Wicked: For Good Final Trailer

All images: Universal

The final trailer for Wicked: For Good has arrived and it looks incredible. There are two stunning new posters, as well. In the movie, Elphaba and Glinda's story continues, with many more struggles along the way. 

Here's the official synopsis from Universal: 

The final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices. 

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).  

Glinda (Ariana Grande), meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.  

As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives. 

As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good. 

"Wicked: For Good" also stars Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Glinda’s fawning assistants, Pfannee and ShenShen and Sharon D. Clarke as the voice of Elphaba’s childhood nanny, Dulcibear.

Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21st.

Kiss Me, Kate

I've always loved live theatre, especially musicals. There's something magical about it. We saw "Kiss Me, Kate" at the Town Theatre in Columbia, SC last night and it was a lot of fun. The theatre is quite small, but charming, and the performance was delightful. I look forward to seeing their next show.

Hamilton On The Big Screen

All images: Disney

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Hamilton, Disney is bringing the iconic musical to movie theaters everywhere. Featuring the original Broadway cast, Hamilton is an intriguing look at the life of one of the Founding Fathers.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney: 

“Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.

Hamilton arrives in theaters on September 5th.

Bruce The Shark

The Finding Nemo musical at Animal Kingdom has been my favorite Disney World show for years. And my favorite scene is Bruce the shark and his pals singing "Fish Are Friends, Not Food". It makes me laugh every time!

Behind-the-scenes of Wicked: For Good

All images: Universal

The second part of the epic musical Wicked looks even more spectacular than the first. Taking place both before and after the arrival of Dorothy Gale, the story continues to focus on the friendship between Glinda and Elphaba. 

Here's the official synopsis from Universal: 

The final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices. 

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now demonized as The Wicked Witch of the West, lives in exile, hidden within the Ozian forest while continuing her fight for the freedom of Oz’s silenced Animals and desperately trying to expose the truth she knows about The Wizard (Jeff Goldblum).

Glinda (ArianaGrande), meanwhile, has become the glamorous symbol of Goodness for all of Oz, living at the palace in Emerald City and reveling in the perks of fame and popularity. Under the instruction of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh), Glinda is deployed to serve as an effervescent comfort to Oz, reassuring the masses that all is well under the rule of The Wizard.

As Glinda’s stardom expands and she prepares to marry Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) in a spectacular Ozian wedding, she is haunted by her separation from Elphaba. She attempts to broker a conciliation between Elphaba and The Wizard, but those efforts will fail, driving Elphaba and Glinda only further apart. The aftershocks will transform Boq (Ethan Slater) and Fiyero forever, and threaten the safety of Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), when a girl from Kansas comes crashing into all their lives.

As an angry mob rises against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba will need to come together one final time. With their singular friendship now the fulcrum of their futures, they will need to truly see each other, with honesty and empathy, if they are to change themselves, and all of Oz, for good. 

"Wicked: For Good" also stars Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James as Glinda’s fawning assistants, Pfannee and ShenShen and Sharon D. Clarke as the voice of Elphaba’s childhood nanny, Dulcibear. 

Wicked: For Good arrives in theaters on November 21.

Frozen: The Musical on DisneyPlus

Disney

Frozen: The Musical is headed to DisneyPlus. I love having the chance to see Broadway musicals at home. It's great for those of us who can't afford the travel and tickets to see them live on stage.

Frozen: The Musical arrives on DisneyPlus on June 20th.

Hamilton at the Tonys

CBS

The original cast of Hamilton reunited at the 78th Annual Tony Awards last night. They performed a medley of songs from the musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. It was incredible.

Hamilton, performed by the original cast, is available on DisneyPlus.

Wait Till You See This

Universal

Each new trailer for Wicked looks, and sounds, even more amazing than the last. It's nearly time for another musical adventure through the Land of Oz to make it's way to the big screen, 85 years after The Wizard of Oz made it's theatrical debut.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 22nd. Part Two will arrive on November 26, 2025.

