Festival of Fools
Here's a fun batch of photos from the DREAM TEAM! That's Irene, Bruce, and James, for those of you who don't already know. These images are from the days when Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" was the latest animated feature (it was released in 1996). Naturally there were theme park tie-ins, including a parade, character meet 'n greets, and as seen in today's pix, the Festival of Fools stage show.
First up, a general view of the courtyard inside Fantasyland - those colorful banners are part of the Festival decor.
Over in the Big Thunder Ranch area, a theater was built (medieval France style!) so that guests could watch the celebration of "Topsy Turvy Day", as seen in the movie.
An anxious crowd awaits! The tension is so thick that a spoon would stand up in it (like a frosty milkshake, you see). This is very much what the Major Pepperidge compound looks like. "Pepperidgeville", some call it.
Here are some details. We love details!
I never saw this show, so I don't really have a concept of what went on. Based on the cast members pointing, and the audience members holding up their hands, it looks like volunteer participants were being chosen. FOR DEATH.
There's Clopin, a "gypsy puppeteer" (according to Wikipedia) who tells the story of the Hunchback. One website said: The show officially started with the arrival of Clopin, everyone’s favorite gypsy and storyteller. Clopin retold the story of the film, which included many of the songs and iconic moments, mixed with improve and off-the-cuff jokes. But were the jokes ribald?
It's a bit hard to see here, but I believe that the lovely Esmerelda is dancing for us; meanwhile Quasimodo is swinging up on the great bell.
More singin' and dancin'! The show came to a dramatic finish with a battle in the bell tower, a final song, and massive confetti streamers raining from the sky. The 25-minute performance captured the spirit of the Hunchback of Notre Dame and brought huge excitement to the quietest region of Frontierland.
The Festival of Fools had a relatively short run, with its final performance coming less than two years after its debut. The hype around The Hunchback of Notre Dame was dwindling among park guests, and the parade float dedicated to the film was already absent from the lineup. Despite a very loyal following, the Festival of Fools held its last performance in April 1998, and the entire staging area was closed to the public for almost a decade.
MANY THANKS to the Dream Team!
EXTRA! EXTRA! Be sure to check out Part Two of our friend Andrew's trip report (about his first trip to Disneyland), he has tons of great photos and has written some fun commentary! This time he describes his impressions of Adventureland and New Orleans Square. Go to the Bayern Curve Blog ASAP.
30 comments:
Major-
It seems quite a stretch to imagine Disney would allow ribald jokes, but I guess you never can tell-!
Thanks to the Dream Team.
Wow, white seemed to be the color of the day in photo 1. With the early September date, these were probably taken in August. Hot! The white-wearers know how to dress in SoCal Summer.
If one forgets how real-life castles are supposed to look, then the SBC looks OK... like a Disney cartoon. Colorful. Fanciful. Happy.
I like the Festival Of Fools stage set and surrounding environs. Very elaborate and detailed; but still rustic looking. I like the dragons.
In the detail picture, it seems incongruous that the CM (with the purple banner) is wearing sunglasses. Not very medieval. Maybe it was meant to be modern times, in a medieval setting?
In the next photo, I just noticed those basket-like things, high up, at the four corners of the stage. Wonder what those were? Looks like there are ladders going up to them. I suppose they were used in the stage production somehow.
Many thanks to Irene, Bruce, and James. And Major.
I remember the WDW version. The preshow was an impressive juggler with a good line of patter. He prefaced a particularly involved trick with "My mother named this one: 'Four Years of College Wasted'!"
The movie was, and is, maddening. Most of it is brilliant and serious -- I can't even imagine Frollo as a meet and greet character -- then they throw in some comic anachronisms to assure us they're just kidding.
I had forgotten about those axes (battle-axes?) up on the Castle balcony. What I can't remember if they were up there only during the Hunchback tie-in, or if they appeared before it and/or lasted for a while afterwards.
I remember seeing the Festival of Fools. I also remember thinking that it wasn't too hideous. Okay, I remember actually liking it. What I didn't like was that a show set in medieval France, was being staged in Frontierland. How does that make any sense? Somebody was mixing up their centuries, and their countries. But by this point in time, themeing had been thrown completely out the window.
Thank you, Dream Team and Major!
I remember visiting with my aunt and uncle who lived in Claremont in February of 1997, turning a corner, and remarking “What is this doing in Frontierland???!!!” (Note that there was acid almost literally dripping from my tongue as I said this; some days, it’s tough to be a xenomorph.)
