saturday there will be dinner before the show and Sunday will feature a Disney story time with cookies before the matinee.
With a cast of 50, including 23 kids under 14 years of age, 14 of whom are under 9, there’s probably not a Disney song to be imagined that won’t be enjoyed during this cabaret-style arrangement.
Unfortunately, the cast did not get to choose the songs they are singing or Riegel would probably be singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” from “Toy Story,” his favorite song, while dressed as the Genie from “Aladdin,” his favorite character solely due to Robin Williams’ performance, while watching “The Lion King,” his favorite Disney movie. Talk about a variety performance!
