Peter Pan at the El Capitan Theatre,

Peter Pan at the El Capitan Theatre
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Eric Goldberg, Richard Sherman and Howard Green

Eric Goldberg, well known animator, is best known for his work animating notable characters such as the zany Genie in Aladdin, Phil in Hercules and was also co-director of Disney's 1995 feature Pocahontas. Having been with Disney since around 1990, Eric was able to give some insights on the animation aspect of films. He told the audience that they do rotoscope the models or actors but then they make changes to better enhance the film by making the characters head larger or smaller as well as changing other characteristics.

Paul Collins, another panelist, is continuing work as an actor today. When Peter Pan was filmed, he was chosen as the oldest boy, John, in the Darling family. Asked if he appeared in the Walt Disney Christmas TV segment promoting Peter Pan, his response was that he would have to see it, as he really didn't remember as it was so long ago. Surprisingly there just happened to be a copy of it available for all to see on the screen. Later he commented that of course he enjoyed making the film. What little boy didn't enjoy playing pirates? This was the first time that Kathryn Beaumont- Levine and Paul Collins, who had played brother and sister in the film had met since the filming.

A surprise guest after the panel left the stage was famed composer, Richard Sherman, Academy Award winner for Mary Poppins Best Music Score and also Best Song Chim Chim Cher-ee. He showed us a clip of Paige O'Hara (Belle from the animated film Beauty and the Beast) singing a beautiful song that had only partially been done for the original film of Peter Pan but had not been finished and Richard completed it. This will be included in the re-released version of the film and was the icing on the cake for the audience.


Paul Collins and his wife Ellen with Elizabeth Sherman, Richard Sherman's wife

The panel discussion was followed by a viewing of the new digitally enhanced film. Walt Disney's Peter Pan was originally released in 1953 and is an animated version of J.M. Barries story - a magical boy who refuses to grow up. Accompanied by the three Darling children Wendy (Kathryn Beaumont- Levine), John (Paul Collins), and Michael Peter flies back to Never Land where they encounter the Lost Boys, Indians, Mermaids (June Foray and Margaret Kerry), and the treacherous pirate Captain Hook. When Peters fairy pal, Tinker Bell (also Margaret Kerry), becomes jealous of his attentions toward Wendy and is duped into helping Captain Hook, Peter must fly into action to save them. Filled with memorable music (including You Can Fly and The Second Star to the Right), colorful animation, and fantastic characters, Peter Pan soared to the top of the box office and became a favorite with movie fans all over the world. The film was directed by Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi, and Wilfred Jackson.

After the film a group called Teen Squad danced and sang for the audience, which was followed by a Tinker Bell giving the illusion of dancing in the sky, while fairy dust rained down upon the audience. A magical time was had by all who attended.


June Foray with Scarlett Stahl

Tickets for all performances can be purchased at the El Capitan box office, online at http://www.elcapitantickets.com, or by calling 1-800-DISNEY6. Special group rates for parties of 20 or more are available by calling 1-818-845-3110. Daily show times are 10:00 am, 12:15 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:45 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:15 pm.

On March 6th, 2007, Walt Disney Home Entertainment will release the special 2-Disc Platinum Edition of Walt Disney/s Peter Pan, brimming with fantasy, fun, and new bonus features. For this new limited time only release, the film has undergone an extensive digital restoration and features a new 5.1 Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix. Among the highlights of the 2-Disc set: The Peter Pan That Almost Was - a never-before-seen alternate opening set in Never Land (instead of the Darlings home), In Walts Words Why I Made Peter Pan! in which Walt reveals in his own words why he made the film, You Can Fly: The Making of Peter Pan, three all-new multi-level games, ,a sneak peek at the all-new Tinker Bell movie and much more!

Discuss It

-- Posted February 9, 2007
-- Text and Pictures by Scarlett Stahl

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