I now wish I had taken the time to see it. While the location was regrettable, and the retheming of the ranch cabin into “Esmerelda’s Cottage” was downright annoying (I also vaguely remember something about a “Festival of Foods”), this looks like it was a high-quality show. It’s just a shame that they built a permanent location for a temporary show, gutting a themed area in the process, and then did nothing substantial with it afterwards (although I seem to remember reading in the early 2000s that the Christmas Candlelight Processional was staged here at least once to ease congestion on Main Street). Sort of like the gutting of Tahitian Terrace for an Aladdin dinner show that lasted like a year, with occasional weekend revivals over the years.
And now all of this is the planet of Batuu. Makes you think. Of something.
Say, that reminds me - only 70 shopping days until Life Day!
Frontierland Paris..well...it's a stretch...but not out of reality...but lets put a medieval tale to song and dance about a deformed man and a lovely lady..oh...that's Beauty and the Beast...and Cyrano..and and and...In 1996 people may have still be referring to me in the park, so I feel partially responsible for this...however I had nothing to do with it, and I think it does have a bit of artistic merit, as an IP plug. Looks like Mickey Mouse Club Circus circa '56 in Frontierland. Another short lived thing. Walt said that failed because "people don't go to Disneyland to see a circus"... I can't be quite so critical about the Hunch as I never saw the movie and never saw whatever this thing was. The Castle looks pretty and I don't mind the little flags hanging there. Very fanciful. The Festival of Fools...well...that may have been an accurate portent of things to come in the same geography. Funny how things work out. That they named a character after an antidepressant ...oh wait...that's clonopin.....they might have had the same effect...I dunno...the trees look amazing, and honestly, it looks like this took some $$ to build...but of all the things to plug, or spend money on...I'm not sure I'd put all of my eggs in this basket...I think the Wild West stunt show from Universal would have been enjoyed with guys disappearing into quick sand...now THAT was a show! Or turn it back into an Orange and Walnut Orchard! I'd pay to see that! Looks like the show brought crowds that look like they are into it, and I see many employees with proper haircuts, so it looks like it gave actors employment...all good....the sunglasses are off putting though...also it was within guidelines to wear them. I always thought that the company should provide them, so if people wore them they would be uniform, or themed to their costumes. I wore them all the time, and the glare in So.Cal dictates some sunglassery quite honestly. I just always thought it looked odd...even on myself. Thanks Dream Team for the photos!
Thank you, Dream Team!
I was always wishy-washy on this movie and never saw the performance, but it looks nice. I'm sure putting an old West gunfight in the middle of it would have spiced it right up. I'm not sure how they would do a western drawl/ medieval French accent, though. "Sacre blu, ya varmints!" Naw, it just doesn't read.
Now I'm running over to Andrew's blog for a moment or two...
Thanks, Major!
Nanook, maybe the jokes were merely “sassy”?
JB, white is the most exciting color to wear! In fact, I often wear an all-white, crushed velvet track suit. WIth plenty of gold chains, of course. Sleeping Beauty Castle sure looks peachy pink in that first photo. Yuck. Those aren’t dragons, they are crude depictions of the nearby ducks. I was wondering about those basket things that could only be reached by ladder as well, who went up there, and why? Maybe they dumped slime on the audience. OK I admit that this is a dream of mine, I’m not crazy.
DBenson, my best friend taught juggling at the Renaissance Faire for years, he knows more bad jokes than you can shake a stick at. I never saw “Hunchback”, though many have told me that it’s pretty good. Seeing the wisecracking gargoyles in the commercials made me cringe.
TokyoMagic!, I would assume that those axes were only up there for the Hunchback show, but if they were there longer than that, I’d love to know. I know what you mean about having the show in Frontierland - part of me can almost forgive it because Disneyland is so small. Almost.
Chuck, I can picture you saying “What is this doing in Frontierland?”, as your monocle fell out and your top hat flew six inches into the air. I’m sure that the Hunchback production wasn’t cheap, with lots of performers, and of course that elaborate set/theater. Still, it would not have been something that I personally would want to take time to see. Did the Aladdin show really only last about a year? Wow!
Bu, yes, I always thought that “Hunchback” was an odd choice for a Disney animated feature. With the exception of the talking gargoyles, it feels like it could have largely been achieved via live action. Ditto “Pocahontas”. Yes, they added fantasy elements, but those almost felt tacked on to justify the animation. Walt seemed to go with his gut, and since he loved old-fashioned circuses, he must have assumed that the general public would as well. Oops! Even Walt was wrong sometimes. I do like those colorful flags hanging overhead. Ha ha, the Wild West stunt show at Universal… as a kid, the quicksand bit was always my favorite. Instead of sunglasses, they should have fitted all of the CMs with those black contact lenses that cover the entire eye. See? There’s always a solution to any problem.
Stu29573, maybe instead of a gunfight they could have had some good old melees, with some decapitations and chopped-off limbs. And to make it less gruesome for the kiddies, play “Yackety Sax” during the fighting.
