Author: Zach Cooley

Jackson resurrected with tribute show at Chautauqua Festival

June 28, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When Michael Jackson died 17 years ago, just two weeks before rehearsals for his highly anticipated This Is It tour concluded, millions of fans were left wondering what might have been. On June 27, attendees at the Chautauqua Festival in Wytheville received perhaps the closest glimpse anyone could hope to experience of that unrealized concert. Las Vegas-based tribute production MJ Déjà Vu, led by Justin Dean as Michael Jackson, left an audience of thousands in absolute pandemonium. With the recent resurgence of Jackson’s popularity following the release of his biopic, Michael, children who never experienced the Thriller era firsthand knew every lyric and dance move just as well as the adults who lived through it. Judging by the sea of fans crowding the stage and the screams echoing throughout the evening, one could almost believe it was 1983 all over again. Dean captured Jackson’s signature vocals, dance moves, and unmistakable stage presence with remarkable accuracy. Watching him perform, it was difficult not to wonder whether the excitement could have been any greater had Jackson himself somehow appeared in Wytheville. The production faithfully recreated much of the spectacle planned for the original This Is It concerts. Dean performed songs featured prominently in the rehearsal film, including “Thriller” and “Earth Song,” while incorporating many selections from the intended 2009 setlist such as “Jam,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” “Human Nature,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White.” There were also welcome surprises. Fans of Jackson’s legendary Wembley Stadium concert were treated to The Jacksons’ “Heartbreak Hotel,” while Off the Wall classics “Workin’ Day and Night” and “She’s Out of My Life” made appearances as well. Thankfully, Dean spared the audience the lengthy emotional breakdown Jackson often displayed during the latter, and he wisely toned down the famous crotch-grabbing choreography—something I appreciated since I attended with my 12-year-old daughter, along with countless other families who had brought their children to enjoy the show. The Jackson 5 medley showcased not only Dean’s versatility but also the talents of his outstanding dancers and backup vocalists. During “Beat It,” two performers even recreated the famous gang confrontation with an authentic-looking knife fight reminiscent of the music video. “Billie Jean” generated one of the evening’s loudest audience reactions, rivaled only by the spectacular production of “Thriller,” complete with impressive choreography and theatrical effects. One of my personal highlights was “Another Part of Me,” the energetic anthem from the Bad album that was featured in Disney’s Captain EO. Another pleasant surprise came when the band performed the Beatles’ “Come Together,” which Jackson famously recorded for Moonwalker. Despite the showcase of the military drill choreography that was planned as a transition into “They Don’t Care About Us” during the original This Is It concerts, my daughter was disappointed when it didn’t lead into her favorite Michael Jackson song. For the encore, the opening chords of “Heal the World” briefly suggested it would be the evening’s finale. Instead, Dean wisely closed with Jackson’s traditional concert ending, “Man in the Mirror,” a decision that sent the audience home on an emotional high. The athleticism of Dean’s dancers—with their backflips, cartwheels, and flawless synchronization—was every bit as impressive as Dean’s uncanny recreation of Jackson himself. In choreography, theatrical presentation, and vocal performance, this production delivered everything fans had once hoped to experience from the This Is It tour but never had the chance to see. It is remarkable how Michael Jackson’s popularity seems to experience a renaissance every decade or so. When I was ten years old, there wasn’t a bigger Michael Jackson fan anywhere. Thirty years later, when my daughter reached that same age, she became just as devoted—and today she’s an even bigger fan than I ever was. Watching her stand at the front of the stage, singing every word before meeting Justin Dean afterward for a photograph, was one of those father-daughter memories I’ll treasure forever. The evening was made possible by the Wythe Arts Council, and I remain deeply grateful for everything they do to enrich our community. I am equally thankful to Lily Formato, who welcomed my family with a wonderful catered meal of roasted chicken, fresh rolls, roasted vegetables, and plantains at Formato Fine Arts Gallery. During the evening, I also had the pleasure of meeting the members of Soul Jam, the Winston-Salem band that opened the show. Their musicianship and showmanship were exceptional as they effortlessly moved from Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, Chaka Khan, and Stevie Wonder to modern artists like Usher and Bruno Mars. They proved they could perform virtually anything with a groove. Outstanding as the entire group was, trumpeter Oliver Coutlee emerged as the undeniable star of their set. One of the highlights of the evening was finally having the opportunity to spend time talking with Lily Formato herself. Since opening her gallery at just 18 years old in 2018, she has earned my admiration as the youngest woman in Wytheville history to own her own business. Seeing her breathtaking artwork firsthand while experiencing her warmth, generosity, and intelligence made the evening even more memorable. It truly was a VIP Chautauqua experience and reminded me how fortunate we are to have people in Wytheville who genuinely care about preserving and enriching our community. They deserve not only our appreciation after special events like this, but our gratitude every day.

