LP Lotion: Disney's Soundstage 1 Rededicated the Annette Funicello Stage
Page 1 of 7
Family, friends and admirers of Annette Funicello gathered to honor her at the Disney Studio lot in Burbank on Monday, June 24. A private “Life Celebration” was preceded by a special ceremony to rededicate Soundstage 1 on the lot as the Annette Funicello Stage.
Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger welcomed the small crowd that gathered outside the building. Joining him were Annette’s children and second husband, Glen Holt. Spokesman Bobby Burgess represented the Mouseketeers. Also spotted in the crowd was 1960s teen idol Frankie Avalon, who made several memorable films with Annette
A touching rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star was sung live by the MeloD23 Singers, which consists of Disney Studio personnel. Mickey Mouse was also on hand as the official unveiling took place, and Iger showed off the plaque that will be permanently affixed to the stage. The honor was most appropriate, as Stage 1 was where the original Mickey Mouse Club was filmed from 1955 to 1958.
Videos
Click below to play the videos
Disney CEO Bob Iger welcomes the crowd
Click here for a larger version of this picture (1024 X 683, 179,733 bytes)
Bob Iger shows the plaque that will be mounted on the stage to Annette�s family
Click here for a larger version of this picture (1024 X 683, 194,629 bytes)
Annette�s daughter Gina Gilardi addresses the crowd
Click here for a larger version of this picture (1024 X 683, 233,224 bytes)
The sign is unveiled
Click here for a larger version of this picture (1024 X 683, 249,360 bytes)
The unveiling
Click here for a larger version of this picture (1024 X 683, 290,357 bytes)