RETAIL / TOURISM : Tracy Stage Show’s Success May Spark More of the Same

The Dick Tracy stage show that played at the Videopolis theater at Disneyland was enough of a hit that the theme park’s officials are contemplating another stage show this summer.

The Tracy show closed last Sunday after attracting standing-room-only crowds for many of its performances during the summer and fall. The show remained a hit long after the Disney-produced movie left the silver screen. On stage, the Tracy show followed the same story line as the movie, depending heavily on elaborate sets, costumes and lots of action.

All in all, it was a classic example of Disney’s proven ability to cross-market its films and theme park attractions. An advantage of the stage show, Disney officials say, is that it could be assembled much faster and cheaper than creating a Tracy-themed ride at the park.

Meanwhile, fences have gone up around an area behind the Videopolis theater where a new village will be created so that youngsters may cavort with their favorite television characters from Disney daytime shows.

The area, next to the “It’s a Small World” ride, will be a character greeting area. It may include mock dressing rooms for the characters on Disney’s afternoon shows, such as Tale Spin, DuckTales and Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Rescue Rangers.