The thrill of translating Disney magic into the performing arts
Print Edition
LAURIE Jordan has been with The Walt Disney Company for 24 years, and she is somewhat of an “Asia expert” as Shanghai Disney Resort gears up to welcome its first guests. After all, this is the third time she has worked on a Disney resort project this side of the Pacific.
Jordan heads the entertainment team, which is responsible for planning and operating Shanghai Disney Resort’s shows, parades, Disney character appearances, nighttime spectacles and street performances. She came to Shanghai 18 months ago.
“This is the largest and most diverse entertainment program we have ever undertaken,” said Jordan. “We will have a large range of experiences for guests inside the park. We will even be introducing a Broadway show to the dining and retail zone, a first for a Disney resort.”
“The Lion King,” a popular Broadway show, will make its Chinese-language global premiere. This show will be performed in a new, world-class, Broadway style theater. The auditions started in July, said Jordan.
“‘The Lion King’ is considered the crown jewel of Disney musicals, and it transcends cultures,” she said. “It’s just such a great show.”
She said the team is working to merge Chinese elements into all the resort’s shows and performances, uniting Chinese artists from different fields with Disney storytellers to create entertainment especially for the people of China.
“The Chinese artists we are working with, such as directors and costume designers, have given us excellent advice and suggestions about what local audiences would like to see,” said Jordan.
Jordan said the ideals that Disney stories convey, like family values and friendship, are also shared by audiences in China. The Chinese, she said, appreciate quality entertainment.
“From my travels around the country, I feel that people are very captivated by spectacular shows and entertainment, and performers are very much respected,” she said.
Before the Shanghai project, Jordan worked on Disney resorts in Florida, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Her experiences in the two Asian cities deepened her understanding of Eastern culture. Still, each Disney theme park is unique in its own right, and the same will hold true in Shanghai.
“I feel it is very fortunate to work in Shanghai because I have been able to learn about a new culture,” she said. “Shanghai itself is fascinating.”
Jordan said it seems that the feeling is mutual — everyone in the city is excited about Shanghai Disney Resort.
“The reception toward the Disney brand and the Shanghai resort makes me feel special,” she said. “I can’t think of any other place where people are so unanimously excited about a Disney resort, no matter if it’s faculty in art schools, industry professionals or the person who cuts my hair. I sense their feeling of pride and ownership.”
Jordan’s talent recruitment for the Shanghai Disney Resort, including onstage and behind-the-scenes professionals, is important to delivering magical performances.
“I have been to more than 30 art schools around China, looking for potential performers and other talent for our shows,” said Jordan. “I was excited to see how well-prepared each school was. They even offer to modify curricula to make sure the students would fit our resort.”
Jordan joined The Walt Disney Company in 1990 after earning an MBA. She first worked as a stage manager, which helped her learn the nuts and bolts of theater production.
Jordan worked as a performer for nearly 10 years, participating in musicals and dramas.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
