Spit Spot! Look lively – Mary Poppins is coming to The Walt Disney Family Museum just in time to whip your March into ship shape! But if you crave the latest in technology, well – they have you covered there as well.
Screenings and Discussions
Who can resist Mary Poppins? Everyone’s favorite nanny is front and center this month, as the Museum offers screenings of the classic – and groundbreaking – film all month long. Showtimes will be everyday, March 2-31(except for Tuesdays and March 5, 13, and 20.) Showtimes are 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. daily in the Theater. Tickets are available online at www.waltdisney.org.
Although Mary Poppins, with its combination of animation and live action, represented some very technologically-advanced film making at the time, we did have something else in mind when we teased you above with “the latest.” On Saturday, March 5, join Warren Spector, regarded as on of the world’s leading video game creators, for “Designing a Video Game with Warren Spector.” Learn how technology is leading to a more immersive and realistic gaming experience, and discuss one of Spector’s most recent and celebrated projects: Disney’s Epic Mickey. As Disney Interactive Studios’ Junction Point General Manager and Creative Director, he’ll have plenty of interesting information to relate. The event will include a game-play demo, as well as an audience Q&A. “Designing a Video Game with Warren Spector” will take place in the Theater at 3 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.waltdisney.org.
On Sunday, March 20, the Museum will present “Fashioning a Family: The Costume Design of Mary Poppins with Tony Walton.” In conjunction with the Museum of Performance and Design, Academy Award-winning designer Tony Walton will be on hand for a discussion of production design for Mary Poppins, which also garnered an Oscar nomination for his design. Moderated by the Museum of Performance and Design’s curator, Brad Rosenstein, the evening is a can’t miss for any fan of this entertaining and classic film. Tickets are available online for the event, which takes place at 3:00 p.m. in the Theater, at www.waltdisney.org.
Music
A very special musical event is scheduled to take place Sunday, March 13 at 3 p.m. “The Music of Mary Poppins: Concert with Richard Sherman” has actually sold out. Sherman, legendary Disney songwriter, will play piano and sing, and will also discuss memories of his experience working on the score for Mary Poppins. The audience can expect to hear all of their favorites from the Academy Award-winning score, like “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” (voted Best Song,) “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and Mr. Disney’s favorite song, the melancholy “Feed the Birds.” Scheduled to take place in the Special Exhibition Hall, it is sure to be an afternoon to remember.
Classes
On Saturday, March 26, budding artists can learn more about the art of animation in with the class “Moving Pictures: 2D Hand Drawn Animation Workshop for Adults.” The class, for adults 18 and over, will take your passion for drawing one step further, as you learn basic principles of animation. You’ll also learn more about the latest animation software so you can begin creating your very own works of art! Registration is required for the class, which will be held from 1-4 p.m. in the Learning Center Media Studio. Email [email protected] or call 415.345.6814 for more details.
Disney Discoveries and Look Closer Series
On Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 20, take to the outdoors with staff for March’s Disney Discoveries Event! And what could be more fitting to celebrate Mary Poppins, than creating your very own sidewalk chalk drawing? Geared for children ages 7-12, Museum Interpreters and Educational staff will be available to guide and inspire as you create your very own scenes – or draw whatever you like! The event will take place from 1-3 p.m. outside on the sidewalk behind the Museum, but will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.
On March 25, 26, and 27, guests will have the opportunity to view a first edition of Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers, the book that inspired the Disney film. “Look Closer” will take place at 3 p.m. in Gallery 9.
For more information about the Museum, or any of the events taking place during March, please visit the Museum’s website.
