The kiosk, which is staffed by Disney cast members, is intended to be a special holiday shopping experience for the toy store, known for extravagant experiences, but we were told Disney is hoping to make it a permanent experience at FAO if the holiday season proves its potential.

As a bonus, because the kiosk is run by Disney, they honor all cast member and annual passholder discounts.

FAO Schwarz is also home to the original (and currently only) Muppet Whatnot Workshop where guests can design and receive their very own Muppet-like creation.

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Post tags: Broadway, Disney Theatrical, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Merchandise

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Featuring the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stagecraft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives four out of four stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.”

The following performance schedules and discount rates apply to this exclusive D23 offer:

All Performances from January 3, 2011 through March 6, 2011 (excluding February 18 through matinee performance on February 26): Orchestra/Front Mezzanine seats are $76.50 (Regularly $121.50), Mid Mezzanine seats are $64.00 (Reg. $86.50), Rear Mezzanine /Balcony seats are $41.50 (Reg. $61.50).

All Performances from March 7, 2011 through April 17, 2011 (except March 11 through matinee performance on March 19, matinee on April 13 and evening performances April 15 through April 17): Orchestra/Front Mezzanine are $71.50 (Reg. $121.50), Mid Mezzanine are $59.00 (Reg. $86.50), Rear Mezzanine /Balcony are $41.50 (Reg. $61.50).

For dates excluded from above rates, the discounts are as follows: Orchestra/Front Mezzanine are $96.50 (Reg. $121.50). Other seating locations are not available through this offer.

Tickets may be purchased either online via TicketMaster, by calling (866) 870-2717 or in person at the Mary Poppins box office (214 West 42nd Street NYC; please bring a printout of the offer details.

THE PROMOTIONAL CODE IS THE LETTER “W” PLUS THE FIRST FOUR DIGITS OF YOUR D23 MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS. Your membership number is listed on the back of your D23 Membership card or available by emailing guest.services@disneystore.com.

NOTE: D23 Members may be asked to present their D23 Membership card at the theater. Offer not valid on prior purchased tickets and may not be combined with any other offer. ALL SALES FINAL. No refunds. Not all seats are discounted. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply. Not valid tickets regularly prices $31.50. Prices include $1.50 facility fee per ticket to which discount does not apply. Standard Ticketmaster services fees apply to online or phone orders. Dates, times, prices and cast subject to change without notice. Offer may be revoked without notice. Limit 14 tickets per person per 7-day period. Offer expires 4/17/2011.

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Post tags: Broadway, D23, Discount, Disney Theatrical, Mary Poppins

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kul9Z-owTIY

In addition, ABC has also released this backstage clip in which Caroline Sheen (Mary Poppins), Nicolas Dromard (Bert) and Associate Director Anthony Lyn talk about adapting the musical number for the national televised stage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vTAX6Ne3go

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Post tags: Dancing with the Stars, DWTS, Mary Poppins

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Six former “Dancing with the Stars” celebrities return as guest judges as they watch one of their iconic performances recreated on the dance floor. Helio Castroneves, Kelly Osbourne, Mel B, Drew Lachey, Gilles Marini and Emmitt Smith revisit the ballroom to act as a special ‘fourth judge’ in the iconic dance competition. The second element of the show will be a team competition. For the first time in the team competition, fan favorites and former Mirror Ball champions Apolo Anton Ono and Kristi Yamaguchi return as team captains.

Also, on “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show,” Tuesday, November 2 (8:00-9:30 p.m., ET), multi-platinum music sensation Taylor Swift performs, famed Rock icon Rod Stewart entertains the crowd, and Macy’s Stars of Dance features a performance by the cast of the Broadway hit, “Mary Poppins.” In addition, the seventh couple to be eliminated this season will be sent home.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Living Legend Rod Stewart will be performing “I Get a Kick Out of You” from his brand new album, Fly Me to the Moon…The Great American Songbook, Volume V , which was released on October 19th and debuted at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart. Fly Me to the Moon…Volume V is the latest chapter of his Grammy-Award winning Great American Songbook series which has enjoyed unprecedented success as the biggest selling ongoing series of new music recordings in history, with over seventeen million copies worldwide.