Strictly Observing

RSO restores American pride with Wytheville Concert

June 15, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra performed a stellar concert in Wytheville on Saturday, June 13, when it brought its Stars, Stripes, and Symphony presentation to a nearly sold-out crowd at the Millwald Theatre. Fourteen songs were offered during the 80-minute, two-act program, which opened with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Dr. E. Daryll Duff, bass vocalist and veteran U.S. Navy Sea Chanter of more than 30 years. Duff’s smooth and stirring vocals sailed through several of the evening’s numbers as flawlessly as the orchestra itself. Meredith Willson’s “76 Trombones” from The Music Man kept the crowd lively, while John Williams’ “A Prayer for Peace” from the 2005 film Munich shifted the mood to one of poignancy. This piece from Williams’ Academy Award-nominated score featured violin solos from concertmaster Akemi Takayama and Zach Windsor. Duke Ellington’s “Sophisticated Lady” proved that Duff’s vocals could be as soulful as they were reverent. The jazz and swing elements of the orchestra provided a welcome contrast to the more traditional classical pieces. All were performed with equal precision and skill. George M. Cohan’s patriotic medley of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Yankee Doodle Dandy” featured Duff’s vocals as well as those of a very enthusiastic audience. He also sang the songs of each military branch during the “Armed Forces Salute” medley. In memory of my father, who died last October, I proudly elevated my power chair during the “Semper Paratus (Always Ready)” portion of the salute in honor of his service in the Coast Guard from 1962 to 1966. There were not many Coast Guard veterans in an audience full of former service members, so I was proud to realize just how special his service was. I miss him. The first half of the program ended with a medley from the film score of Apollo 13, composed by the late James Horner. The selections were preceded by actual audio from the 1970 mission, which added a haunting sense of reverence to the number. It was certainly a hallowed way to end the first 34 minutes of the show. The second act opened in full patriotic swing with “An American Salute (When Johnny Comes Marching Home),” composed in 1943 by Morton Gould and based on the original Civil War folk song. “The Great Peconic” was perhaps the most moving piece of the evening. Composed by legendary singer-songwriter Billy Joel, the number pays homage to Peconic Bay off the coast of Long Island, New York. It was the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s own David Stewart Wiley who helped Joel arrange the composition for orchestra. “Billy’s entire living room was the size of an Olympic pool,” Wiley recalled. “He is such a kind and generous man.” Following the piece, Wiley thanked the orchestra for performing it, noting that he will step down as music director just in time for its 75th anniversary celebration. By 2028, Wiley will have served as the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra’s conductor for 31 years. “This may be the last time we play this together,” he said. “It has been a privilege to work with you all over the last 30 years.” Next came Kenneth J. Alford’s “Colonel Bogey March,” the traditional state song “Our Great Virginia,” sung by Duff to the tune of “Oh Shenandoah,” and “Satchmo,” a medley tribute to Louis Armstrong. A program highlight, “Satchmo” was arranged by Ted Ricketts and featured some of Armstrong’s best-known tunes, including “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” and “St. Louis Blues.” After Duff led the audience in Richard Rodgers’ “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from The Sound of Music and Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America,” which garnered a standing ovation, Wiley closed the show by inviting an enthusiastic teenager to conduct the orchestra in “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” putting the proverbial cherry on top of a wonderful evening. In this day and time, given the current state of the country, it can be difficult to muster national pride. The music provided by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra restored in me a sense of honor in being an American. If only for an hour, I was proud to live in the United States again. Their music is second to none. It is an incredible blessing to call the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra our own. The Roanoke Symphony Orchestra will have two more Wytheville performances this year. Symphony Under the Stars takes place on September 13, while Handel’s Messiah will be presented on December 19. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.themillwald.org or call 276-284-2958.

Strictly Observing

Third day at Magic Kingdom wraps up trip

June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

We are now in the final installment of my account of our 2026 family trip to Walt Disney World. Our first character interaction of the day was Aladdin and Jasmine. They could not have been lovelier. When I remarked to Jasmine how beautiful she was, Aladdin agreed. “I’m a pretty lucky guy, aren’t I?” he said. “You are both lucky,” I answered. “You are a truly magical couple.” “Let me know if you need the magic carpet,” Aladdin said. “I could always use a magic carpet,” I told him, “and the Genie.” We also met Captain Jack Sparrow, who bore a striking resemblance to Johnny Depp and made both of my girls somewhat weak-kneed. Through a lot of intentional mumbled warbling, the only thing I could make out that he said to me was an invitation to the tavern for drinks. After some of the things we had been through on this trip, I would have happily accepted such an invitation. While traveling the Magic Kingdom alone, I also ran into Shaker from the Country Bear Musical Jamboree. Additionally, while on my own, I took advantage of all the other attractions I could experience from my wheelchair, including Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid, which takes guests through the story of the film in beautifully crafted clamshell vehicles featuring perfect renderings of scenes from the movie itself. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is another one of my favorites, as I get to bounce with Tigger, be blown through the wind with Piglet, and face off against the Heffalumps and Woozles with Pooh in his nightmare as he fears they will steal his honey. Since no one was waiting to ride the wheelchair-accessible vehicle, I was able to experience the attraction twice, which made it extra special for me. I also took in Enchanted Tales with Belle, an interactive retelling of the story of Beauty and the Beast featuring children portraying members of the cast. Lumière leads the way by narrating the story, while Madame Wardrobe hosts the show from the hallway. The program begins, however, in Papa Maurice’s cottage, where the Magic Mirror takes us back to the day Belle and the Beast fell in love. Seeing the little children portray the various characters reminded me of our trip in 2019, when Bella played a salt shaker. Emily and I were so proud, and I could see the same joy on the faces of other parents as they watched their children meet Princess Belle at the end of the program. I was also able to ride the original Jungle Cruise with my mother, the attraction that eventually inspired the real-life safari at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. These boat cruises are obviously where either working comedians go when they cannot get work elsewhere or bad comedians go to die. There are relentlessly terrible puns coming from the tour guides along the way, but it is nevertheless an entertaining ride, and I was very happy to share this classic attraction with my mother. Walt Disney designed the attraction long before live animals could be incorporated into a theme park experience, although that had been his dream. The inspiration and brilliance of Walt Disney are qualities that continue to shape the Disney World experience to this day. With that thought in mind, there was nothing more magical about Disney World than watching the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade through the Magic Kingdom just before closing. Not only did it bring back memories of the Main Street Electrical Parade that my sister and I happily watched as children, but it also showcased elements of the aerial stage production at Disney Springs that I unfortunately missed during my trip in 2024. Having watched the Disney Starlight parade four times during this trip, I feel I got the best of both worlds. Waving goodbye to Mickey with my sister and following the parade to the park exit provided the perfect magical ending to this amazing Disney experience. But the parade itself was a dream come true. No matter how old you get, when those characters wave directly at you, you cannot help but be touched in your heart. It is another one of those presentations that is good enough to make you weep. The parade opens with magic from the Blue Fairy from Pinocchio, inviting everyone to wish upon a star. It pays direct homage to the original opening of the Main Street Electrical Parade. The procession features a robust lineup of both classic and contemporary Disney stories, including Peter Pan, Frozen, Moana, Coco, Encanto, and Wish. I had the perfect view from across from The Hall of Presidents, the same spot where I used to watch the Main Street Electrical Parade. Featured on the Blue Fairy’s float are Pinocchio and Geppetto. Wish features Asha, Valentino, and Star. Encanto features Mirabel, Isabela, and Bruno. On the Frozen float, Elsa dazzles the crowd with icy blue lights. The Royal Princess unit brings Disney royalty together, featuring Aurora and Prince Philip, Tiana and Prince Naveen, Belle and the Beast, and Cinderella and Prince Charming. Coco leads its float with Miguel, his bright guitar, and the vibrant spirit guide Pepita crossing the marigold bridge. Moana sails through the parade on a massive glowing wave accompanied by Hei Hei, Pua, and Grandma Tala as a manta ray. Peter Pan and Wendy once again fly above the London rooftops on suspended cables, not to mention Tinker Bell casting pixie dust everywhere she goes. The final float features Casey Jr. from Dumbo, the original locomotive carrying Goofy, Pluto, Donald, Daisy, Snow White, Dopey, Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Aladdin, Jasmine, and finally Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their new star-themed costumes. Together, they close out both the parade and a trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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Parades illuminate Disney experience

