C-C grad performs for Disney Cruise Lines

Most people have their own dreams of Disney from visiting theme parks to an autograph from the famous mouse or Cinderella. For 2002 Churchville-Chili graduate Lani Toyama, the Disney dream was to perform, and she is living that dream singing, dancing and acting as a Mainstage Principal Entertainer for Disney Cruise Lines.

Toyama is performing on the ship The Wonder, one of Disney's two cruise ships sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida. She performs in three main productions each of which are presented two nights a week, twice per night with an occasional added matinee. In addition there are other shipboard shows and rehearsal time. Since there are only 30 performers, everyone handles a multitude of performing capabilities. Toyama does everything from featured leading roles and solos to dance shows, aerial acts and puppeteering.

Toyama participated in the Churchville-Chili music department, having sung in the choirs, select vocal ensembles and Singing Saints. She played French horn in the band and played vibraphone with the Jazz Band. She has been an accompanist for the high school choir along with being student conductor of both the choir and band and a Singing Saints co-captain.

Toyama also appeared in many musicals throughout school. In the fifth grade she played the role of Princess Ying Yaowlak in the high school production of "The King and I" as well as the chorus in "Pirates of Penzance" at Chestnut Ridge. The following year she played Peter Pan in the middle school musical. Other roles included Grace in the Junior High production of "Annie, Jr." as well as Rosemary in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and the baker's wife in "Into the Woods" in the Senior High.

Upon graduation, Toyama went on to Ithaca College majoring in vocal performance on a full tuition award. There she received classical training but also continued her interest in theater performing, music directing, and doing choreography. A week before graduation in May 2006, she and three friends decided to travel to New York City where Disney Cruise Lines would be holding auditions. She was called back and two weeks later was offered a contract. Three weeks later she was on her way to Toronto for a two-month rehearsal schedule, six days a week, 6 to 8 hours a day. In August she began seven months on the ship and begins another contract on the ship this June.

May 6, 2007