"The Festival of Fools" might have had a better fit theme-wise, at the Fantasyland Theater/Videopolis. However, "The Spirit of Pocahontas" show had already been performing at that venue for a year. I guess management wasn't ready to shut that show down, so you had both shows running simultaneously.
And let us not forget that 1996 was also the year that the Main Street Electrical Parade had it's very last performance. Ever. And never returned. Ever. I have a souvenir light bulb that proves the parade floats were dismantled, and never used again. Ever.
Wow, when I saw the title of the post, I thought you had photos of the Presslers and the Disney Corporation Board, and the people who painted the SBC Pepto-Bismol pink.
Turns out it was just more pictures of Disneyland. Thanks Irene and the Dream Team!
We visited the Park around this time, but I don’t recall this show. I think we sat through a Pocahontas show, all I remember for sure was being grateful the seats had backrests. This one may have begun after our visit.
I don’t recall seeing either film, but my kids probably did since we had Disney channel on cable then. Neither must have made much impression since we didn’t have the VHS tapes either.
Thanks Major.!
JG
Major, it’s a well-documented. Fact that William the Conqueror’s minstrels played “Yackety Sax” at the Battle of Hastings, which is why he won. Harold Godwinson’s forces might have done better if they hadn’t insisted on playing the theme from Brian’s Song. Sometimes true artists just don’t understand the world around them…
TM!, so…there was a Frontierland show running in Fantasyland and a Fantasyland show running in Frontierland. Not sure if I should chalk this up to some sort of bizarre cultural exchange program or just let my head explode.
Wow, now this is a blast from the past! I’m not ashamed to admit that Hunchback is one of my favorite animated films. Yes the gargoyles and some of their horrendous lines annoy me, but it does have beautiful music, gorgeous color, and can you believe Disney dared to have a villain with a song called Hellfire? That would never fly today! I also saw this show twice in one day, before I had an annual pass. It was a fun theater in the round. Lots of climbing and running in every direction. There was a creepy Frollo costumed character. The audience was asked to join in on some chants by cast members. This was nice to remember, thanks Dream Team and Major.
I love how the two trees frame the first picture. I have no doubt that they were planted there for that purpose. The stage is cool, too - real Shakespeare in the Park vibes.
I've never gotten around to seeing The hunchback of Notre Dame, but I've always loved the color palette. All those lovely jewel tones.
What I didn't like was that a show set in medieval France, was being staged in Frontierland. How does that make any sense? Somebody was mixing up their centuries, and their countries.
It's like that thing where Star Trek cosplayers show up at the Renaissance Fair and claim to be time travelers.
"Frontierland Paris..well...it's a stretch.."
Paris, Texas, maybe?
Thanks for the shout out Major! Now I realize I haven't responded to any of the comments on that post yet... I have to change that. I have been pretty busy lately, but there are a lot more posts in the pipeline.
Also thanks for the Festival of Fools pictures, Dream Team! This is a piece of Disneyland history I'm not familiar with, and I always appreciate learning something new.
I’m all for those Fantasyland trees.
After the Festival of Fools closed the themed area remained as Festival of the Foods…. It was most often used as a special events area and corporate private party base. It remained mostly intact for way too long and I was glad to see it demolished and return to FRONTIERLAND theming .
TokyoMagic!, I think they should have had the Festival of Fools in New Orleans Square (they could have removed “Pirates” to make room) and put “The Spirit of Pocahontas” over at Knott’s Berry Farm (without asking whoever owned Knott’s at the time). I’m glad that you have your lightbulb from that parade that never returned!
JG, I do have lots of photos of the Presslers, but they are dirty photos, so I can’t share them here. I found them in the pocket of an old jacket that I found in a junk shop. I suppose if your goal is to sit and rest, you might as well look at a show too… though I might have been just as happy finding a shady bench overlooking the Rivers of America. I could watch “Hunchback” right now on Disney+… but I’m not going to.
Chuck, William the Conqueror knew that “Yackety Sax” instantly demoralizes the enemy, and besides, who can fight when they have their hands over their ears? I had to go to YouTube to remind myself of the theme from “Brian’s Song”, and am sorry that I did.
Kathy!, it’s OK if you like Hunchback. And I can’t really criticize it since I haven’t watched it; the ads turned me off. Our local mall had an elaborate “HND” display, including a miniature Notre Dame cathedral (made of painted flats). I remember you would see the shadow of Quasimodo “walk by” though a window. I wish I could remember what else it was about! I think I’ve seen photos of Frollo in costume, pretty hideous.
Melissa, I’m trying to think where they could temporarily plant to tall conifers. No idea! I hope that they saved the trees and used them elsewhere in the park (as they tend to do). You should go to your local Blockbuster and rent “Hunchback” tonight!
