Classical View: “Disney in Concert” back by popular demand at Allentown Symphony Pops
BY KAREN EL-CHAAR
Special to The Press
“‘Disney in Concert’ is back by popular demand. It’s a very impressive show with great singers, great music and great video clips. There’s something for everyone,” says Allentown Symphony Pops Conductor Ronald Demkee.
The Allentown Symphony Pops presents “Disney in Concert: A Magical Celebration,” 7:30 p.m. July 15, Miller Symphony Hall, Allentown. The concert will cover more than 70 years of Disney movie magic.
Children may dress in costume and participate in the pre-concert “Orchestra Lab,” 5:30 - 7 p.m. July 15, for a free hands-on introduction to music instruments.
“Disney in Concert” begins with an overture, which includes music from movie classics such as “Lady and the Tramp,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “Fantasia.”
The audience will be entertained by music and scenes from “The Little Mermaid” (1989) animated movie, which is quite timely given the recent release of the live action version.
Other highlights include songs from “Frozen,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Coco,” and “The Lion King.”
Stellar vocalists will bring the songs to life.
Anthony Apicella has performed Off-Broadway in “Huckleberry Haywood: A Spunk Rock Musical” and “Fools in Love,” and with the Gene Krupa Orchestra. Apicella co-created and is a member of The Copa Boys, a trio that performs American Songbook standards.
Vocalist Marissa Miller has performed in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and leads the cast in a new musical, “Joyce Jackson’s Guide to Dating,” a musical parody.
Stephanie Gerson has sung in performances of “I Love a Piano,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Cats,” “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and “The Wizard of Oz.” She is a member of Michael McElroy’s “Broadway Inspirational Voices” and performs in the USO Show Troupe.
Terron Brooks is a singer-songwriter, recording artist, actor, author and producer. He was on Broadway as Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King.” Brooks has performed at The Ahmanson, The Pantages and The Hollywood Bowl, sung with Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins and Smokey Robinson and is co-creator and star of “The Soul of Broadway.” reimagining Broadway favorites.
“Disney in Concert: A Magical Celebration,” 7:30 p.m. July 15. Tickets: Miller Symphony Hall box office, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown; 610-432-6715; https://www.millersymphonyhall.org
“Classical View” is a column about classical music, concerts, conductors and performers. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnon-line.com