The History of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon
Intro
Walt Disney once said, “Disneyland will never be completed….” and he was right. Many things have changed over the years, but the one thing that has remained unchanged is Frontierland’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
Many acts have come and gone, shows have opened and closed, cast members, wallpaper and paint have changed, but the “Golden Lady of Frontierland” remains one of Disneyland’s few original fixtures. This is her story.
History of the Golden Horseshoe Building ~ The Dream Begins
Walt’s original dream for a theme park began when his daughters, Diane and Sharon were young. Sitting on park benches watching his daughters ride the merry-go-round, Walt dreamed of a clean, safe environment where adults could enjoy themselves as much as children.
In 1945, Walt became interested in model railroads, a hobby shared by a few of his studio animators, like Ollie Johnston and Ward Kimball. In 1948, Ward and Walt decided to take a vacation break from work and attend the Chicago Railroad Fair. It was here that Walt’s theme park ideas began to take shape when he visited Henry Ford’s nearby Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. Walt began to dream of building a small “themed” park across the street from his Burbank Studios. He would base this park on his most popular creation, Mickey Mouse.
Walt asked animator, Ken Anderson to design a scale model town, while he set about building his own scale model railroad. As often happened with Walt, when he dreamed he dreamed BIG. After completing his third set of scale towns and trains, he told fellow dreamer, Roger Broggie that he was going to build his “town” for real, and within a few years, he began to look for bigger property to build his dream on.
At a press conference on Thursday, March 27, 1952, Walt announced to the public his dream to build the first themed amusement park and a search for adequate property at a reasonable price began.
By August of 1953, the decision had been made to build his theme park in an orange grove in Anaheim, California. Construction began in the summer of 1954 with a proposed opening date of July 1955, but Walt was short of funds to begin building.
It was then that Walt struck a deal with the American Broadcasting Company. He would provide ABC with a weekly one-hour TV show and ABC would help to provide the funds necessary to build his “dream”. On Wednesday, October 27, 1954, Walt began broadcasting a weekly Television series on ABC-TV entitled simply “Disneyland”. The first show of that series was a preview of the coming amusement park in Anaheim. During that show, Walt presented his park through a ¼” scale model and original drawings.
Frontierland is founded
As a child, Walt was always fascinated by stories of the old west, so his plans immediately included a themed western area where he could recreate the Old West of his boyhood stories. Among the attractions, Walt dreamed of for his Western Frontier area was a Wild West saloon, complete with a live show, so the Golden Horseshoe Saloon was born.
Located in the center of Frontierland, the interior was designed by Harper Goff, the same set designer who had designed the saloon set for the movie, "Calamity Jane" starring Doris Day. Goff was already working on designing exteriors for Main Street USA, when asked to design an interior for Walt’s Frontierland saloon for his new theme park in Anaheim, Goff simply pulled the movies’ blueprints out of the file and presented them to Walt. Down to the last detail, it resembles a fancy old west saloon complete with a stage, orchestra pit, and a mile-long bar except that it is in 5/8 scale.
The Golden Horseshoe has been a gleaming icon in Frontierland since its opening on Sunday, July 17, 1955. The external Western motif of the building made this theater an undiscovered gem, sometimes overlooked by the first-time Disneyland visitor. Styled internally after a typical Opera House at the turn of the century, its gilded wallpaper, ornate light fixtures, and carved wooden accents, provided a luxurious home to the entertainment that creator, Walt Disney envisioned for his park guests.
The Golden Horseshoe is Christened
With an opening date of Sunday, July 17, 1955, scheduled, Walt and his crews now had less than a year to complete construction of the newly christened “Disneyland”.
Planning ahead, Walt hired comedians, Wally Boag and Don Novis to co-write a saloon-type show that would run on a daily basis in the Frontierland saloon.
On Saturday, July 16, 1955, [the day before the official grand opening] Walt and Lillian Disney celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary by giving family and special guests a sneak peek at their new park. The Mark Twain Riverboat's maiden voyage occurred during this private party.
Afterward, the guests went to Slue Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe Saloon (named after the character in Pecos Bill). Walt’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller remembers that day…. “The day before Disneyland opened, my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. It began on the Mark Twain riverboat with mint juleps and then moved over to the Golden Horseshoe saloon for dinner and the “Revue”. Suddenly Dad appeared in one of the balcony boxes on the side of the stage. At this point in the show, Wally Boag, as Pecos Bill, was firing blanks – Dad returned fire with his thumb and forefinger, then began to climb down to the stage. I think everyone got a bit worried – I know I did. When he got to the stage, he stood there beaming at everyone. He was so happy.”
D-day, July 17, 1955
From the fort-like front gate of Frontierland, Walt read the following statement and the theater began its long legacy of variety acts, comedy, and vocal talent.
"Frontierland is a tribute to the faith, courage, and ingenuity of the pioneers who blazed the trails across America. We find ourselves back in the exciting days when the story of our country's past was being lived. We will ride a covered wagon to a roaring river town, pay a visit to Slew-Foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe, and then catch the paddle-wheel steamer Mark Twain for a trip down the Rivers of America."
That opening day, Sunday, July 17, 1955, found the Golden Horseshoe Saloon ready to open with its newly written show entitled, “Slue Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Revue”. Originally sponsored by Pepsi Co., It was featured in the live broadcast on ABC-TV that day with actor, Robert Cummings. As the doors open, we are treated to four can-can girls dancing on stage. They are joined by singer, Donald Novis, leading lady, Judy Marsh and comedian, Wally Boag. One of the first live TV shows at the time, it was watched by over 90 million television viewers that Sunday afternoon.
Other Frontierland attractions to open that day included the Stage Coach, the Mule Train, the Mark Twain Riverboat, the Davy Crockett Museum, the Conestoga Wagons and the Mike Fink Keel Boats.
This marks the beginning of continual daily entertainment on the stage of Walt's GOLDEN HORSESHOE SALOON.
The start of the daily running show entertainment...
The Golden Horseshoe Revue – 1955 to 1986
The Golden Horseshoe Revue show ran from July 16, 1955 until October 12, 1986. Originally written by Wally Boag and Donald Novis, Walt’s idea was to show a representation of an old saloon/dance hall show with comedy, dancing girls, plenty of singing and a beautiful leading lady.
The original cast included Wally Boag as the Traveling Salesman/Pecos Bill character, Donald Novis as the straight man and Irish tenor, and Judy Marsh as Slue Foot Sue, owner of the saloon. Other comedians who played the role included Bert Henry (who was Wally’s sub when the show opened), Jimmy Adams, Dana Daniels, and Dick Hardwick.
