TORONTO, ON - December 7/10 – Feld Motor Sports(TM) has announced that the Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam®, the world’s premier monster truck series, will take place January 22-23/11 at Rogers Centre in Toronto. Tickets are on sale now.
Attracting more than 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world, Monster Jam® events showcase freestyle and racing competition among custom-designed machines that average 12 feet tall by 12 feet wide, sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds. Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air. Fan-favorite trucks slated to appear at the arena include Grave Digger, Dragon’s Breath, Maximum Destruction (Max D), Grave Digger Legend, Ironman, El Toro Loco and Monster Mutt. Monster Jam® is sanctioned by the United States Hot Rod Association®. Trucks are subject to change without notice.
Rogers Centre Monster Jam® shows are scheduled for Saturday, January 22 at 7pm and Sunday, January 23 at 2pm. Ticket prices start at $20 for adults and $15 for Pizza Pizza kids tickets for children 12 and under, and are available at the Rogers Centre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, and by phone at (416) 870-8000. There are a limited number of TAP ($125) and Gold Circle ($50) seats available for both shows.
The Party in the Pits will be held from 3pm to 5pm on Saturday, January 22, and 11am to noon on Sunday, January 23rd. The pre-show pit party gives fans (with a show ticket) the chance to see the monster trucks up close, meet drivers, take pictures and get autographs.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey will take audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends at the Rogers Centre in Toronto from December 25, 2010 to January 2, 2011. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan.
The arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene including an enchanting undersea kingdom with Ariel and Sebastian, a jungle adventure in the African Pride Lands with Simba and Nala, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch and a trip to jolly old London with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
Now you can save $5 dollars on the upcoming show by using the promo code BLOG. This offer is not valid on Rinkside, Front Row or VIP seats. Some restrictions may apply.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting Ticketmaster.ca or by calling 416-870-8000.
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey takes audiences on a fun-filled tour to four exciting destinations filled with favorite Disney friends. With Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as tour guides, guests will visit the enchanting worlds of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Lilo & Stitch and Peter Pan.
The arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene including an enchanting undersea kingdom with Ariel and Sebastian, a jungle adventure in the African Pride Lands with Simba and Nala, a Hawaiian luau with Lilo and Stitch and a trip to jolly old London with Peter Pan and Tinker Bell.
“It’s an extraordinary show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey, Minnie and their friends.”
Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey features an international team of award-winning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics the whole family will enjoy.
The unconventional mix of music inspired Choreographer Cindy Stuart to incorporate original moves, like the boisterous pirate line dance. Stuart has also included more classic skating, like David and Nani’s touching surf duet and Prince Eric and Ariel’s tender pas de deux.
“Not only is this show a journey through favorite Disney stories, it is a journey of emotions,” says Director Jerry Bilik.“From the antics of Sebastian, Simba and Stitch, to the high-flying adventures of Peter Pan, the audience will experience excitement, humor and friendship.”
Costume Designer Arthur Boccia has assembled specific and appealing looks for all the Disney locales. Creatures and characters along the way sport everything from nightgowns to grass skirts.Surfer gear and lion’s paws give way to Triton’s fin-clad daughters.
Each destination has its own mood created by Lighting Designer Patrick Dierson. The foggy London skyline that can be seen from the Darling children’s window soon changes to the mysterious forest where Peter Pan and the Lost Boys live in their tree house. Ariel and Sebastian dive into undersea excursions and Lilo and Stitch cavort surfside surrounded by tropical sunlight and foliage.
The many settings of the show are enhanced by Robert Smith’s scenic design both on and above the ice. For example, Lilo’s Hawaiian home is on the ice, while Stitch’s alien planet is depicted above it, creating a multidimensional feel. Captain Hook’s rollicking crew sails across the ice on an enormous 35-foot pirate ship, and King Triton’s daughters emerge for their music lessons from oversized seashells.
Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 Takes #1 Movie in the World to the Ice
Cutting Edge Projection Technology Takes Audiences to the Edge of their Seats and Beyond in High-Energy Live Ice Spectacular
Vienna, Va. – June 22, 2010 –– Toy Story 3, the record-breaking #1 movie in the world, is so hot it’s cool as everyone’s favourite toys take to the ice in Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3! An award-winning creative team and a cast of world-class skaters are bringing Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the gang to fans and families around the country in this brand-new live ice spectacular produced by Feld Entertainment. This fast-paced and witty tale of friendship launches a 2-year, 75-city North American tour on September 3rd in Lakeland, FL.The show will stop in Toronto this March Break: March 16-20/2011 for an exclusive engagement at Rogers Centre.
