There are many things that you expect to find at the World of Disney at WDW's Downtown Disney. Mountains of Plush. Shelves piled high with Pirates of the Caribbean stuff. Way too much Disney Princess Merchandise. But Pulitzer Prize-winning authors?
And yet this was where Dave Barry spent yesterday afternoon. Tucked away in a corner of that store's Villains Room with his collaborator, Ridley Pearson. As these two greeted fans and then signed copies of their latest collaboration, "Science Fair. (Disney Editions, October 2008).
In a way, it was entirely appropriate that Barry & Pearson would end their latest book tour at Walt Disney World. Especially since the initial story idea for "Science Fair" was actually hatched right there at the Resort.
"Where and when exactly?," you ask. Pearson recalls a conversation that these two longtime friends had over drinks at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge a year or so back.
"After we finished our last 'Starcatchers' book, Dave said that he wanted to write a comic adventure for kids that was set in today's world. I wrote the phrase 'Floating Frog' down on a cocktail napkin. And the book sort of took off from there."
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And trust me, folks. That floating frog is just one of the weird but wacky wonders you'll encounter while reading "Science Fair." Wait 'til you get to the part about the Nuclear Mentos. Which reveals what happens when you drop a Mentos the size of a truck tire into a 55-gallon drum of Diet Coke.
Speaking of which … Barry & Pearson have been making quite an impression as they've rolled across the country promoting "Science Fair." Especially during their stops at middle schools, where Dave & Ridley demonstrate what does happens when you drop a normal-sized Mento into a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke.
"The kids are always asking us 'What would happen if you dropped 5 Mentos in the bottle," Pearson continued. "My response is always 'Don't do that.' Then Dave says 'But if you do do that, don't mention our names.' "
As you may have already guessed, this was not your normal book tour. Take — for example — what happened on the night of October 24th. Which was the night that "High School Musical 3" debuted in theaters.
Now Barry & Pearson were already scheduled to do a book signing at Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL that very same evening. And Dave didn't want the kids who were attending this "Science Fair" promotional event to miss out on any "HSM3" -related fun. Which is why — as part of that appearance — Barry & Pearson stood on stage and read excerpts from the actual "High School Musical 3" screenplay. With Dave reading the role of Troy and Ridley standing in for Gabriella.
Dave Barry (L) and Ridley Pearson (R) at yesterday's book signing at the
World of Disney Store at WDW's Downtown Disney. Photo by Nancy Stadler
As for what these two are up to next … Barry & Pearson are already 1500 words into a brand-new "Starcatchers" adventure. Tentatively titled "Peter and the Sword of Mercy," this book is scheduled to be published sometime next year. And it will deal with a very special blade that is hidden among the Crown Jewels of England.
2009 is also see the world premiere of the stage version of "Peter and the Starcatchers." Presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions, this new play will begin a developmental run at the La Jolla Playhouse in mid-February. Featuring a script by Rick Elice, "Peter and the Starcatchers" has been selected to be part of La Jolla Playhouse's prestigious Page to Stage program. Which has previously helped shows like "I Am My Own Wife," "700 Sundays" and "The Farnsworth Invention" first find their footing and then make their way to Broadway.
Which is — obviously — pretty exciting news. But to Dave's way of thinking, a legitimate stage version of he & Ridley's books isn't nearly as much fun as dropping handfuls of Mentos into bottles of Diet Coke. As Barry explained:
"(Pearson) was always after me to not put so many Mentos in the bottles, to not make such a mess. My response was: "I don't pay taxes in this school district. So why should I worry about a few Diet Coke stains on some ceiling tiles? After this demo, we're out of here anyway. I say that we fire this puppy up!"
If you're in the mood for a fizzy, fun read, might I suggest that you pick up a copy of Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson's latest opus, "Science Fair" ? But just make sure that you lock up the Diet Coke & Mentos before the kids get home.
Your thoughts?