Musicians and male castmembers at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon wore tight vests over stripped shirts that have gartered sleeves. The waitresses usually wore saloon girl petty coats and skirts with a form fitting bodices and lace trim.
Pepsi-Cola was the sponsor of the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland for over two decades in the 50’s and 60’s. That sponsorship ended in 1971 when rival Coca-Cola signed a major contract for co-sponsorship of the American Adventure at Epcot.In Disneyland’s souvenir schedule in the 1960’s, the listing for the Golden Horseshoe read…..”No alcohol is served in this saloon, which is underwritten by Pepsi-Cola and features such entertainment as Dolores, a singing waitress of Latin appearance, who renders such songs as ‘Alice Blue Gown’. An Irish tenor sings Irish tunes. Slue Foot Sue, the tough proprietress, sings ‘Won’t You Come Home, Bill Bailey’ Pepsi-Cola is the most powerful beverage allowed at Disneyland”.
When the show reached its 10,000th performance, it was featured on NBC’s “Wonderful World of Disney” TV Show on Sunday, September 23, 1962. The regular Horseshoe Revue cast of Wally Boag, Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley was augmented with performances by former Mouseketeer, Annette Funicello, baggy-pants comedian, Gene Sheldon, and former vaudevillian and actor, Ed Wynn. An expanded saloon brawl during the Pecos Bill number was also added. It was later released theatrically on video.
On Saturday, November 2, 1963, Wally Boag appeared with actress, Julie Andrews and The Dapper Dans, at a special press-only event on the Golden Horseshoe stage to promote the next year's release of Disney’s “Mary Poppins”. They performed "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" together. Walt Disney had scored a major coup in signing Ms. Andrews, who was fresh from Broadway stage triumphs in My Fair Lady and Camelot. Mary Poppins (1964) was later nominated for 13 Oscars (it won 5) and Ms. Andrews won Best Actress in her role as the English nanny.
During the 1960’s, one of Walt’s favorite charities was the John Tracy Clinic for the Hearing Impaired. Started by fellow polo player and actor, Spencer Tracy in honor of his deaf son, John, Walt would volunteer his entertainment staff from Disneyland to perform at the Annual Fundraising Bazaar. The cast of the Golden Horseshoe Revue did this many times. In order to be useful himself, Walt would always volunteer to bus tables at the annual event.
In 1979, the book, “Disneyland, The First Quarter”, reported that “…with five shows daily, its little wonder that the Revue is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records, as the longest running production in show business history with over 42,000 performances before a total of nearly 9 million people.”
In 1982, Wally Boag was sent to Orlando, Florida to help prepare the Diamond Horseshoe Revue for its Walt Disney World opening. During that time, Dana Daniels played the Pecos Bill/Traveling Salesman part in the long running Golden Horseshoe Revue from 1983 to 1985 with Jay Meyer. Dana claims that “…the hardest part of the job was holding all those beans in my mouth and talking and singing at the same time.”
In 1985 and 1986, Don Payne was selected to work as a sub for Wally Boag and Wally’s sub, Jim Adams in the Golden Horseshoe Revue playing Pecos Bill/Traveling Salesman.
The Golden Horseshoe Revue in Frontierland officially closed on Sunday, October 12, 1986. Wally Boag, Betty Taylor and the Golden Horseshoe Revue lasted over 50,000+ shows, helping it to maintain the “Guinness Book of World Records” for the longest running stage show in history.
Speaking of The Guiness Book of Records, Disneyland again broke a world record on March 25, 1987 for most hula hoops spun at one time. The record is broken in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle with 1527 hula hoopers participating.
The Show Overview: Before the show begins, there are a variety of slide show type advertisements shown on the backdrop. As the lights are dimmed, the orchestra begins playing the opening number which features saloon owner, Slue Foot Sue [originally played by Judy Marsh and, than Betty Taylor] and her four dancer hall girls singing a welcome song entitled “Hello Everybody” sung by Sue and the MC.
Sue than sings a song where she ventures out into the audience to flirt with the male customers and sings a song like, “A Lady Has to Mind Her P’s and Q’s” or “Riverboat Blues”.
Other production numbers included “The Girl on the Cover of the Police Gazette.”Next, she introduces the singer and MC of the show, an Irish tenor [originally played by Donald Novis].
At the finish of his song, they are joined by the show’s comedian [originally played by Wally Boag], who enters the saloon through the back doors in his Traveling Salesman persona firing off six shooters. As he makes his way to the stage through the audience, he tells jokes and sings “What Have We Here”. He is encouraged to the stage by the MC, where he begins his comedy routine. [In the case of Wally Boag, it was balloon animals].
The Traveling Salesman leaves the stage at this point and Sue and the MC sing a song together. Suddenly, “Pecos Bill” [aka Traveling Salesman] enters the stage with six shooters blazing and dialog that leads to the singing of his signature song, “Pecos Bill”. [This song was also made famous by Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers.] It is during this song that the famous “teeth spitting” scene takes place.
After a rousing version of the song, “Pecos Bill” sang by Sue, the tenor and Pecos himself, and lots of horseplay, they are joined by the dancing girls who perform a rousing can-can number. After the dance, the entire cast assembles for a final brief song and bow.
Meanwhile…Elsewhere in the Park…
In 1956, Frontierland added the following new attractions: Tom Sawyer Island Rafts, Rainbow Ridge pack mules, Rainbow Mountain, New Stage coach route, Rainbow Caverns tour, Mine Train, Indian Village, and Indian War canoes.
The Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks display also began in 1956.
In 1957, the Indian Village Rafts and Frontierland Shooting Gallery were added to Frontierland.
In 1958, the newest Frontierland attraction was the Columbia Sailing ship. Also, the First Christmas Candlelight Processional was held that year on Main Street.
In 1960, the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland was added to Frontierland. In 1961, Disneyland held the first “Grad Nite” party, [an all night party for graduating high school seniors from local California high schools] was held from midnight to 6 am.
In 1962, an extension was added to the Indian Village in Frontierland.
In 1963, the Annual Christmas Parade featured the Parade of the Toys from “Babes in Toyland”. [which has since become an annual favorite.
In 1964, a Sailing Museum was built below decks on the Columbia Sailing ship.
In 1965, Disneyland’s “Tencentennial” Celebration is held in honor of its first decade of operation. A special episode hosted by Walt Disney, is shown on The Wonderful World of Color that includes a tour of Disneyland and its many upcoming attractions.
On Thursday, December 15, 1966 at 9:30 am, Walt Disney died of cardiac arrest due to complications of lung cancer in at St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, California.