June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

A highlight of any visit to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is the parades. I had premium viewing spots for the Festival of Fantasy Parade, which I saw twice—once on my own and once with my daughter. The best experience, of course, was seeing it with Bella. Two characters even came up to the handicap rope to shake my hand: Prince Philip from Sleeping Beauty and Bashful from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. “There’s a big dragon back there,” Prince Philip told me. “I hope that you will help me vanquish it.” “It would be my honor, sir,” I told him. The Festival of Fantasy Parade starts with the 50-foot Floral Princess Garden float, which includes rotating turntables to ensure that every guest has a great view of the royal couples led by Cinderella, Tiana, Belle, Anna, and Elsa, along with their princes. The Tangled float is a 36-foot pirate-style longship featuring Rapunzel and Flynn Rider and complete with a swinging wooden pendulum that carries the dastardly thugs over the parade route. Next, The Little Mermaid float is designed like a giant kinetic seashell music box in which Ariel rides atop a colorful school of dancing fish below her. The Peter Pan ship includes a flying Peter Pan and Wendy suspended by wire cables as the Jolly Roger soars 28 feet above the street. Captain Hook swings from a dangling anchor while being chased by the giant crocodile as he attempts to attack Peter Pan. The Brave float includes a ship inspired by the Scottish Highlands carrying Merida and her triplet brothers in their bear forms. Sleeping Beauty’s float is a 53-foot-long, 26-foot-tall steampunk-inspired Maleficent dragon built on an articulating chassis that moves fluidly and breathes real fire as Prince Philip battles it on foot. The parade culminates with the Mickey and Minnie float, a 90-foot caravan of characters including Pinocchio, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the Mad Hatter. Mickey and Minnie sit high above the crowd in a 32-foot hot air balloon surrounded by the dancing hippos from Fantasia. Bella and I also had the privilege of meeting the Mad Hatter and Alice from Alice in Wonderland, who told us about the parade and encouraged us to be sure to catch it. The Mad Hatter also said that he was preparing a tea party for the Queen of Hearts and was planning to paint the teacups red. He wanted to invite all of us to the tea party, especially me since I was wearing red. When I told him that red was my favorite color, he became very excited and said that I would fit in perfectly. Meeting Peter Pan and Wendy was another genuine thrill for me. Bella, Emily, and I met Peter Pan on our second day at the Magic Kingdom, and it was just the lift our spirits needed. “Thank you for coming and sharing your happy thoughts with us,” Peter Pan said to me. “It’s been my honor to meet you,” I replied. “You have given us the happy thoughts we needed for today.” We also enjoyed meeting the wicked stepsisters from Cinderella, Anastasia and Drizella. Though they were not nearly as wicked in person as they are in the film, I did ask Anastasia if she was still seeing the baker from Cinderella II: Dreams Come True, which depicts the redemption of one of the evil stepsisters. “Yes,” she whispered, “but don’t tell my mother. I’ll never be able to marry him because he’s not rich.” They also reported to me that Lucifer the cat was doing well, but that Bruno the dog and the mice had left the castle since Cinderella’s departure with Prince Charming following the wedding. Wendy from Peter Pan was also kind enough to tell me that Nana, the Saint Bernard, was doing very well and that her younger brothers, Michael and John, were still having fun portraying Peter Pan and Captain Hook in playful battles in the nursery. Peter Pan told me that Nana still jumps on him to play games but does not chomp at his shadow as she did in the original film. Meeting Donald and Daisy was also a genuine thrill, as Donald is a favorite character of both of the girls. They were dressed in their circus attire as fortune tellers, and Daisy looked beautiful in her colorful costume. I reminded Donald what a lucky guy he was to have such a beautiful lady as Daisy. After all, it was 16 years ago that I found Emily, my equivalent of Daisy. I also reminded him not to lose his temper around her and to do everything he could to keep her happy, a promise he assured me he would keep. I assured him that we were all very big fans of his and thought he deserved a chance to be Disney’s number one star. In terms of classic shows, one of Walt Disney World’s original attractions featuring Sherman Brothers music was Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. These beautifully colorful Audio-Animatronic birds provided a fantastic musical show and even a pre-show featuring two birds, one of which was voiced by one of Disney’s original great voice actors, Sebastian Cabot, best known as the narrator of the Winnie the Pooh films and as Bagheera the panther in The Jungle Book. These vintage presentations, which came directly from the mind of Walt Disney, are among the most important attractions to me. Even though they may appear dated to some, the nostalgia and brilliance of Walt Disney are evident in every aspect of them. Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and its famous theme song are prime examples of this. Stay tuned for our final jaunt into the Magic Kingdom—and Walt Disney World as a whole.

