Composer Richard Sherman, Mickey Mouse & "The Window"

Not too long after attending the “Supercalifragilistic Evening With Richard Sherman” (mentioned several entries ago,) I had still an even greater thrill when I took a trek to the Magic Kingdom to attend another event centering Mr. Sherman and his brother, Robert. On Thursday March 11, a window honoring their half century of contributing to both the park as well as a treasure-trove of hit Disney films (“Mary Poppins“ and “Bed-knobs And Broomsticks“ are only two examples of their incredible, award-winning work.) Likewise, in addition to the themes to such popular attractions as “The Enchanted Tiki Room”, “It’s a Small World” and the old “Carousel Of Progress”, their song “The Wonderful World Of Color” will serve as the primary theme for an awesome new attraction of the same name, which is itself set to be revealed in “Disney’s California Adventure” in just a few short weeks.)

 The window (–well more like a door actually,) inscribed “Two Brothers Tune-makers” is located right next to the “Mainstreet Cinema“, and was unveiled in a ceremony hosted by characters representing “Mother “ and “Father” (–the narrators from the Carousel Of Progress”), with musical tributes by Mary Poppins and Bert (the Chimney Sweep”) and of course, none other than old Mickey Mouse himself was right there to help with the actual unveiling! While Richard and his wife were there in attendance, older brother Robert, who now lives in England, sent a recorded message of thanks transmitted over an old-time 20’s era radio. 

"Mother" & "Father" Broadcast A Message From Robert Sherman

As anyone who knows the Disney organization can tell you, right from the park’s inception, a window on Mainstreet was, and remains, one of the highest and rarest accolades the company can bestow. In fact, I believe one of things that thrills me most about being a witness to all the festivites especially, is that from now on, anytime I’m there, I’ll be able to walk by that beveled glass with the gold leaf lettering, and remember all the well deserved pomp and ceremony, recalling first hand the sense of genuine happiness it brought to everyone involved.  

Press Conference After The Unveiling

In keeping with my goal to explore ’more multi-media’ friendly ways of reporting on this story, I wanted to take advantage of a growing trend among blogs and similar on-line publications, by preparing the following “Audio Slide Show” (–my very first time ever utilizing many of the individual technologies involved!) By no means, perfect, still, my hope is you will find it conveys some sense of what it was like to be there that day–not least of which a bit of the excitement, color and yes, even “magic”, that has become synonymous with Disneyland, The Walt Disney Company, and the incredible music for which two truly gifted gentlemen are universally known. Log on, take a look, feel free to leave a comment–and enjoy!

Here’s also sending out extra special thanks to Tim O’Day, Tom Staggs, John Mc  Clintock–and everyone at The Walt Disney Company, and particularly once again to my old pal, Lance Perkins for all their awesome assitance in making this report possible.