EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE VOICE OF TOWER OF TERROR ATTRACTION MARK SILVERMAN #173

Have you ever wondered, how did Disney get Rod Serling to do the announcements for the Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror?
Well they didn't. Rod Serling had already passed away before 1994.
We are excited to announce, we had the great pleasure to interview the man behind the voice. You may not know him by his face, but Mark Silverman is the voice actor behind the Walt Disney World attraction.  He recorded the voices in 1993 for the opening of the attraction, which opened in 1994. Can you believe next year will be 25 years since it opened? He also was the voice of the Disney California Adventure version, before they changed it to Guardians of the Galaxy, "Mission Breakout".
We are pleased to welcome Mark Silverman to join us here on the E Ticket blog.


DCA's Version.



1. Question ETTT: We understand that you loved doing voices when you were younger. Did you ever call your school trying to call out sick by using your parents voice?

   

   Mark Silverman's Personal model of the T.O.T. ride.

Answer MS: "No. I did not do that, but I did impressions of the teachers, That was always funny. Everybody thought that was funny except the teachers. I never really got in trouble for doing that, but to this day I still do the teacher impressions. I had a English teach named Mr. Brandfield. One of my favorite teachers."
 

   2. ETTT: We heard your father knows Richard Sherman, Did you ever hang out at the Walt Disney Studio's with him?

Richard Sherman is on the left,

Answer MS: "Well...I know Richard Sherman, because he was a friend of my father's years ago, and I went to parties and talk to him about all sorts of things and that was great. And then I ended up working on the restoration of  "The Happiest Millionaire" with him. when I re-voiced Fred MacMurray."   

   3. ETTT: If you could do any other voice other than Rod Serling's from the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, who would it be? or what attraction?

Answer MS: "I would love to narrate the People-Mover if it ever came back." ( He gave us a sample of the narration. It Sounded great).

   4. ETTT: I saw on a interview on YouTube you do a great Maxwell Smart (Get Smart). Did you ever do the cartoon voice of Inspector Gadget?

Answer MS: "No but I should of been I think,  but it was Don Adams doing that. But if they ever brought Inspector Gadget back, It would be nice to do that voice. Well there are these things that factor in to getting a voice job in this business, and a lot of the time and talent is not main thing, you know, so many things factor into it. But Don Adams, that was my first impression I did." I threw in a quick question asking Mark, if he had his own recording studio. and jokingly he said "I do... it consists of my closet.. and my microphone... and that's about it."

   5. ETTT : We understand Walt Disney's Pinocchio is your favorite Disney Animated film. What is your favorite scene from that movie?

 Answer MS: "It is.. Walt's masterpiece.   It was the first Disney film to win a Oscar, for both best score and best song.  Probably the whale chase. The whale chase is probably the greatest, most intense scene ever animated by Disney or any studio really. Especially on the big screen its truly just a incredible sequence. I never pass up the opportunity every time there is a screening on the big screen I'm there . And I got to meet a through a few Disney Christmas Parties I became friends with Dick Jones, the voice of Pinocchio. He passed away a few years ago. It was wonderful to finally get to meet him. The two greatest Disney icons I've met since doing Tower of Terror with out a doubt, was Dick Jones and X`tencio because I'm such a Pirates of the Caribbean fanatic. I was there with him, in his house and talked about the ride doing pirate voices. It was such a thrill for me."

   6. ETTT: We have met you at the past Disneyana show and sales, we had brought you smarties candy. What is your favorite candy, for the next time we see you?

 Answer MS: "Sure Snickers are good, Snickers are great!! I like a snickers bar right out of the freezer, not the ice cream version, but the fun size Snickers." I asked if Mark would be at the next Disneyana show? and he asked when is it? the next Disneyana show and sale is Sunday Oct. 7th, and the new location is at the Double Tree Suites.in Anaheim. So maybe we will see him there. 

   7. ETTT: What is your favorite ride or attraction at Disneyland?

 Answer MS: "Pirates of the Caribbean, I have been obsessed with that ride since I was a kid, It's the best thing Disney ever did. It is like two rides in one, you get the caves and waterfalls and then the cities.. It is so well thought out." (we chatted about the changes taking effect on the rides) and Mark says "The original at Disneyland is the greatest ride of all time."

   8. ETTT: When you did the Lego video game, what voices were you? Batman?

Answer MS:  "I did a few characters in the video game. I did Lincoln in the game."