The Music of Wicked

All images: Universal

The latest trailer for Wicked is focused on the songs that make it great. From "Popular" to "Dancing Through Life" to "Defying Gravity", the songs sound incredible and look as over the top as they should be.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister, and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

 

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle. 

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 22nd. Tickets are available now.

Welcome To Oz

Universal

Wicked looks more and more amazing.

Here's the official synopsis from Universal: 

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. 

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

 

The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister, and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

 

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, Keala Settle. 

 

Wicked arrives in theaters on November 22nd.

Wicked Looks Amazing

All images: Universal

The official trailer for Wicked has arrived, and it looks amazing. I can't wait to see how Elphaba and Glinda become the characters we're all familiar with from The Wizard of Oz. 

While you're waiting to see this epic musical on the big screen, you might consider applying to Shiz University, the same school that Elphaba and Glinda attend. Applications are being considered now.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters on November 27th. Part Two arrives on November 26, 2025.

Wicked

All images: Universal

The first trailer for Wicked has arrived and it looks amazing!

Here's the official synopsis from Universal:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince, Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister, Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

 

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle.

Wicked (Part One) arrives in theaters this Thanksgiving.

He's Just Ken

Warner Brothers

I saw the Barbie movie yesterday and I absolutely loved it! It was funny, and serious, and true, and musical, and I can't wait to watch it again. Greta Gerwig definitely knew what she was doing with this movie. And Ken's song about being "Just Ken" is hilarious! Here's a brief clip of the song from Warner Brothers. 

Barbie arrives in theaters today, July 21st.

Rogers: The Musical

All images: Disney

I find it absolutely hilarious that Disney took one little, somewhat painful, scene from Hawkeye and turned it into a 30 minute musical. "Rogers: The Musical" looks ridiculously funny! Here's a quick look behind-the-scenes at the making of this new show.

Here's the official synopsis from Disney:

As part of the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland Resort, the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure Park presents “Rogers: The Musical” – an all-new, one-act live theater production performing for a limited time, June 30-Aug. 31, 2023. Inspired by the fictional musical number from the first episode of the Disney+ series “Hawkeye,” the real-life “Rogers: The Musical” tells the story of Steve Rogers – Captain America, including his relationship with Peggy Carter. The 30-minute show was brought to life through the creativity of Disney Live Entertainment, in partnership with book writer Hunter Bell and featuring music by Grammy-winning composer Christopher Lennertz.

And there are quite a few special sweets and treats to be found throughout the park to celebrate this new musical.

Red, White & Blue Shake at Schmoozies!: Vanilla shake with wild cherry and blue raspberry slushes and whipped topping (Non-alcoholic)

Patriotic Punch at Hollywood Lounge: Sprite and white cranberry juice with blue raspberry and cherry syrups topped with whipped cream (Non-alcoholic)

Pastrami Pretzel Dog at Award Wieners: All-beef hot dog topped with pastrami, whole-grain mustard, provolone, sauerkraut, and thousand island dressing

Shawarm-izza at Shawarma Palace: Italian sausage, pepperoni, mozzarella, and pepperoncini in a garlic-parmesan wrap with marinara dipping sauce

Like an Apple Pizza Pie at Terran Treats: Cinnamon-sugar fried pizza crust topped with apple and cranberry filling, streusel, and cream cheese frosting

Cap'n Everything Dog at Outdoor Vending Carts: Hot link wrapped in pizza dough topped with everything bagel seasoning and served with a side of mustard cheese sauce and potato chips

Rogers: The Musical Popcorn Bucket at Seasonal Snacks and Outdoor Vending Carts: Includes Red, white, and blue caramel corn (Kettle corn is also available separately)

"Rogers: The Musical” is scheduled to perform four times a day, Tuesday through Saturday most weeks from June 30-August 31, 2023. There will be a free virtual queue that will open at 10:30 AM for the first two shows and 2 PM for the final two shows each performance day. The queue can be accessed through the Disneyland  app.