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Magic Kingdom lives up to its name

June 11, 2026June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Before I get into the first of our three-day adventure at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, I should mention the fantastic resort at which we stayed. This is the first—and probably only—time we will stay in a deluxe resort, but the Yacht Club provided us with a stay my family and I will never forget. My daughter is now more interested in lazing around the pool with her mom than chasing characters with me, so this was the perfect place to do just that. We had access to the best pool of any Disney property, and we enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Ale & Compass Restaurant almost immediately upon our arrival at Disney World on Sunday, May 31. Three of us enjoyed excellent New York strip steaks, while my sister enjoyed a decadent-looking pasta dish and my brother-in-law had a scrumptious-looking pork chop. Although we were not able to experience Animal Kingdom due to an ankle injury suffered by my wife, we are grateful that she was able to rent a scooter in time to enjoy the rest of the trip. We are also grateful to the resort for agreeing to mail Emily her phone when it was discovered that she had left it there after we had already departed for the airport on Sunday, June 7. Although they could not return her bank card by mail, we are thankful they informed us that she had left that behind as well so we could make proper arrangements for a replacement. Despite not being able to enjoy the amenities of Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, we did visit Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge and enjoy the beautiful wildlife, which included three giraffes, an ostrich, and two zebras. However, it was the Magic Kingdom that proved to be our dream home and the center of everything magical about our vacation this year. We kicked things off with our annual visit to Mickey, where I told him of our first meeting in 1999. I had broken my nose on the pavement of the Florida Welcome Center on the way in, and my father and mother had brought my sister and me to meet him. Now that my father was gone, a meeting with my hero felt more like a magical necessity than at any other point in my life. It felt as though he knew this and signed in Bella’s autograph book, “You are the magic.” This was after I had told him that his brand of magic could cure even the worst type of blues. In reality, it is only my mother who is capable of this. She is the reason we were able to take this trip as a family and enjoy all the luxuries that came with it. This trip to the Magic Kingdom also gave me a sense of independence that I have never felt before. As a disabled 41-year-old man, I am very seldom comfortable being alone, let alone navigating a place like Disney World. The Magic Kingdom was so accessible that I was able to see Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress on my own. Originally designed by Walt Disney for the 1964 New York World’s Fair to showcase the progress of technology since the turn of the 20th century, the classic 20-minute rotating production highlights the technological advances experienced by the average American family from the 1900s to the 1920s, then the 1940s, and finally the turn of the millennium. The iconic song, There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow, was written by the award-winning songwriting team of Robert and Richard Sherman, who supplied much of the music for Disney’s classic films in the 1960s and 1970s. Carousel of Progress holds the record as the longest-running stage show in the history of American theater. I was thrilled to be able to see it before its upcoming refurbishment, which will remove much of the originality that Walt Disney himself placed into the attraction. I was also happy that my family was able to join me for The Hall of Presidents, a show that we never miss on any visit to Walt Disney World. This was my father’s favorite attraction at Disney World, and I really missed having him around when we attended that particular show. Another family favorite of ours is Mickey’s PhilharMagic. That program has been rumored to be removed from Disney World almost since its debut in 2003, and I was thrilled to see that it was still around. As Mickey is my favorite character of all time, I love anything centered around the mouse that started it all. We also enjoyed the Country Bear Musical Jamboree as a family, one of the few original attractions remaining from the opening day of Walt Disney World in 1971. Although it has undergone some modernized changes of its own, including having the Country Bears perform classic Disney songs from films such as The Jungle Book and The Little Mermaid, it remains as enjoyable and lovable as ever. You can never visit Walt Disney World without taking a ride on it’s a small world, which now features a brand-new verse added by Richard M. Sherman shortly before his death on May 25, 2024, at the age of 95. The new verse provides a lesson to us all: “Mother Earth unites us in heart and mind, and the love we give makes us humankind. Through our vast, wondrous land, when we stand hand in hand, it’s a small world after all.” Like his boss, Walt Disney, what an incredible message Mr. Sherman left us with before departing this world. I feel very gratified to have heard the verse in person myself in one of the few rides that can be experienced entirely from your own wheelchair. That wheelchair needed to be charged by the end of the day, and I am truly grateful that I was able to watch the Happily Ever After fireworks spectacular with a perfect view from my charging spot. The only way to…

