Wild for the Planet, Sustainable Wine+Dinner Series, and Roaring ’80s Night.

The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) announces springtime events happening day and night at the Los Angeles Zoo that will help shake off the winter blues as we leap into longer days and warmer weather.  Wild for the Planet starts Saturday, April 1 and is a month-long springtime celebration at the L.A. Zoo. Every weekend in April, the Zoo invites the community to celebrate our one precious planet and its rich biodiversity with fun, inspiring activities, entertainment, and presentations. Special offerings include an Earth Expo with favorite community organizations, twice daily animal feedings, sustainable craft activities for children, natural honey tastings, eco-inspired performances and art demonstrations from various local partners, and more. This event runs weekends from Saturday, April 1 to Sunday, April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities except honey tastings ($3) are free with paid admission and for GLAZA members.  Sustainable Wine+Dinner Series Presented by City National Bank kicks off on Thursday, May 18 with Ampelos Cellars. This popular series spotlights sustainability through farm-to-table gourmet cuisine, sustainably produced wines, and conversations led by Zoo experts. Each evening in the series focuses on a different winery and conservation topic and is set in a unique location in the Zoo where guests can take in the quiet sights and sounds as the animals settle in for the night. These dinners take place Thursday evenings May 18, June 15, July 13, and Aug. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is $175 per person, $165 for GLAZA members. Ages 21+.Roaring ’80s Night is happening on Friday, June 16—bringing back the Zoo’s wildly popular Roaring Nights event for one night only. Partygoers 21 and up can roam the grounds after hours enjoying pop, glam rock, and new wave hits that defined this iconic decade. Enjoy high energy ’80s cover band Flashback Heart Attack, a totally tubular DJ set, and an immersive silent disco. The fun continues off the dance floor with animal feedings, photo ops, and more, along with a wide selection of libations and food truck offerings for an additional fee. Admission is $25. Current GLAZA members get $5 off. Event is happening Friday, June 16 from 6 to 10 p.m. To learn more about these events and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://lazoo.org/plan-your-visit/special-experiences/. Credit: Los Angeles Zoo.

Your Favorite Disney Characters Much-Anticipated Return to Ontario & Long Beach!

The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!  This monumental ice-skating spectacular returns to Ontario and Long Beach playing seven fun-filled performances at Toyota Arena from April 20-23, 2023 and seven fun-filled performances at Long Beach Arena from April 27-30, 2023.

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana.  The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all.  Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice Let’s Celebrate is the ultimate Disney fan experience.  Families will join the fun in an exciting opening number that salutes Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as the original hosts of Disney On Ice in an unforgettable experience in your hometown!

O N T A R I O

WHEN:   

 Thursday, April 20       7:00 PM

Friday, April 21           7:00 PM

  Saturday, April 22        11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

  Sunday, April 23            1:00 PM & 5:00 PM

WHERE:           Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

TICKETS:          Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

L O N G  B E A C H

WHEN:            

Thursday, April 27          7:30 PM

Friday, April 28                 7:30 PM

 Saturday, April 29             11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 Sunday, April 30                12:30 PM & 4:30 PM

WHERE:           Long Beach Arena – 300 E Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802

TICKETS:          Family friendly ticket pricing available – tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand. 

Credit: Feld Entertainment.

Musical Theatre West (MTW), Long Beach’s premier theater company, will make musical magic with its spring show, An American in Paris. Known for its Broadway-caliber productions, MTW is excited to debut the latest rendition of the 1951 movie musical for the first time on the West Coast. Audiences can experience An American in Paris on select nights from April 14 – April 30, and are invited to celebrate the official opening night on Saturday, April 15. Tickets range from $20 – $125 each and are available by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org.

“Our goal at Musical Theatre West is always to bring the brilliance of Broadway to our local community and beyond, without having to travel to New York,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director and Producer of Musical Theatre West. “Our production of An American in Paris is going to be a classic silver-screen musical come to life- mixing theater, jazz, ballet, and more for one phenomenal performance.”

Originally a jazz-influenced orchestral piece by American composer George Gershwin that was first performed in 1928, this version of the An American in Paris musical is inspired by the Academy Award-winning hit 1951 movie of the same name that starred Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. An American soldier, an alluring French woman, and an indomitable European city each yearn for a new beginning in the aftermath of World War II. MTW’s An American in Paris will feature an enchanting score by George and Ira Gershwin, a fresh, sophisticated book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas, and stunning choreography from tap to ballet that will sweep audiences off their feet!

