Mickey Tuesday, October 2, 2007  
  Press Release
 



16 children representing Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines gathered at the Drama Theatre of Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts today and performed the signature theme song, 'It's A Small World (After All)' in their own language. 'it's a small world' at Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to open in the first half of 2008.
David Fisher, Show Writer, Walt Disney Imagineering and Chiu Tsang-hei (趙增熹), Choral Director of the production, with the talented singers representing Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines who performed the signature theme song, 'It's A Small World (After All)' in their own language. 'it's a small world' at Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to open in the first half of 2008.
16 children representing Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines pinning little dolls on the globe to signify the connection in the unity of people of different origins which best reflects the message of peace and harmony of 'it's a small world' at Hong Kong Disneyland.
16 children representing Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines pinning little dolls on the globe to signify the connection in the unity of people of different origins which best reflects the message of peace and harmony of 'it's a small world' at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Four New Languages of Signature Theme Song to Feature in
Hong Kong Disneyland's "it's a small world"
The Hong Kong attraction to inherit the original songs long-lived message of
peace and harmony through the international language of music

(HONG KONG, October 2, 2007) - In a heart warming show of peace, childhood hope, joy and understanding between people, 16 children representing four countries and regions have gathered in Hong Kong to record new editions of the world renowned soundtrack for Hong Kong Disneyland's version of "it's a small world".

In a talent search that started three months ago, Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) selected the young musical talents to sing the original theme song in Cantonese, Putonghua, Korean and Tagalog (Philippines).

Singing in their own languages, the children's voices will be featured in an expanded Asian scene, connecting more dots in the unity of people of different origins. With the four new languages added, this upcoming attraction at Hong Kong Disneyland will play 10 translated versions of the unforgettable theme song, "It's A Small World (After All)". The song is enjoyed by million of guests continuously around the world during any 24-hour period, uniting people of different race and spreading the message of embracing cultural diversity.

"With the opening of "it's a small world" fast approaching in 2008, we have been looking for talented young voices to bring our classic song to life in several new languages from throughout the region, with the same child-like vocals found in the original soundtrack," said David Fisher, Show Writer, WDI.

"The all-new soundtracks are unique to Hong Kong Disneyland and it will be our first time using stereo audio effects inside the attraction. The new attraction will inherit the original's long-lived message of peace and harmony through the international language of music."

Gathered at the Drama Theater of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts today, children representing Beijing, Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines performed the signature theme song in a media event, "It's A Small World (After All)" in their own language, and under the tutorage of famous music producer Chiu Tsang-hei (趙增熹). As the Choral Director of the production, Chiu has been involved from the early stages of talent casting to ensure the quality voices found for the attraction.

The WDI team has also decided to use the same Cantonese lyrics translated more than 30 years ago by the Hong Kong music legend James Wong (黃霑). To give a modern twist to the new edition, Lin Xi (林夕), the most talented lyricist in the current local pop scene, was invited to specially work on the Putonghua version. Produced by a cross-over team of talents from different countries, age groups and generations, the piece itself is a testament to the fact that the world can be united through the international language of music.

"it's a small world" was originally created by Walt Disney as an exhibit at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair to benefit UNICEF. The catchy and mesmerizing theme song composed by brothers Richard and Robert Sherman is repeatedly featured throughout the attraction. The signature song plays continuously, on average, 1,200 times a day during a 10-hour operating day at each Disney Park. Across the globe, it is estimated that the song and melody are therefore played over 4,800 times at four Disney theme parks. Numerous Internet articles have cited the title tune as one of the most recognizable tunes of all time.

Currently the Walt Disney Imagineering project team is finishing the intricate sets, dolls and toys, and mechanical devices used within the attraction. Installation of the sets and front facade begins in October and will continue throughout the year.

"it's a small world" at Hong Kong Disneyland is scheduled to open in the first half of 2008.


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About Hong Kong Disneyland
Opened on September 12, 2005 and located on lush Lantau Island overlooking Penny's Bay, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is a brand-new, world-class family entertainment and recreation center consisting of a magical, Disneyland-style theme park of shows and attractions, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel (400 guestrooms), Disney's Hollywood Hotel (600 guestrooms) and Inspiration Lake, a public area featuring boat rentals and a 3.5 hectare arboretum. Offering guests of all ages a full day immersed in imagination and creativity uniquely Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland is home to Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Stitch, Donald Duck and other Disney characters beloved the world over.

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