Guillermo del Toro's 'Beauty & the Beast' Likely To Start Production In Summer 2014. Pretty Sure. We Hope.

Yay? It's hard to get excited until we hear - for real - that they're actually starting filming on this because it now feels like it's been around FOREVER but, from Emma Watson in an interview here's the current state of del Toro's Beauty & the Beast:

Basically, he's still very excited, it IS going forward (possibly/probably Summer 2014 production start time) and Emma Watson WILL be Beauty. No Beast yet though - they're still doing the casting rounds on that one.

And a quote I can't pin down the original date for but appropriate to remind people of now anyway, it's Emma Watson teasing about del Toro's adaptation:

“He’s obsessed with the idea of creating worlds. We’re even going to have this amazing language that we made up.”

Creating worlds, made up language... yes. Definitely still intrigued!

One last bit of news on this: Emma Watson has no other film plans ahead of Beauty and the Beast. According to her schedule, this is her next project.

You can hear Emma talk about her New Year-ish meeting with del Toro about Beauty and the Beast, in this video interview posted today, HERE.

Other Theatrical Snow Queen Productions (Pt 3): Sherman Cymru

Next on my theatrical variations of The Snow Queen list this week, is Sherman Cymru's The Snow Queen. I only found one actual production photo and a promo video, but the set designs by Chloe Lamford are just gorgeous!

I like the poster too, by Savage & Gray Design. 

More behind the scenes than anything else on this one but take a look at how lovely these are. Each image and set is like a postcard (I just wish I could find a larger images of each one so I could take a better look):

There's a video promo too, which I would not have known was related had it not been linked. Considering it most definitely IS part of this same production I'm very intrigued:

Sherman Cymru is currently winning awards for his/their unique approach to theater production and I have to say, from the little I can find image-wise for this one, my interest is definitely piqued.

The Snow Queen production elements and images shown here were from 2009 (I think). I will admit I'm a little vague on exactly how this production works. The blurb calls it an "Audio Described Performance", except there were most definitely actors, sets and the whole nine yards of production, so, apart from perhaps using a narrator, I'm a little in the dark as to what this means...

There's much more  - very different - Snow Queen on stage coming your way, so keep checking back... :)

The Sochi Olympics Are Going to be Epic! (Or Mythic. Or Both.)

You may be wondering why the heck I'm posting a trailer for the Olympics on a fairy tale blog. But then, if you're asking that - you haven't seen it. It's epic, mythic and like something out of Asgard (or maybe Niflheim is more accurate), Middle Earth or Mount Olympus... well, hey isn't that appropriate? Take a look:

Savage North cover by Wayne Reynolds

Frost Giant Jarl for Dungeon Magazine
(Artist Unknown)

I kind of love that the ad is all about conquering nature instead of about "being the best" or putting down other countries of athletes. This focus, while at first seeming grandiose (no - it is NOT a trailer from a new Lord of the Rings movie), the spot attempts to capture just how epic a thing it is that these athletes do at the Winter Olympics. And, in my opinion, kudos to the team that created this for doing so*. This is where it started - with the gods watching and mortal man defying nature, his own nature and the limitations the gods had thought they'd put on humans.

Myth and fairy tale are often linked in very cold regions. Sometimes it's hard to tell where a Norse fairy tale ends and the myth begins. The Frost Giants of legend make appearances in fairy tale, as do ice kings, queens, maidens, trolls and giants.

The chilling voiceover makes it clear: this is a story of epic proportions we're telling here; one future generations will talk about forever. Here's the transcript, narrated at full  grandmaster intensity, by British actor Charles Dance (who plays Tywin Lannister on Game of Thrones**):

At the Wall (Game of Thrones Comic #7 cover)
Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister & Ghost

I am the dreadful menace.

The one whose will is done.

The haunting chill upon your neck.

I am the conundrum.

I will summon armies.

Of wind and rain and snow.

I made the black cloud overhead.

The ice, like glass below.

Not you, nor any other.

Can fathom what is nigh.

I will tell you when to jump.

And I’ll dictate how high.

The ones that came before you.

Stood strong and tall and brave.

But I stole their dreams away.

Those dreams could not be saved.

But now you stand before me.

Devoid of all dismay.

Could it be? Just maybe.

I’ll let you have your day.

And can't you see all those fairy tale creatures living in this setting, ready to challenge our modern day heroes? While our heroes wear technologically enhanced athletic gear for speed (and survival) and to gain a prize, are the heroes of our fairy tales seeking treasures in the ice and glass mountains so different? Granted, it's unlikely these people will lose their heads, their fortunes or their families (though they often skirt the edge of mortality) but it's not unheard of for these heroes to win a "princess" (or two) after the trial, or gain the key to the treasure vault of their city (sometimes literally!).

Too often I think we consider ourselves far away from all these old stories, from fairy tales and from myth but really, we're just the modern version of it.

And I love that this ad reminded me of all that.

