Walt Disney News

Disney Channel has ordered a third season of the dance-driven buddy comedy SHAKE IT UP, it was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide.

As announced earlier in the season, Performance Network Theatre has been in the process of restructuring their non-profit organization to increase the support of their award-winning Artistic department, while creating greater capacity in Management. PNT is happy to announce the appointment of Erin Sabo as the Managing Director, allowing the theatre to adopt the dual management structure that is the industry standard for producing professional theatres, as well as expand its Artistic programs.

Emmy Award winning actress Jane Lynch will host this year's Backstage at the Geffen fundraiser, which recognizes leadership in the theater community while raising support for the theater's artistic and outreach initiatives, honoring Hollywood legend Carol Burnett and Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment Jim Gianopulos. Ms. Burnett will receive the Distinction in Theater Award and Mr. Gianopulos will be presented with the Distinction in Service Award by entertainment icon and longtime colleague Warren Beatty. The star-studded event will be co-chaired by Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger and his wife, journalist Willow Bay. This irreverent evening of laughter, music and stories, which is sponsored by City National Bank, will be held tonight, June 4, 2012 at the Geffen Playhouse.

Broadway Across Canada and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh announced today that tickets for the long-awaited production of MARY POPPINS go on sale to the public today, June 4 at 10 a.m. Calgary's most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditoriumon Tuesday, July 31 for a limited engagement of one week through Sunday, August 5. The opening night is Tuesday, July 31 at 8pm.

Bob Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, announced today that Alan Horn has been named Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios effective June 11.

My Yard Goes Disney, the HGTV show that brought the coolest parts of Disney theme parks to backyards with miniature teacup rides, African safaris and Pirate-themed pools returns for its second season tonight, June 1, at 8 pm ET/PT. HGTV and Disney Parks will team up once again to surprise lucky families with Disney-inspired fantasy backyard makeovers they never thought possible. Along with host Brandon Johnson, HGTV brings even more of the magic, spirit and adventure of Disney to homes this season.

My Yard Goes Disney, the HGTV show that brought the coolest parts of Disney theme parks to backyards with miniature teacup rides, African safaris and Pirate-themed pools returns for its second season on Friday, June 1, at 8 pm ET/PT. HGTV and Disney Parks will team up once again to surprise lucky families with Disney-inspired fantasy backyard makeovers they never thought possible. Along with host Brandon Johnson, HGTV brings even more of the magic, spirit and adventure of Disney to homes this season.

The Beatles' classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine, has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release on May 28 (May 29 in North America). The film's songtrack album will be reissued on CD on the same date.

The Veteran Center for the Performing Arts presents an evening exploring the soldiers experience through the timeless words of William Shakespeare - CRY HAVOC conceived by Stefan Wolfert and directed by Eric Tucker & Bruce Cervi. CRY HAVOC will open tonight, May 26th and run through Monday, June 4th at The Shakespeare Center LA - Studio Space, 1238 West 1st Street in Downtown Los Angeles.

Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic give the world premiere of LA Phil Creative Chair John Adams' LA Phil-commissioned The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Thursday and Friday, May 31 and June 1, at 8 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, at 2 pm, at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The latest of Adams' large-scale works is a full-evening oratorio and features the Los Angeles Master Chorale and six soloists: mezzo-soprano Kelley O'Connor, contralto Tamara Mumford, tenor Russell Thomas and countertenors Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings and Nathan Medley.

Music-Theatre Group has announced a special interview with Diane Paulus and Randy Weiner, to be moderated by Thomas Schumacher (Producer and President, Disney Theatrical Group) on Thursday, June 7th at the Dimenna Center for Classical Music (450 W. 37th Street between 9th and 10th) at 7:30 p.m.

The Film Society of Lincoln Center announced a complete retrospective of three-time Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott, whose career began in the 70's and who has continued to excite and enchant audiences with his remarkable storytelling ability. The retrospective runs from today May 25 through June 3 and includes the Director's cut of KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, a new 35mm print of THELMA & LOUISE and the chance for fans to catch all of their favorites on the big screen.

The classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, re-imagined and set in the contemporary world of hip-hop, rap and gospel music, is told in the Disney Channel Original Movie LET IT SHINE, premiering FRIDAY, JUNE 15 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT).

RUBICON THEATRE continues the company's 14th season tonight, May 24 with August Wilson's powerful and poignant drama GEM OF THE OCEAN.

New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) last night honored New York Theatre Workshop Board Chair Barbara Warner Howard and Disney Theatrical Group and its president Thomas Schumacher at its 2012 Spring Gala at the Plaza Hotel. BroadwayWorld was ther for the festivities, and brings you full photo coverage below!

On May 19, 2012 the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown Los Angeles hosted Elaine Stritch's hilarious, anecdote-heavy Stephen Sondheim tribute concert ELAINE STRITCH: SINGIN' SONDHEIM...ONE SONG AT A TIME. Met with boisterous, well-deserved standing ovations both at the start and at the end of the intermission-less program, Stritch was in usual top form, dispensing out acerbic comments and witty barbs about her life, her career, and her love and admiration--both personally and professionally--for the Broadway composer.

Broadway Across Canada and producers Thomas Schumacher of Disney Theatrical Productions and Cameron Mackintosh announced today that tickets for the long-awaited production of MARY POPPINS will go on sale to the public on Monday, June 4 at 10 a.m. Calgary's most eagerly awaited stage production will begin performances at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditoriumon Tuesday, July 31 for a limited engagement of one week through Sunday, August 5. The opening night is Tuesday, July 31 at 8pm.