The long-awaited dueling piano show, dubbed Showdown at the Golden Horseshoe, opened yesterday at Disneyland (November 22, 2019). I, for one, have been very much looking forward to the show since its announcement a few months ago. (Full disclosure: I actually auditioned for the show in Santa Ana, along with the two gentlemen who performed today. I did get a callback, but sadly, I wasn’t chosen. Both were delightful to meet and perfect for the show.)
The First Showing
A few onlookers gathered in front of The Golden Horseshoe to form a line just as the ever-entertaining Disneyland Band arrived to play. If you haven’t had a chance to see their entire performance medley, it is twelve minutes of solid Disneyesque entertainment for the whole family. And, just as the band finished and marched off into the distance, the ropes were removed, and the Golden Horseshoe doors opened for the premiere showing at 11:30 am. One piano player with a charming and electrifying personality entered the stage and played a brisk ragtime number. Dressed in full saloon pianist attire, complete with striped vest and feather in his hat, he played and sang a few solo tunes while engaging the audience. He definitely showed his performance skills by telling jokes and stories as the music continued.
See the full show here:
The Plot Thickens
A few songs later, a dapper gentleman with a top hat, tuxedo, and cape appeared in the audience. Introducing himself as the Carnegie Kid, he offered to lend his two hands to the show. Together, they played several more numbers, showcasing every genre from western to classical and everything in between. We heard Tchaikovsky and Beethoven, Joplin and Pagliacci, along with a few Christmas and Disney tunes sprinkled in the mix. In typical Disney fashion, it was fast-paced, funny and enjoyable. After a while, the first pianist exited the stage, and the dapper gentleman played solo for a while.
The show was worth seeing, especially because there is plenty of room in the saloon. Even the first showing was not packed. To fully engage in the plotline and stellar musicianship, I would suggest arriving early for a front seat. Near the middle of the room, people head to the counter where food is ordered throughout the show, and kids run around freely. Surprisingly, the pianists played remarkably few recognizable Disney tunes.
I would like to note that aside from clapping along here and there, the audience was not as engaged as I expected. This is not the type of show in which kids can participate, but it is a great excuse to hang out, rest tired feet, and be entertained for just over 20 minutes.
It’s dinner and a show, at one of Disneyland’s most affordable walk-up counters. Not a bad deal. Showtimes are listed in the window. Yesterday’s shows began at 11:30 am.
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Let’s hear from you!
What do you think folks? Have you seen the show? Are you planning to see it? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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