And I'll be tuning in to the BBC (who have some of the best coverage of all the nations competing at the Olympics IMHO) to watch the athletes go "North of the Wall" and conquer Winter.

Bring on the 2014 Games!
(And snow, please. Sochi could REALLY use a heavy dose of snow over the next few weeks...)

* The trailer was directed by Tomasz Bagiński, polish director and animator. His film "The Cathedral". was nominated for an Oscar a few years ago.

** I wonder how long it took them to decide that there's no way they could have Mr. Dance say "Winter is coming.." without having this epically intense trailer dive bomb into a parody? Although it would have been funny - I'm glad they didn't (but just wait for the memes..!)

Other Theatrical Snow Queen Productions (Pt 2): Bonstelle & the ART (American Repertory Theater)

Continuing the recent-and-varied theatrical takes on HCA's Snow Queen round-up, a show that transforms on stage and includes the audience in the telling. Bonstelle Theater's The Snow Queen is an ambitious production with a lot of element to juggle (and a perfect production for serious theater majors to sink their teeth into).

Here are some interesting notes from the Guest Director, Allegra Libonati of The American Repertory Theater (which is where the production was first staged):

There are many elements of The Snow Queen that I found deeply compelling. I was drawn to the incredible landscapes where the story takes place. We travel from a tiny rose garden, all the way to the snow queen palace at the North Pole, surrounded by the Northern Lights. This captured my imagination. I was also really moved by Hans Christian Andersen’s life story. He was told by his mother, after his father died, that the Snow Queen had taken his father away. Later in his life, he created a story of two best friends who are separated by The Snow Queen. We watch as little Gerda, through her blind faith and deep devotion, is able to find Kai at the end of the earth, and save his life. I think there is a deep message in this show, embedded in a fantastical and spectacular world.

My vision for this production was inspired by the experience of listening to a story, and allowing it to transform the world around you. The show begins in a magical attic where a group of children have gathered to hear a story. As the story unfolds, beds become snow drifts, sheets become blizzards, a wagon becomes the boat. The world around you transforms into the locations and characters of the story. The audience is integral to the show.  When you arrive, you create a paper rose and a snow flake, and are asked to help Gerda along the way using these elements.

The production was staged by Bonstelle Theater (Wayne State University's Undergraduate Theater Company) in December 2012. There are tons more photos if you follow the links.

As a bonus, below are some images from the original ART (American Repertory Theater) performances which show great similarities but also great differences:

This professional production also called for audience participation and looks quite delightful.

Many more theatrical Snow Queen posts are lined up to explore some very unique productions, so keep checking back.

"Frozen" Is Heading To Broadway (Fingers Crossed for Rewrites!) But We Already Knew That, So Let's Check Out Other Theatrical Snow Queen Productions (Pt 1)

Idina Menzel (voice of Elsa and Disney's current reigning queen) photographed for GO magazine

It wasn't really a question of "if"but "when". I wasn't the only one to feel that Frozen was "front loaded" with songs - meaning that they had a musical in mind from the beginning and had to write the movie to accommodate the songs. By the looks of it the only thing they were waiting for was to make sure Frozen was making the money-makers happy enough, the fans passionate enough and an Award Winner (first a Golden Globe, next an-almost-guaranteed Academy Award) to throw a ton more green into, what is no doubt going to be, an insanely expensive theatrical production.

The official news:
One day after Frozen won the Golden Globe, Disney CEO Bob Iger has confirmed to Fortune that the studio is in talks to turn the animated hit into a Broadway musical. No date has been confirmed for when the stage version will debut. “We’re not demanding speed,” Iger said. “We’re demanding excellence.”

Yes - don't rush - you have a big job there.. and please revisit some of the story issues while you're there please? Kthxbai.

So the main questions regarding Frozen-the-Musical (ugh - that sounds hokey) are:

1) Will they bow to pressure from almost every source and write more of Elsa, the Snow Queen's story (and thus make it reflect more of the spirit of the original fairy tale - though more of the plot is pretty much a solid "ain'tgonnahappen") or will they just add more songs? 

2) How on earth are they planning to design, pull of a production that can run every night of the week (and sometimes more) that won't let the Frozen fans down in terms of the magical ice and snow stuff (because, let's face it, THIS is what people are going to come to see: Let It Go and the ice castle construction). 

3) They will rewrite for the stage, it's unavoidable - but what will the emphasis be? Will they fix some of those glaring holes the movie has? 

