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Author: Alfredo Casuso

SMURFS: THE ADVENTURE To Open in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf Spring 2025

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media contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc. / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

SMURFS: THE ADVENTURE To Open in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf Spring 2025

Former Wax Museum Space to Host All-Ages Interactive Adventure to Coincide with Release of New Smurf’s Film Starring Rihanna

19 December 2024 — SAN FRANCISCO, CA.  Forget painting the town red, come spring 2025, San Francisco will be painted immersive shades of BLUE as a brand new all-ages interactive adventure transports delighted fans into the forested world of The Smurfs!  Help Papa, Smurfette, and the rest of the gang defend the village from Gargamel and Azrael through exciting challenges, games, and interactive experiences in a state-of-the-art installation. Smurfs: The Adventure is a brand-new experience from SEE Global Entertainment in association with The Smurfs, having its grand premiere in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf in the former Wax Museum space. An exact date for the opening will be announced in early January.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with The Smurfs and our esteemed partners on this state-of-the-art attraction,” said Martin Biallas, CEO of SEE Global Entertainment. “Smurfs has been an inspiration to countless individuals across multiple generations, and this attraction will give fans of all ages the opportunity to dive into the blue world of The Smurfs in a way never-before-experienced. We can’t wait to see the excitement and joy it brings to visitors.”

SEE Global Entertainment, a leader in the entertainment industry, brings invaluable expertise in creating and managing unforgettable attractions.

Smurfs: The Adventure consists of ten different physical interactive experiences centered around a main hub of Smurfs Village. Guests are transported through a bioluminescent tunnel into the Smurfs Village, brought to life with beautiful and magical lanterns in the shape of mushrooms and trees, with a complete day and night lighting package that cycles throughout their 90-minute experience. From the village guests can drive recycling vehicles and clean the forest with Recycle Smurf, build their dream garden with projection mapped “magic” sand with Gardener Smurf, drum on magical mushrooms in the garden to create upbeat happy tones with Harmony Smurf, whip up potions with Papa Smurf, paint your masterpiece with Painter Smurf, play games in the Smurf gym with Sporty Smurf, solve puzzles with Brainy Smurf, learn the bells and whistles of the village with Handy Smurf, and of course help the Smurfs escape the evil clutches of Gargamel and Azrael.

“The internationally beloved brand of The Smurfs is a moment of blue fun for locals and visitors to San Francisco,” said Rodney Fong, president of Fong Real Estate, owners of the iconic Wharf site. “In addition to this Smurf Blue Wave of joy, our partnership with SEE Global Entertainment promises to lift the economic hopes and realities of all our Fisherman’s Wharf businesses.”

“I can’t wait to discover the world of the Smurfs in an immersive and interactive experience that will leave visitors spellbound,” said Veronique Culliford, Founder, Founder and President of IMPS Licensing and daughter of Smurfs creator Peyo. “I have every confidence in our partner SEE Global Entertainment, who has a great reputation in terms of both organization and creativity. I’m really excited about this wonderful project and delighted to be taking part with my dedicated team.”

IMPS Licensing, which is now known as the Peyo Company, has a mission of spreading the world of Peyo to the people of all cultures to develop the love for and notoriety of the characters through generations and time. As they like to say: The SMURFS have been building happiness since 1958.

“The Smurfs Brand is a global phenomenon that has been entertaining kids, young and old, in more than 55 countries. We’re excited to bring this amazing brand-new Smurfs experience to Fisherman’s Wharf,” said Taryn Hoppe, Board President of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District. “With hands-on activities from obstacle courses and interactive adventures to Smurf character meet-and-greets, the universal appeal of these beloved characters and their six-decade legacy of bringing joy to families makes this a perfect addition to our neighborhood’s attractions.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome this brand-new permanent attraction to the Wharf,” said Biallas.  “We’re looking forward to opening this and promoting the summer release of Paramount’s The Smurfs Movie, featuring original music from Rihanna as the voice of Smurfette.”

About SEE® Global Entertainment:
SEE® Global Entertainment is part of the SEE® family of companies representing the finest in themed entertainment specializing in global touring exhibitions including Star Trek, King Tut, Titanic, The X-Files, Asterix, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jackson, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, Hot Wheels, The Smurfs, and the Museum of Failure. For more information on SEE® Global Entertainment, visit www.seeglobalentertainment.com.  SEE® is led by President Martin Biallas, a Hollywood veteran of 30 years. For more info visit:www.seeglobalentertainment.com and www.martinbiallas.com.

http://www.smurfstheadventure.com/

About The Smurfs™/ Peyo Company:
Blue and cute, standing only three apples high, the Smurfs value team spirit, loyalty, optimism, fun and respect for nature. They might be hard to tell apart at first, however, each Smurf has his or her own particularity. They live in a village full of mushroom-shaped houses, hidden in the heart of a magic forest where few people venture to go. Born in a comic book in 1958, Peyo’s little blue characters have been spreading happiness and entertaining kids and families for generations. The Smurfs animated series (2021) is airing worldwide on Nickelodeon and is available on Netflix. A new Smurfs movie produced and distributed by Paramount Pictures/Nickelodeon Animation and starring Rihanna as Smurfette has been recently announced with a summer 2025 worldwide theatrical release.