To enhance this live experience, the production will feature state-of-the-art projection design, allowing adults and children alike to virtually shrink down as Andy’s room is transformed from human to toy-sized. Families are whisked away, reliving iconic moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 before they embark on the brand-new adventure of Toy Story 3. This innovative 3D technology, a first for any Disney On Ice show, blends four separate images into one massive 3D projection using the entire ice surface to create oversized effects and scenic elements, altering the audience’s perception of scale. Memorable scenes take on a new life as a pinball machine of monumental proportion is created at Pizza Planet, with the massive pinball table projected onto the ice and the score board on the stage behind it. This perspective, among many others throughout the show, reinforces the audience’s experience as a toy-sized spectator.
“An award-winning team of artists, designers and technicians are redefining the theatre of ice with a show that challenges the audience’s perception of scale,” says Producer Nicole Feld. “Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is Feld Entertainment’s most innovative show ever.”
Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 begins as Andy prepares for college and is deciding the fate of his favourite childhood pals. Woody reminds the gang that they are still Andy’s toys and they reminisce over their many adventures as Buzz Lightyear defeats Evil Emperor Zurg; Woody meets up with Jessie on the set of their TV show, “Woody’s Roundup”; and Slinky Dog, Rex, Bullseye, Hamm, Barbie, and everyone’s favorite spuds — Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head — keep the audience laughing with their comedic antics. This unforgettable troupe of toys takes matters into their own hands when they find themselves trapped at Sunnyside Daycare and at the mercy of some rambunctious toddlers. A toy box full of new faces, led by Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, temporarily detains them, but thanks to Woody, they devise a plan to get back home again. A hilarious and daring escape mission ensues as the gang endures a comical series of mishaps to ensure that “no toy gets left behind.”
“Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is the only place where you can experience the excitement and adventure of Toy Story 3 and the defining character moments of Toy Story and Toy Story 2 right in your hometown,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “We’re bringing families the ultimate Toy Story experience in a sensational live production.”
Bringing toys to life is no easy feat and to make the world of Toy Story transition to the ice, Kenneth Feld and Nicole Feld assembled a team of industry experts, including:
Disney On Ice presents Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story 3 is just one of the many Feld Entertainment productions touring the globe in 2010-2011. Additional productions playing North America beginning this fall include Disney On Ice presents Mickey & Minnie’s Magical Journey, Disney On Ice presents Let’s Celebrate!, Disney On Ice presents Princess Classics, Disney On Ice presents Princess Wishes, Disney Live! Mickey’s Rockin’ Road Show and Disney Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show. With a growing roster of more than 30 Disney On Ice and Disney Live! spectaculars, Feld Entertainment brings the magic of Disney On Ice and Disney Live! to fans all over the world.
To find out more about Disney On Ice and to purchase tickets, visit www.disneyonice.com
TORONTO, Ontario. – Introducing Abby Cadabby!The newest Muppet on Sesame Street joins Elmo, Zoe, Rosita and all of her furry and feathered friends in asking, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ as they prepare for a pageant on Sesame Street.Get ready to sing cowboy songs, ride the rails and more when Sesame Street Live “When Elmo Grows Up” performs at Rogers Centre from Friday, May 22 through Sunday, May 24. Tickets for all seven performances are on sale now!
When Elmo and his Sesame Street Live friends think about growing up, it’s a musical show-and-tell! Bert dreams of becoming a forest ranger, Telly longs to be a cowboy and their newest friend, Abby Cadabby, wants to be a Fairy Godmother just like her mommy. Elmo thinks about becoming a ‘weather monster,’ but has a hard time predicting his own forecast—he wants to be anything and everything all at once! “When Elmo Grows Up” includes lessons on perseverance, teamwork and the power of imagination. Children learn that if they believe in themselves and are willing to try, the possibilities are endless.
Like television’s Sesame Street, each Sesame Street Live production features timeless lessons for all ages. Through the razzle-dazzle of this musical Broadway-quality musical production, children learn about patience, acceptance and teamwork. The universal appeal of a Sesame Street Live production continues long after preschool. Adults will appreciate the high-tech stagecraft, cleverly written scripts, and music they’ll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as “Home on the Range,” “Down on the Corner” and “Give a Little Love.” “When Elmo Grows Up” features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “I Love Trash” and “Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
Tickets:$20 & $30. A limited number of $43 Gold Circle seats are also available. *Opening Night all seats (excluding Gold Circle) are $20. A facility fee of $2.00 will be added to all ticket prices. Additional fees and discounts may apply. To charge tickets by phone, please call Ticketmaster at 416-870-8000. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca. For information online, please visit www.sesamestreetlive.com. For more information, call 416-341-3000.
