Singing for Mickey puts spotlight on kids
Preschoolers got a chance to flex their pipes at a Disney "fun-dition" at Woodfield mall in Schaumburg Wednesday.
Nine children sang karaoke-style to their favorite Disney tunes for a chance to showcase their vocal talents on stage at Friday's "Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show" at the Rosemont Theatre.
Three-year-old Alexander Brennan of Plainfield kicked off the show with an emphatic "mic check, one, two" followed by "I'm ready to rock!"
He then sang a lively version of the "Winnie the Pooh" theme song.
In an exclusive post-performance interview, Alexander said he's a newcomer to the music scene, noting this as his first audition.
Mom Katelyn Brennan said Alexander had been preparing all week. His family is taking him to the show for his birthday.
Zach Neely-Brady, a 4-year-old from Cary, also tried his luck at singing "Winnie the Pooh." Zach's mom Candice Neely said she thought he did a great job.
"We love Disney and Zach loves to sing," she said. They just returned from Disney World last month.
Other children sang "A Whole New World' from "Aladdin" and "Part of Your World" from "The Little Mermaid."
After all the songs had been sung, it was time for the jury to deliberate. It appeared they were having a hard time making a decision, but then they got some sage advice from surprise guests Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
The results were finally in. And the winner was ... everyone! All nine kids who auditioned receive four tickets to Friday's show and will join emcee Chris Chatman on stage in a preshow performance of "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."
Chapman said he'll let the children take over on stage Friday. He said he was happy with how enthusiastic the kids were to perform.
The "Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show" follows Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald as they set out to round up acts for their talent show.
The audition ended with all of the contestants showing their gratitude to whom it was due.
"Thanks, Mickey!" they all said one by one.
"Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show" runs for five performances Friday, Oct. 23, to through Sunday, Oct. 25. For details and tickets, call (847) 671-5100 or go to disneylive.com.