The City of Gilroy Recreation Department and Gilroy Children’s Music Theater recently presented the production of “Disney Spectacular!” at Christmas Hill Park amphitheater.
Eighty-one cast members ranging in age from 6 to 19 wowed audiences at sellout crowds July 11 and 12. The production marked local theater legend John Bisceglie’s 43rd show in Gilroy over the past 24 years. Bisceglie said an estimated 2,000 children have gone through the program, and new families continue to take part.
“Kids love to be on-stage and be a part of a fun show,” Bisceglie said.
The production featured songs from “Enchanted,” “Brave,” “Tangled,” “Frozen,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” “The Princess and the Frog” and more. Bisceglie said he wanted to feature Disney songs new and old with a focus on films from the past 10 years.
Gilroy Dispatch had the chance to catch up with Bisceglie, whose elaborate, fantastical productions continue to wow audiences. Here’s what Bisceglie had to say:
Dispatch: Why is this a special production?
Bisceglie: It’s always fun to put on a show outdoors, and Christmas Hill Park was a great setting for a summer show. The show is special for a lot of reasons: tons of excited kids, great singing and dancing and music that the modern audience knows and loves.
Dispatch: Is there anything new about this year’s production?
Bisceglie: This year’s show also included more than 250 toys that we gave out to the audience. During each show, to coincide with the events taking place on stage, our cast would distribute beach balls, inflatable fish and assorted other toys to hundreds of people screaming for prizes! The toys added a ton of fun, energy and excitement to the show.
Dispatch: You have many longtime participants in the production: what keeps people coming back time and time again?
Bisceglie: We have about 25 children in this production that have appeared in past shows. Our shows are fun, quality and give the kids a place to belong. We have had some kids do 10 to 30 shows with me spanning more than 20 years, and it’s great to see them grow up and for the shows be a part of their childhood. Emily Dolph, our choreographer, started performing in my shows when she was 11 and has been working with me for the past 10 years in both San Francisco and Gilroy.
Dispatch: What are your future plans for the show?
Bisceglie: On Saturday, Aug. 9 we will present a version of the show with my San Francisco children’s theater group (SFCMT) and about 10 kids from Gilroy will be joining the cast to perform at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater, playing to 2,000 people.
Dispatch: From a theatrical perspective, how is this show different from more traditional plays?
Bisceglie: For starters I create and write each show, allowing me to offer more roles and solos to feature 80 to 100 kids. We typically do musical revues featuring kids from 5-25. This gives the audience a chance to see a quality show featuring a wide range of talent. In the past we have done many original shows with speaking roles, and I plan on offering two revues and one full scripted show in 2015. Our shows are colorful, fun and flashy. We create great sets, costumes and multimedia video to give the audience a entertaining and exciting production every time.
Dispatch: Is this play suitable for audiences of all ages? Even though it’s Disney, can adults get into it, too? Why?
Bisceglie: The show was a hit for young and old. Everyone from toddlers to seniors were singing along in the audience.
Dispatch: Upcoming shows: If we missed the last show, are we out of luck?
Bisceglie: No, we plan to present three shows in Gilroy and Morgan Hill this year: a winter, spring and summer show. We will hold auditions in early October for “Forever Broadway” a musical revue featuring 10 mini-musicals, including music from “Grease,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Matilda,” “Annie,” “Peter Pan,” “Oliver,” “Legally Blonde” and more. Details at gilroychildrensmusicaltheater.com.
Dispatch: Any final thoughts?
Bisceglie: For half my life I have been producing shows in Gilroy. Over the past 24 years we have created many wonderful shows, friendships and memories. I enjoy sharing my passion for theatre with children, and I am thankful to work with this wonderful community whose dedication, energy and talent make my shows possible.