MTW’s production will be helmed by Jeffry Denman as both Director and Choreographer, who has worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, and regionally on both traditional and more experimental works for over 20 years as an actor, singer, dancer, director, and choreographer. His credits include the cast of CATS, The Producers, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, and more. Denman has previously led award-winning productions of An American in Paris in Ogunquit, Maine in 2018 and Wichita, Kansas in 2019, and will bring his dazzling direction and captivating choreography to life on the West Coast for the first time. Music Direction will be provided by David Lamoureux, who has been creating music and theater on stages and in recording studios around the globe for over 20 years. Lamoureux’s MD credits include Spamalot (3-D Theatricals), Once (California Center For The Arts), and multiple previous Musical Theatre West productions.

“With a production like this I can’t imagine having a separate director and choreographer because the dancing is so much a part of the piece,” said Denman. “It is so infused into nearly every moment they become very hard to divorce from each other. I find that the vision all coming from one source makes the piece consistent.”

The Carpenter Performing Arts Center is designed for every seat to have a great view, so audiences can stay on budget and still experience the grand magic of Musical Theatre West’s An American in Paris. With tickets starting as low as $20 and $15 rush tickets available for all students, MTW is accessible, affordable, and delivers Broadway-caliber performances on par with the top theater companies across the nation.

“An American in Paris is a beautiful, enchanting story and appropriate for all ages, so we encourage people from all walks of life to enjoy an extraordinary experience at the theater,” continued Garman. “Even if you’ve never been to the theatre, ours will be a great first experience. Everyone is welcome at MTW!”

Musical Theatre West’s production of An American in Paris will premiere at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center on select dates, April 14 – April 30, 2023, with a special ASL Interpreted Performance on Friday, April 21. Tickets start at $20 – $125, and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office 1 hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

An American in Paris by Musical Theatre West

April 14 – April 30, 2023, select dates

Carpenter Performing Arts Center

Tickets $20 – $125, Purchase here

Student Rush tickets $15 at Box Office

Credit: MUSICAL THEATRE WEST.

 SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land officially opens at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, February 17, 2023. So, get ready; this exciting debut marks SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s official arrival to the United States.

This all-new, dynamic land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of Universal Studios Hollywood. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will feature the groundbreaking “Mario Kart™: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, as well as many thrilling and interactive activities designed to engage the entire family within the captivating Mushroom Kingdom. Along with themed dining at the Toadstool Cafe™ and shopping at the 1-UP Factory™ retail store, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will be an inspiring, game-changing addition to the world-famous theme park.

From the moment guests pass through the iconic green pipe, a journey filled with exploration, discovery and play awaits that is entirely unlike anything they’ve experienced before. Their journey begins as they enter Peach’s Castle before venturing further into the colorful Mushroom Kingdom.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD will sweep guests into the 360-degree world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach where they will become an integral part of their exhilarating universe. Plus, with purchase of a Power-Up Band™ – wearable, interactive wristbands – guests will be able to deepen their interactions across the land.

As the countdown to the grand opening begins, here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

• “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge:” This all-new, technologically-advanced ride, inspired by the popular Mario Kart™ video game series, will seamlessly fuse cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) with projection mapping technology and actual set pieces along a moving ride track. Set against a multi-sensory backdrop of color, sound and movement, guests will be seated in stadium-style, four-seat vehicles as they navigate familiar courses through the creative use and integration of head mounted AR goggles. This unique feature is a key point of differentiation that distinguishes this ride from other theme park attractions.

The premise of “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” is simple but equally inspiring and challenging, appealing to guests of all ages regardless of gaming experience. As part of Team Mario, guests will steer through underwater courses and courses in the clouds to compete for the Golden Cup while collecting coins to defeat Team Bowser and win. “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” raises the stakes for guests as an intriguing and repeatable ride with a variety of outcomes.

• Mount Beanpole: This towering landmark sits at the heart of the land and also serves as the entry queue for “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.”

• Bowser’s Castle: Adorned with a breathtaking sculpture of a large and powerful Bowser, this structure serves as a key centerpiece of the land, home to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD’s signature ride, “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge.” As guests navigate the winding corridors and pass through the hall of medallions and trophies of the ominous castle towards the “Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge” ride, they will learn more about Bowser’s calculated plans to defeat Team Mario for the coveted Golden Cup.

