Demise of ABC Theater and Sounds Dangerous?

[MikeS]

There's a bit of a rumor going around at the Disney/MGM Studios theme park that the ABC theater and Sounds Dangerous may be in for a change over the next year.

No confirmed details yet so keep your eyes on this one.

[ddoll]

Well that's one attraction that won't spur petitions and controversy. I think it's generally accepted that it's in dire need of a make-over.

[Moley]

That is one of those I enjoyed once and never returned. It wasn't bad but it wasn't compelling.

[DebWills]

Any chance of bringing back Monster Sound SHow and SuperStar TV? They were FAVS of mine and I have really really missed them. :cry:

Yea, give me your tired, your poor, your old attractions no one else wants to see anymore.... I'll gladly take em~! Except Alien Encounter that is! :mrgreen:

Deb

[LuvmeDisney]

No tears here. It's prime space and needs something more worthy of a "one time, been there done that" kinda run.

[Tagrel]

We have never done this one yet... Really should just to say we did it if its still running in July.

[Rosebud]

I'm with DebWills, bring back SuperStar TV and Monster Sound Show.

I couldn't believe when they switched the Monster Sound Show to Sounds Dangerous. Sounds Dangerous is just another version of the sound booths, but in an audience setting. Not only that, but the sound booths, in the exit have a much better story and effects. We went inside once and couldn't believe it - even waiting 5 mins was too long, when you could just walk in the exit and use one of the booths without waiting - as long as a show didn't just exit. Of course with the new pathetic show, lots less people exiting.

[Bookwood]

I liked this one! It was always good for a cool spot to sitdown and I always enjoyed the show! I'll miss it!

[MavEMode]

I really didn't enjoy that show at all. It was just boring :P I thought it was a disappointment. As my mom said, it's prime space, so why not use it!

[Carl]

I'm also with Deb on bringing back SuperStar TV. I only got on it once before they closed it. I also had the card for the stage manager to get on it again anytime I wanted, and never got to do it.

[Lady]

Yes Indeed!
Bring back Superstar TV
I had always wanted to try out for the
Lucy - Chocolate skit : )

[MikeS]

Just thought I'd share this with everyone from a former CM. It is a fine example of how the CMs feel regarding the attractions they support.

I worked as the computer and effects programmer at Superstar Television (SSTV) from 990 to 1998 and I can give you some background on the demise of SSTV.

It was clear by 1996 that SSTV was becoming dated even though we added Home Improvement as a segment. Some shows had changed (such as Leno on The Tonight Show and Letterman moving to CBS) while others went into syndication (Golden Girls, Cheers). The show equipment was itself becoming a chore to maintain as the 80's technology was getting tired and gear became hard to replace.

For example the show control PC ran on DOS and the software company would no longer support it. The image quality was declining despite new broadcast cameras and our constant maintenance. So when ABC offered up a scipt to bring the show into the new millenium we who poured much sweat, work, and career time into the show were excited.

However at the same time Walt Disney Entertainment came into being as a separate divsion and the power grab was on. ABC's script was rebuffed rather rudely by the new division and the next thing we knew Doug Live! took over (even though it was still being shown on Nickelodeon).

Sony had departed as the show's corporate sponsor. Without that
support there was no "champion" to save it. It's a shame becuase it was a very unique show. The crew was composed of 13 different technical positions from technical director to audio boom operator. I was one of the lucky few who was trained on every single position (We were the "Jedi"). Working there was a memory I'll take to my grave as it gave me great satisfaction to see so many smiling faces at the end of every show.

[JJ]

Interesting facts....love that stuff.

I won't miss Sounds Dangerous - this were a one-shot deals for us - just wasn't worth the time in our opinion (unless it was the middle of a rainstorm in July of course!)

[KingLouisFriend]

Lets hope so!!

[BetsyBoo]

I surely will not be sad to see sounds dangerous leave, I went once and never felt compelled to go back, even when I took "rookies" with me. I don't plan to see it for old times sake this trip either.

BetsyBoo

[MJTinNH]

Saw this once. That was enough.

[Cinderella]

We went in to Sounds Dangerous once to get out of the heat and to sit down. it was so boring that DH was snoring in a few minutes and I had to wake him up a few times. We actually went back in the same day just for the a/c and to rest again. That was the only reason I went back.

Cinderella

[Robin]

Thanks for the behind the scenes peek, Mike.

I miss the special effects shows at MGM. Remember the old Lottery mini-movie with Bette Midler that was part of the backstage tour? There was also a blue screen demo, where kids could ride the bee from HISTK. Those are the kids of edutainment attractions that made MGM feel like a studio/theme park and not just a park with a studio theme.

I love the Foley demonstrations. It just amazes me the things they use to make the sound effects.

As for SuperStar theatre, after seeing the show a few times I could take or leave it simply because we weren't the volunteering type and and I got bored with the same skits. Had they simply updated the show, as they had apparently planned to do, I'd have been a happy guest.

Now if they are planning to bring another stage show to the ABC theatre...can I put in a request for the Aladdin show from CA? :eyelove:

[Timon]

I loved Superstar TV, both from the audience and as a participant. Stitch and I got to be participants during his first visit to the World. I played Al Borland and he was the fourth Cartwright brother. The only thing I regret is that we didn't get to see our performances, but DW loved them.

[Jellyrolls]

I thought the SuperStar Television thing was a lot of fun--especially when you got the nervous folks who messed up :) I've been wishing they would do something with that space for a long time.

I won't miss Sound Dangerous. I liked some of the other sound shows they've done, but that one is just lame IMHO.

[smallworld0]

WHEWWWWWW!!! Went once...that was enough!

Finally, a closing decision people might petition to speed up!!! :neer:

Nancy:mickeyXmas: