Walt Disney Studios 2006 Showcase
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The 2006 Walt Disney Studios
Showcase
By Vince Matthews
Walt Disney Studios took over the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California Thursday, September 22nd for a grand event that might be best compared to the Oscars. The invitation only, all-day event was held exclusively for studio partners, such as theater owners, movie distributors and a few members of the press – LaughingPlace.com was one of those press members fortunate enough to attend.
Best known as the host of the Oscars, this day The Kodak Theatre played host to the 2006 Walt Disney Studios Showcase. It was an important day for the studio – one so important even Roy Disney was there to see what the studio was up to.
The Day Begins
Arriving early we quickly checked in and
got our guest credentials, then after downing a healthy breakfast of fruit and
an omelet we made our way into the theater and got front row balcony seats.
A beautiful venue, The Kodak Theatre has seen thousands of stars - best know as Oscar Central it plays host to the movie awards show every year – and today would be no different as it would host a parade of stars and big-budget films. Draped with giant yellow fabric sails that book ended the stage and stretched from floor to ceiling, the massive theater took on an elegant and professional appearance.
Shortly after everyone was settled, the theater was darkened and the event started boldly as the huge fabric sashes dropped to the floor. The curtain then rose on the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra led by director John Mauceri. The 80 musician orchestra took over the entire stage and as they pumped out a ten-minute plus medley of Disney hits as three massive screens positioned above the stage showed highlights of the films from the music they played. The montage included everything from Peter Pan to Pirates of the Caribbean and like any Disney show you’ve seen in any of the parks, this one had the same effect - to send chills and shivers down the spine. This was grand start for the day and as overwhelming as it was, I couldn’t help thinking, all this started with a Walt’s vision and a shy little mouse.