Disney: The Music Behind the Magic Exhibition

By Kristeen | January 3, 2009 at 10:26 pm | Updated: January 3rd, 2009.
| Filed under Beauty and the Beast, Disney, Exhibition, Highschool Musical, Movies, Music, Television, Tickets, Videos

Paul Bailey told me about a very special exhibit coming to the Western Center Museum in Southern California. This will be the first time the exhibit has come to California so this is quite exciting. “Disney: The Music Behind the Magic” will be at the Western Center Museum for 13 weeks starting in February 2009.

Since it was founded in 1928, Disney has created some of the most memorable and timeless music. Until now, no one has ever told the remarkable story of how critical music was-and still is-to its success. “Disney: The Music Behind the Magic” explores Disney’s innovative use of music from the release of the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, Steamboat Willie, to the theatrical productions of Tarzan and Mary Poppins that have debuted on Broadway as well as the label’s artist roster past and present, that includes music sensations ranging from Annette Funicello to Raven-Symoné and The Cheetah Girls.

Disney: The Music Behind the Magic Exhibition Includes:
More than 65 rare artifacts, including animation storyboards, musical charts, rare recordings, sound effects equipment, Mickey Mouse Club outfits, costumes from theatrical productions such as Marry Poppins Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King and the film shooting schedule for Disney’s newest teen hit musical “High School Musical”.

Five interpretive films, all of which are being made specifically for the exhibition and feature Disney artists and experts with excerpts of Disney films to illustrate key points:

The first film explores Disney’s innovative musical storytelling in its early animations, from Steamboat Willie to Bambi.
The second film examines the critical role of music in Disney’s animation renaissance in the late 1980s, starting with The Little Mermaid; it features filmed interviews with composers Alan Menken and Phil Collins, film critic Leonard Maltin, and other Disney historians.
The third film looks at the music and making of Mary Poppins, the pinnacle of Disney’s live-action musicals. It includes interviews with the film’s composer, Richard Sherman, as well as other Disney artists and experts.
The fourth film considers Disney’s musical legacy, exploring its influence and impact on popular music and culture
The fifth film is a 15-20-minute overview of Disney music shown in our theater and introducing visitors to the exhibit themes and narrative.

Four exciting interactives designed to create hands-on experience for visitors of all ages:

Name-That-Disney-Tune is a game show in which four contestants or teams test their knowledge of Disney melodies, lyrics, composers and performers.
Sound Effects Challenge has four visitors work as a team and use Foley equipment to create and record the sound effects for one or two Disney cartoons, then watch the results to judge their future as sound effects experts.
Remix Disney Hits is a chance for visitors to remix hit songs by Walt Disney Records artists and then compare their mix to the original release.

Discover the magic of Disney music at the Western Center Museum
(Organized by the Experience Music Project, Seattle)
February 6th - May 10th, 2009
2345 Searl Parkway
Hemet, CA 92543
(951) 791-0033