A "Rogers: The Musical" Premium Viewing Experience Package will be available for purchase at the Studio Catering Co. Truck. The Package, which costs $29, includes:

• A souvenir lanyard
• Reserved seating in an exclusive lounge before the show
• A "Rogers: The Musical" souvenir popcorn bucket filled with red, white, and blue kettle corn
• Your choice of Coca-Cola bottled beverage
• First access to the theater to select seats
• Priority access to a special Disney PhotoPass photo opportunity 

The Package will be available until either it sells out each day or 90 minutes before the last show.

Quote of the Week

Netflix

Sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty.

 

- Matilda Wormwood,

Roald Dahl's Matilda: The Musical

Matilda The Musical

Netflix

Matilda The Musical is coming to Netflix this Christmas. Roald Dahl's delightful story of a truly exceptional girl has always been one of my favorites (both the book and the movie). I can't wait to see how this new version turns out.

Matilda The Musical arrives on Netflix on December 25.

These Hamilton POPVinyl Are Fantastic

All images: Funko

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton is a favorite musical in our house. It's such an amazing look at the founding fathers with incredible songs. We all love it. 

As a result, when Funko released its first set of Hamilton POPVinyl figures, we had to add them to the collection. The first group included Alexander Hamilton, Angelica Schuyler, Aaron Burr, Eliza Schuyler, George Washington, and Peggy Schuyler. An additional figure of Alexander Hamilton in the blue cost was a Walmart exclusive. 

Then, they released a Fall Convention exclusive figure of the Marquis de Lafayette and we had to have that one too. 

Now they've released four additional figures, along with another exclusive. This collection includes Alexander Hamilton (Act 2), Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and King George. There's also a Walmart exclusive King George without the cape. I see more POPVinyl in our future.

In the Heights Is Incredible!

All images: Warner Brothers

I had the chance to watch In The Heights yesterday and all I can say is WOW! The movie is incredible: the music, the story, everything was fantastic. I will definitely be adding it to my collection. 

In The Heights, with music and lyrics by the fabulous Lin-Manuel Miranda, takes place in Washington Heights, New York. 

It's the story of a community, a family, and the events of one intense week that just happened to fall during a heatwave. 

Above all, it's a story about chasing your dreams. Each of the main characters has a dream they are hoping to fulfill. Usnavi wants to return home to the Dominican Republic. 

Vanessa dreams of being a fashion designer. Nina just wants to figure out her place in the world and her father wants her to get a good education. 

But as everyone discovers, the path to fulfilling your dreams may lead to something unexpected. The cast is incredible, and incredibly talented. The musical numbers are simply fantastic. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and might just discover we're all more alike than we admit. And be sure to keep a look out for a familiar face or two or three from Hamilton.

Here's the official synopsis from Warner Brothers: 

The hydrants are open(ing). This summer, we’ll be back to dancing in the street together with #InTheHeightsMovie​. In theaters and streaming exclusively on @HBOMax June 11. 

The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big... “In the Heights.” 

Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. 

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

I really enjoyed this movie and look forward to seeing it again and again. In The Heights arrives in theaters on June 11.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey Is A Musical Delight

Netflix

Netflix's new Christmas movie, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, is a wonderful story. At it's heart, it's a story about belief: belief in magic, in the power of love and family, and most importantly, belief in oneself.

Here's the official synopsis from Netflix:

A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within. From the imagination of writer-director David E. Talbert, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey reminds us of the strength of family and the power of possibility. Featuring original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and "This Day" performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé.

Netflix

This magical film will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite. My family really enjoyed it, both the imaginative story and the delightful songs. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is available now on Netflix. 

Quote of the Week

Photo by Joan Marcus

Let me tell you what I wish I'd known
When I was young and dreamed of glory
You have no control
Who lives, who dies, who tells your story

- George Washington, Hamilton