At least the Fixer Upper song will be more at home, as will Love Is An Open Door. They are two examples of just-fine-but-completely-unnecessary-for-the-main-story songs that Broadway is good at using, for getting those tricky backstage mechanical set-ups in place and working in time and for lengthy/complicated costume changes - something fun that the audience doesn't mind get sidetracked with a little because in the back of your mind you're aware that in a very physical sense, they need time to get the next piece of awesome ready (something you DON'T need in a movie by the way because.. it's a movie. :/ )

Apart from ridiculously high expectations on the ice and snow theatrical effects, another main headache for the production will be finding Idina sound-alikes. It doesn't matter if you have a "good voice" - no professional versions of Let It Go (all of which have amazing vocal talents) have come close to Idina Menzel's rendition. She's the one who put a ton of life into Elsa with her performance (quite possibly a lot more than Disney was prepared for, since they stuck with the "Anna is the main character/it's her story" party line) and, especially within the story, the actor-singer playing Elsa who can't carry that song as a true storyteller, is in danger of flattening the entire show. (Of course, if they adjust the writing to include more Elsa this will be less important.. just sayin'.)

Will it be more like HCA's Snow Queen? No. But I know whatever they design and however they create the technical effects of snow, ice and snowmen, it will be both cutting edge and informative for all those people who want to bring a new version of Snow Queen to the stage.

(And, honestly, it would be a fantastic project to work on! I wish those employed to do so, the very best.)

While this news tends to send Frozen fandoms into ecstatic comas of joy (or worry, since Idina probably won't be involved), I thought it would be fun and inspiring to have a look at a few recent and very different Snow Queen productions that most definitely ARE fairy tales after Andersen's story (and I'm going to stick with theater and not even delve into ballet & dance because that's a whole other set of posts for another time!).

I'm going to start the round-up after the jump and then continue in upcoming posts (otherwise this would be as long as a football field with all the lovely pics! :)
✒ ✒ Click the "Read more" link below for the first highlight in the Theatrical Snow Queen Round-up ✒ ✒

Here There Be Dragons... Specifically Maleficent

While everybody still seems to have Frozen-fever, once Maleficent gets close to debuting in the theaters, I have no doubt we're going to see a lot of Sleeping Beauty emphasis, themes, products, marketing tie-ins and who knows what else. I'm actually looking forward to it, hoping they get creative and mine the tale in fresh ways and I don't care if it seems foolishly optimistic - I live in hope... ;)

We've seen the first poster and trailer - both of which have people ridiculously excited and as a taste of things to come, Walt Disney World have unveiled a steampunk Maleficent dragon that will be part of the spectacular new Festival of Fantasy Parade for Magic Kingdom this year. (Source)

(By the way: Steampunk + Disney = awesome! More please.)

Although Sleeping Beauty herself, named Aurora in the Disney film, is THE most passive of any princess or gonna-be-princess Disney has ever put on the big screen (argh!), I like many other things about this film. Apart from being an incredibly beautiful film - mostly due to Eyvind Earle's design contributions, Prince Philip is a hard-to-beat Prince, his horse Samson is just about perfect, Maleficent is both dark fairy and demon (and hard to beat for scariest villain ever), her raven is wonderful (her goons are not - they're ridiculous and hurt the film), the castle falling asleep is wonderful (and the best use of the ridiculous fairies), the original hundred year sleep is referenced as Maleficent mocks her captor, the thorn barrier is truly intimidating and awe-inspiring, the final battle is perfect (apart from the fairies, I think Philip would have done fine without them) AND Disney added physical transformation which is a stroke of genius.

Already intimidating Maleficent turns it up to 11 when she resorts to dragon form (I say "resorts" because it actually shows a measure of desperation on her part to pull out every last "big gun" she has against this hero. I'm always reminded of the GK Chesterton quote:

I love that this dragon is not only massive and awe-some (in the original sense of the word) but that kids will see this gigantic structure and quite possibly remember it for the rest of their lives (hopefully with positive associations). I remember seeing things as a kid that, because they were in front of me, made a huge impact whereas more incredible/technically better objects and characters were easier to dismiss if they were in books or on the TV. Take a look at some more close-ups. Although Disney has had giant Maleficent dragons in parades and displays before (the one at the link has been "retired"), this is something rather special looking (and possibly more real? Sometimes steampunk has that effect for some odd reason). You'll see this will be a pretty hard sight to top, especially if you're in the front row.

Pretty nice work, yes?

The Festival of Fantasy Parade is set to debut at Walt Disney World sometime in Spring (apparently, March 2014).

Though dragons in fairy tales aren't actually the norm (that's more a romantic medieval conceit and based around popular legends of St. George and the Dragon etc), evil women changing into serpents or other sinuous creatures are more common, so once Disney's Maleficent showed her inner-self, dragons became more popular as fairy tale staples too. It's a little example of how society's view of fairy tales changes with pop culture by the way, something that's about to be reinforced big time in 2014.

Fairy tale bonus of the day: "Philip's trophy"

Unique commission by Dan Reeder

Although I'm anti-hunting, and therefore trophies, I did see this and think it was something that might have happened in the era Disney's version was set in (it helps that it's papier maché, of course). Pretty cool and besides, being magic, I'm not convinced she's as dead as she appears. Fairy tales forever have heads being reattached and forms restored - usually good people and creatures but sometimes bad one s too... And by bringing a whole head into his house philip might just be asking for trouble (and a sequel) because, well, there's a lot a head can do, even all by itself.. ;)