Live Shows
I have had the opportunity to provide live show entertainment for Guests for over 25 years.
Whether it’s a one-actor performing on a street corner or a large-scale musical, the opportunity to excite, thrill, entertain and touch hearts is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
Here is a sample of some of the live shows that I have Written and Directed.
J. Michael Roddy Promo Reel: Live Shows
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Live
Location: EPCOT
Star-Lord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy take guests on a musical journey through the cosmos in “Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live!” at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot.
For The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Delight as Frozen springs to life in this lively retelling—packed with a flurry of stories, songs and sing-alongs. Laugh and sing with an enchanting retelling of the kingdom’s tale that’s as humorous as it is heart-warming.
Marvel Day At Sea
For 2018 I helped craft Marvel Day at Sea for Disney Cruise Line. As one of the lead creatives I wrote and directed the following experiences.
Journey into the Mystic Arts with Doctor Strange
Location: Disney Cruise Line
A showcase for the mysterious Doctor Strange to teach his new students, until the dread Dormammu appears and threatens the very existence of our World. Featuring projection technology, stunts and pyrotechnics along with audience participation.
Captain America’s Star Spangled USO Show
Location: Disney Cruise Line
Music and dance from the era of the original Captain America.
Mickey and Friends Super Show
Location: Disney Cruise Line
Join in the fun as the Disney pals dress up to honor their favorite Marvel Super Heroes!
Marvel Day At Sea: Additional Experiences
Location: Disney Cruise Line
Additional experiences for Marvel Day At Sea Include:
Guardians of the Galaxy: Ravagers Club - A dance club set in the world of Guardians of the Galaxy’s space Pirates.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Ravagers Club - A dance club set in the world of Guardians of the Galaxy’s space Pirates.
Heroic Encounter - A meet-and-greet and training sessions with some of Marvel’s greatest, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Black Panther and Captain America.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – OPENING 2019
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Get pumped for a high-octane, first-of-its-kind show that’ll put you right in the middle of the Cars universe.
To kick things off, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.
With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious?
Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Witness the power of a live show that brings legendary scenes from the Star Wars films to life! Darth Vader, C-3P0 & R2-D2, Chewbacca, Rey, BB-8, Darth Maul and more recreate iconic moments, right before your eyes!
Star Wars: Summon The Force
Star Wars Weekends
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
A multimedia experience featuring iconic moments from the entire Star Wars Saga, this live show built to a firework display as the culmination of each night of Star Wars Weekends.
Star Wars: Behind The Force
Star Wars Weekends [2011-2015]
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
The promise of the Star Wars: Behind The Force experience was to discover how an episode of the popular animated series The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels is taken from concept through the process of scripting, design, and ultimately vocal performance and recording, culminating with the final product. This show incorporated audience participation, real-time sound effects, video elements and character appearances to create a fun, interactive version of a live recording.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Location: Universal Orlando
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The Adventures of the Frog Prince
Location: Dutch Wonderland – Lancaster, PA
X-Men: Revenge – The Ultimate Action Show
Location: Movie Park – Bottrop Germany
The excitement and thrills of the Marvel characters came to Movie Park in Germany, as the most well-known mutants battle to save humanity. The 22-minute spectacle, was rich in pyro and special effects and impressive artistic stunt deposits.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
I did not create the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but from 2012 – 2018, I was the Show Director ensuring show quality, maintaining intent and reworking elements and bringing a fresh perspective for the almost 30-year-old show.
Mannheim Steamroller Live
Location: Universal Orlando
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Beetlejuice’s Rock and Roll Graveyard Revue
Location: Universal Orlando
Winner of the Big “E” Award for Best Show.
Events
Monster-Ous Summer Press Event & Announcement
Location: Epcot
As the kickoff announcement to the Monster Summer marketing campaign, I helped create a newsworthy moment using elements from Disney Pixar’s Upcoming Monsters University. This included having Mike Wazowski appear and provide comedic remarks, transforming the iconic sphere into the loveable cyclops.
Limited Time Magic Announcement
Location: Disney Parks
Each week, guests at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California would find Limited Time Magic — some kind of special entertainment, event, souvenir or surprise available for a limited time only. As part of the announcement, I helped create a unique and memorable event in the heart of Times Square including an ice sculpture replica of Cinderella Castle and the famous Dapper Dan’s performing an “original boy band” medley.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios
Galactic Nights was a unique, Park-wide event at Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrating the fandom of Star Wars. From fan-events to special presentations of daily park offerings, the event was held three times to date to record attendance.