   9. ETTT: Do you have any upcoming movies in the near future you are working on?

Answer MS: "I did narration for a movie, but there is no release date yet, But it looks like a real compelling movie with big Oscar winning stars in it. that is all I can say."

Don't worry Mark we are almost done asking questions, which are great btw.
  10. ETTT: Will we see you ate the next Disneyana show, or next years D23 Expo in 2019 in Anaheim Ca.?

Answer MS: "I hope so, I always love being there for whatever reason but, the voices of the parks panel is always fun to do, I always have a great time doing that. very exciting..." (If you haven't seen it like me) Mark explained "It is a panel of the people who are the voices of the different attractions sit there on stage and talk about their careers and the rides, and do a little sample." I asked Mark what year he did the voice for Tower of Terror in Fl. He said 1994. 

  11. Last question ETTT: Do you have any advice for people who want to become a voice actor like yourself?

Answer MS:  "Yeah, For anybody who wants to be a voice actor, you have to love it! And if you don't love it, you shouldn't try to get into it. There is too many people that do love it then you'll have to compete against and you'll never be good enough if you don't love it. That's really the key to it.  It's really the key to anything if you want to do, you know.. But I've just loved doing voices and impressions since I was a kid and I have always loved taping my voice and hearing myself back,  So that's the key. You really have to love it and watch a lot of old Disney movies and hear those voices and great voice actors and practice, practice ... and keep doing it."



We here at "E" Ticket to Tomorrowland Blog, Want to thank you Mark Silverman for taking the time out of your busy day.
Please stay tuned for more interviews in the future and new attractions opening up at your favorite Disney Parks and Resorts. 

"E" TICKET GETS A INTERVIEW WITH THE VERY TALENTED DANCER, TERRIANNE BUTAC FROM THE ALADDIN SHOW #49

Hello Terrianne Butac, How are you this evening? we are glad you could stop by for this interview.

(Credit goes to Terrianne for this photo)

ETTT: 1,How did you become interested in music and dancing like at what age?
Terrianne: I started taking dance classes at the young are of Five. My parents put me in soccer before that and they quickly realized that my love for soccer went as far as picking at the weeds instead of playing the game. I fell in love with dance instantly and knew that I wanted to be a dancer when I grew up.

 

(Pictured: Terrianne Butac, Levi Curtis, Alyssa Chavarria, Alexa Diaz, Katy Talon, Noelle Berry, Mandy Coulton)

 

ETTT: 2, What year did you start to Dancing, and did you work just local clubs, weddings before working for Disney?
Terrianne: Working in the Aladdin show was my very first professional job in California. I moved out from Hawaii in 2006 to attend Chapman University. I dropped out after my 2nd year to pursue my passion for performing. The summer of 2008, I went to an audition at Screenland Studios for Disney World's Christmas show. From that audition I was considered for Aladdin and was offered a contract that fall.



(Matt Pablo Photography Pictured: Terrianne Butac, Reinold Butac, Anne Butac, Ryan Butac)

ETTT: 3, What parts do you play in the Musical Aladdin show at DCA?
Terrianne: I play all the dancer tracks in the show except the role of Carpet.

ETTT: 4, Have you worked at any Award shows?
Terrianne:  I have not done any award shows.

ETTT: 5, Do you have any children? and will they be getting into the same field of work you are in?
Terrianne: At the moment I do not have any children, In the future I hope that my children will have an interest in the entertainment Industry, but will support them in anything they decide to pursue.

(Jerrie Ann Kiyokawa Pictured: Jodie Kiyokawa and Terrianne Butac)

ETTT: 6, Have you ever worked on a cruise ship?
Terrianne: I haven't worked on a cruise ship. I have had interest in it over the years but it has never been the right time.

ETTT: 7, What is your favorite food at the theme parks?
Terrianne: I absolutely LOVE the pickle popcorn from the Cozy Cone Motel! Popcorn is always my food of choice at the park.

ETTT: 8, Do you play any musical instruments? What are your Favorite Rides at the Disneyland Resort and How sad are you about the closing of the Aladdin? 
Terrianne: I play the Ukulele a little bit. I took lessons when I was younger and occasionally pick up my Ukulele and play if I'm at home.
My favorite ride is on DCA side. I love Toy Story Mania!! I have to play it every time I come to the park.
I am so sad that the show is closing. I have been with Aladdin since 2008, I grew up in the theater. Everyone is family to me especially since my family is all back in Hawaii. I've never met people like this before and knowing we won.t have our home base at the Hyperion Theater anymore is devastating. ( a side note, You can catch Terrianne at the Hyperion Theater now through January 10th 2016) before the show closes.