• Power-Up Band™: These wearable, state-of-the-art wristbands sync with Universal Studios Hollywood’s free downloadable app to level-up the guest experience within the land and enhance its many interactive elements. These include, but are not limited to, keeping individual and team scores, collecting digital coins and obtaining keys after winning challenges throughout the land. Power-Up Bands will also invite guests to enjoy extra-special interactions with Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach. They will come in six design options with character themes and will be available for purchase both within the land and at SUPER NINTENDO WORLD retail shops located in the theme park and on CityWalk. 

• Interactive Gameplay: Within the land, guests will become fully engulfed in an engaging world of real-life gameplay, including punching ? Blocks to collect digital coins and a variety of interactives. They will discover a new dimension of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD via the interactive binoculars employing augmented reality technology positioned within the land. Guests can beat the four Key Challenges and collect keys from Goomba, Koopa Troopa, Piranha Plant and Thwomp interactive activities to ultimately allow access to the culminating boss battle with Bowser Jr.  These energetic, familiar and fun interactive games will further enhance the entire kinetic experience within the land and immerse guests into the unique world of Super Mario.

• Toadstool Cafe™:  The land’s signature restaurant Toadstool Cafe will serve a gourmet menu perfected by Chef Toad where he will greet guests upon entry. Menu items prepared fresh daily include Toadstool Cheesy Garlic Knots, Super Mushroom Soup, Piranha Plant Caprese, Mario Bacon Cheeseburger, Luigi Pesto Chicken Burger, ? Block Tiramisu and Princess Peach Cupcake.

• 1-UP Factory: What better way to commemorate a visit to SUPER NINTENDO WORLD than to visit the 1-UP Factory retail shop to purchase collectable memorabilia. The 1-UP Factory will offer an extensive selection of merchandise from Mario and Luigi themed apparel to iconic character hats and an array of plush characters, including Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Bowser.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD is conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to Nintendo fans for generations.

            More information and details will be shared soon. In the meantime, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for theme park updates. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

All Holiday Festivities are Included in the Price of Theme Park Admission

Click Here to Purchase Tickets to Experience the

“Awesomest Celebration of the Season”

 Universal Studios Hollywood rings in the “Awesomest Celebration of the Season” with the return of fan favorites “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” and “Grinchmas™” beginning Friday, November 25, 2022 and running daily through Sunday, January 1, 2023. All holiday festivities are included in the price of theme park admission.

“Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” brings the spirit of the holiday season to the village of Hogsmeade™, which is transformed with festive décor and merriment. Guests can savor a delicious Hot Butterbeer™ while enjoying a special holiday a capella performance from the Hogwarts Frog Choir. Activities also include holiday shopping for exclusive items within the village shops, including personalized ornaments and notebooks, and dining on hearty holiday fare at Three Broomsticks™.

As night falls on the snowy town, Hogwarts™ Castle will come to life in a dazzling spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle.” The impressive light projection show will amaze audiences with its stunning imagery and animation as the castle infuses the land with joyous wonderment and features music and sounds from the Harry Potter film series.

The cheerful “Grinchmas” Who-bilation will return in jolly fashion to Universal Plaza, located in the heart of the theme park. Festive park-goers can marvel in amazement at the topsy-turvy 65 foot-tall “Grinchmas” tree decorated with hundreds of ornaments and thousands of LED lights. Every evening, a jovial tree lighting ceremony will excite guests as they listen to the Grinch himself tell his story along with the Who-ville Whos, ending in a snowball flurry, bringing joy and merriment to all.

A variety of activities are available to guests looking to get into the “Grinchmas” spirit. The Grinch and his faithful dog Max will be available for photo opportunities throughout the day. Cindy-Lou Who leads daily story time for young visitors looking to learn of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and the Who-ville post office will be accepting postcards with holiday messages. Additionally, an array of sweet holiday treats, including hot cocoa, will be available for purchase.

Adding to the theme park activities, Universal CityWalk will be dressed for the holiday season with spirited décor and a 40 foot-tall Christmas tree featuring more than 200,000 LED lights. The infamous Voodoo Doughnut will tempt guests with delicious seasonal flavors to celebrate the holiday spirit.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

Admission to Universal CityWalk is free. More information available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.

Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood.

HARRY POTTER characters, names and related indicia are © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. J.K. ROWLING`S WIZARDING WORLD™ J.K. Rowling and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © JKR. (s22)

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