This week’s Macy’s Stars of Dance performance will feature the cast from the smash hit Broadway musical, “Mary Poppins.” Led by Caroline Sheen as Mary and Nicolas Dromard as Bert, they will perform the show-stopping tap dance number “Step in Time.” “Mary Poppins” is produced for the stage by Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh. With four productions currently running on three continents, “Mary Poppins” is one of the biggest stage musical successes to emerge from London or New York in recent years. Worldwide to date, the show has grossed over $447 million and welcomed over 6 million guests. There are two productions playing domestically: The Broadway production of “Mary Poppins” officially opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on November 16, 2006 and has been seen by over 2.4 million theatergoers, and the North American Tour began its acclaimed run in March 2009. In addition, “Mary Poppins” can also be seen at the Circus Theatre in Scheveningen, Holland, outside of Amsterdam, and in

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Post tags: ABC, Broadway, Dancing with the Stars, DWTS, Mary Poppins, Taylor Swift

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The series centers on Joe Maddalena, the founder and owner of Profiles in History, a prominent auction house that focuses on  Hollywood memorabilia. Profiles in History was the company recently responsible for the recent ‘LOST’ auction and exhibit as well as an upcoming auction to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Back to the Future at Universal Studios (which we’ll give some more information on at a later date). Essentially Joe and his staff act on leads and previously established relationships to find the owners of desirable props and get them to agree to consign the object to be sold at auction. Not everything always works out in Joe’s favor however and fortunately the show doesn’t bury the non-successes and instead offers us the opportunity to experience collectibles we might not have had the chance to see otherwise, or even know to exist.

It’s in the first episode in fact that a lead comes in the form of one of the magic carpet bags used by Julie Andrews in the Disney classic Mary Poppins. According to the bag’s history (which isn’t as detailed in the episode), current owner Erik Rosen’s grandfather received the carpet bag as the result of a company raffle held for the film’s ad agency. Stuffed with cash as a bonus, the original winner wasn’t interested in the bag as much as the cash and gladly passed the carpet bag off to Rosen’s grandfather who gifted it to his wife. Although it was well-loved by Erik and his siblings as children, it eventually ended up packed in a cardboard box in the cellar and there it sat for decades until the family moved out of the home and the grandchildren decided to see who could get the most money for it.

Initially Maddalena is impressed by the carpet bag when he examines it and tells Rosen that he believes the

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Post tags: Hollywood Treasure, Mary Poppins, Profiles in History, Reviews, Syfy

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Over an hour of of material is presented in the series in total and it’s definitely worth investing some time for anyone who’s a fan of Disney or Mary Poppins or — better yet — both! Below we have embedded the full playlist of the series beginning with Part I.

httpvp://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=90E7F7094B88D11F

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Post tags: Disney Theatrical, Mary Poppins

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Sweepstake entrants may enter up to five times per day by redeeming 3 Coke reward points per entry or by mailing in an entry (see the contest rules for full details). Twenty entrants will be chosen at random and each receive a video camera from which they will be able to submit their entries to the Disney on Broadway contest where one entrant will win a grand prize consisting of: A three night-stay in New York City and round-trip airfare for the winner and up to three guests; three tickets to the show’s performance for the winner’s guests; hair, makeup and costume fitting for show; rehearsal with show’s creative team; and an on-stage appearance in the ‘Jolly Holiday’ number as well as the curtain call.

For more information and to enter, visit MyCokeRewards.com where you can also download a free MP3 of ‘Step in Time’ from the Broadway production.

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Post tags: Coke, Contest, Disney Theatrical, Mary Poppins, Sweepstakes

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Among the exciting offerings for 2010 are exclusive D23 one-year anniversary parties at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort, free “50 and Fabulous” film screenings at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, and a special 40th anniversary celebration event to honor the Walt Disney Archives.

