By Jenie Dahlmann (@jeniedahlmann)
Thirty years have passed since Disney took us on a magic carpet ride with the release of its animated feature Aladdin. Many who enjoyed the Academy Award-winning movie for the first time as kids now have their own kids who will love it, too. The Soraya at California State University in Northridge celebrates this special anniversary with three, family-friendly concerts this spring, each with ties to the Disney classic.
Witness your children discover a whole new world of movies in concert as they watch Aladdin on a big screen while New West Symphony plays the score live. Learn from the composer himself, Alan Menken, how he wrote the music when he shares stories at his piano, reminiscing about his successful career as the most academy-award-winning person in history. The voice of Princess Jasmine, Lea Salonga, rounds out the salute with her third appearance at The Soraya. Every little girl obsessed with princesses will thrill at the presence of a real, live Disney princess.
Not a fan of the big blue genie? Drum roll, please! Hearts will beat to the rhythm of the traditional Wadaiko drums of Yamato, The Drummers of Japan, on March 4, during a high-energy and culturally significant appearance.
To make performances more affordable for families, The Soraya is now offering a family four-pack to select shows: Four tickets to any one of the following concerts for just $99. Use the promotional code Family 4-Pack when purchasing your tickets to access the offer.
Yamato–The Drummers of Japan
Hinotori: The Wings of Phoenix
Sat., March 4 | 3:00 p.m. | $36-$80
Experience a thrilling, high-energy, and explosive interpretation of the centuries-old Taiko tradition. Yamato, The Drummers of Japan, travel the world with traditional Japanese Wadaiko drums, putting their soul into the unusual instruments and stirring hearts everywhere they go. Their virtuosity, strength, spirit, and sheer endurance are astonishing. This past season marked Yamato’s 25th anniversary, celebrating more than 3,500 performances in 54 countries, and reaching 8 million fans young and old. Audience spirits are lifted to new levels by the drummers’ infectious sense of joy and entertainment.
Disney in Concert: Aladdin
30th Anniversary
Sat., March 25 | 3:00 p.m. | $35-$75
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of Disney’s classic animated film Aladdin. Legendary composer Alan Menken’s magical soundtrack and award-winning songs will be performed live by New West Symphony alongside the film on the big screen. The engaging plot, amazing visual effects, and charming characters still captivate audiences. Aladdin won Academy Awards for Best Film Score and Best Original Song, and a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1992.
A Whole New World of Alan Menken
An Evening of Stories and Songs with Oscar-Winning Composer Alan Menken
Sun., April 2 | 7:00 p.m. | $49-$109
The legendary songwriter takes his place at The Soraya’s Steinway piano for an intimate evening of music and little-known anecdotes about the making of his legendary Disney songs and Broadway musicals. Menken will perform his celebrated classics including “A Whole New World” from Aladdin, “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast, and more. With eight Academy Awards, Menken has received more Oscars than any living person and created some of the most beloved songs and musical scores of our time, capturing the imagination of audiences for over 35 years.
Lea Salonga
Sat., April 22 | 8:00 p.m. | $49-$109
Sun., April 23 | 3:00 p.m. | $49-$109
Powerhouse performer Lea Salonga, best known for her roles as the voice of Disney’s animated princesses Mulan from Mulan, and Jasmine from Aladdin, returns to The Soraya for the third time to perform Broadway hits, Disney classics, pop favorites, and more. Always a sellout, you’ll want to make sure you secure your tickets before they are gone.
For more information, please visit thesoraya.org or call the box office directly at (818) 677-3000.
