Award-winning actor Patrick Stewart has been announced to voice the magic mirror for "Snow White – An Enchanting New Musical," a production that brings to life the characters, the songs and the story of one of the most beloved of all of Walt Disney’s animated features. Casting has been completed and rehearsals begin this week under the direction of Eric Schaeffer, working towards a February 23, 2004 premiere at Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland park.
One of the most esteemed actors of his generation, Patrick Stewart is well known for a wide variety of stage, screen, and television roles. On Broadway he appeared in "The Caretaker," "The Ride Down Mt. Morgan," "The Tempest," Peter Brook's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and the one-man show of "A Christmas Carol" (Drama Desk Award), which he also performed in Los Angeles and London (Olivier Award, Best Entertainment). He has been seen in London most recently in the critically acclaimed production of "The Master Builder" as well as in "Hedda Gabler," "Johnson Over Jordan," and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" (London Fringe Best Actor Award).
Stewart has been a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company since 1966. His roles there include King John, Shylock (Olivier nomination, Best Actor), Henry IV, and Enobarbus (Society of West End Theatres Award). He also starred in premieres of plays by Tom Stoppard, Edward Bond and Howard Barker. His films include "X-Men," "X-Men 2," and the Star Trek features "Generations," "First Contact," "Insurrection" and "Nemesis." On television he originated the role of Jean-Luc Picard in "Star Trek: The Next Generation (SAG nomination)." He also appeared in TNT's "A Christmas Carol" (SAG Award nomination), "Moby Dick" (Emmy and Golden Globe nominations) and "King of Texas." Next he stars in "The Lion in Winter" for Showtime.
"Snow White – An Enchanting New Musical" is being created in both length and content for younger families, and is the most elaborate stage show to be produced exclusively for the Fantasyland Theatre. The production, a 32-minute adaptation of the film, will delight families and immerse park guests in the fun, romance, humor, adventure and magic of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” which features some of the best known songs and characters of any Disney story.
Stewart will record his role as the Magic Mirror as rehearsals begin at the Disneyland Resort rehearsal halls for Snow White. All of the other roles will be played live on stage. Two complete alternating casts, and their covers were found and will perform the show multiple times daily. Performers with Broadway, Los Angeles, national touring, regional and television credits will bring a broad range of experience to the companies; and some of the principals have worked with director Eric Schaeffer at Signature Theatre in Washington D.C., where he is artistic director.
For information call (714) 781-4565 or visit www.disneyland.com.