“In our first year, D23 created some truly memorable event opportunities for our members, and this year we plan to outdo ourselves with a mix of all-new events and encores of fan favorites,” said Steven Clark, head of D23. “D23 Members are going to have more opportunities than ever to be part of the Disney magic through the events we have planned in 2010, and we hope they’ll be as excited as we are to experience them alongside their fellow members.”

D23 Members will receive notification of special events and reservation times via e-mail, and all events are offered on a space-available basis. More details on events, and on becoming a D23 Member, can be found at www.disney.com/D23.

January 22, 2010: A Practically Perfect Night of Surprises with D23 and Mary Poppins
D23 Members will attend a performance of the critically acclaimed Mary Poppins at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles – plus an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast… and a top-secret surprise guest. (Hint: It’s an actor from the classic 1964 film.) D23 Members will receive 20 percent off select tickets for the January 22 performance (in various seating locations and price ranges). Visit the D23 website at www.disney.com/D23 for ticket information and availability.

February 13, April 10, August 14 and November 13, 2010: D23 Day at The Walt Disney Studios and Archives
D23 Members will get a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank and at the Walt Disney Archives on a two-hour tour hosted by D23 and Archives staff members. Three tours will be held on each date, and each tour can accommodate 50 people. In D23’s Charter Year, these special tours sold out almost immediately. Tickets for the February 13 and April 10 tours will be available at 10 a.m. Pacific time Tuesday, January 26, and are $50 per person.

March 5, 2010: D23’s First-Anniversary Party at the Walt Disney World® Resort
Hundreds of D23 Members are expected to gather from around the country – and around the world – for a once-in-a-lifetime night of magic and memories. The evening’s festivities include a private dinner inside the Magic Kingdom’s Diamond Horseshoe Saloon, followed by an exclusive D23 viewing of

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Post tags: D23, Disney Theatrical, Events, Los Angeles, Mary Poppins, Walt Disney Studios

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Members will also get an exclusive post-show experience with the Mary Poppins cast and a top-secret surprise guest. D23 won’t say who it is, but only that he appeared in the original film. Could it be Dick Van Dyke? Maybe, but our money is on the man with a wooden leg named Smith.

In order to attend the event, D23 Members must call the Ahmanson Donor Associates line at 213-972-0775 and use code word PARROT.

The special D23 ticket includes:
* Special “behind-the-scenes” experience following the show
* Coupon for 20% merchandise discount (for 1/22 performance only)

A D23 representative will be available in the lobby to provide guests with their merchandise vouchers and information for the post-show experience.

* Available only to D23 Members in good standing. D23 Members may purchase up to six (6) tickets per D23 Membership. There is a limited number of tickets available. Tickets may be picked up at Will Call at the theater on the night of performance only with a valid photo ID AND D23 MEMBERSHIP CARD. D23 Members who do not bring their membership card may not be admitted to the theater. All D23 Special Events are subject to change without notice. There are no cancelations or refunds, and tickets are not transferrable.

Be sure to read our report of a similar experience offered to D23 members at the Broadway edition of the show.

Update: 1/6/10 – Fixed phone number

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Post tags: D23, Disney Theatrical, Events, Los Angeles, Mary Poppins

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In addition to the performance the actors will answer questions from Mark Wallengren of KOST (103.5 FM). The performance will take place at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles – in The Park.

“Mary Poppins,” a co-production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh, opened on Broadway on November 16, 2006. Based on P.L. Travers’ cherished stories and the classic 1964 Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” the stage play features the Academy Award®-winning music and lyrics of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman. The stage production has been created, in collaboration with Cameron Mackintosh, by Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, who has written the book, and the Olivier Award-winning team of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, who have composed new songs and additional music and lyrics.

