Fantasia 2000 at Carnegie Hall Soldout

Live World Premiere Performances of "Fantasia/2000" at Carnegie Hall Sell Out Within Hours

September 14, 1999

BURBANK, Calif. - Tickets to the two public "World Premiere" performances of Walt Disney Pictures' animated extravaganza, "Fantasia/2000," at Carnegie Hall were snapped up in less than six hours this past Sunday with both shows posting "sold out" signs, it was announced Tuesday by Richard Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.

The two performances, scheduled for Dec. 18 and 19, will feature Maestro James Levine conducting the 120-piece Philharmonia Orchestra of London as the film is projected on a giant motion picture screen that fills the legendary theater's proscenium.

Tickets for the two public events went on sale at noon at the Carnegie Hall box office and by telephone. As early as 8 a.m., the theater had a line around the block and all tickets for both shows had been completely sold out by 6 p.m.

Commenting on the announcement, Cook said: "We are completely overwhelmed by this incredible response to the two public Carnegie Hall performances for 'Fantasia/2000.' These World Premiere engagements are landmark events and we are thrilled that movie and music lovers share our excitement for this film.

"With James Levine leading the Philharmonia of London orchestra and the magnificent imagery of our animation team on screen, this is going to be a truly extraordinary experience."

The performances at Carnegie Hall on Dec. 18 and 19 follow the Dec. 17 invitation-only World Premiere of "Fantasia/2000." Similar live performances will follow in London, Paris and Tokyo before a spectacular "Fantasia/2000" Millennium Eve Gala unfolds at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Dec. 31 (for ticket information call 818/238-1095).

The film begins an exclusive four-month engagement at IMAX Theaters around the world on Jan. 1, 2000.

"Fantasia/2000" continues and builds upon Walt Disney's original idea with the creation of a musical repertoire program that includes seven exciting new animated segments and one returning favorite ("The Sorcerer's Apprentice").

Adding to the fun and entertainment, celebrity hosts from the various arts appear on screen to introduce each of the segments. Included in that prestigious group are Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, Bette Midler, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Penn & Teller and Angela Lansbury.