It has been quite a week here in Tokyo. I don't care to count how many interviews we've given but let's just say that I can go without giving my views on most any subject for a good, long time. We were interviewed by writers from fan and music magazines, newspapers, radio programs, the Disney Channel, websites and even mobile content providers. It has been a joy to share the task with my interview partner, Jen Zappola, who pretty much charmed everyone she met, including me. The interviews are pretty routine and generally revolve around 4 things: "fun facts, feelings, format and finale'." For instance, 1) fun facts: "What was your favorite Disney movie as a child?" (Mary Poppins) "Which is your favorite Disney character?" (Tigger) 2) Feelings: "How did you feel when you were chosen to be a part of Disney on Classic?" (surprised, happy) "What is your impression of Japan and what you are looking forward to while in Japan?" (One would have to be an idiot not to enjoy traveling in Japan. It's GREAT there.) 3) Format: They will ask about the various parts of the program in detail, especially inquiring as to "the highlight" of the program. This is always a bit problematic for me as I tend to see the show as a unity. The "highlight" for me is at the end when the audience all stands up applauding and weeping with joy and I feel like I did my job well. There is a theme each year and we are usually asked to explain it. This is the hardest part, since the idea is always very simple (i.e. "Promise") and doesn't hold up well to a lengthy explication. The more I try to say, the more I realize that there isn't really that much to say. I yawp on, like Miss South Carolina at the Miss Teen USA 2007 pageant, mouthing incomprehensibilities. 4) Finale': We usually finish by being asked to send some sort of "message to the Japanese audience." This amounts to an earnest invitation to everyone to come to the show. Do this for 6-8 hours for a few days and see how you feel.
