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Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre celebrates Earth Day with Disneynature's Motion Picture "African Cats"

Peter Schupmann News - Flash
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Buy a ticket Opening Week and Help Protect African Cats and the Land They Call Home!
Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre celebrates Earth Day with 

Disneynature’s Motion Picture 
“AFRICAN CATS”
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson
with Special Digital Engagement April 22-May 16

“Animals From Around The World” Live on Stage at each performance
from Wildlife Learning Center 

Disney Animator Andreas Deja’s original artwork inspired by the film on exhibit with exclusive educational display from Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Disneynature to make a donation to help protect lions and cheetahs in honor of each moviegoer opening week

Hollywood’s legendary El Capitan Theatre celebrates Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2011, with the debut of AFRICAN CATS,an extraordinary new film from Disneynature, the studio that presented the record-breaking films “Oceans” and “Earth.” An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, AFRICAN CATS captures the real-life love, humor, and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. The El Capitan engagement will run from April 22nd through May 18th.

Live on Stage
At every showing of AFRICAN CATS, the El Capitan has invited the Wildlife Learning Center to showcase a handful of exotic animals in their care with “Exotic Animals From Around the World,” a presentation live on the El Capitan Stage. The “Animal Guys” from the WLC have rescued more than 70 different species of captive-born wild animals and make it their mission to get children excited about the natural world around them. The Wildlife Learning Center also wants to help educate a generation of children to value their natural heritage, to value the environment, and to value all living things.

“See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna”
In addition, everyone who buys a ticket to see the film during opening week (April 22 to 28, 2011) of AFRICAN CATS can help “Save the Savanna.” Disneynature will make a donation in honor of each moviegoer to protect lions and cheetahs and the land they call their home. 

Commenting on the announcement, Lylle Breier, senior vice president of worldwide special events for Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures said, “In keeping with our traditions of making a visit to the El Capitan unforgettable and honoring Earth Day each year, we are delighted to welcome back our exotic live animals presentation, featuring everything from the red-tailed hawk to the African Serval wildcat.  And we’re proud to help increase awareness for our world’s precious resources and the species that depend on them by helping to save the savanna on behalf of our patrons. Disney has a great legacy of creating groundbreaking nature films, and this third movie from Disneynature builds upon that foundation and takes it to new heights. The El Capitan is the perfect place to experience this amazing film with its state-of-the-art digital projection.”

On Display
The El Capitan will also showcase an educational exhibit featuring fun information about lions and cheetahs, how researchers study lions and cheetahs in the wild and what The Walt Disney Company is doing to protect African cats and their savanna home all developed and written by educators at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  There will also be a display of original artwork inspired by the film from award winning Disney animator Andreas Deja. 

Deja was the supervising animator of some of the most memorable Disney villains:  Gaston from BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award, Jafar in ALADDIN and Scar from THE LION KING, which was one of the highest-grossing films of all time.  He also animated Roger Rabbit from WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, King Triton from THE LITTLE MERMAID, the title character from HERCULES, Lilo from LILO & STITCH, and Queen Narissa from ENCHANTED. In addition,he is the supervising animator for Tigger in the upcoming “Winnie the Pooh.” He is the current resident specialist for the animation of Mickey Mouse. Disneynature is proud to have Andreas interpret African Cats with this stunning series of original art work directly inspired by the film. Andreas has long been known for his beautiful gestural drawings and paintings of big cats that capture their spirit of wildness and innate nobility.

Showtimes
Daily showtimes are: 10:00 am, 12:30 pm, 3:45 pm, 7:00 pm, and 9:35 pm.  Tickets are available at the El Capitan Theatre box office (6838 Hollywood Blvd.), online at 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.

The El Capitan Theatre will also have a special “Tiny Tot Tuesday” on Tuesday, April 26, at 10:00am only. During this special screening of AFRICAN CATS parents and small children can enjoy the movie in a “Tiny Tot” friendly way – complete with lights dimmed rather than out and reduced sound levels!


About “African Cats”

An epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar®-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons.  Disneynature brings “The Lion King” to life on the big screen in this True Life Adventure directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill (“Earth”).  An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into El Capitan Theater on Earth Day, April 22, 2011. 

SEE ‘AFRICAN CATS,’ SAVE THE SAVANNA
During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to ensure the future of lions, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes and a host of other animals in the vibrant African savanna. The AWF will be working to protect the Amboseli Wildlife Corridor, a passage between the Amboseli, Tsavo West and Chyulu Hills National Parks that is frequently used by a variety of wildlife. For more information about the movie and the “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” initiative, check out Disney.com/AfricanCats.
 

Spotlight

Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Announces Winners
March 19, 2012…Los Angeles… The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle has announced the winners and special awards for excellence in Los Angeles and Orange County theatre for the year 2011.  The 43rd Annual Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards ceremony took place Monday, March 19 at A Noise Within in Pasadena, and was co-hosted by Jason Graae and Lesli Margherita.