In 1968, Disneyland presented its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Cinco de Mayo Festival.
In 1971, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes were added to Frontierland.
In 1972, with its thousands of twinkling lights, The Main Street Electrical Parade premieres on Disneyland’s Main Street USA. The parade was closed down in 1996 and shipped to Florida.
In 1974, the “America Sings” Attraction opens in Tomorrowland in what use to be the Carrousel of Progress building. Hosted by Sam the Bald Eagle [Burl Ives] it featured four musical scenes of this country’s musical heritage.
In 1975, the “America on Parade” parade is created in honor of the nation’s bicentennial premieres and plays to over 25 million guests during its run.
In 1978, Mickey’s 50th Birthday Celebration is held at Disneyland with the original Mouseketeers from the 1950’s TV show, The Mickey Mouse Club.
In 1979, Frontierland’s newest roller coaster, Big Thunder Railroad is built replacing the Mine Train through Nature’s Wonderland.
In 1980, Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary celebration includes a new parade entitled, “Disneyland is Your Land.” Also featured that year was the 25th Family Reunion Parade. Included in this parade was a cavalcade of Disney characters.
In 1982, the famous Disneyland Ticket Book system is retired and replaced by an all-inclusive passport system. Its original A through E ticket system gives birth to the slang term, “an E ticket ride” meaning the best experience possible.
In 1985, The 30 Years of Magic Parade and show are unveiled. The Davy Crockett shooting Gallery is renamed the Frontierland Shooting Gallery and Disneyland begins park operations 365 days a year.
Click here for more information and photos of The Golden Horseshoe Review
The Entertainment continues...
The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree – 1986 to 1994
Following the 31 year run of the Revue, Disneyland decided to close the Revue, but write a fresh show in the same vein as the Revue. The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree began its run in November, 1986.
Castmember Don Payne was later selected as one of the original subs for “Sam the Bartender” in the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show in 1986.
In 1994, Disneyland decided to close the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show. It had never enjoyed the same popularity as its predecessor, The Golden Horseshoe Revue, but just outside it’s doors a huge crowd gathered daily to see the Horseshoe’s next musical inhabitants, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies.
The Show Overview:
This show opens with Sam the Bartender having a crush on the show’s star, Miss Lily. Through a series of spontaneous auditions, he attempts to be in her show to be close to her.
There are numbers by Miss Lily and her three dance hall girls and the three dancing cowboys, who love them including the show stopper, “Belly Up to the Bar”.
At this point, a wandering fiddler plays his way through the saloon in an audience participation number. The girls and guys do a closing can-can type dance number together that ends with Sam disguising himself as a female dancer in order to be in the show and be close to his lady love, Miss Lily. The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree was performed live 5 times daily in Frontierland.
Meanwhile…..Elsewhere in the park…..
In 1986, the Big Thunder Ranch is built behind Big Thunder Mountain in Frontierland. Originally, it hosts a farm house exhibit, horse corrals, gardens, petting zoo, BBQ restaurant and blacksmith/leather works shop.
In 1987, Disney dollars are unveiled at Disneyland. This unique currency [equivalent to US currency] can be used throughout all Disney theme park and resort properties in lieu of real currency.
In 1987, Blast to the Past Parade is premiered. Featuring a nostalgic look at the 50’s, the parade/show includes Elvis look-a-likes, motor scooters, poodle skirts, roller skating waitresses and old Chevy’s parading down main street to the sound of lively 50’s music.
In 1988 in honor of Mickey’s 60th Birthday, a parade and Birthday Bash at the plaza hub are held daily.
In 1989, following a six month delay due to technical design problems, Splash Mountain is opened in the newly renamed Critter Country.
In 1990, the 35th Anniversary of the park is observed when the new Party Gras Parade is unveiled.
In 1991, the park begins its “Disney Afternoon” promotion and celebration in honor of their newest afternoon TV block of cartoons. Also, the “Plane Crazy” stage show at Videopolis begins starring the cast of Disney’s Afternoon’s Tail Spin Show.
On Wednesday, May 13, 1992, “Fantasmic” premieres on the Rivers of America in Frontierland on May 13th. Based on the theme of “good versus evil”, the show features new technologies in use of water, lasers, sound and pyrotechnics.
In 1993, Disneyland opens its first new land since New Orleans Square when it opens Mickey’s Toontown behind Small World in Fantasyland. Themed after the success of the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, the open includes 6 new rides: Roger Rabbit’s Cartoon Spin, Goofy’s Bounce House, Gadget’s Go Coaster, Toontown’s Jolly Trolley, Chip n’ Dale’s Treehouse, Donald’s Boat, and both Mickey’s and Minnie’s houses.
On Sunday, September 17, 1995, the original Golden Horseshoe Revue cast had a reunion show at the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum. Returning cast members included Wally Boag, Fulton Burley and Betty Taylor. Songs that day included “Harrigan”, “That’s Entertainment”, “I Love Everybody”, “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey?”, “You Must Have Benn A Beautiful Baby”, “Baby Face”, “Clancy Lowered the Boom”, “Pecos Bill”, and “Stormy Weather”. The show closed with the popular “Hello Everybody.”
Click here for more information about The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show
The 2nd Longest Running Stage Show begins...
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies – 1994 to 2014
Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, a talented, comedic bluegrass band officially formed on Wednesday, August 5, 1992. The group consisted of Kirk Wall as front man, rhythm guitar and fiddle, Dennis Fetchet on fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and harmonica, John Marshall on bass and fiddle [and also acting as the band manager] and Mario Hildago on mandolin and fiddle. They were later joined by John’s brother, Evan Marshall on mandolin and fiddle.
Originally, Kirk, John and Dennis had worked with other groups at Disneyland including The Thunder Mountain Boys with Bill Knoft, Raul Reynosa and Paul Schlasky, The Pinewood Pickers with John and Peggy Corzine and Bill Knoft, The Barley Boys, and the Pigmania Show during Disneyland’s State Fair in 1985 and 1986.
Kirk had originally been a sub for Dick Hardwick at the Golden Horseshoe.They had been performing as a bluegrass street band in both, Frontierland and Critter/Bear Country, when in 1994, Disneyland decided to close the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show, due to declining attendance. The Hillbillies were approached to perform a scripted version of their street show and their shows began in the Golden Horseshoe in 1994.
In late November of 1998, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies were asked to move their show to an impromptu stage at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ to make way for the New Woody’s Round-up Show.
