Magic Kingdom‘s historic Country Bear Jamboree has been undergoing a reimagining of sorts, and is set to reopen on July 17th as the Country Bear Musical Jamboree, featuring our favorite bears singing reinterpreted Disney songs from bluegrass, Americana, rockabilly and more. Disney has shared a behind-the-scenes look at who’s who, and what the cast of Country Bears will look like, donning their all-new vibrant and sparkling costumes. …Seriously, does Dolly Parton know about some of these?
Ursus H. Bear
After an inspirational hibernation season, Ursus H. Bear set out to create a permanent cultural showplace dedicated to America’s musical heritage. In 1898, Ursus established Grizzly Hall where the honey tycoon-turned-impresario invited tuneful bruins to present zany and captivating performances in a show that quickly became known as a wild and wooly good time!
Henry
Years later, Ursus’s grandson Henry took over and now serves as the master of bear-emonies. He even helped develop the current show and co-wrote the opening song with the Five Bear Rugs.
Five Bear Rugs
Speaking of the Five Bear Rugs, there’s Zeke and Zeb and Ted and Fred and a bear named Tennessee, and they’re all playing with real ol’ country rhythm. And at the bottom right of the stage, you’ll see Zeb’s son, Oscar, holding a Big Al plush.
Trixie
Let’s give it up for Tampa’s very own Trixie, one of the Country Bears’ most veteran performers. After trying everything, she eventually found her niche for performing. Now fans can find her singing away with triplets Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah.
Bunny, Bubbles and Beulah
Originally known as The Sun Bonnets, these girls recently turned in their bonnets for Stetsons when they began singing with Trixie around the world, including a sold-out engagement at Royal Ursa Hall.
Teddi Barra
Not to be outdone by Trixie is The Jewel of the Dakotas, Teddi Barra. Her rise in show biz was meteoric after being discovered in an ice cream parlor.
Wendell
Wendell, on the other hand, was a frustrated basketball, baseball and football player until Henry invited him to try carrying a tune, and he’s been part of the Country Bears gang ever since. He’s thrilled to finally sing a love song with Teddi, much to the dismay of his old friend Henry.
Ernest the Dude
Ernest the Dude is one of the best-dressed bears you’ll see at Grizzly Hall – he brings his entire wardrobe wherever he goes. For those counting, that’s 17 trunks filled with 30 coats, 40 slacks, 60 shirts, 20 hats and a pair and a half of underwear. (That striped vest looks awfully familiar!)
Terrence, aka Shaker
Ernest and Trixie aren’t the only actors in the bear band. Terrence, aka Shaker, was once a famous theater star until a fall from the balcony in “Romeo and Juliet” brought the house down – literally.
Ever since that fateful night, he turned in his tights for a guitar and created a signature dance move that he’s used ever since. Don’t worry about Terrence, though. Despite having a face only a Mama Bear could love – and being perpetually single – he’s ready to launch his film career.
Romeo McGrowl
Speaking of starting a new chapter, one bear is ready to enter his next era of singing rockabilly. Of course, I’m referring to none other than the Miami Serenader himself, Romeo McGrowl.
Gomer
The resident piano player Gomer also knows a thing or two about rebrands. Having been classically trained since he was a cub, Gomer’s favorite composition before switching to country and western music was “Night on Bear Mountain.”
Big Al
And of course, what would the Country Bears be without Big Al? There’s music in this bear’s blood, and he’s been playing the guitar since he was a child. He was even the resident bard and balladeer in the swamp before Disney World was built. Coming off his 25th Farewell Tour in cities like Paris (Texas), Hollywood (Florida) and London (Ohio), Big Al is a true legend.
I don’t know about you, but seeing our beloved Bears receive some quality TLC with these new looks has me even more excited for their July 17th debut! I do have one question… will these costumes make it into the gift shops? Please? Okay… how about that sweet little Big Al plush Oscar is holding? Catch ya’ll in Frontierland!