About Fisherman’s Wharf:
Known around the world for its fishing fleet, family-friendly entertainment options, colony of sea lions, iconic SkyStar Ferris Wheel, ferries to Sausalito and Alcatraz and iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is a thriving and vibrant local neighborhood and commercial area. Home to world-class dining, shopping, hotels and endless entertainment opportunities, the Wharf is truly the place to start your San Francisco experience. 

Breanna Sinclairé, de San Francisco, faz sua estreia sul-americana no Festival Virtuosi em Recife, Brasil, em 14 de dezembro

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Breanna Sinclairé, de San Francisco, faz sua estreia sul-americana no Festival Virtuosi em Recife, Brasil, em 14 de dezembro

Contato para a mídia:

David Perry & Associates, Inc

(415) 676-7007

news@davidperry.com

Screenshot

Breanna Sinclairé, de San Francisco, faz sua estreia sul-americana no Festival Virtuosi em Recife, Brasil, em 14 de dezembro

Soprano trans pioneira destaca a diversidade e a arte da ópera americana no XXVI Festival Virtuosi Rafael Garcia

10 de dezembro de 2024 – San Francisco, CA: A aclamada soprano Breanna Sinclairé, celebrada por suas conquistas inovadoras e apresentações internacionais, fará sua tão esperada estreia sul-americana no XXVI Festival Virtuosi Rafael Garcia, que ocorre de 11 a 15 de dezembro de 2024, em Recife, Brasil.

Conhecida por sua carreira histórica, voz poderosa e capacidade de se conectar com públicos ao redor do mundo, a apresentação de Sinclairé destaca o compromisso do Festival Virtuosi com o diálogo cultural e a excelência musical.

Natural de Baltimore e graduada pelo Conservatório de Música de San Francisco, Sinclairé fez história como a primeira mulher trans a concluir o prestigiado programa de ópera da instituição. Além de seus papéis célebres em Carmen, A Flauta Mágica, L’enfant et les sortilèges e West Side Story, Sinclairé se apresentou em cidades importantes como San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Berlim, Amsterdã e Toronto, cativando audiências internacionais com sua arte. Ela também apareceu em redes nacionais de televisão nos Estados Unidos, incluindo United Shades of America da CNN com W. Kamau Bell e a transmissão nacional True Colors da PBS. Sinclairé foi a primeira cantora trans a interpretar o hino nacional dos Estados Unidos em um grande evento esportivo profissional, durante um jogo do Oakland As em 2015.

“A música transcende fronteiras, oferecendo-nos uma linguagem universal de expressão e conexão,” disse Sinclairé. “Apresentar-me no Festival Virtuosi não é apenas uma honra, mas um sonho realizado — trazer minha história, minha voz e meu coração ao Brasil. Estou emocionada em compartilhar a tradição do festival de celebrar a música como uma força que nos une.”

Fundado em 1998, o Festival Virtuosi continua sendo uma pedra angular da cena musical clássica do Brasil, oferecendo concertos gratuitos, masterclasses e programas educacionais em todo o estado de Pernambuco. O festival tem recebido artistas renomados, promovendo intercâmbio cultural e incentivando a educação musical.

“O Festival Virtuosi sempre celebrou o talento artístico de todo o mundo,” afirmou a cofundadora do Festival e pianista Ana Lúcia Altino. “Estamos honrados em receber Breanna Sinclairé, cujo talento, história e voz inspirarão e ressoarão com o público, enriquecendo o cenário cultural do Brasil.”

Embora seja uma celebração poderosa da música e da arte, a apresentação de Sinclairé em Recife também é reconhecida por sua importância como um exemplo de diplomacia cultural.

Sobre o Festival Virtuosi Rafael Garcia:

Estabelecido em 1998, o Festival Virtuosi Rafael Garcia é um dos principais eventos de música clássica do Brasil, destacando talentos nacionais e internacionais e promovendo a educação musical e a apreciação cultural. Para mais informações sobre o Festival Virtuosi e sua programação, visite https://www.festivalvirtuosi.com.br.

San Francisco’s Breanna Sinclairé Makes South American Debut at the Virtuosi Festival in Recife

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media contact:

David Perry & Associates, Inc

(415) 676-7007

news@davidperry.com

San Francisco’s Breanna Sinclairé Makes South American Debut at the Virtuosi Festival in Recife, Brazil December 14

Trailblazing Transgender soprano to showcase the diversity and artistry of American opera at the XXVI Virtuosi Rafael Garcia Festival

10 December 2024 – San Francisco, CA: Acclaimed operatic soprano Breanna Sinclairé, celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements and international performances, will make her highly anticipated South American debut at the XXVI Virtuosi Rafael Garcia Festival, December 11–15, 2024, in Recife, Brazil. Known for her historic career, powerful voice, and ability to connect with audiences across the globe, Sinclairé’s performance underscores the Virtuosi Festival’s commitment to cultural dialogue and musical excellence.