In 1999, when The All-New Woody’s Roundup left, Billy Hill and the Hillbillies, returned to the Golden Horseshoe. Billy Hill had been relegated to an outdoor stage at the Big Thunder Barbecue during Woody’s 8-month gig. In comparison to Woody’s short stay at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, the original Golden Horseshoe Revue ran for over 31 years — 1955 until 1986.
On Friday, June 15th, 2012, the Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show is closed at the Golden Horseshoe and moved to Big Thunder Ranch Arena.
On Monday, January 6th, 2014 , Billy Hill and the Hillbillies perform their last show at the Big Thunder BBQ arena. Their show is now retired from Disneyland after 20+ years. Leaving Disneyland is Kirk Wall (after 28 years), Dennis Fetchet (after 28 years), John Marshall (after 28 years) and John David. Other team members are moved to other shows or bands. The Laughing Stock Company begins performing daily shows inside the Golden Horseshoe.
The Show Overview:The show begins with the opening of the curtain as Billy Hill and his three brothers [all named Billy] enter and begin playing an intro song that includes “It’s A Small World.” Following a welcome by Billy Elvis, we are treated to two numbers by the band that sometimes include “I Want You To Want Me.”, “Stayin’ Alive”, “Surrey With The Fringe On Top”, “Rocky Top”, “Slue Foot”, or “Thunder Mountain Dew”.
Brother, Billy Mandolin is introduced next, as he launches into “The Billy Tell Overture”. He is joined halfway through by the others, who attempt to distract the crowd with their shenanigans.
Next, Billy Fiddle is introduced as he plays “The Orange Blossom Special”, which concludes with his attempt to break his speed fiddlin’ record. The show concludes with the grand finale….a comedic parody of River Dance entitled “Puddle Prance”.
Meanwhile…..Elsewhere in the park…..In 1996, The Hunchback of Notre Dame’s Festival of Fools Show premieres at Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland.
In 1997, the last original opening day cast member, Bob Penfield retires after 42 years of service. Also, the Small World Holiday Attraction has its first run at Disneyland featuring a new holiday theme to an old favorite.
In 1998, the Mulan Parade was premiered in Disneyland. Based on the Disney movie, Mulan, it featured acrobats, Chinese themed floats and characters from the hit movie.
In January of 1999, The Golden Horseshoe Saloon no longer required reservations to eat and view the show at the Golden Horseshoe. It becomes a “first come, first served” venue and remains so to this day. [note* as of 2023, there is no regular entertainment in the Golden Horseshoe]
In 2000, Disneyland’s 45th Anniversary Celebration and Parade begins with an interactive parade where guests become performers in the parade.
Click here for more information about Billy Hill and the Hillbillies @ Disneyland
Another Opening, Another show...
The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show – 1994 to 2003
In 1983, Dana Daniels was hired to perform magic, juggling and comedy in the streets and stages of the happiest place on earth, Disneyland. He soon became a substitute in the Golden Horseshoe Revue playing Pecos Bill performing two days a week.
Daniels was attending a performance of the Broadway hit, “Sugar Babies” It was here that he first thought of a psychic parrot. Later, he heard about an audition for a touring company of the popular show. Dancers were to audition in person; variety acts by video tape. Dana packed up his act, dressed in full costume, and drove down to the dancers audition. With a carpetbag in one hand and a parrot in the other, he waited patiently in a hallway filled with aspiring and perspiring dancers. Each held a resume in one hand and a cigarette in the other, and all of them stared at Dana like he was from Mars.
In 1994, Disneyland had decided to close its long-running show, The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree, remembering the popularity of his psychic parrot, Dana approached Disney management about the possibility of doing a one man show in the Golden Horseshoe 2 days a week when the Billy Hill Show was not running. Dana wrote the show himself and with the help of a side man/pianist and his favorite sidekick, his parrot, Luigi, the Golden Horseshoe Variety Show as born.
In November, of 1998, the Golden Horseshoe Variety Show was cancelled temporarily to make way for Woody’s Round-up, but it returned in July of 1999.
On Wednesday, October 8th, 2003, The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show starring Dana Daniels closes after 8 years. Dana's mentor, Wally Boag attends and speaks at the final performance.
The Show Overview:The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show begins with a piano player who begins by warming up the audience with lively music.
He is interrupted by the saloon janitor, who informs him that the entire cast of the Variety Show are missing. Realizing that the missing performers need to be replaced, the janitor agrees to fill in for all the missing acts.
The janitor now goes backstage and proceeds to disguise himself as the various missing acts. Among them are a hillbilly juggler, a balloon performer, Waldo, the magician. The big finish comes when he brings out his “psychic parrot in a banana tree”, Luigi.
Click here for more information about The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show starring Dana Daniels
Shorter Running Shows and other Temporary Entertainment...
Woody’s Round-up – November, 1999 to July, 2000
Toy Story 2 opened in movie theaters throughout the United States on November 24, 1999. To help promote this new Disney/Pixar movie on Sunday, November 21, 1999, The All-New Woody’s Roundup stage show opened at Disneyland’s venerable Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
In the movie, Toy Story 2, our cowboy hero, Woody discovers that he was the star of a 1950's TV show, Woody’s Roundup. The show at Disneyland was based on Woody’s TV show.
The final performance of The All-New Woody’s Roundup was on Monday, July 17, 2000, the 45th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland — and, surprisingly enough, exactly three months before the scheduled October 17 video and DVD release of “Toy Story 2.
The Show Overview: The show included a pre-show, where we are introduced to the cast of “Woody’s Round-up” by Wilson Netherspoon as the stage manager/announcer. Tex Tumbleweed serves as the show’s musician and sound effect guy.
The cast is than introduced including Sheriff Woody, Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl, and Bullseye.
Next, we are treated to our first song for the show, “Hey Howdy Hey”. The second song of the show was Jessie’s “Yodeling Song” and a musical commercial from the sponsor entitled, “Cowboy Crunchies”.Now back to our drama [which is presented in black and white to resemble an old TV show]…..we find Jessie trapped in a cave after chasing evil rustlers.
There was an avalanche and the scene opens with Jessie trying to figure a way out. In the end, the hero, Woody prevails and all is well.
Click here for more information about WOODY'S ROUND-UP SHOW
Riders in the Sky
In late 1999, the veteran cowboy music group, Riders in the Sky, filmed a music video on the stage of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon after hours to promote the new Toy Story 2 movie. The song featured in the video was “Woody’s Round-up.” It was used as Woody’s 1950’s style children show theme song.
The Firehouse Five Plus Two
In 1949, the “FIREHOUSE FIVE” was formed by a group of writers, animators, producers and directors at the Walt Disney Studios. They first performed under the names Hugageedy 8 and San Gabriel Valley Blue Blowers.
