Summer Stage Brings Disney Magic from Around the World to Upper Darby
“Disney Around the World” Children’s Theatre performances run from July 6-8th
Upper Darby Summer Stage kicks off its 47th season with the premiere of Disney Around the World. With hour-long performances on July 6th, 7th, & 8th at 10:30am and July 7th at 7:00pm, Disney Around the World will bring to life songs from both new Disney movie musicals and classics for the entire family to enjoy! After a virtual season in 2020 and restricted audience size in 2021 due to the Covid pandemic, the staff members of Upper Darby Summer Stage are excited to be back full speed ahead for a thrilling 2022 season.
Tickets range from $10 - $14 and may be purchased online at www.udsummerstage.org or by calling the Box Office at 610.814.7270. The Upper Darby Performing Arts Center is located in Drexel Hill, at 601 N. Lansdowne Avenue, just minutes from the Main Line and Center City. Parking is free.
Disney Around The World is a musical revue brimming with new and classic Disney tunes, featuring songs from Mary Poppins Returns, Frozen II, The Lion King, Aladdin, Encanto, Coco, and other Disney favorites. The musical revue follows six students – played by Andy Brown of Philadelphia, Maggie Shelton of Ridley Park, Kuber Sharma of Upper Darby, Taron Goldsboro of Upper Darby, Morgan Murray of Garnet Valley, and Rebekah Halliday of Broomall – as they learn how music can unite people from different backgrounds. Disney Around the World presents an assortment of music and dance portraying the diversity present in countries around the world and in the Upper Darby community.
“The show centers around a group of students putting together a project called ‘All the World’s A Stage,’ with themes of travel and suitcases throughout,” says Deirdre Finnegan, director of Disney Around the World. As they assemble the project, the students learn about the connection that music, movement, and storytelling can provide. She continues, “We’re going to incorporate folk dance traditions to link the songs together. We’re trying to find connections in movement to show how our human connection exists throughout different cultures.”
By blending songs from familiar Summer Stage shows with ones from new Disney movies, Disney Around The World reflects the beautiful variety of cultures and nationalities thriving in the Upper Darby & Philadelphia regions. One cast member commented on the diversity of the show, saying, “It’s a very ensemble-heavy show, and it’s all about showcasing what makes music around the world special.” Tickets are selling quickly, evidence that families are excited to get back to live performance and to hear favorite Disney songs performed by the Summer Stage cast. Summer Stage invites audiences to get swept up in the music and joy of the most magical show on earth with Disney Around The World!
Upper Darby Summer Stage is incredibly grateful to partner with the Drexel Hill-based Holy Child Academy to sponsor Disney Around the World. Upper Darby Summer Stage would also like to thank its season sponsor, Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast Catholic High School, for their support. Summer Stage 2022 is also supported through sponsor and host, Upper Darby School District, as well as founding sponsor, Upper Darby Township. Upper Darby Summer Stage is now officially a program of the not-for-profit Upper Darby Arts & Education Foundation.