Blast! Coming to DCA on Nov. 22
"The Power of Blast!" Straight From Broadway - The Original Cast From Tony-Award Winning Broadway Musical Debuts at Disney's California Adventure
A Super-Charged Energetic Celebration of Music and Pageantry
The blur of drumsticks. Fast-moving rivers of trumpets and trombones. Sabers and banners slicing through the air. Prepare for the energizing, inspiring, "The Power of BLAST!" opening in DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE on November 22, 2001. The original cast from the Tony-award winning Broadway musical, "BLAST!" - the brass-and-percussion spectacle critics have called "rhythmically intoxicating," "innovative and exuberant" - will perform highlights from the Broadway production inside the Hyperion Theater several times a day for park guests.
The 40-plus cast of "BLAST!" is in constant motion, executing intricately choreographed drill movements while performing music on brass and percussion instruments, as well as wielding colorful flags and sharp sabers. Disney audiences will be wowed by an unforgettable musical journey through classical, blues, jazz, rock and techno-pop.
"The Power of BLAST!" has taken the traditional moves of drum and bugle corps and supercharged it into a musical like none other. Jim Mason, "BLAST!" producer and artistic director, calls it a coming-out party for musicians. "Musicians have finally crawled out of the orchestra pit and onto the stage," he says. "They have pushed away the music stands and thrown away the chairs and now become the actors and animators of the music, taking on the roles of the play itself."
"The Power of BLAST!" was conceived by Mason who took the idea from the athletic fields across the nation - a novel art form evolved from the showmanship of outdoor pageantry.
"DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE has always featured very innovative and eclectic entertainment," says Disney show producer, Tom Williams. "Not only does "The Power of BLAST!" fit in nicely with the park, but we know our guests will love the incredible energy and talent of the performers."
Last year "BLAST!" took London by storm, toured U.S. cities and premiered on Broadway in New York in April. "BLAST!" captured a Tony award for Best Special Theatrical Event and was nominated for best choreography. The show continues to tour and wow audiences across the nation.
Related Links
- Blast! at Epcot
Pictures of Blast! at Walt Disney World's Epcot from June 2001 - Blast! Official Site
-- Posted November 13, 2001
Source: Company Press Releae