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios provide ‘Fantasmic’ entertainment

June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always been a favorite park of mine, second only to the Magic Kingdom. The tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood is truly the only way I would want to visit the real Tinseltown. On this particular day, I had the blessing of enjoying some one-on-one time with my mother. We saw the spectacular new Disney villain show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, together. The 18-minute interactive stage show, hosted by the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, allows the audience to pick which villain is the most misunderstood between three live portrayals: Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians, Captain Hook from Peter Pan, and Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty. Like most of the people waiting in line to see the show, many felt that Maleficent would emerge victorious. They were correct. Through the many mirrors across and surrounding the stage, we see numerous other villains from the many Disney films that have been created over the last century. It was a real thrill to watch this show with my mother from the front row, as she has always been a particularly big fan of the villains. We also had the opportunity to watch the outstanding Walt Disney documentary One Man’s Dream. The 15-minute film, narrated by the original Mary Poppins, Julie Andrews, features rare audio commentary from Walt Disney in his own words. It details his humble beginnings and the extraordinary hardships he overcame, including the loss of the rights to his early characters such as Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, and the dramatic story of how he brought Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom to life. Prior to seeing the film, we were able to walk through a gallery that included more than 400 rotating artifacts from the Disney Archives, including original models, toys, animation artwork, and movie props, all of which track the evolution of The Walt Disney Company. There were no rides I could personally experience because of my disability at Hollywood Studios. Therefore, it was my job to concentrate on all the shows and offerings of that nature. Thankfully for me, there were plenty of those. Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Animation offered a 12-minute nighttime spectacular utilizing state-of-the-art projections that transform the façade of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre into a full-fledged movie screen carrying viewers through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation. Broken into six themes—magic, family, adventure, villains, love, and friendship—the program features everything from classic hand-drawn films like Steamboat Willie to modern Pixar smashes like Coco and Frozen. It includes a variety of amazing light displays and a brief fireworks presentation that keeps you captivated throughout the entire show. It is the perfect precursor to the 25-minute Fantasmic! spectacular, which is presented on water screens created by fountains, mist, and lasers. With Mickey fast asleep, he dreams of being the powerful Sorcerer’s Apprentice from Fantasia, using the power of his imagination to control music, water, colors, and magic. When his dream is interrupted by a nightmare of Disney villains, he must overcome his deepest fears and defeat evil to prove that dreams are worth pursuing and that good always conquers evil. This is a very emotional show that is so good it almost makes you want to cry. Huge projections are cast onto walls of dancing mist and water screens featuring dozens of live costumed dancers, pirates, and characters performing on stage and aboard moving boats, complete with sword fights and acrobatics of all kinds. The special effects include dazzling pyrotechnics, lasers, fire effects, and giant floats, with different boats featuring classic characters, film clips, and music from movies such as Fantasia, The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, The Little Mermaid, and more modern films like Moana and Encanto. The show delivers a message to dreamers of all ages that we have the power to control our own destiny and the choice of whether we pursue good or evil within our lives. My family and I also enjoyed a classic that has been part of our Walt Disney World trips for the past 27 years: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. Though it has grown progressively shorter over the years, it remains magical and enthralling for viewers of all ages. Emily, Bella, and I attempted to have a second day at Hollywood Studios, something we had never done before. However, when Emily was rudely interrupted by a cast member while trying to get Goofy’s autograph, my wife was reduced to tears and decided to move our day to the Magic Kingdom. We were happy to do so, and that truly made the day better. Emily was told by two different cast members that it was up to Goofy whether or not he would provide an autograph. When she asked Goofy himself, as directed, the cast member rudely informed her that they were in the middle of an experience telling jokes. Even though she did not have the cast member’s name when she made the complaint, she wanted it known, as do I, that this has been the only time in years of visiting Walt Disney World that we have ever been treated rudely. Even though nothing can be done about it now, we would never do anything to impede the experience of a child at Disney World. We would have been happy to wait until the interaction was finished, but the juvenile reprimand from the cast member upset my wife to the point that she did not want to return to Hollywood Studios. Thank God our three remaining days at the Magic Kingdom brought much more happiness. Stay tuned to hear about those.

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Cooley family returns to EPCOT

