Wow so within the course of this year, Idina will have sang at the Oscars, the Tonys, Radio City, the MLB All Star Game and now the parade. What a year that lady is having.
I realize I'm in the minority here, but I've never enjoyed the performances at the Thanksgiving parade. First of all, seeing them in the cold light of day, in front of Macy's front door, holds no magic for me.
Second, the song always sounds pre-recorded and the actors look as if they're lip-syncing (I have no idea if they are or not).
Lastly, I always feel so sorry for the actors, having to get up (or stay up) in the middle of the night after doing 2 shows the day before, and perform in what is always bitterly cold weather for a bunch of people who will probably never pay to see their shows.
I'm sure Aunt Mildred in Cedar Rapids gets a thrill out of seeing her nephew in the chorus of ON THE TOWN, but for me, I use the opportunity to refill my coffee or bake another waffle.
'Our whole family shouts. It comes from us livin' so close to the railroad tracks'
Idina Menzel and Sting have been announced as performers in the parade (as have Renee Fleming, Nick Jonas, the cast of Sesame Street, and a half dozen others.). This means they'll be on floats, most likely briefly singing holiday-related songs (per the usual). Broadway shows performing production numbers at the parade pre-show have yet to be announced.
I think producers are aiming for the national TV audience to remember the shows and buy tickets when they travel to NY. They probably wouldn't buy a national commercial like the NY audience sees so often on local tv, but this is their chance to get some organic national publicity. Especially to audiences who may not get exposed to much theatre but would go when in nyc.
I've watched quite a few of the Broadway.com vlogs and most of them show the casts heading to the parade location in the morning. The casts just look exhausted. Also, I wish they had them perform a bit later on in the morning. Most people I know don't turn on the parade till around 10. Those with kids want them to stay occupied until 12, so the parade goes on around 10:30. They miss the performances completely.
^as well as Beautiful! I'm interested to see what number Gentleman's Guide does as there's not really a large ensemble number from that show. Also excited to see the sneak peek of Side Show and Neverland!
Wouldn't it be cool if SIDE SHOW did the song that replaced "We Share Everything" as a nod to their earlier performance. Of course I guess that's unlikely since the song is apparently about their sexuality or some such.
"I find it it odd that "Aladdin" didn't get a spot."
I am very surprised about that as well. My guess is that maybe ABC will show a musical number from the New Amsterdam Theatre on Disney's Christmas Day Parade instead.
Pretty good line-up! I'm a bit disappointed that Aladdin isn't performing. Why isn't Beautiful performing? I'm very shocked about that… That's another good show.
Disney is likely planning on sending the Aladdin cast down to Orlando for the Christmas parade filming and feel they only need one holiday parade performance to give them a boost. If/When they perform for Christmas, it will NOT be in the theatre. The Disney Christmas Day parade is ALL about marketing their theme parks. Look at Newsies and Poppins. Don't be shocked if you end up turning on your TV Christmas morning to see the cast of Aladdin performing Arabian Nights while on location in the Morocco pavilion at Epcot.
I've been a float escort the past two years (one of the costumed people who walk besides each float and wave) and the performers on each float lip-synch. They call them the "talent". As in "Please do not talk to the talent."
Doesn't surprise me about Side Show considering the NBC/Universal connection but am thrilled they're performing. I'd love it if they did "Come Look at the Freaks" or another number featuring the "Freaks."
Freaks are fun but I assume they might want to spotlight the twins dancing in either READY TO PLAY or STUCK WITH YOU. I have no idea what would be chosen but I think something light-hearted for Thanksgiving morning.
I was surprised to read that she would not be on the NBC version since more people watch it, but then I remembered back in 2010 that Carrie Underwood performed on the CBS version as well.