History
The Golden Horseshoe Stage unofficially opened on Wednesday, July 13, 1955, as the Golden Horseshoe Saloon, when Walt and Lillian Disney, along with dozens of guests, celebrated their 30th anniversary with a private party and the premiere showing of the original Golden Horseshoe Revue.
On Saturday, July 16, 1955, the Golden Horseshoe opened a day early for a private party of corporate sponsors. This show marked Wally Boag's first official performance as Pecos Bill/Traveling Salesman at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon.
The first show to open on the stage was Slue Foot Sue’s Golden Horseshoe Revue (mistakenly spelled "Review") on July 17, 1955. The revue's music was written by Charles LaVere, who served as the show's pianist, and used lyrics by Tom Adair. The script for the production was co-authored by two of its stars, Donald Novis and Wally Boag. This variety show ran a record 39,000 times and is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-running musical of all time. One of the features of the show was to have children from the audience sing and dance on stage. "Davey Crockett" was a favorite song performed by the guests.
In 1962, Ron Miller, son-in-law to Walt Disney, directed a made-for-television movie by the same title. The film starred Disney actress Annette Funicello, Ed Wynn, Betty Taylor, Gene Sheldon, Wally Boag and Walt Disney himself.
Today, the Golden Horseshoe Stage is still popular inside and out. For years Disneyland served chili at the bar as well as drinks and desserts. Outside on the front balcony, there is a periodic, comedic wild west shoot-em'-up show performed by Laughing Stock and Company that always draws a crowd.
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