The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Disney Junior Live’s ‘Costume Palooza’ returns
Spidey senses were tingling last year when the “Disney Junior Live on Tour” came through Northeast Ohio.
Now there’s a purr-fect storm of excitement regarding its return with “Costume Palooza,” which is back a year later for an appearance Oct. 18 at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre.
“The show is so interactive and popular — demand has been really great,” said “Disney Junior Live on Tour: Costume Palooza” producer Jonathan Shank, calling from Los Angeles. “We’ve been able to sustain it now over five years.
“It just keeps growing. We keep putting new amazing songs and characters in it. It’s something that families enjoy coming together to attend.”
The three-time Pollstarnominated (2019, 2020, 2022) “Disney Junior on Tour” has visited hundreds of cities and sold more than
a half-million tickets.
“Costume Palooza” finds master of ceremonies
Mickey Mouse bringing along friends Minnie, Goofy and Doc McStuffins,
but there are also characters from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends,” as well as the “Puppy Dog Pals” and “Firebuds.”
However, the addition that will have preschoolers losing their, um, hairballs involves “SuperKitties.”
“It’s one of Disney Junior’s newest and most popular shows,” he said. “This is the only place you can see Ginny and the SuperKitties
on stage. It’s really just a get-up-and-dance segment — high-energy and a lot of fun.”
When it comes to the production side of creating a national tour, there are certain moments that cater to the zeitgeist. Think about the first time “Frozen” was added to Disney on Ice. That’s what Shank said makes the inclusion of “SuperKitties” so super.
“It’s amazing,” he said. “As producers, those are kind of the lightning-bolt moments that we’re waiting for. Certainly, in addition to refreshing the content and the production of the show, it always kind of challenges you to make everything better.
“It’s like all of the ships rise together. Of course, as Disney introduces new (intellectual property) into their repertoire, it’s really exciting to see those things get transformed onto the stage.”
A native of Pennsylvania, Shank founded Terrapin Station Entertainment, which is an artist-management-and-production company dedicated to helping musicians and brands capitalize on their core audiences and shine in the cultural mainstream.
In addition to family entertainment, over the years he’s worked with the likes of Isaac Hayes, Smashing Pumpkins, Eve, Paul Oakenfold, Aly & AJ, Ashley Tisdale and LFO.
“Everything I do will always be rooted in music,” he said. “I really do enjoy producing themed entertainment and iconic characters like Mickey, Minnie and Goofy.
“I’m always working on different music artists and records. I’m certainly prepared at any time to pivot. The only constant in life is change. I live by that mantra.”
Speaking of being able to pivot and address any challenges that come forward, the real question is whether any of the “Costume Palooza” characters are allergic to cats. Does the addition of “SuperKitties” mean there’s plenty of Claritin backstage?
“We need all of the characters to save the day, so our cats are hypoallergenic,” he laughed.