Greetings! Are you still in turkey coma? Have you been up half the day already because of Black Friday shopping deals? Whatever you are up to today, I do sincerely hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. I love Thanksgiving for many reasons (fall decor, stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin everything) but I also love it because it’s the gateway to my favorite holiday season. (I’ve been dying to break out all my Christmas tunes!) So today I’m kicking off my first of a few “gift guides” I’ve come up with to help you shop for your favorite Disney fan.
I’m kicking off this series with a Broadway-inspired shopping list. I’ve already highlighted the Carols for a Cure album, which includes songs sung by Newsies and Peter and the Starcatcher casts, so here are my best picks in this category:
1. Newsies cast album: Okay, this one is practically a no-brainer. The best part about Disney’s newest musical, Newsies, is the music and the dancing. You can’t exactly get the dancing mailed to you at home so here’s the next best thing. Jack Feldman and Disney’s old reliable, Alan Menken, teamed up for the music and the lyrics + the music is exhilarating, fun, and perfect to listen to when you are walking to walk or driving in your car. Great for a Broadway fan, and a Disney music fan!
2. Kate Spade ‘Seize the Day’ mug: In true fan fashion, I saw this mug while I was out one afternoon and immediately thought NEWSIES. “Seize the Day” is one of the better known anthems from the musical, and how cute would this mug be for a Newsies fanatic? Classy and bright Kate Spade did a great job with this one! (And I doubt they realize how perfect it is for this very reason…)
3. Peter and the Starcatcher Script: Peter and the Starcatcher may not be as talked about as Newsies when it comes to current Disney Broadway experiences, but I’m going to let you in on a little secret… I liked Peter a tad bit better. Why? The script was funny and touching and the entire play as a whole was so creative and unlike anything I’ve seen before. Now the show is closing in New York in January but will start touring next year so look for it… but in the meantime, this coffee table book includes the full script of the show including commentary from the director, playwright, and others involved with the show. There’s full color pictures, and it’s just an amazing piece for a theater fan.
4. Disney’s On the Record: I think I bought my copy of this album in Disney parks one summer, and I was totally blown away by the mash-ups of some of my favorite Disney songs. A musical revue that includes so many well-known Disney songs on two disks by some amazing singers. I don’t see a ton a talk about this show at all, but it’s one of those cast albums you can listen to at any time, and out of order, without ever experiencing the real thing. Broadway leading lady Ashley Brown is one of the 4 singers. She starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway, and later, originated the role of Mary Poppins in the Broadway musical. Tip: Buy this used on Amazon.
5. Mustache Drinking Glasses: This is actually directly related to Peter and the Starcatcher. The villain aka Captain Hook is called “Black Stache” and the company has made it a habit to “stache” people throughout their run: other Broadway shows that are opening, fans, and celebrities visiting the production. I think it’s really adorable without being too gimicky + these glasses totally caught my attention. How awesome are they?
6. Mary Poppins 3-book collection: Ah, P.L. Travers! Long before I ever saw the Mary Poppins movie or the musical, I read and loved the Mary Poppins books. I haven’t read them in many years but I remember just how startled I was by the differences between the books and the movies the first time. (In fact, the books are more closely related to the musical.) I’m a huge fan of buying books for any special occasion, but… these should not be passed over.
7. Mary Poppins illustration: Squigs does illustrations of productions for Broadway.com, and I actually bought one of his prints for one of my best friends to say thanks for being in my bridal party. I loved its unique look and how it was a keepsake of a show we had seen together. I wish he still offered up the postcard option of the illustrations, but this is a great gift for a Broadway or Disney fan who has just about everything.
8. Dream a Little Dream: This is a bonus for this gift guide… which is another way for me to say I’m kind of cheating. BUT Laura Osnes is a fantastic Broadway performer (she was nominated for her first Tony Award this year) and will be starring in the revival of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in January. Dream a Little Dream is a live album for released this year, and while it features a nice variety of songs — it does include 2 Disney tunes and also a bonus track from R+H’s Cinderella. Her voice is lovely and amazing, and this collection is so worth checking out. (And on my own wish list!)
Hope you enjoyed this first gift guide of the season! Look for another one early next week!
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And don't forget to read other posts by Estelle Hallick.