The award recipients for the 2011 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards are as follows:

Production
· Margo Veil, The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Evidence Room, Odyssey Theatre
· Small Engine Repair, Rogue Machine, Theatre/Theater

McCulloh Award for Revival
· A Raisin in the Sun, Ebony Repertory Theatre, Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
· Cabaret, Reprise Theatre Company, Freud Playhouse
· The Crucible, Theatre Banshee

Direction
· Andrew Block, Small Engine Repair, Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater
· Sean Branney, The Crucible, Theatre Banshee
· Bart DeLorenzo, Margo Veil, The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Evidence Room at the Odyssey Theatre


Writing
· David Harrower, Blackbird, Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater
· John Pollono, Small Engine Repair, Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater

Writing (Adaptation)
· Dakin Matthews, The Capulets & the Montagues, Andak Stage Company at NewPlace Studio Theatre

Music Direction
· Gerald Sternbach, The Robber Bridegroom, International City Theatre
· Mike Wilkins, Jerry Springer: The Opera, Chance Theater

Choreography
· Andy Blankenbuehler, Bring It On: The Musical, Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre

Musical Score
· Mark Nutter, Re-Animator: The Musical, Steve Allen Theater
Lead Performance
· Sam Anderson, Blackbird, Rogue Machine at Theatre/Theater
· Anne Gee Byrd, All My Sons, Matrix Theatre
· L. Scott Caldwell, A Raisin in the Sun, Ebony Repertory Theatre at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
· Edi Gathegi, Superior Donuts, Geffen Playhouse
· Lisa O’Hare, Cabaret, Reprise Theatre Company at Freud Playhouse

Featured Performance
· Anne Gee Byrd, I Never Sang for My Father, The New American Theatre at the McCadden Theatre
· Dermot Crowley, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Center Theatre Group and Druid and Atlantic Theater Company at the Kirk Douglas Theatre
· Deidrie Henry, A Raisin in the Sun, Ebony Repertory Theatre at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
· Casey Kramer, Dolly West’s Kitchen, Theatre Banshee

Ensemble Performance
· A Raisin in the Sun, Ebony Repertory Theatre at the Nate Holden Performing Arts Center
· Margo Veil, The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Evidence Room at the Odyssey Theatre

Solo Performance
· Tom Dugan, Nazi Hunter — Simon Wiesenthal, Theatre 40 at the Reuben Cordova Theatre
· Charlayne Woodard, The Night Watcher, Center Theatre Group at the Kirk Douglas Theatre


Set Design
· Richard Hoover, House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre—LA at the Atwater Village Theatre

Lighting Design
· Paule Constable, Les Misérables, Center Theatre Group at the Ahmanson Theatre
· Jeremy Pivnick, House of the Rising Son, Ensemble Studio Theatre—LA at the Atwater Village Theatre

Costume Design
· Philippe Guillotel, Iris, Cirque du Soleil at Kodak Theatre

Sound Design
· John Zalewski, Margo Veil, The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Evidence Room at the Odyssey Theatre

Specialty
· Eric Anderson (fight choreography), Gospel According to First Squad, The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble at The Powerhouse Theatre
· John Boesche (projection design), Radiance: The Passion of Marie Curie, Geffen Playhouse
· Tony Doublin, John Naulin, John Buechler, Tom Devlin, & Greg McDougall (special effects), Re-Animator: The Musical, Steve Allen Theater
· Shana Carroll, Boris Verkhovsky, Pierre Masse (acrobatic performance design), Iris, Cirque du Soleil at Kodak Theatre
Unique Theatrical Event
· Standing on Ceremony, Joan Stein and Stuart Ross in association with the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center at The Renberg Theatre

Special Awards
The Ted Schmitt Award for the world premiere of an outstanding new play was awarded to David Wiener for Extraordinary Chambers. The award was accompanied by an offer to publish by Samuel French, Inc.
The Polly Warfield Award for an excellent season in a small to mid-size theater was awarded to Rogue Machine. The award was accompanied by an honorarium, funded by the Nederlander Organization.
The Bob Z award for career achievement in set design was awarded to Kurt Boetcher.
The Angstrom Award for career achievement in lighting design was awarded to Lap Chi Chu. The award was accompanied by an honorarium, funded by Angstrom Lighting.
The Margaret Harford Award for sustained excellence in theater was awarded to the Odyssey Theatre.  The award was accompanied by an honorarium, funded by contributions from the theatrical community
The Joel Hirschhorn Award for outstanding achievement in musical theatre was awarded to Lee Martino.  The award was accompanied by an honorarium, funded by an anonymous donor.
The Milton Katselas Award for career or special achievement in direction was awarded to Matt Shakman. The award was accompanied by an honorarium, funded by The Katselas Theatre Company.
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A Noise Within (ANW), led by Founders/Artistic Directors Geoff Elliott and Julia Rodriguez-Elliott, is the only year-round classical repertory company in Southern California and one of only a handful in the entire country dedicated solely to producing classical dramatic literature in the repertory tradition of rotating productions with a resident company of professional artists.  It has been lauded by critics as a “premiere classical theatre company,” and an "outstanding ensemble" whose "vibrantly theatrical" "brilliant productions" are "freshly imagined," "exceptional," "invigorating," "riveting," "brilliantly atmospheric," “inspired,” and “masterfully crafted.”  Founded 20 years ago, ANW quickly established itself as one of the region’s key theatre companies, attracting fiercely loyal audiences and consistently high praise from the media for its productions and as a key force in arts education.

The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle was founded in 1969.  It is dedicated to excellence in theatrical criticism, and to the encouragement and improvement of theatre in Greater Los Angeles.

The 2011 voting members of the LADCC consisted of:  F. Kathleen Foley (L.A. Times), Shirle Gottlieb (Gazette Newspapers, StageHappenings.com), Hoyt Hilsman (Back Stage, The Huffington Post), Mayank Keshaviah (L.A. Weekly), Amy Lyons (Back Stage, L.A. Weekly), Dany Margolies (Back Stage), Terry Morgan (Variety), Steven Leigh Morris (L.A. Weekly), David C. Nichols (L.A. Times, Back Stage), Sharon Perlmutter (TalkinBroadway.com), Melinda Schupmann (Back Stage, ShowMag.com), Madeleine Shaner (Park La Brea News/Beverly Press, Back Stage), Les Spindle (Back Stage), Bob Verini (Variety), and Neal Weaver (Back Stage).  Joining for 2012 is Pauline Adamek (L.A. Weekly).

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