Epcot International Festival of the Arts coming in January 2017

[ToTBellHop]

Yeah, I'm sure someone like Patti Lapone is going to bother flying to a theme park and sing a few show tunes. I think the list is fine for where the event is being held. And more high profile people and it would be a crowd control nightmare

I've heard some of these people on tours and they are quite talented. I think this is a wonderful opportunity.

 

[wdwgreek]

Yeah, I'm sure someone like Patti Lapone is going to bother flying to a theme park and sing a few show tunes. I think the list is fine for where the event is being held. And more high profile people and it would be a crowd control nightmare

They have Neil Patrick Harris and Woopie Goldberg for the Candle Light procession, and i would argue they are much larger profile then all the names I listed. This could be a great cross promotional event for shows opening in the spring or summer. As for the talent sure they are talented but with the exception of Kerry Buttler they are not stars, none of their names have yet to appear above a marquee. They are for sure remarkably talented, more so then I will ever be, but they aren't broadway stars. I got see broadway shows every few weeks and like i said even some lesser known headliners would be nice, that would make me go wow they are really trying to do somthing special and showcase the best, brightest, or upcoming broadway stars.

 

[wdwgreek]

I thought it was very clear from the original press release that this would be "stars" from Disney theatrical productions. Regardless I don't know why you would expect them to promote other Broadway shows when they themselves have several.

Well why didn't they get their tony award winning actor James Igleheart to fly down, he is stunning and won the tony two seasons ago for Aladdin and still does a marvelous job.

 

[Kman101]

Do we ALWAYS have to be so critical? LOL. Who do you expect to fly to Epcot? Of course they'd bring Disney theatrical stars ... Man ...

 

[wdwgreek]

Do we ALWAYS have to be so critical? LOL. Who do you expect to fly to Epcot? Of course they'd bring Disney theatrical stars ... Man ...

I mean I'm going to be down in Florida to overlap for the first weekend so I'm going to go. But yes I'm being critical because when you advertise somthing as a celebration of broadway complete with broadway stars I expect a selection of broadway stars. I have seen better line ups in Province Town Cape Cod and studio 54 below. Im sure they could have gotten Seth Redinsky, the guy is such an egomaniac he would have gone down to Epcot in a heartbeat. Or mabye get Alan Mekin to come down and play some of his songs or do some panels? or even Tim Rice?

 

[Kman101]

I mean I'm going to be down in Florida to overlap for the first weekend so I'm going to go. But yes I'm being critical because when you advertise somthing as a celebration of broadway complete with broadway stars I expect a selection of broadway stars. I have seen better line ups in Province Town Cape Cod and studio 54 below.

I'm sorry you're disappointed in their selection. They are still Broadway stars, but I guess because you say they aren't, they aren't?

Whoopi Goldberg isn't flying into Epcot to sing some Disney songs. The Candlelight Processional is much different. Same for Neil Patrick Harris. A lot of those names you listed have a busy schedule I'm sure.

 

[wdwgreek]

I'm sorry you're disappointed in their selection. They are still Broadway stars, but I guess because you say they aren't, they aren't?

Whoopi Goldberg isn't flying into Epcot to sing some Disney songs. The Candlelight Processional is much different. Same for Neil Patrick Harris. A lot of those names you listed have a busy schedule I'm sure.

I would argue there is a distinction between a broadway performer and a star. A star's name appears above a marquee, a star gets award nominations, a star is someone people go to see, none of these performers talented as they may be are "stars." they may have had starring roles, but thats a very different thing then being a star in their own right.
Edit: Another star they could have gotten Raven Simone, she was in Sister Act a few seasons back and now she is back on Disney Channel, look at that cross promotion!

 

[ToTBellHop]

Most consider "Broadway" to refer to musical theatre. These are the stars of musical theatre productions and more talented than most WDW performers. Give me a break.

 

[wdwgreek]

Most consider "Broadway" to refer to musical theatre. These are the stars of musical theatre productions and more talented than most WDW performers. Give me a break.

Of that Kit Kat Bar? and Broadway is a street in New York around which there are around 40 theater where plays and musicals perform. Many consider Broadway shows the height of American theater. This is comparable to the West End in England a similar area of London where shows debut. Comparable to off broadway which is smaller scale and experimental. British musicals, off broadway and broadway musicals are very different beasts within the animal kingdom of musical theater. The distinctions matter, you may label it semantics, but as we all know from this very forum the devil is in the details about alot of things. They didn't advertise the best of musical theater did they? But at the risk of sound even more of an as I already am, I'll say potahtoes and you'll potatoes, i'll say talented performers who have had starring roles in some productions others will say Broadway stars, patatoe tamatoe or however that Gershwin song goes.

 

[wdwgreek]

This is why people hate serious musical theatre fans, the insufferable pretension and nitpicking over whether or not someone is talented or well-known enough to be considered Broadway star. They're obviously good enough to be on Broadway, unlike you. But I'm sure being the lead in your schools low budget rendition of Oklahoma qualifies you enough to speak about who is and who is not a star. *eye roll*

I think I said four or five times I am not talented nor ever will be. Also I'm in law school currently and only did theater tech in college for fun, I'm not gifted nor am I talented in musical talent, but i've seen many many gifted and talented people perform. I've seen over 100+ broadway shows and dozens more off broadway and off- off broadway being talented is not the same as being a star. As for the criticism of musical theater fans can't the same things be said about Disney world theme park fans? Nitpick nitpick nitpick? While I may have been a bit of a jerk above, your condescending jeers are frankly uncalled for.