June 11, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

My fifth trip to Walt Disney World, my third as a father, and the first without my father on this Earth proved to be the most difficult trip I have ever endured during the first week of June. However, there were too many magical moments to dwell on the difficult parts. Suffice it to say that it is just becoming too hard to grow older and travel with a disability. Nevertheless, our first day in Walt Disney World took place at Epcot. We enjoyed a character dining experience at the Garden Grill, which offered a fantastic breakfast: scrambled eggs, bacon, cheesy potatoes, sliced steak, cinnamon bread with caramel glaze, and the one delicacy no breakfast at Disney would be complete without—Mickey waffles. My mother was kind enough not only to pick up the tab for the $60-per-person breakfast, but to pay for the entire trip. She is the true Mickey Mouse of my life, one whose generosity knows no bounds and the one person who can make magic happen out of the worst situations. I’m so happy that my sister and her husband were able to join us on this trip from Charleston, South Carolina. The loss of my father last October left a huge hole in the trip, as I believe he was trying very hard to hang on so that he could join us. I know he was there in spirit and that he was responsible for some magical things that happened on the trip, not to mention our safety to and from home. Our Garden Grill breakfast would have been something he truly would have enjoyed. He and I were the only two members of the family who really loved breakfast food, and one of the things I missed most about this trip was not being able to have breakfast with my dad. Mom, Bella, Emily, and I enjoyed our breakfast in the company of Mickey Mouse in his brightly colored overalls, as well as Chip, Dale, and Pluto. They were all wonderful and brightened our day considerably, as only Disney characters are able to do. After the meal, Bella and I met with Mickey again at Epcot, as well as Minnie and Goofy. In meeting with Mickey, I asked him the same question I always do: Did he know of any good property in Walt Disney World for my family and me to live? He pointed to Spaceship Earth, suggesting that I could live in the giant ball that serves as the emblem of Epcot. I could definitely get used to that. I also enjoyed riding The Seas with Nemo & Friends, despite the fact that the 45-minute wait took more than an hour before we boarded the seven-minute ride. Still, it is a favorite of mine, and every Disney ride could be its own movie. This one, for example, serves as a sequel to Finding Nemo, in which Nemo is lost again and his father, Dory, and all their friends embark on an undersea journey to find him. Two rides that I exceptionally enjoyed at Epcot were Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Both were favorite experiences. After enjoying lunch at the San Angel Inn Restaurante, a favorite Mexican dining spot that we have enjoyed throughout all of our Disney trips over the last 27 years, I was finally able to board the wheelchair-accessible Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. This ride represents an all-time favorite film of Bella’s and mine, and riding it together through a virtual tour of Mexico—including the Mayan pyramids and vibrant beaches—was a wonderful experience. We viewed whimsical blends of live-action travel footage and classic hand-drawn animation as we searched for Donald Duck with José Carioca and Panchito Pistoles. Donald, of course, spends his time wandering around Mexican tourist attractions, taking photographs and enjoying the sights. The finale features Audio-Animatronic figures of the Three Caballeros performing their original theme song. Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure was a fantastic ride as well, even though there were more twists and turns than I expected. Knowing that a fast-paced attraction such as this can be made fully wheelchair accessible leads me to believe that any ride in Walt Disney World could be made accessible with the proper effort. The four-dimensional ride shrinks you to the size of a rat and guides you through Chef Gusteau’s famous Paris restaurant as you help Remy prepare his masterful meal. You travel through giant physical sets and massive screens that make you feel as though you are on a roller coaster, even though you are not. You can feel the heat from burning ovens and even get splashed with sprays of champagne during the adventure. I also thoroughly enjoyed Reflections of China, a 360-degree documentary that showcases panoramic views of the wonders of China. Narrated by an actor portraying the ancient Chinese poet Li Bai, viewers are taken on a tour of the Chinese countryside and historic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and scenes from Hunan, Guilin, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. The 2003 film is soon to be replaced by an updated version. I was glad to see this one before it disappears forever. In addition to the six characters I mentioned earlier, Bella was able to meet Rabbit from Winnie the Pooh, and the two lady mice from Cinderella, Suzy and Perla. While we did not break our record of three dozen character meet-and-greets this time, twenty-three is not a bad number. I am most thankful to have spent the day with my sister. Our childhoods are highlighted by two trips to Disney World, and we had a great time reminiscing about the past and being grateful for our consistently close relationship throughout our lives. We laughed and cried over memories of our dad, which was a great help to me. I am very thankful for her. Stay tuned next week to hear about our adventure at Disney’s Hollywood…

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Big Walker Lookout launches 80th season

