Sacanime Summer 2021 Souvenir Book

GUESTS!
JODI BENSON
JODI BENSON is honored and blessed to be the recipient
of the prestigious Disney Legends Award having served the
company for 33 amazing years. Jodi has received worldwide
recognition as the beloved, original voice of Ariel in the
Academy Award winning Disney film “The Little Mermaid”.
She continues to bring Ariel to life as well as the bubbly
voice of Barbie in Disney/Pixar’s Golden Globe winner “Toy
Story 2” and Oscar winning “Toy Story 3.” Other films:
“Flubber”(Weebo), star of “Thumbelina”, “Tinkerbell: Secret
of the Wings”, “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning”, “The
Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea”, “Lady and the Tramp
II” (Lady) and as Patrick Dempsey’s assistant Sam, in
Disney’s “Enchanted”- as a real person with legs!
Ms. Benson returns as Ariel with all of the Disney Princesses
for the first time ever in Disney’s recent hit Wreck it
Ralph 2: Ralph Breaks the Internet. Ms. Benson received
nominations for the Tony Award and Helen Hayes Award
for Best Actress in a Musical for originating Polly Baker in
the Tony Award winning Gershwin musical “Crazy For You.”
Other Broadway credits include creating the starring role
of Doria Hudson in the Howard Ashman-Marvin Hamlisch
musical “Smile” and others.
On the concert stage, Ms. Benson starred in the World
Premiere of “The Little Mermaid Live in Concert to Film”
at The Hollywood Bowl to a sold out crowd of 18,000 fans
per night for 3 concerts as well as sold out performances
in Tokyo & Osaka with the brilliant Alan Menken. A truly
once in a lifetime experience. She fulfilled her childhood
dream by singing at Carnegie Hall with the illustrious New
York Pops under the direction of Steven Reineke. Jodi has
performed with symphonies all over the world, including
The Boston Pops, The Philly Pops(conductor:Peter Nero),
The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra(conductor: John Mauceri),
The National Symphony(conductor:Marvin Hamlisch),
Tokyo, San Francisco and Chicago Symphonies, to name
a few.
Jodi was thrilled to be a part of the christening ceremonies
and inaugural cruises for 3 of our Disney cruise ships. Ms.
Benson is honored to be the resident guest soloist for the
Walt Disney Company/Disney Cruise Line, ambassador for
feature animation and a member of the Disney family for
all these wonderful years.
Ms.Benson is always so thrilled to narrate the Candlelight
Processional at Walt Disney World & has joyfully
Her animated TV series include the Emmy winning “Camp participated for over 11 years. It is truly one of her most
Lazlo”,“The Little Mermaid”,”Sofia The First”(Disney) and favorite Disney experiences to be a part of and holds such
many others.
a special place in her heart. Jodi gives thanks to God
for her loving husband,Ray, and amazing children, son,
2
McKinley and daughter, Delaney.
SACANIME SUMMER 2021 SEPTEMBER 3RD - 5TH, 2021