Andrew, it’s OK, you are allowed to be busy! If I know one thing about young folks, it’s that they are busy looking at their phones and twerking. That doesn’t allow much time for anything else.
Anonymous, have all those trees been removed for “Galaxy’s Edge”??
Mike Cozart, “Festival of the Foods”, jeez, they weren’t even trying. Glad it was demolished!
The title was later changed to "Yackety Saxe-Coburg and Gotha" in honor of Price Albert's marriage to Queen Victoria. Generations later, the saxophone soloist got confused over whether he should sit with the winds or Mountbattens.
I believe every tree in these pictures, is now gone. When they were building Wookie World, you could see the destruction from the parking structure. You could also see tons of tree stumps on what was left of the old berm. I made a comment about the loss of the trees to one cast member inside the park, who then tried to tell me that every single tree was boxed up and saved. I said nice try, but if you go to the top of parking structure right now, you will be able to see all of the tree stumps. She didn't have a response. If Disney was going to attempt to spin that lie, they should have gotten rid of the tree stumps at the same time they cut down the trees.
The two pine trees in that first pic are also gone. That courtyard area looks so sunny and bare, today, in comparison to the 1996 photo:
https://www.google.com/maps/@33.8132018,-117.9189981,3a,75y,184.67h,94.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s79B7vZvUJ2zqr2r9GiBfcQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
It's like that thing where Star Trek cosplayers show up at the Renaissance Fair and claim to be time travelers.
Melissa, wow! I didn't even know that was a thing!
TM!, so…there was a Frontierland show running in Fantasyland and a Fantasyland show running in Frontierland. Not sure if I should chalk this up to some sort of bizarre cultural exchange program or just let my head explode.
Chuck, ha, ha! Funny, I never even thought about that before. I guess I just accept any Disney movie-themed show in Fantasyland. But yeah, they should have swapped venues. They could have offset the cost of relocating "The Spirit of Pocahontas," by having an up-charge for both shows. Say, $25, but it would have included a snack tray with a dollop of cheese, four crackers, five grapes, and a Dolly Madison Zinger.
Tokyo!, first you gave us "They Ruin Everything", which we shortened to TRE. Now we have "a snack tray with a dollop of cheese, four crackers, five grapes, and a Dolly Madison Zinger". THAT'S TOO LONG!! How are supposed to shorten it?! (In a meaningful and recognizable way.)
Melissa, I didn’t know that Star Trek cosplayers did such a thing at Renaissance Faires, and now I want to do that sooo badly. Can’t be any worse than the folks who showed up in vaguely Renaissance-inspired leather and fur bustiers, spiked hair, miniskirts and black lipstick. At least Starfleet personnel are plausible in the 1500s.
And “Generations later, the saxophone soloist got confused over whether he should sit with the winds or Mountbattens.” Simply brilliant, and so subtle I almost missed the joke.
Melissa, if the saxophone soloist is named Kenny G., he should sit and the most-honored seat!
TokyoMagic!, aw, it makes me sad that they just cut down those trees. Funny how that cast member lied about it. Is it possible that she was just repeating a story that had been told to her? Disney loves to have a warm fuzzy story for the public. Maybe those trees didn’t behave and they didn’t want them to be a bad influence on the nice trees. You know what they say, “One bad apple tree will spoil the whole bunch”. Don’t Star Trek cosplayers have enough of their own conventions to nerd out in? They have to be wisenheimers at a Renaissance Faire?
TokyoMagic!, I’m always outraged by those snack packages - until you get to the Zinger. “They cancelled the show due to weather, but at least I got my Zinger!”.
JB, your question has been perplexing philosophers for hundreds of years.
Chuck, if some Star Trek punk shows up at MY Renaissance Faire, I’m going to hit him with my flail! My excuse is that he/she might be a witch.
JB, I suggest using snack-tray+
Fun comments and pictures! Thanks, everyone.
—Sue
Sue, or maybe, since the Zinger seems to be the favorite part of the deal, it should be "Dolly Madison Zinger" or just "DMZ" for short.
...or even just "Zinger" - to be used for an over-priced Disney product or package??
Zinger Surprise?
Disney's Snack Tray Surprise®?
Of course if Disney were to name it, it would be something like Disney's Magical Snack Tray Of Wishes, Hopes & Dreams®.
I like listing all of the contents, along with the price, because it truly shows how hideously money-grubbing Disney management is today.
@Melissa and TM!. I never went to a ren fair in Star Trek gear, but my wife and I got ST uniform t-shirts and wore them for a day at WDW's wookie world. Reactions were definitely between people who thought it was hilarious and those who thought it was sacrilege.
Post a Comment