As a spare-time hobby they played Dixieland jazz.The group was originally made up of Ward Kimball on trombone, Clarke Mallory on clarinet, Frank Thomas on piano, Ed Penner on Bass sax, Jim McDonald on drums, Johnny Lucas on trumpet and Harper Goff on banjo.In the old fashioned “Opera House” at Disneyland, later known as the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, they performed their spirited jazz numbers in their red shirts, firemen’s suspenders, and fire hats.
Lucas and McDonald were later replaced by Danny Alguire on cornet and Monte Mountjoy on drums. Other musicians, who played later or acted as substitutes were Don Kinch [helicon], George Bruns [trombone], K. O. Ecklund [piano], Billy Newman [banjo], George Probert [saxophone], Dick Roberts [banjo], and John Smith [saxophone].The group was first featured on the live opening day broadcast of Disneyland on July 17, 1955, as it opened the Mark Twain Riverboat.
On November 12, 1962, they performed and recorded an album on the stage of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.In 1965, the Firehouse Five Plus Two was again featured on the 10th Anniversary broadcast of “The Wonderful World of Disney”, where they were again shown playing from the dock of the Mark Twain Riverboat.They played their last concert together at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in 1969
The Dapper Dans
Off and on throughout the years, Disneyland’s own premiere barbershop quartet, the Dapper Dans have appeared on the stage of the Golden Horseshoe.
The group included Roger Axworthy, T.J. Marker, John Borneman, and Fred Frank.In November 2, 1962, The Dapper Dans [Gene Morford, Jim Schamp, Ron Browne, and Perry Carter ] along with Golden Horseshoe Star, Wally Boag appeared at a special press only event on the stage of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon with actress, Julie Andrews to promote the release of the upcoming Disney movie, “Mary Poppins.” They joined her in singing “By the Light of the Silvery Moon.”
The Golden Horseshoe appearances were very successful for the Dapper Dans. They would come in from the back, do a song or two and an audience sing-a-long and then return in the finale. It was here they worked with the famed recording artist and Irish tenor, Donald Novis.
In the 1970s, Dapper Dan, Fred Frank would replace Fulton Burley (“Can’t You Hear Me Calling Caroline”) in the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
The Golden Horseshoe Player Piano
Hiding upstairs [or sometimes downstairs] at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon is an unknown treasure. It is a beautiful Coinola C2 player piano. It was built between 1910 and 1927 by the Operators Piano Company of Chicago, Illinois.
The Coinola was once part of a pre-show and played free for about 15 minutes before each showtime.
Originally belonging to the collection of Paul R. Eakins of Missouri, it was purchased in 1977 [along with several other pianos and mechanical instruments] by the Walt Disney Company. It was originally brought to Disneyland to go in the office of the Vice President of Entertainment. Later it was moved to the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, where it now serves as a long forgotten, beautiful decoration.... and yes, it still works perfectly!
Buddy, can you spare a seat?
The Golden Horseshoe Saloon has a total of 309 seats. There are 20 tables of 4 upstairs [80], 3 tiers of 14 [42] chairs behind the sound booth, the sound mans seat [1], 5 downstairs tables of 6 [30] and one table of four [4] to the right side, 2 booths of 4 on each side of the stage [8], and 36 tables of 4 each [144] on the main floor. There are 64 tables in total. [as of 2013]
Here are a few other Golden Horseshoe facts ...
The One and Only Original Pecos Bill
Wallace Vincent Boag was born on September 9, 1920 in Portland, Oregon. In 1955, Wally was asked by Donald Novis to audition for the Golden Horseshoe Revue. He did his nightclub routine with Walt alone on an empty sound stage. When he finished, Walt said, “Well, we’re building this park down at Anaheim and I’m gonna produce this show in Frontierland, but, it’ll be a family show.” Wally informed him that his act could be cleaned up and he was hired immediately.
Together with Donald Novis, he co-wrote the script. With Charles Levere and Tom Adair writing the music, they created the Golden Horseshoe Revue. One of Wally’s most famous quotes from the show is “When they operated on Father, they opened Mother’s Male.” Also famous for his balloon animals called Boagaloons.
Wally’s television and movie filmography includes his role as a Canadian flier in “Thrill of a Romance” in 1945, “The Borden Show” in 1947 as an Emcee, The Disneyland ’59 TV Show in 1959 as himself [also known as Kodak Presents Disneyland ’59], a TV Newsman in the 1961 movie “The Absent-Minded Professor”, Disney’s Wonderful World of Color TV Show’s “The Golden Horseshoe Revue” in 1962, the father in the commercial in “Son of Flubber” in 1963, “The Love Bug” in 1968, “Kraft Salutes Disneyland’s 25th Anniversary” in 1980, and “The Muppet Show” in 1976 playing himself and Pecos Bill.
Wally also provided the voice of Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room’s bird host, Jose.
On Friday, June 3, 2011, Golden Horseshoe Revue star, Wally Boag passed peacefully away in Santa Monica, California.
The Man Who Wrote the Golden Horseshoe Music...
Charles LaVere Johnson could do it all. He played piano, saxophone, trombone, cornet, and accordion. He could also sing, and write music.
Walt Disney know talent when he saw it and picked the talented veteran performer to help co-write a vaudeville type show for his new theme park.
Charles was born in Salina, Kansas on July 18, 1910. He studied piano from the age of seven, and began a professional career with his cousin, Stan Weis, as ‘Dan and Stan’. His first published first composition was “Please Don’t Go Away” in 1928 at the age of 18.
In 1928, he played alto sax [with Charlie Teagarden on trumpet] in Herb Cook’s Oklahoma Joy Boys and finally, he left Oklahoma University for a Summer tour with Frank Williams and his Oklahomans, but was later stranded in New York City. He played with Etzi Covato in Pittsburgh in 1929 and played gigs around Oklahoma City with own bands and those of Clarence Tackett, Johnny Dorchester (playing trombone), Rabie Cummins, Boyd Schreffler, Goof Moyer and Tracy-Brown from 1930 to 1932.
He toured twice with Marshall Van Pool (replacing Stanley Wrightsman), went to Bermuda with Sam Robbins in 1931 [playing trombone before the Prince of Wales] and later toured with Roy Ingraham, and Freddie Bergin (replacing Bob Zurke). He went to Chicago in late 1932, and led own bands.