WRITTEN BY
Nathalie Prézeau, author of Toronto Fun Places
March Break is a bit of a misleading name, don’t you think? The only good news about this break for many parents is that there will be no homework to supervise and no lunch to prepare.
The good thing is, if you choose (or have no choice but to) take a week off work to be with the kids, you’ll have a chance to do things you wouldn’t normally do with them on a weekday. I’ll leave it to this website’s excellent calendar of events to present you with a listing of March Break activities, and I will focus on two attractions which have become traditions: the Wizard World at Exhibition Place and the Spring Fling at the Rogers Centre.
Both events feature a midway and most kids just LOVE midways so it is a good bet to include this in your roster of activities. Both places boast 18 rides. Both sell a day-pass allowing unlimited access to all the rides and both offer a cheaper no-ride option for the parents who don’t want to ride. Wondering which one to choose?
Spring Fling The March Break event at the Rogers Centre is mainly a large midway. It is impressive, standing all lit up under the dome. It is even more impressive if it’s the first time your child sees the inside of the Rogers Centre, normally hosting big ticket shows, baseball and football games. Spring Fling is the attraction to go to with older kids. As soon as my son reached eleven years old, no cute show could distract him from a good stomach-churning ride. And it seems to me that there were more of those at Rogers Centre while Wizard World would put more emphasis on inflated bouncing structures.
If you intend to go with a couple of older kids (and, like me, you don’t plan to get on the rides yourself because even the small ones make you sick), wait for them in the line-up of the next ride they want to do (clearly identifying its location!). Tell them to meet you there once they’ve finished their ride… and bring a book.
On your way out, don’t forget to stand at the foot of nearby CN Tower to take it all in!
The Wizard World
Wizard World, in the Better Living Centre in Exhibition Place, is my favourite of the two attractions to go to with children 10 years and younger. We attended a few times and could always count on lots of action, an intriguing 3-D maze you go through wearing 3-D glasses to see dragons, fairies and dwarves, crafts and interactive play area, mechanical rides and inflated bouncing structures. There’s also a laser tag game, magic tricks, animals and stage shows (three of them, each presented three times in a day). When we visited, there was a wizard’s castle but I think they’ve traded it for more walk-around characters throughout the site, which seems like a great idea to create more ambiance.
We’ve really enjoyed the Magic Family show presented by a family of two parents with their two kids (offered once again this year). They were hilarious and it was a pleasure to see how much fun they had performing together. This year, Wizard World has added a petting zoo where you can feed the animals. For an extra $12 (or $10 if you book online), your child can get a 45-minute magic workshop!
Note that they will accept only cash at the door. Or you can buy your ticket online on their website.
TIPS
• It will cost roughly the same price in both places (around $34 for a riding child with a non-rider parent, when you consider taxes and convenience charges). For details on the Spring Fling, go to www.rogerscentre.com and click on their Happening this month section. For more info on the Wizard World, go to www.wizardworld.ca.
• The Spring Fling goes on from Monday to Friday, March 16-20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If your kids go to camp on the weekdays during the weekends, you can still take them to Wizard World, before or after their camp. Their event goes on from Sunday March 15 to Sunday March 22, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (shows presented on the weekdays only).
• Both attractions include the usual snack bars.
• I strongly recommend you to team up with another family so your group includes one adult per age group to watch over the kids. Not all the rides are suitable for all ages. That way, everyone gets the most of the attraction and nobody gets frustrated while waiting for their (younger or older) sibling to finish their ride.
In her personal yet practical 480-page guidebook, author Nathalie Prezeau describes hundreds of outings in and around the GTA she tested with her family and friends over the past twelve years. The 4th edition is out! It includes a new chapter on things to do with the kids around the 69 subway stations in Toronto, as well as exciting city walks to play the tourist in Toronto. Available in the Travel Section of GTA bookstores as well as Mastermind Educational Toys stores. Visit www.torontofunplaces.com to learn more.
Disney On Ice
March Break is a bit of a misleading name, don’t you think? The only good news about this break for many parents is that there will be no homework to supervise and no lunch to prepare.
The March Break event at the Rogers Centre is mainly a large midway. It is impressive, standing all lit up under the dome. It is even more impressive if it’s the first time your child sees the inside of the Rogers Centre, normally hosting big ticket shows, baseball and football games. Spring Fling is the attraction to go to with older kids. As soon as my son reached eleven years old, no cute show could distract him from a good stomach-churning ride. And it seems to me that there were more of those at Rogers Centre while Wizard World would put more emphasis on inflated bouncing structures.
If you intend to go with a couple of older kids (and, like me, you don’t plan to get on the rides yourself because even the small ones make you sick), wait for them in the line-up of the next ride they want to do (clearly identifying its location!). Tell them to meet you there once they’ve finished their ride… and bring a book.