( Terrianne Butac took this photo )

ETTT: 9, What is your Favorite Disney Song?
Terrianne: My favorite Disney song comes from my favorite Disney Movie, Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.

ETTT: 10, Who inspired you to become a Dancer? 
Terrianne: The Dancers that I would see on the music videos on MTV were my inspiration when I was little. I remember watching the videos and...

ETTT: Just a note you may of seen Terrianne Butac also dancing at these other shows at DCA, Hottest Deck in Town Diamond Mad T Party, Freeze the night (last Year), She was also in the Opening cast of the Disney Channel Rocks!, Disney dance crew, Dj dance and drive and she was in one of my favorite shows that closed to make room for the Mad T Party,  The closing cast of elecTRONica.


(Nicole Pictured: David morris & Terrianne Butac )

 (Not sure who took this Pictured: Mad T Party Dancers & Choreographers)

 

I want to thank you Terrianne Butac for taking time out of your busy day and night to answer some questions for our blog. we want to wish you Happy Holidays.

We would like to give credit to these people ( Terrianne Butac, Justin Wilcox, Hana Bible, Dylan White, Cassandra Murphy, Sam Pablo, Michael Lopez, Lance Smith 2. Matt Pablo Photography Pictured: Me, Reinold Butac, Anne Butac, Ryan Butac 3. Terrianne Butac 4. Jerrie Ann Kiyokawa Pictured: Jodie Kiyokawa ) for the beautiful photographs. You can always click on them to make the picture larger.
 

Disney Parks Blog Readers Join Special Celebration of "Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular" At Disney's California Adventure Park #48

On December 10th, hundreds of Disney Parks Blog readers gathered at the Hyperion Theater at Disney California Adventure park to celebrate “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”. The evening began with a private performance of the show, followed by a panel discussion with performers and those who work behind the scenes.

Fans were excited to celebrate the show and its cast!

The panel discussion included Shelby Jiggetts-Tivony, creative executive with Walt Disney Imagineering, who oversaw the creation of the show; David Carriero, stage manager; and performers Jim Gruessing (Genie), Billy Kametz (Aladdin) and Cassie Murphy (Jasmine). The panel shared personal memories from their roles in the show and expressed gratitude to the show’s loyal fans.
Don’t miss your chance to see “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular” now through January 10, 2016, at Disney California Adventure park. And stay tuned to Disney Parks Blog for updates and information on the all-new theatrical production coming to the Hyperion Theater, which will immerse guests in the world of Disney’s award-winning blockbuster, “Frozen”.

This was posted on December 11th, 2015 by Erin Glover, Editorial Content Director, Disneyland Resort.

We here at "E" Ticket to Tomorrowland will be Interviewing Cast members who have worked in the Musical at DCA, so Stay tuned to our blog ...

"E" TICKET TO TOMORROWLAND INTERVIEWS DISNEYLAND RESORT MUSICIAN ACTOR ANDERS SWANSON. #11

ETTT Asks:1, At what age did you learn to play a Instrument, Is it the same one you play now?
Anders Swanson: 9 yrs. old. No

Anders Swanson Stand up Bass

ETTT: 2, How many instruments do you play and what is your main instrument?
AS: 3 B ETTT: 3, Who or what inspired you to play or sing?
AS: My Parents both were musicians.

ETTT: 4, have you been in and bands with famous performers?
AS: yes

ETTT: 5, When did you start working for or at the Disney company?
AS: 1990

ETTT: 6, If you have any children, Do they take after you and play a instrument or Sing?
AS:  Yes, they sing.

ETTT: 7, How many "FRIENDS" do you know at the parks ,and where do you hang out with them?;)
AS: Well as Anders said ,Come see for yourself :).

ETTT: 8, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument or acting?
AS: Anders plays Jazz wherever.

ETTT: 9, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument or acting?
AS: Santa Cruz, Yes he teaches.

ETTT: 10, Do you want to add anything about the 60th? I did want to ask, What is your favorite Ride at the parks or place to eat?
AS: No but he likes Pizza Port at Disneyland.

