On Friday, August 14 (Day One of D23), the Archives Stage hosted a tribute to the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Enchanted. Billed as a “love letter to Disney,” the presentation promised to deliver a look at the film’s just under 200 Easter Eggs… in one hour. Host Nina West (performed by Andrew Levitt) and the film’s director Kevin Lima kept the event moving, wisely stopping for a few guest stars and surprises along the way. The Disney Archives added to the fun by bringing out and displaying props and costumes from the film.
The audience knew they would be treated to appearances by “cameo princesses” Jodi Benson, Judy Kuhn, and Paige O’Hara, as well as the composer of the film’s songs, Alan Menken. What they did not expect was the first surprise guest, Giselle herself, Amy Adams. After acknowledging the spontaneous standing ovation from the crowd, Adams had a revelation of her own to share. This one, she said, she had never told anyone before, including director Kevin Lima. According to Adams, one of the most exciting aspects of winning the role was that she believed she would be working with one of her favorite actors, Patrick Duffy. Meeting her actual co-star, Patrick Dempsey, was a bit confusing. But, as she noted, it all worked out for the best.
Adams stayed on stage to share in another series of Easter Eggs, one of which included the first Disney cameo princess, Jodi Benson. As if by magic, Benson appeared and offered her first revelation of the evening: when contacted by the producers for a single day of shooting, she thought the offer was a joke. But when director Lima explained why and what she would be doing, she enthusiastically joined the cast. In fact, she did so well as “Sam,” Patrick Dempsey’s assistant, that the part was expanded. She also learned, along with the rest of the audience, that the name “Sam” was itself an Easter Egg. The character was named after “Sam(son),” Prince Phillip’s faithful assistant (and horse) in Sleeping Beauty.
After going through a few more Easter Eggs, the bedroom scene with the Prince and his “Magic Mirror” television was cited. This, of course, brought out “soap opera diva” Paige O’Hara. The Beauty and the Beast star entered to applause, and stated that she also thought the job offer was a joke. Once she learned that there were fellow princesses involved in the project, she decided to sign on.
More Easter Eggs brought another cameo princess to the stage. Judy Kuhn entered wearing a housecoat— her tribute to the beleaguered mom she played. She first explained that, yes, she thought the offer of the role was a joke. She then added her greatest concern: that she might drop one of the youngsters who appeared with her.
As the last of the Easter Eggs flew fast and thick (there was, after all, only an hour available), the final guest of the day took the stage, composer Alan Mencken. He and director Kevin Lima reminisced about choosing just which songs they would use, and how they were placed within the story. Mencken was particularly pleased with the song “That’s How You Know,” and the way it built spontaneously into a major production number, set in Central Park.
As if by magic (or signal!), it was time for all the stars to assemble on stage (with the exception of Jodi Benson, who had other duties to fulfill). With the musical talent on hand, what better way was there to end the presentation than with a singalong? With the lyrics for “That’s How You Know” projected on the screens, everyone was invited to join in, bringing the Love Letter to Disney to a joyous, musical finish.