Others musicians he has worked with included Wingy Manone, Jack Teagarden [on first records in1933], Joe Marsala (1934), Eddie Neibauer and Dell Coon. His first recorded composition was “The Blues Have Got Me” in 1935 with the Harlem Hot Shots (Wingy Manone). He led own all-star recording group in Chicago in 1935, including Preston Jackson, Joe Marsala, Boyce Brown, Jess Stacy, Zutty Singleton, and Jabbo Smith, with whom he wrote and recorded the first inter-racial blues vocal recording in the history of jazz.
Charles did radio work from 1935 to 1937 with Rico Marcelli, played trumpet with Joe Sanders (1935), then piano with Henry Busse. In 1937, he returned to New York, accompanied by Bert Froman and joined Paul Whiteman as a featured performer. He performed with Jack & Charlie Teagarden in “Teagarden, LaVere & Teagarden, the Swing Wing Trio” in early 1938. In Los Angeles joined Frank Trumbauer (1938), then began extensive work in radio and recording studios in Hollywood first with Skinnay Ennis, Victor Young, John Scott Trotter and Gordon Jenkins, regularly accompanying Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes and a host of other stars (1939-50). He also worked with Johnny Cascales [aka Johnny Richards] in 1939 and John Riley Scott in 1940.
He had a million-seller record in 1948, as vocalist on “Maybe You’ll Be There” (Gordon Jenkins’ first hit) and led his own LaVere’s Chicago Loopers on records from 1944 to 1950. He worked with the 1949 Dixieland Jubilee and from 1950 to 1954, worked regularly with Country Washburne on radio, and performed and recorded with the Sextet from Hunger.
In 1954, he was approached by Walt Disney to write music for his soon to be opened theme park’s western saloon show. Getting together with Tom Adair, he co-wrote songs for and performed in the Golden Horseshoe Revue at Disneyland from 1955 to 1960. Songs he wrote for the Golden Horseshoe Revue included “Riverboat Blues” [recorded by Betty Taylor and Judy Marsh], “What Have We Here” [recorded by Wally Boag], “Hello Everybody” [recorded by Betty Taylor and Donald Novis], and “A Lady Has to Mind Her P’s and Q’s” [recorded by Betty Taylor. During that time, he also recorded on “The Letter” with Judy Garland in 1958. Charles LeVere died in Ramona, California, on April 28, 1983.
The Mickey Mouse Club at the Golden Horseshoe...
The Mickey Mouse Club made its TV debut on October 3, 1955. An afternoon television show written for children and starring children,it became an instant phenomenon. In 1955, the entire cast of the Mickey Mouse Club performed at The Golden Horseshoe Revue with Judy Marsh, Donald Novis, and Wally Boag
The Golden Horseshoe Revue TV Show...
On September 23, 1962 at 7:30 pm, Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color featured the only televised version of the Golden Horseshoe Revue on NBC. The occasion was the 10,000 performance of the show. The TV special’s costumes were designed by Chuck Keehne. Special attention had to be given to the costume being worn by Annette Funicello, as she was hoping to break free from her Mouseketeer image and take on more adult roles. Special music for the TV special was written by Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman and supervised by Buddy Baker. The episode starred Gene Sheldon as the baggy pants, banjo-strumming comedian, Annette Funicello [singing Mr. Piano Man], Ed Wynn [doing comedy and playing piano for Annette], and Golden Horseshoe regulars, Fulton Burley Betty Taylor, and Wally Boag. It was rerun again in the summer of that same season on June 9, 1963.
The Osmond Brothers...
In the early 1960’s, The Osmond Brothers performed barbershop quartet music on The Golden Horseshoe stage. The group included eldest brother, Allan (bass), Wayne (baritone), Merrill (tenor), and Jay (lead). At the time, the corporate sponsor of The Golden Horseshoe Saloon was Pepsi Cola.
Zorro and Duke Ellington...
In 1958, the whole town of Frontierland turned out to watch a parade wind past Slue-Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon. The occasion was a visit of TV’s Zorro at Disneyland.
From the late1950's to the 1960's, jazz legend, Duke Ellington and his Orchestra played on the Golden Horseshoe Stage numerous times as part of their ongoing evening Jazz concerts.
The Golden Horseshoe Timeline
1920 ~ Monday, September 13th ~ Future Golden Horseshoe Revue star, Wally Boag is born in Portland, Oregon.
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1943 ~ Tuesday, July 20th ~ Wally Boag marries actress, Ellen Morgan.
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1945 ~ Walt Disney becomes interested in miniatures and especially miniature railroads.
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1952 ~ Thursday, March 27th ~ Walt Disney announces at a press conference that he plans to build the first themed park in America and he begins a search for an adequate property at a reasonable price.
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1954 ~ Early 1954 ~ As one of his first assignments as an Imagineer, Sam McKim begins designing the concept art for the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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1954 ~ Mid 1954 ~ Walt Disney asks Harper Goff to design a building for his western themed saloon in Frontierland. He shows Walt the already designed blueprints to the Golden Garter Saloon from the MGM movie, Calamity Jane. Walt approves the sketches and construction begins.
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1955 ~ Early 1955 ~ Renie Conley (costumes by Renie) begins to design the gowns that will be worn by Betty Taylor in the Golden Horseshoe Show.
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1955 ~ Early 1955 ~ Norman "Buddy" Baker begins composing scores to be used in the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show, while Charles LaVere (pit band leader) and Tom Adair write some original music to be used in the show. Wally Boag and Don Novis begin writing a 30 minute script for the new Golden Horseshoe Revue Show.
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1955 ~ Wednesday, July 13th ~ Walt and Lillian Disney celebrate their 35th anniversary with a private party at the Golden Horseshoe and the cast performs the entire show.
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1955 ~ Saturday, July 16th ~ The Golden Horseshoe Revue performs for a private show for corporate sponsors of Disneyland before the park actually opens.
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1955 ~ Sunday, July 17th ~ Disneyland opens for the first time with a media, press and private invitation only event and the Golden Horseshoe Saloon opens and the Revue performs its first full day of shows for the press and invited guests.
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1955 ~ Sunday, July 17th ~ Pepsi-Cola begins their sponsorship of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon and Revue.
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1955 ~ Monday, July 18th ~ Disneyland and The Golden Horseshoe Saloon open to the general public for the first time with a full day of Revue Shows starring Wally Boag, Don Novis and Judy Marsh.
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1956 ~ March ~ Judy Marsh leaves the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show after only 6 months.
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1955 ~ The Firehouse Five Plus Two begin performing occasionally at the Golden Horseshoe. This band made up of Disney Studio artists includes: Clarke Mallery on clarinet, Ed Penner on Bass sax, Frank Thomas on piano, Harper Goff on Banjo, Jim McDonald on drums, Johnny Lucas on trumpet and Ward Kimball on trombone.