June 9, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

When I came to know Ron Kime, I had just begun my career with this column in its infancy. Now, here I am more than two decades later, interviewing the man who, at one point, had a Wythe County amusement park that was the third-largest attraction in the state of Virginia with Dry Gulch Junction in the 1970s. Along with Ron himself, I interviewed Becky Helton, who performed as a singing showgirl in the Western attraction along with her sister, Caroline. It wasn’t until recent years that I found out Becky and I were actually cousins. She orchestrates the annual Cooley Reunion for my descendants every August at our family’s resting place in Galax, the Coal Creek Community Cemetery. Dave Vaught became a nationally touring magician after his work at Dry Gulch Junction and became a professional mentor to Eddie Armbrister, a Wytheville native who became a nationally touring magician himself. David Monaghan was the original marshal of Dry Gulch Junction and remains a friend of mine to this day. These four interviews were some of the first major columns I ever completed. Since then, I have completed the first draft of a Western novel based on Dry Gulch Junction. Other than my wife, Ron is the only person to have read the novel from cover to cover as it exists today. Although it needs a great deal of work before it can be released, my friend couldn’t have been kinder about the story that is dedicated to him. “It is awesome,” he stated. “You’ve put quite a twist on it, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.” Of course, Dry Gulch Junction would never have happened without the genius and forethought of his father, Stuart Kime, who built the original Big Walker Lookout Tower and Big Walker Country Store eight decades ago. At 85, Ron still admired his father like no one else. “He left us early,” he lamented. “But he did more in his lifetime than most people who live a lot longer than he did.” Through a love of trains, Stuart Kime found a Shay locomotive that would be equipped to travel through the mountains. He purchased the legendary train and intended to build a theme park around it. Unfortunately, just as construction was nearing completion, Stuart Kime passed away at the age of 64 in 1972. Dry Gulch Junction would open the following fall. Ron met a man in Pocahontas who was tearing down genuine old storefronts. He convinced him to dismantle the buildings in a nonconventional way that left the fronts intact. “We were both too poor to do the job right,” Ron recalled. “I loaned him my truck to haul the lumber off and leave me with the storefronts here in Wytheville, and then I would buy the lumber from him.” That exchange was how Dry Gulch Junction was built. “It worked really well,” he remembered. “We had a good partnership going for a long time.” Though the monumental success of Dry Gulch Junction was eventually overpowered by tragedy, Ron says the attraction’s success was more the realization of a long-term goal than a surprise. “We put all our hopes and dreams into that place, and we were very happy that it turned out well,” he stated. “Today, however, we would never be able to afford country and western entertainers of the caliber that we had at Dry Gulch Junction in the 1970s.” Jim “Ed” Brown, Helen Cornelius and Dottie West drew as many as 3,500 people every weekend to the Wytheville tourist attraction until 1981, when every weekend was met with torrential downpours. It was a financial blow from which the park could never recover. Dry Gulch Junction closed permanently in 1982. It was reopened as Virginia City in 1999 when Jeanne Davis and Michael Hill, a couple from Greensboro, North Carolina, invested millions of dollars into renovating the vandalized buildings and saving the park. After 10 years and millions of dollars spent, Michael died following an ATV accident, forcing the property to be sold and the buildings to be permanently demolished. Despite that tragedy, along with many others throughout the course of Dry Gulch Junction’s history, Big Walker Lookout has remained the oldest scenic attraction in the state of Virginia and one of its most successful, operating continuously for 80 years as a family-owned business. Ron Kime happily operated the business himself until he officially retired at age 75 a decade ago. His daughter, Heather, oversees the current operations of the business, while his son, Michael, manages the construction and maintenance of the Big Walker properties. The first week of May kicked off the current season at Big Walker Lookout, which hosts artisans of all types and a series of old-time musicians every weekend through October. Big Walker Lookout has achieved notable status as a Crooked Road music venue and is recognized by the Virginia Is for Lovers state tourism program. “I have lived and worked in the greatest place and with the greatest people that I could have ever encountered in my life,” he stated. “I could not feel more blessed or be prouder of the work that has been done over the decades here.” Despite being born in Dallas, Texas, while his father was in the military, Stuart and Abigail Kime moved their family to the Wythe-Bland county line when Ron was just 5 years old. After eight decades, he has never looked back. “I am a Virginian,” he stated proudly. “I am a native of both Wythe and Bland County.” Looking back, Ron sums up his life with his most famous catchphrase: “Wonderful and marvelous.”

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Wife memorializes father, grandfather with historic heirloom

June 9, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

On February 11, my wife lost her father. Within four months, my daughter lost both of her grandfathers. Both were servants of their country. My father-in-law served in the Navy, just as his father had done. As a World War II veteran, my wife’s grandfather left behind a rare piece of history. The one item my wife wanted from her father’s belongings was a copy of the diary her grandfather left behind. Thanks to the generosity of John Long of the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, we have it. Bear in mind that keeping a diary was prohibited during wartime, making this artifact a true historical gem. Paul William Krug’s World War II diary offers a deeply personal look at the daily life of an American serviceman during wartime. Written in brief but vivid entries, the diary follows Krug as he leaves home, travels by train to military staging areas, and eventually boards a convoy bound for the Atlantic Theater in 1944. Rather than focusing on grand military events, the diary captures the uncertainty, routine, and quiet determination that defined life for so many young soldiers. As the journey unfolds, Krug records the long days aboard ship, rough seas, changing weather, and the constant movement from one assignment to another. He writes about crowded conditions, meals, conversations with fellow servicemen, and the endless waiting that often accompanied military operations. At times, the entries reflect fatigue and homesickness, but they also reveal humor and resilience as the men adjusted to life far from home. The diary also documents his arrival overseas, where unfamiliar landscapes and historic surroundings contrasted sharply with the realities of war. Krug notes seeing castles, coastal towns, and military camps while continuing through training and preparation. Though many entries are simple observations about weather, work details, and daily routines, together they create a powerful portrait of a young American experiencing extraordinary events in real time. In the days leading up to D-Day, Paul W. Krug and his crew prepared relentlessly for the invasion of Normandy. They loaded rockets, ammunition, ambulances, jeeps, and other supplies aboard their ship while learning they would land on the northern coast of France near Colleville. Rough seas and stormy weather added to the tension as Allied forces assembled for the assault. Early on June 6, 1944, Krug and his crew approached Omaha Beach under heavy bombardment from Allied warships and aircraft. Their mission was to support amphibious tanks by firing rockets at German positions near the shore. Enemy fire was intense, and rough water caused several tanks to sink before reaching land. Krug helped rescue survivors from the water while German 88s shelled their position. In the days that followed, Krug witnessed the enormous difficulties of securing the beachhead, including mines, damaged vessels, and constant shelling inland. Despite the danger and exhaustion, he and his crew continued their duties before finally returning to Portland on June 10 to clean equipment and rest. Like his father, David Paul Krug served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1974. My father-in-law was a corpsman. When he passed away, my wife was not afforded an opportunity to eulogize her dad. So, I wanted to give her that opportunity in this column. Of the few happy memories Emily could extract from her childhood, most involve her father. She recalled him setting up her Little People Town buildings, ready for her to play with after church. He played Santa Claus at Rose’s Department Store in Pulaski, where Emily proudly served as his elf. “I felt so special,” she said. “He loved Christmas.” Another time Emily felt special was when he sat her on a table, carefully combed her long blonde hair, and took her picture. It was one of the few times in her life that she felt truly beautiful. She recalls playing school in church classrooms while her dad prepared his sermons and going to McDonald’s for Happy Meals. By the time Emily became a teenager, he introduced her to the music of the ’60s, including Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Johnny Cash, all of whom became lifelong favorites. In particular, they shared a lifelong love of The Beatles. “Their music served as a tonic for my frequent depressive episodes,” Emily reflected. “We would take rides and jam out to these incredible artists while talking about whatever popped into our heads.” Their bond continued into Emily’s adulthood, when she would visit him frequently to discuss movies and music over coffee and dessert. “I still haven’t accepted his death,” she admits. “I still want to call and check on him and discuss the latest Beatle solo efforts.” In summary, Emily wants her father to be remembered as a loving, kind, smart, and funny man. “He was and will remain my first love,” she says. “I know he is with me in ways he couldn’t be on this Earth.” Just after his passing, Emily came across Firefall’s “Just Remember I Love You” and believes her dad sent the song to her from beyond. She says the sentiments expressed in its lyrics are the same ones she returns to him with undying devotion. “Just remember I love you and it’ll be alright,” they state. “Just remember I love you more than words can say.”