 

[peter11435]

I mean I'm going to be down in Florida to overlap for the first weekend so I'm going to go. But yes I'm being critical because when you advertise somthing as a celebration of broadway complete with broadway stars I expect a selection of broadway stars. I have seen better line ups in Province Town Cape Cod and studio 54 below. Im sure they could have gotten Seth Redinsky, the guy is such an egomaniac he would have gone down to Epcot in a heartbeat. Or mabye get Alan Mekin to come down and play some of his songs or do some panels? or even Tim Rice?

Disney's original press release for the event did not refer to them as stars. It said "favorite music and Broadway talent." It then went on to specifically state that they would be performing songs from Disney's Broadway shows. So you should be critical of yourself for misunderstanding, not their advertising.

 

[wdwgreek]

Disney's original press release for the event did not refer to them as stars. It said "favorite music and Broadway talent." It then went on to specifically state that they would be performing songs from Disney's Broadway shows. So you should be critical of yourself for misunderstanding, not their advertising.

I yield to you good sir, even Disney themselves didn't advertise these individuals as stars. My expectations did not match the reality of their advertising! thank you for the correction!

 

[ToTBellHop]

Of that Kit Kat Bar? and Broadway is a street in New York around which there are around 40 theater where plays and musicals perform. Many consider Broadway shows the height of American theater. This is comparable to the West End in England a similar area of London where shows debut. Comparable to off broadway which is smaller scale and experimental. British musicals, off broadway and broadway musicals are very different beasts within the animal kingdom of musical theater. The distinctions matter, you may label it semantics, but as we all know from this very forum the devil is in the details about alot of things. They didn't advertise the best of musical theater did they? But at the risk of sound even more of an *** as I already am, I'll say potahtoes and you'll potatoes, i'll say talented performers who have had starring roles in some productions others will say Broadway stars, patatoe tamatoe or however that Gershwin song goes.

You don't need to condescendingly lecture me on Broadway. I am aware of where Broadway the street is as I travel to the City routinely to see shows. Disney should be commended for putting on a production exposing guests to the joys of musical theatre, a far cry from their usual (lately) schtick of appealing to 3-year olds.

 

[wdwgreek]

You don't need to condescendingly lecture me on Broadway. I am aware of where Broadway the street is as I travel to the City routinely to see shows. Disney should be commended for putting on a production exposing guests to the joys of musical theatre, a far cry from their usual (lately) schtick of appealing to 3-year olds.

Fair enough, I was mistaken on the wording Disney used and for that I apologize also for my tone, I was trying to point out the distinction matters but as disney used the term talents from musical theater my critique is now moot.
Alls well that ends well, you are right thoughit is a step up from the lowest common denominator entertainment. Sorry again for being a jerk!!!!

 

[GiveMeTheMusic]

Every one of the performers announced has performed in Disney musicals on Broadway in New York City. While only Kerry Butler and Ashley Brown are "names" in New York, the others are all tremendously talented professionals with Broadway credits. While it would be fun for Disney to bring in huge Broadway names, the PR for this festival clearly indicated "Disney on Broadway" stars - I'm not sure who else anyone could have expected.

Regardless, the experience is surely elevated from the tribute bands and washed up acts they book for other festival concerts. Hope the event is a success and grows next year.

 

[wdwgreek]

Every one of the performers announced has performed in Disney musicals on Broadway in New York City. While only Kerry Butler and Ashley Brown are "names" in New York, the others are all tremendously talented professionals with Broadway credits. While it would be fun for Disney to bring in huge Broadway names, the PR for this festival clearly indicated "Disney on Broadway" stars - I'm not sure who else anyone could have expected.

Regardless, the experience is surely elevated from the tribute bands and washed up acts they book for other festival concerts. Hope the event is a success and grows next year.

Agreed and agreed I hope it does continue to grow!

 

[Disney-Trains]

Ashley Brown played the starring role for Mary Poppins and Beauty & the Beast on Broadway. I count that as a Broadway Star.

Anyone

 

[MisterPenguin]

Comparable to off broadway which is smaller scale and experimental

Yes! I get to be pedantic!...

While off-Broadway shows are often experimental, many are not. It's solely size of the theater which determines whether a show gets the designation 'off-Broadway.'

 

[matt9112]

So I guess you didn't read the entire article. The festival only runs Friday through Monday during that time. Not all week. No, isn't a lot of days less, but it is a few. I for one have zero problems with the festivals. We go to both Flower & Garden and Food & Wine pretty much every year. We just don't go there on Friday or Saturday evenings when the locals are out in force.

you mean.....when people that have jobs go and cant just enjoy EPCOT?

 

[peter11435]

you mean.....when people that have jobs go and cant just enjoy EPCOT?

Nothing stops you from still enjoying Epcot.