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1956 ~ March ~ Singer, Betty Taylor replaces Judy Marsh in the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show.
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1957 ~ Disney Records releases The Golden Horseshoe Revue Album, filmed live at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon starring Wally Boag, Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley. It features all the songs and comedy bits used in the show.
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1958 ~ January ~ Mel Patterson, drummer in the Golden Horseshoe Revue's band performs in his last show.
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1959 ~ Castmembers of the Golden Horseshoe Revue, including Don Novis, Betty Taylor and Wally Boag record an album WDL-3013 entitled Slue-foot Sue's Golden Horseshoe Review [sp] featuring shows from the show along with The Strawhatters and the Mellowmen Barber Shop Quartet.
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1961 ~ The Osmond Brothers start performing as a Barbershop Quartet in the Golden Horseshoe in the evenings.
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1962 ~ Don Novis leaves the Golden Horseshoe Revue due to health issues.
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1962 ~ Fulton Burley is encouraged by Wally Boag to join the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show.
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1962 ~ Sunday, September 23rd ~ The 10,000 Golden Horseshoe Revue Show was filmed [both in the park and at the studio] and shown during the Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color. It featured castmembers Wally Boag, Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley as well as Gene Sheldon, Ed Wynn and Annette Funicello.
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1966 ~ The Association, a popular music group play for Grad Nite at the Golden Horseshoe.
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1969 ~ Jay Meyers is assigned to be one of the singing busts for the newest Disneyland attraction, The Haunted Mansion.
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1970 ~ Jim Adams begins subbing for Wally Boag in the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
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1972 ~ Summer ~ A show entitled All That Roaring 20's Jazz begins performing evenings at the Golden Horseshoe.
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1973 ~ Summer ~ A show entitled Class of "27 begins performing evenings in the Golden Horseshoe.
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1976 ~ Monday, February 9th ~ Jay Meyer appears on the television show, MAUDE in an episode entitled "Tuckahoe Bi-centenial".
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1978 ~ Wednesday, January 11th ~ DeeDee Bozikis is hired as a can-can dancer in the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
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1978 ~ Saturday, June 17th ~ Dick Hardwick begins working at Disneyland.
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1979 ~ A night time show feturing the band "Handpicked" with Mark McConnell, along with Dick Hardwick and dancers, Terry Robinson and Nancy Osborn began performing at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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1980 ~ Disney celebrates their 25th anniversary with an open house at the Golden Horseshoe hosted by Dick Hardwick. Also attending are Wally Boag, Fulton Burley, Betty Taylor, Ron Schneider, Stage manager, Bobby Davis and ladies dresser, Bernice [unknown].
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1982 ~ Thursday, February 18th ~ Wally Boag retires from the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show and is replaced by Dick Hardwick.
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1982 ~ Sunday, September 12th ~ Ron Schneider performs his last Golden Horseshoe Revue Show before being sent to Florida to help with the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon Show at Walt Disney World. Appearing with him in this show are Dale Olsen, Terri Robinson and Jay Meyer. The Police Gazette number is featured. The show is still sponsored by Pepsi-Cola.
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1982 ~ Jim Adams leaves Disneyland to work for a production company with Wally Boag and Don Payne.
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1982 ~ Don Payne leaves Disneyland to work for a production company with Wally Boag and Jim Adams.
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1982 ~ Pepsi-Cola ends its sponsorship of the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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1983 ~ Kirk Wall is hired as a sub for Dick Hardwick in the Golden Horseshoe Revue.
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1983 ~ Thursday, April 28th ~ Charles LaVere passes away in Ramona, California.
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1986 ~ Dana Daniels is hired to be a sub for Dick Hardwick in the Golden Horseshoe Revue Show.
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1986 ~ Sunday, October 12th ~ The Golden Horseshoe Revue Show closes after 31 years of continuous shows. The last day cast features Dick Hardwick, Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley.
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1986 ~ Saturday, November 1st ~ The new Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show opens with the following cast: Don Payne, Joe Allaine, Steve Charpie, Christian Monte, Shelly Morgan, Lana Reinherdt and Dale Olsen [in the orchestra].
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1987 ~ Both Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley retire from Disneyland.
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1989 ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show begin performing in Critter Country five days a week with Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet, Mario Hildalgo and John Marshall.
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1990 ~ The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show cast includes Kirk Hansen, Kerry Giese, Amanda Hudosn, Debra Pagliassotti, Tammy Stevens, John B. Williford, Jennifer Lewinson-White and John Eaden.
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1991 ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show stop performing in Critter Country.
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1992~ Wednesday, August 5th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show play in the Golden Horseshoe Saloon two days a week when the Golden Horseshoe Jamboree show was off. This team includes Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet and John and Evan Marshall.
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1994 ~ Sunday, December 18th ~ The Golden Horseshoe Jamboree Show closes after eight years.
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1994 ~ Monday, December 22nd ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show opens at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon after being a street show in Frontierland for over two years. Their shows run every Thursday through Monday. The original team includes Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet, John Marshall and Evan Marshall.
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1995 ~ Tuesday, June 13th ~ The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show starring Dana Daniels opens at the Golden Horseshoe playing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
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1995 ~ Thursday, November 30th ~ Wally Boag, Betty Taylor and Fulton Burley are named Disney Legends by the Walt Disney Company.
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1999 ~ Thursday, November 18th ~ The Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show is temporarily moved to the small stage inside the Big Thunder BBQ Restaurant.
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1999 ~ Sunday, November 21st ~ Woody's Roundup Show opens at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon; a radio drama type show starring Tex Tumbleweed, Woody, Jesse and Bullseye, the horse.
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1999 ~ Sunday, November 21st ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show begin performing at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ's small stage.
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1999 ~ November ~ Denny Moynahan joins the cast of Woody's Round-up as Tex Tumbleweed.
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1999 ~ November ~ Gary Clarke performs as an announcer at Woody's Round-up Show at the Golden Horseshoe.
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2000 ~ Monday, July 17th ~ Woody's Round-up closes for good at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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2000 ~ Monday, July 17th ~Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show close their show at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ and prepare to move back to the Golden Horseshoe.
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2000 ~ Tuesday, July 25th ~ Dana Daniels returns to the Golden Horseshoe with the Golden Horseshoe Variety Show.
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2000 ~ Thursday, July 27th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show return to the Golden Horseshoe Saloon from their brief stay at Big Thunder Ranch BBQ.
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2000 ~ August ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2000 ~ The 1st Annual Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Convention is held at a member's home in Costa Mesa. Hosted by the DBC [Da Billy Club], fans gather and have a BBQ with silent auction to raise money for the Billy's favorite individual charities. Many of the band members attend.