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SNL veteran plays Wytheville

May 25, 2026 Zach Cooley No Comments

Saturday Night Live veteran Tim Meadows finally made it to Wytheville to entertain a sold-out crowd at the Millwald Theatre on Saturday, May 23, after rescheduling from last August to film the one and only season of the sitcom DMV. The 65-year-old Detroit native entertained the audience for 49 of the 90 minutes the three-act show offered the crowd of 500. The rest of the show was filled by Charlotte comedienne Carol Tyner and Louisville comic Mandee McKelvey, both of whom delivered 20-minute sets. If the material offered by the openers was considered for mature audiences, the headliner topped them all in terms of both laughs and vulgarity. You really feel like “Parent of the Year” when you are warned by two members of the theater staff, as you sit next to your 12-year-old daughter, that the evening’s comedy is for mature audiences. At that point, the ticket had already been purchased, and nothing could be done. Bella insisted on seeing the show, with high hopes of meeting Principal DuVall from 2004’s Mean Girls and its 2024 sequel. While Meadows offered no formal meet-and-greets, my daughter insisted on checking the back alley on our way out. Lo and behold, she and my wife, Emily, found him and asked for a picture. He agreed, as long as they made it quick. I had planned to stay out of the way, but the 10-year SNL veteran insisted on taking the photo with me as well. My friend from West Virginia, Andrew Church, a lifelong SNL fan, snapped the photo for us. Bella’s night was made, at the risk of us being reported. It is a sad commentary to learn that the words heard within the halls of her middle school were not much milder. We were all honored to meet our second comedy legend this month and appreciate his graciousness toward us. While still very funny, Meadows was clearly not happy to have landed in Charlotte and made the rainy two-hour commute to Wytheville, but being a divorced dad required him to make the date. “I remember telling my mom when I was a kid that I wanted to be a comedian, travel the world, and play Wytheville,” he led off. “If I had Will Ferrell’s career, I would be flying over you to an airport in the same state as the gig I’m playing.” Nevertheless, he expressed gratitude to the audience for coming to his show. “I realize you had many other entertainment options tonight,” he quipped. “You could have gone to Big Lots.” Meadows also mentioned the difficulties of being divorced. “You all didn’t know it was child-support night here at the Millwald,” he joked. “I appreciate your help.” The Ladies Man star spoke of his most recent—albeit brief—tryst since ending his marriage. “That’s my only Lindsay Lohan story,” he said at the end, which drew roars from the audience. “I actually made a Netflix movie with her called Our Little Secret.” According to Meadows, the real secret of the film was a bad script and a desire to pay the bills. “There were misspellings in the script,” he revealed. “I love money.” He explained how Black celebrities always support one another. “We even looked at O.J. Simpson as that crazy uncle who might have killed a couple of people,” he said. “If you don’t believe me, explain how Tyler Perry is a billionaire and not one of those dollars came from anyone in this audience tonight.” Yet, no matter how bad a Perry movie might be, Meadows says his African American peers will see it. “Tyler will have a boom mic so far in the shot, you wonder if the sound man had a stroke,” he jested. “Yet, we will go watch Madea’s Star Wars.” Meadows also took some hilarious jabs at Donald Trump, with which he closed the show. Speaking of the 2020 debate between him and Joe Biden, Meadows compared the current president’s “they’re eating the cats and dogs” rant to a bad Bill Cosby impersonation. “You had the one who could barely speak versus the one who spoke too much,” Meadows assessed. “When you see Trump talk, he’s either doing an impersonation of Regis Philbin, Christopher Walken, or Rodney Dangerfield.” As for his openers, Tyner also couldn’t resist indirectly jumping on the Trump bandwagon. As a never-married, childless 35-year-old woman with a Chinese boyfriend, she noted that living in the South is difficult. “While people are telling me not to worry about it with their mouths,” Tyner stated, “they are looking at me like a grocery store that just lost power.” “This administration should love my IUD,” the North Carolinian said. “It keeps millions of Asians out every day. It’s the ultimate border patrol.” McKelvey was too up in arms with the middle-aged woes of womanhood to be bothered with politics. “No one told me that, after 40, I would become homicidal for no reason,” she lamented. “I dream of killing just to see the life drain out of something.” She also added that, no matter how smart she may be, everyone will always presume she is stupid because of her thick Kentucky drawl. “You don’t know what it’s like being born with a mullet stuck in your throat,” she said. “I could be up here in a white lab coat giving a TED Talk, but all you’re ever going to hear is NASCAR.”

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