ETTT: 11, Would you like to include a Link from your website, that I can include in the blog.

AS: Facebook.com/anders.swanson1
ETTT: 12, What is your favorite Disney song?

AS: Wow!! you are like me, I too do not have a favorite song, There are too many to choose from.

Well Thank you Anders for taking  time out as I caught you on your way to another gig. and Hopefully we can catch your shows Very soon.

ETTT A CHAT WITH DISNEYLAND MUSICIAN RAGTIME ROBERT part of our Interviews with Disneyland Resort Musicians. #10

Hello and welcome to our Blog, Tonight we have a interview with Ragtime Robert Glenn. You can find him playing at Coke Corner in Disneyland.

ETTT:1, At what age did you learn to play a Instrument, Is it the same one you play now?


Robert answered: I started piano at 4

 

 
ETTT: 2, How many instruments do you play and what is your main instrument?

Robert`s reply is: I play piano and can play organ a bit and I sing.

ETTT: 3, Who or what inspired you to play or sing?

 RG:   My parents and grandparents were musical.

Robert and his Dad

Robert and his Mom and her dog

ETTT: 4, Have you been in any bands with famous performers?

RG:  I have performed with many famous people but not in a band always as an accompanist.

ETTT: 5, When did you start working for or at the Disney company?
RG:  2006

ETTT: 6, If you have any children, Do they take after you and play a instrument or Sing?

RG:  I have two children. my son learned trombone in HS my daughter is not musical but she loves her daddy performing.

ETTT: 7, How many "FRIENDS" do you know at the parks ,and where do you hang out with them?


RG: I don't socialize outside of Disney. I have a rather private life away from work. My socializing is all at the park on stage and backstage. I'm not a character per se. 

I'm only me however I have performed with Mickey and Minnie, Cruella, Evil Queen. Queen of Hearts Dee and Dum, Hook, Peter, Wendy, Alice Hatter, Mary and Bert, Cinderella, Goofy, Chip and Dale, Aladdin and Jasmine and Genie.

ETTT: 8, What New and exciting plans are in store for you in the Future, Do you teach a musical instrument? 

 

RG:   I teach piano. I have this show on May 30th, I'm performing with a barbershop quartet in Dana Point and I'm recreating my bar nights in June also, an evening called Rainbow Night. I am invited twice a year for give a musical lecture at Chapman College 

 

 ETTT: 9, Where did you grow up and do you have any other siblings that sing or play a instrument?

 

RG:  I grew up in Whittier and La Mirada. I have a sister who took lessons and was very good but she didn't stay with it.

 

ETTT: 10,Do you want to add anything about the 60th? I did want to ask, What is your favorite Ride at the parks or place to eat?

 

RG: My 60th year on the bench show is a lot of what I did before Disney and little bit of Disney as well. Lots of vocals and fun material that evening,

My favorite ride Star Tours, then Space Mountain. Favorite place to eat is Flo's.

Robert having fun on Space Mountain

 

ETTT: You can catch Ragtime Robert here: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fshakespeareoc.org%2F2015-season%2F2015-60-years-on-the-bench-an-evening-with-ragtime-robert-glenn%2F&h=TAQHQy-Qy

 

ETTT 11: Would you like to include a Link from your website, that I can include in the blog.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ragtimerobert.net%2F&h=AAQFSiKfU 

 

http://www.facebook.com/ragtimerobert?__mref=message_bubble

Here are some pictures of Ragtime Robert when he isn't playing Piano.

 

Robert said this is his dad my son my daughter in law and my grandson

Robert`s Daughter and grandchildren



ETTT:12, And the last question of the night, What is your favorite Disney song?

RG: A tie between Cruella de Vil and when you wish upon a star.

 



Once again I want to Thank Robert for taking time out of his busy schedule to do this interview with us.

 

Stay tuned for more interviews with Disneyland Resort Musicians.



 

 

 

I am starting a new segment called Interviews with Disney Park Musicians, Things could get "Mad" #8

As we all know May 22nd is approaching fast! In just 1 week from today, Disneyland will kick off it`s Year long 60th Diamond Celebration with a 24 hour party, There will be plenty of Musicians playing in the parks, Why not celebrate their stories on how they got to work/play at these great parks.
First stop Wonderland, Yep down the rabbit hole we go.. to chat with one of it`s newest musicians.
So please stay tuned for this exciting interview next week, just before the 22nd.