El Capitan Theatre serves high tea with an entertaining
movie
Thursday, August 7, 2003
by Lisa Perkis, contributing writer
Disney hosts another Princess Tea event in conjunction with the opening
of its new film, Freaky Friday, at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood.
The marquee at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood announces Freaky
Friday. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
A long queue massed outside the theater for the preview day yesterday.
Many fair princesses and a number of handsome young princes (even a few
in kilts) were excited to see both the movie and their favorite heroines
afterwards at tea time. The theater on Tuesday was packed with children
ranging from toddlers to 'tweens, but almost all sat rapt for the whole
movie.
Freaky Friday seems aimed primarily at young girls. Lindsay Lohan
is a lovely 17-year-old actress who manages to be rebellious and adorable
all at the same time as Anna Coleman—think a smart Lizzie Maguire
with a harder edge. Parents will be able to relate to Jamie Lee Curtis
(Tess Coleman) and her worries and frustrations with her daughter. Curtis
was hysterical portraying Anna in her body.
Trying to gauge the movie's success, I asked my 6-year-old and 8-year-old
daughters what they thought. My 6-year-old rated it, “the best movie
that was ever created, better than Sinbad or Finding Nemo,”
which surprised me because the movie seemed aimed at girls a little older.
The many scenes involving physical comedy, however, elicited more than
one belly laugh from her. My 8-year-old, when asked if Freaky Friday
was better than the Lizzie McGuire movie or What a Girl Wants,
had to think for quite a while before declaring, “I think they are
on the same level.”
After the movie, the audience was directed across the street to the Renaissance
Hotel connected to the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex. Since
the Jimmy Kimmel Show is now taping in the building directly adjacent
to the El Capitan, Disney had to find a new location for its after-movie
events. There are plenty of ushers and signs directing guests to the Hollywood
and Highland complex and up the five flights to the hotel ballroom. The
walk is short and very well controlled by staff.
Signs point to the Princess Tea held across the street at the Renaissance
Hotel. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Once in the ballroom, the hostess directed groups of eight to 10 guests
to their seats at round banquet tables decorated with lovely pastel linens
and fresh flower center pieces. A booklet sat next to each place setting
with sections on “Princess Tea Etiquette”, “Freaky Friday
Film Facts,” and the all-important menu. It also included an insert
with princess trivia, word searches and coloring pages. Each table had
a cup of fresh crayons tied with a bow for use by the young princesses
and princes.
Each table is wonderfully decorated, and beckons guests to enjoy a lovely
afternoon of tea. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
There were at least two servers for each table, bringing sandwiches and
scones, tea, lemonade, water, and—of course—hot tea. Wolfgang Puck developed
the menu with his pastry chef Sherry Yard. Sandwiches included cucumber,
egg salad, ham and Swiss on pumpernickel and the ever-popular peanut butter
and jelly.
The children at the table didn't trust any sandwich but the ones containing
peanut butter, but made up for it by eating more than their share of scones
and preserves. The adults enjoyed the leftover sandwiches, and the servers
brought fresh plates when items ran low. Other little goodies found next
to the place settings were four-piece boxes of Helen Grace chocolates
and cookies, and tiny tarts wrapped in cellophane.
The Princess Tea offers a wonderful array of food, including decadent
sandwiches and desserts. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
Cinderella, Jasmine, Belle, Snow White, and Aurora attended the tea the
entire time, working their way from table to table to take pictures and
chat with guests. A cast member came to the table a few minutes beforehand
to encourage the children to “dust the crumbs from their hands”
in order to keep the princesses neat and clean. No doubt there have been
many sticky fingerprints on poor Belle's gown after a princess tea.
The author's daughters Charlotte (left) and Emma pose with Belle at the Princess Tea. Photo by Lisa
Perkis.
At each corner of the ballroom were activities related to the film or
to the princesses. In the dress-up sections, children could select gowns
and props and have their picture taken. Another section provided rub-on
tattoos of red guitars, like the one Lindsay Lohan's character uses in
the film. The guitar used in the filming is on display in the lobby of
the movie theater.
Another favorite station was the Helen Grace chocolate dipping area.
Dipped pretzels and caramels were made on the spot by hand for guests
to enjoy.
If tea sandwiches and pastries aren't enough to fill the stomach, guests
can also munch on freshly dipped pretzels and caramels, made to order
by hand at the Princess Tea. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
There were also kiosks with Game Boy Advance games—a big
hit with the boys in attendance—and a station for pipe cleaner art.
The tea combined with the various activity stations kept children happily
occupied for at least an hour and a half.
The Princess tea was a wonderful experience—the staff was plentiful
and guests were served quickly and efficiently. The food, while a bit
“grown up” for some tastes, was delicious and the Princesses,
as always, were patient and charming. It's a very special afternoon for
families or for people who appreciate a nice afternoon tea with visits
from their favorite Disney leading ladies.
The El Capitan is a beautiful theater, and hearing the organist on-stage
before the film playing a medley of Disney favorites is an event in itself.
Be sure to arrive early to appreciate the full experience.
Charlotte, Lisa and Emma enjoying the spread. Photo by Lisa Perkis.
El Capitan Theater Freaky Friday Engagement Details
Freaky Friday is playing at the El Capitan Theatre from August
6 through September 1.
Showtimes are 9:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m.,
and 10:15 p.m.
The cost for just the movie is $10 general admission ($7 matinee price
for shows before 5 p.m.), $6 group rate admission (20 or more), and $19
VIP admission, which includes popcorn, soft drink, and a reserved seat.
The theater does not offer children's prices.
To purchase non-group tickets for the movie or the movie/tea package,
phone 1-800-DISNEY6 (1-800-347-6396), or visit the El Capitan box office
Web site at ElCapitanTickets.com.
To obtain group tickets, you must phone (818) 845-3110.
Princess Tea Details
The Princess Tea is held three times daily after the 9:30 a.m., 12:15
p.m. and 2:45 p.m. performances.
The general admission price for the movie and Princess Tea is $25, $23
group rate (20 or more), and $36 VIP admission (includes popcorn, soft
drink and a reserved seat).
The Wolfgang Puck menu
Assorted tea sandwiches
- Hot house-grown cucumber and herb butter on country white
- Black forest ham and Swiss cheese on pumpernickel bread
- Traditional egg salad on crustless white bread
- Creamy peanut butter and homemade berry preserves
Mini scones with strawberry and raspberry jams and clotted cream
Fresh fruit salad with honey yogurt sauce
Princess pouch of sweets
- Lemon ginger cookie
- Almond cookie
- Chocolate tartlet
Helen Grace chocolates
Assorted beverages
- Fine hot teas
- Lemonade
- Iced tea
- Water
Each guest also receives a party favor from Bonne Bell Smackers (flavored
lip balm).
Read Alex Stroup's review of Freaky Friday here.
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