A Baltimore native and graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sinclairé made history as the first transgender woman to complete the institution’s prestigious opera program. In addition to her celebrated operatic roles in Carmen, The Magic Flute, L’enfant et les sortilèges, and West Side Story, Sinclairé has performed in major cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Toronto captivating international audiences with her artistry. She has also appeared on U.S. national television, including CNN’s United Shades of America with W. Kamau Belland PBS’s national broadcast True Colors. Sinclairé was the first transgender singer to perform the U.S. National Anthem at a major league professional sporting event, for the Oakland As in 2015.

“Music transcends boundaries, offering us a universal language of expression and connection, said Sinclairé. “To perform at the Virtuosi Festival is not just an honor, but a dream realized—to bring my story, my voice, and my heart to Brazil. I am thrilled to share in the festival’s tradition of celebrating music as a force that unites us all.”

Founded in 1998, the Virtuosi Festival remains a cornerstone of Brazil’s classical music scene, featuring free concerts, masterclasses, and educational programs across Pernambuco. The festival has hosted renowned artists while nurturing cultural exchange and fostering musical education.

“The Virtuosi Festival has always celebrated artistic talent from around the globe,” said Festival co-founder and pianist Ana Lúcia Altino. We are honored to welcome Breanna Sinclairé, whose talent, story, and voice will inspire and resonate with audiences while enriching Brazil’s cultural landscape.”

While a powerful celebration of music and artistry, Sinclairé’s performance in Recife is also being recognized for its significance as a example of cultural diplomacy.

About the Virtuosi Rafael Garcia Festival:

The Virtuosi Rafael Garcia Festival, established in 1998, is one of Brazil’s premier classical music events, showcasing national and international talent while fostering music education and cultural appreciation. For more information about the Virtuosi Festival and its programming, please visit https://www.festivalvirtuosi.com.br

Invasion of the Daffodils

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Invasion of the Daffodils

Dino Enrique Piacentini’s gorgeously written “Invasion of  the Daffodils” sucks in the reader like the carnivorous waters surrounding its fact-meets-fantasy island setting.  Lavishly and lustily lyrical, it’s a coming out and coming of age story tinged with pain, hyper realistic wit, and no shortage of compassionately cruel insight. It cuts and cures in equal measure. It’s difficult to characterize and impossible to put down. I devoured it in one sitting.  If it was a movie, “Daffodils” would be “The Summer of ‘42” meets “Pan’s Labyrinth” with a side of “Call Me By Your Name.” Mesmerizingly original.

— David Eugene Perry, award winning author of “Upon This Rock”

https://a.co/d/b2fmwFm

SF Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting 

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Media Contact: 

Mollie McWilliams (415) 658-7979 | McWilliams@sfciviccenter.org

SF Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting 

Holiday Performances and Toy Giveaway

Wednesday, December 4:

4pm – 7pm

20 November 2024, San Francisco: The annual SF Civic Center Plaza Tree Lighting and Toy Giveaway on December 4 is a free community event in Civic Center Plaza across from an illuminated City Hall. 

The night of festive entertainment includes the story of Boswick the Clown finding joy in the holiday season through performances by the San Francisco Boys Choir, singer Doris Bumpus, magician Josh Farenbaugh, and actors Shaneen Black, Katie Baritell and Gregg Geoffrey; led by Boxcar Theatre’s Artistic Director Nick A. Olivero. The event also includes “snow” flurries and the man-of-the-hour: Santa!

Another Planet Entertainment and the San Francisco Police Department, with the Civic Center Community Benefit District, will lead a toy giveaway for the first 500 children 12 and under. There will also be holiday-themed activities with SF Etsy in the Makers Village such as ornament making and a Santa letter writing station, while the San Francisco Public Library will lead a book giveaway. Bites from an Off the Grid food truck will be available for purchase, along with kettle corn and a full bar of seasonal favorites from Rye on the Road.

This is a not to be missed holiday kick-off event for San Francisco families! Those who are not walking to the event are encouraged to take BART/Muni or park in the Civic Center Garage. Those accompanying a child to the toy giveaway, book giveaway and the Maker Village DIY holiday activities, should plan to arrive early so as to not miss the start of performances.

The event will begin promptly at 4 p.m. The Civic Center Plaza’s 50-foot, freshly-cut noble fir will be illuminated by Mayor London Breed at 5:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit: https://sfciviccenter.org/event/civic-center-plaza-holiday-tree-lighting-2024/ To see a short video of what to expect: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCUsJ3EpUBO/

This event is sponsored by: Another Planet Entertainment, City and County of San Francisco, Civic Center Community Benefit District, Cordia, Redwood Credit Union, San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, and the San Francisco Police Department.