Olivier Award-winning director Richard Eyre leads the award-winning creative team, with co-direction and choreography by Tony® and Olivier Award winner Matthew Bourne. “Mary Poppins” features set and costume design by Tony® Award winner Bob Crowley, co-choreography by Olivier Award winner Stephen Mear, lighting design by Howard Harrison, orchestrations by William David Brohn, and music supervision by David Caddick. The tour’s creative team includes Tour Director Anthony Lyn, Associate Choreographer Geoffrey Garrett, and Music Director James Dodgson.

Consistently among the top-grossing shows on Broadway, “Mary Poppins” continues in its 3rd smash year at the New Amsterdam Theatre and recently celebrated its 1000th performance – a milestone reached by only a rare few number of shows in Broadway history. The Broadway production has grossed over $152 million to date and been seen by over 1.8 million theatregoers.

The Los Angeles engagement of “Mary Poppins” is by arrangement with Center Theatre Group and is part of CTG’s 2009-2010 season at the Ahmanson Theatre, located at the Los Angeles Music Center.

“Mary Poppins” continues through February 7, 2010, at the Ahmanson Theatre (135 N. Grand Ave in Downtown Los Angeles) Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. There are no performances on Mondays. There are exceptions to this schedule: No public performance on Wednesday, December 9 (student performance only). Holiday schedule – Additional 2 p.m. performances on Wednesdays, December 23 and December 30; one

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Post tags: Disney Theatrical, Events, Los Angeles, Mary Poppins

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On Saturday, August 29, from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm at the Grand Californian at the Disneyland Resort, guests will have the opportunity to meet and purchase new releases from Academy Award® Winning Actress Julie Andrews and Disney artist Toby Bluth.

Ms. Andrews will be on hand to sign copies of her newest book, Julie Andrews’ Collection of Poems, Songs and Lullabies, which will be released in October 2009.  As part of this product release and signing, Guests will have the opportunity to pre-purchase the book before it’s released to the public. Guests who are unable to attend the event in person will also have the opportunity to pre-order a signed copy online beginning August 12 for $24.95. Online purchase is limited to one per customer and will ship from Disneyland beginning November 4. To order online, click here.

Julie and her daughter, Emma, have hand-selected a wonderful mix of their most cherished poems, songs, and lullabies in this rich and diverse poetry collection. Brought to life with James McMullan’s stunning watercolor paintings, this volume features nearly 150 treasured works, including beloved classics and modern favorites from Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Jack Prelutsky, Shel Silverstein, Rodgers & Hammerstein, and more – twenty-one of which are theatrically and playfully read aloud by Julie and Emma on the accompanying CD.

Andrews introduces each of the nine themed sections with intimate stories and family memories, offering readers a glimpse into her world and her personal connection to many of the selections. There are even a number of special poems written by the authors themselves as well as contributions from close family members.

This deluxe anthology is bound to inspire an early love of poetry and song and become a classic for families to grow with and treasure throughout the years.

Toby Bluth will debut his own tribute to Julie Andrews via Mary Poppins in his painting,

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Post tags: Art, Events, GCH, Grand Californian Hotel, Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins, Painting, Toby Bluth

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In addition, Artist Toby Bluth will be on hand for the release of his latest work, titled Poppins and Penguins, which was created in celebration of the 45th Anniversary of the beloved Disney film, Mary Poppins.

More details to come.

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Post tags: Art, Events, Grand Californian, Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins, Painting, Toby Bluth

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This also happened to be my first time seeing the show. Since it opened, the show has received a lukewarm reception at best and I had heard it all – the house was a star, the show’s plot takes a sharp departure from the film and there are scenes that get downright creepy (although scary is usually the adjective I hear).

Overall, I can’t say I loved the show. When it was hot, it was hot. When it wasn’t, it wasn’t. That said, I never once had to look at my watch – the show maintained a decent pace and it certainly doesn’t hurt that it had the Sherman Brothers songs to constantly look forward to and, of course, Mary Poppins herself. Truth is, this show could have been the worst (and it’s absolutely not), but nobody would have been able to pull it off besides Disney.

