Disney's time-tested formula of combining spectacle with the familiar has found a no-less-than-perfect home just outside of Toon Town, with strains of "It's a Small World" wafting nearby. Obviously little expense has been spared for this production. Starting with the first passages of Jonathan Tunik's prerecorded yet remarkably lush orchestrations, the senses are treated to extravagant imagery. Scenic Designer Tom Butsch pulls out the stops in reproducing forestry, cottage, and castle alike. Michael Curry's enormous 3-D conception of the talking mirror, voiced with the dulcet tones of none other than Patrick Stewart, is a masterpiece of technological engineering.
Likewise, Ellen McCartney's costumes--especially the queen's blindingly sparkled gown--are first-rate. All is expertly illuminated by Paulie Jenkins, whose onstage lightning storm coincided perfectly with the real-life downpour that inundated the Magic Kingdom on opening night. Special effects abound, not the least of which is the demolition of the evil monarch's (an appropriately wicked Elizabeth Ward Land) abode as she suffers her ultimate, if somewhat abbreviated, comeuppance.
Having said that, for kids of all ages the show's calling card remains its story and well-known characters. Director Eric Schaeffer, with assistance from dramaturge Shelby Jiggetts-Tivony, has helmed a brisk 35-minute encapsulation lithely touching on major plot points. Truncated versions of the well-known tunes--at times featuring a wide array of Karma Camp's well-executed choreographic stylings--fit into the mix seamlessly. Realize that the show, at a minimum, is triple and quadruple cast, but most likely the quality of performances won't vary widely.
Anne Warren's beautifully clear soprano intonation as Snow White fills the outdoor venue as she sings "Some Day My Prince Will Come." Suffering from the script's condensed quality, her romantic counterpart, Stuart Ambrose's prince, seems wooden. Still, all is forgotten as he reveals himself a tenor to be reckoned with. Naturally our heroine is aided by a bevy of dancers portraying woodland creatures, and the seven diminutive inhabitants of her newly adopted home prove crowd pleasers all around, with Grumpy (Glenn Turner) and Dopey (Paul Pakler) garnering special note.
Certain to enjoy a lengthy run, this investment of capital and theatrical handiwork may have an expanded future. Is there room for this princess alongside Belle and Aida on the Great White Way? Only time and economics will tell if this groundwork results in such a move; however, in a world of violent video games and crudely sexualized film offerings, perhaps a tried-and-true prescription for family entertainment is just what the doctor would order.
"Snow White--An Enchanted Musical," presented by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Creative Entertainment" at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. Feb. 22-indefinite. Included in park admission. (714) 781-4565.
