The magical land of Woxx is a place filled with wonder and enchantment. It is a realm where imagination comes to life and dreams become reality. In this extraordinary land, mystical creatures roam the lush forests and sparkling rivers, creating a harmonious and vibrant ecosystem. One of the most remarkable features of Woxx is its breathtaking landscapes. Majestic mountains reach for the sky, their peaks covered in sparkling snow even in the summer months. Rolling hills are blanketed in vibrant wildflowers, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that can only be found in this fantastical realm.
Top photo: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” by Brett Beiner, courtesy of Drury Lane Theatre; Middle photo: “The Nutcracker” by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
For example, in the scene where Harry is trying to fight against the dementers in order to save Sirius, there is a really fast melody playing which is supported by a loud harmony either playing a riff or playing a bunch of notes that sound mysterious when played in the right sequence. As we saw, this note is part of the strange dominant-like harmony of the bar, but at the same time it also creates odd-sounding intervals in the melody.
Rolling hills are blanketed in vibrant wildflowers, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that can only be found in this fantastical realm. Crystal-clear lakes reflect the radiant sunlight, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere for all who visit. But it is the inhabitants of Woxx that truly make this land magical.
Drury Lane and Joffrey Use Music to Convey the Magic of Two Classics
The holidays are a time when most Americans seek happiness and hope. You know, that magical feeling where anything is possible and everything will be OK. Such auspicious sentiments can be experienced through fairy tale and Christmas classics.
Take “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at Drury Lane Theatre and the Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” at the Auditorium Theatre. Apart from the kidnapping aspect of the former and a problematic start to the latter (a grown man visits a sleeping tween, which spurs her hallucinogenic dream), both stories reward courageous heroines in a positive way as each goes where no man (make, that girl) has gone before.
For Belle (Erica Stephan), it’s to a bewitched castle populated by personified objects: Cogsworth the clock, a candelabra called Lumiere, and Mrs. Potts, a warm and finely-dressed teapot well played by Bri Sudia. There’s also a beastly prince (Brandon Contreras) who learns the value of compromise, compassion, and inner beauty.
Based on Disney’s 1991 animated feature (which was based on an 18th century French tale), director Alan Souza’s current stage version of “Beauty and the Beast” is a rehash of the 1994 musical with book by Linda Woolverton. This is not to be confused with the 2017 live action feature of the same name, co-produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Mandeville Films.
That’s a lot of credits to keep track of. The important ones to note are lyricists Howard Ashman and Tim Rice who, with composer Alan Menken, created a beloved playlist. Despite the missteps of the current production (which dumbs down the story and amps up the volume), the catchy songs remain the same. And therein lies the magic of the Disney brand.
Recommended for grade school children, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” performs through Jan. 27, 2019. For tickets ($60-$75), visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.
Instead of repackaging a familiar brand of “The Nutcracker,” the Joffrey Ballet has created its own customized classic unlike anything audiences have seen before thanks to author/illustrator Brian (“Wonderstruck”) Selznick and Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
Totally tied to the Windy City, the 2016 reimagined work takes place in 1892, months before Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair. This new setting is nothing short of brilliant as it presents a single mother/sculptress (Jeraldine Mendoza) preparing for the fair with her immigrant friends—plus one Great Impresario (Dylan Gutierrez) who gives her daughter (Anais Bueno) a nutcracker.
That gift and a pack of rats become catalysts for a fantastical dream that includes marvelous music, dance and costumes from the foreign lands (Arabia, China, Italy, and Spain) participating in the upcoming fair.
As if the story, scenery and adorable dancing nuts aren’t enchanting enough, the $4 million production also includes live orchestration of Tchaikovsky’s highly enjoyable and recognizable score, perfectly played by the Chicago Philharmonic.
Talk about magic!
Highly recommended to all, “The Nutcracker” performs through Dec. 30, 2018. For tickets ($35-$199), visit Joffrey.org.
Top photo: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” by Brett Beiner, courtesy of Drury Lane Theatre; Middle photo: “The Nutcracker” by Cheryl Mann, courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
Fairies flit through the air with gossamer wings, leaving trails of glitter in their wake. Elves can be found deep in the ancient forests, tending to the whimsical and enchanted creatures that call this land home. The mischievous gnomes can be spotted hiding behind toadstools, always ready to play a prank or offer their wisdom to those who seek it. Throughout Woxx, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. Secret caves hold rare crystals that possess extraordinary powers, while hidden gardens bloom with magical plants that have healing properties. It is said that if one can find the legendary Fountain of Youth, they will be granted everlasting youth and vitality. The magical land of Woxx is not without its challenges, however. Dark and sinister forces lurk in the shadows, seeking to disrupt the harmony of this enchanted realm. It is up to the brave and noble warriors of Woxx to defend their home against these evil entities, wielding powerful magic and ancient weapons passed down through generations. In Woxx, the arts are celebrated and revered. Elaborate tapestries depicting the history of the land adorn grand halls, and music fills the air with its haunting melodies. The theater is a spectacle of colors and costumes, with performances that transport the audience to other realms and dimensions. As the sun sets over the horizon and the stars start to twinkle in the sky, the people of Woxx gather for grand feasts and celebrations. They dance under the moonlight, their laughter and joy echoing through the night. It is during these moments that the true magic of Woxx is felt – a sense of unity and belonging, where all are welcome and accepted. The magical land of Woxx is a place that exists beyond our wildest dreams, a world of enchantment and marvels. It is a realm where imagination knows no bounds and anything is possible. To visit this extraordinary land is to embark on a journey unlike any other, where one's spirit is awakened and their heart filled with wonder..
Reviews for "The Enchanting Music and Dances of Woxx"
1) Samantha - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "The Magical Land of Woxx". The plot was confusing and lacked a clear direction. The characters were underdeveloped and their actions felt forced. The writing style was also quite dull and didn't engage me at all. I was hoping for a unique and captivating fantasy world, but instead, I found myself struggling to finish the book. Overall, I wouldn't recommend "The Magical Land of Woxx" to anyone looking for an enjoyable fantasy read.
2) Michael - 1 star
"The Magical Land of Woxx" was a complete waste of time. The world-building was weak, with little explanation or consistency. The pacing was all over the place, making it difficult to follow the story. The prose was also subpar, with cliched dialogue and simplistic descriptions. I was hoping for an immersive and imaginative journey, but unfortunately, this book fell far short. I would advise others to steer clear of "The Magical Land of Woxx" if they're looking for a well-crafted fantasy adventure.
3) Emily - 2 stars
I found "The Magical Land of Woxx" to be quite disappointing. The writing was juvenile and lacked depth, making it difficult to connect with the characters or become invested in the story. The plot felt disjointed and rushed, leaving many loose ends and unanswered questions. Additionally, the dialogue was unrealistic and often cringe-worthy. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on "The Magical Land of Woxx" unless you're looking for a forgettable and poorly executed fantasy novel.