I won’t review the show, but I do want to say three things: Jane Carr as Mrs. Brill is Mrs. Brilliant; some of the visuals were amazing, such as the Let’s Go Fly a Kite scene and Bert walking around the stage (quite literally) during the Step in Time performance (the whole performance itself really); and the creepy/scary scene is highly understated – a part of me died during that scene.

But I digress, on to the event itself.

After the show, we were led through a door off to the side which led us right to on stage where D23 took a couple of the obligatory group photos with the members plus Scarlett Strallen (Mary) and Adam Fiorentino (Bert) in costume, followed by a quick meet & greet in which the two primarily signed the showbills.

We were then briefly filled in on the historic New Amsterdam theatre, which the Walt Disney company had faithfully restored (see the show’s official site for the theatre history). The guide then pointed out the house which was positioned in its spot at the back of the stage and started going over some of its features as well as how a few things were done. He wouldn’t reveal how a few tricks were done in the show, most notably the one in which Mary continues to pull things out of her seemingly bottomless carpetbag, but the truth is, it’s one of stage magic’s most basic principles (in fact, Michael Banks even exposed it a bit as he went to move his hands under the table to show there was ‘nothing’

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Post tags: Broadway, D23, Mary Poppins, New York City

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The Snow White 'Heart Box' by eFX Collectibles

BURBANK, Calif. (June 9, 2009) — Bringing together the masterful storytelling of Disney with the renowned artistry of eFX Inc., an all-new line of limited-edition collectibles will be unveiled this September, inspired by some of Disney’s classic films and the comic antics of the Muppets.

These new collectibles extend the magic of Disney into pieces that recall the beauty and spectacle that is unique to Disney, beginning with a tribute to the “fairest of them all,” SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS.

eFX plans to preview several pieces from its new Disney collection during San Diego Comic-Con in July, and at Disney’s first-ever D23 Expo, Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The premiere release in eFX’s new Disney line is the exquisitely designed “Heart Box,” inspired by the designs of the wicked Queen in Disney’s first full-length animated feature. Presented to the Huntsman, the Heart Box was intended to be used as proof of Snow White’s demise. As befits the coolly glamorous wicked Queen, eFX’s Heart Box is intricately constructed from solid hardwood and its opening features an imaginative 24-karat gold-plated heart that locks with a dagger.

The SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Heart Box meticulously recreates the design of the film’s original animation, with rich, vivid colors and the attention to detail and craftsmanship that is the hallmark of eFX.

The Heart Box sits on an ornate, museum-quality display base that features a sculpture of the wicked Queen by renowned artist David Kracov, with whom eFX has developed a successful, ongoing collaborative relationship. Pre-orders for the Heart Box will begin shortly after Comic-Con, at http://www.efxcollectibles.com. Each “Heart Box” will include an individually numbered plaque and will not exceed 500 pieces worldwide.

“We have long been Disney fans ourselves, so developing authentic, detailed collectibles is tremendously exciting for us,” said Bryan Ono, president of eFX Inc. “With inspiration from Disney films and characters, we look forward to extending the magic of Disney even further into the lives of collectors.”

Upcoming pieces in development by eFX include:
– Full-size, highly detailed “Photo Puppets” of favorite Muppet characters, including Rizzo the Rat, Miss Piggy, and Pepe the King Prawn;
– An incredibly accurate, four-foot replica of Capt. Nemo’s NAUTILUS from 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER

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Post tags: Collectibles, Comic-Con, D23 Expo, eFX Inc., Mary Poppins, Merchandise, Miss Piggy, Muppets, Pepe the King Prawn, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Rizzo the Rat, San Diego, Snow White

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In addition, iTunes will have exclusive bonuses available such as a previously unreleased version of ‘Feed the Birds’ as performed by Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins. iTunes will also offer a video clip of a performance of ‘Step in Time’ from the show itself.

The album will be available in downloadable form only from various e-tailers.

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Post tags: Aida, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, Mary Poppins, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid

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