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2001 ~ Saturday, August 18th ~ The 2nd Annual Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Convention is held at a member's home in Anaheim. Hosted by the DBC [Da Billy Club], fans gather and have a BBQ with silent auction to raise money for the Billy's favorite individual charities. Many of the band members attend.
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2001 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2001 ~ Laughing Stock begin performing "Frontierland: The Little Town That Could" on the Golden Horseshoe Stage on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
2002 ~ Anders Swanson begins playing bass with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies as a sub.
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2002 ~ Sunday, March 10th ~ Monty Python's Eric Idle comes to the Golden Horseshoe to see Billy Hill and the Hillbillies perform.
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2002 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2002 ~ Saturday, October 5th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies original team play as "The Bug Band" at Disney's California Adventure for the Annual Passholder Preview of Flik's Fun Fair. Their characters are Preying Mantis, Cockroach, Hershel Wasp-owitz and Grey Moth.
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2002 ~ Monday, October 7th ~ Billy Hill band members perform at a Disney Halloween event as the Ghostly Trio. They include John Marshall, Dave Eastly and Evan Marshall.
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2003 ~ Laughing Stock's "Frontierland: The Little Town That Could" Show closes in the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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2003 ~ Thursday, August 28th ~ Rick Storey performs his first show with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies at The Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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2003 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2003 ~ Friday, August 29th ~ John David's first show with Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Green Team at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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2003 ~ Thursday, September 11th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Blue team first perform their Beatles medley during their show.
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2003 ~Wednesday, October 8th ~ The Golden Horseshoe Variety Show starring Dana Daniels closes after 8 years. Dana's mentor, Wally Boag attends and speaks at the final performance.
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2003 ~ Thursday, October 9th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show goes to 7 days a week and splits into 3 teams; the BLUE team [Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet, Rick Storey and Anders Swanson]; the GREEN team [John Eaden, John Marshall, John David and Duane Michaels]; and the GOLD team [Kirk Wall, Dennis Fetchet, John Marshall and Duane Michaels].
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2004 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2005 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2006 ~ April ~ The Golden Horseshoe Saloon closes for 6 weeks to be refurbished.
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2006 ~ May ~ The Golden Horseshoe Saloon reopens after a refurbishment.
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2006 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2007 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2008 ~ Saturday, March 29th ~ An event honoring the Golden Horseshoe Revue and its two stars, Betty Taylor and Wally Boag is held at the Anaheim Sheraton. Sponsored by Ape Pen Publishing the event features Wally and Ellen Boag, Dick Hardwick, Dana Daniels, Jim Adams, Kirk Wall, Terri Robinson, the Dapper Dans and master of ceremony, John Eaden. Also attending were Bob Gurr, Marty Sklar, Gene Sands, Ron Schneider, and Laurence and Heather Boag [Wally's children]. Dancers that night included: Arlene Dragon, DeeDee Bozikis, Janice Gilmore and Georgeen Whitney.
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2009 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
2010 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2010 ~ A CD of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue Show album from 1959 is re-released and available on itunes and Amazon,
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2011 ~ Friday, June 3rd ~ Golden Horseshoe Revue star, Wally Boag passes away in Santa Monica, California.
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2011 ~ Saturday, June 4th ~ Golden Horseshoe Revue star, Betty Taylor passes away in Coupeville, Washington; one day after co-star, Wally Boag.
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2011 ~ Saturday, August 18th ~ A tribute is held for Wally Boag and Betty Taylor who had passed away earlier that year. It is held at Big Thunder Ranch.
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2011 ~ August ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2012 ~ Friday, June 15th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies Show is closed at the Golden Horseshoe and moved to Big Thunder Ranch Arena.
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2012 ~ Monday, June 18th ~ Billy Hill and the Hillbillies opens at Big Thunder Ranch Arena stage seven days a week.
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2012 ~ Monday, June 18th ~ Laughing Stock and Company opens at the Golden Horseshoe seven days a week.
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2012 ~ August ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2013 ~ Thursday, January 10th ~ A limited Edition Celebration of the Golden Horseshoe Revue and Jamboree Shows opens at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon daily for park guests with special evening performances for Annual Passholders only. Past can-can dancer, DeeDee Bozikis is assigned as Assistant Manager for 4 weeks to develop a Golden Horseshoe Revue/Jamboree Tribute in the Golden Horseshoe as part of the LIMITED TIME MAGIC for the 58th anniversary of the park. New dancers include: Ashley Dragon (daughter of former Revue dancer, Arlene Dragon and Disneyland Band conductor, Art Dragon) and Tobi Longo (former Jamboree Can-can dancer and daughter of former Revue dancer, Rikki Lugo).
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2013 ~ Thursday, January 10th ~ Laughing Stock performs in front of the Golden Horseshoe during the Celebration of the Golden Horseshoe events.
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2013 ~ Monday, February 4th ~ The limited Edition Celebration of the Golden Horseshoe Revue and Jamboree Shows closes at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
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2013 ~ Monday, February 4th~ The Laughing Stock Company returns to the Golden Horseshoe following the closing of the Celebration of the Golden Horseshoe event.
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2013 ~ Summer ~ Kirk Wall from Billy Hill and the Hillbillies hosts the Elvis Fest at the Orange County Fair Grounds.
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2014 ~ Monday, January 6th ~ The Billy Hill and the Hillbillies perform their last show at the Big Thunder BBQ arena. Their show is now retired from Disneyland after 20+ years. Leaving Disneyland is Kirk Wall (after 28 years), Dennis Fetchet (after 28 years), John Marshall (after 28 years) and John David. Other team members are moved to other shows or bands.
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2014 ~ Friday, July 11th ~ Legends of Frontierland opens in the Golden Horseshoe and throughout Frontierland featuring actors and castmembers acting as the town folk of Frontierland and involving guests in interactive fun.
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2015 ~ Saturday, October 3rd ~ The ever popular Laughing Stock character of Sallie Mae McGillacuddy is discontinued after guests complaints of a man playing in the role of a girl.
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2015 ~ Sunday, October 4th ~ The Sallie Mae character is replaced by a female lead named Miss Rose, whose story line says she owns the Golden Horseshoe, as did Slue Foot Sue and Miss Lilly before her.
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AND NOW HOW ABOUT SOME MORE AMAZING INFORMATION?
To learn more about the HISTORY of the GOLDEN HORSESHOE SHOWS and its amazing castmembers, click on these links below:
Thanks for visiting and y'all come one back real soon, ya hear?