Magic Kingdom’s Dapper Dans have been singing on Main Street, U.S.A. since Opening Day in 1971, and a new Disney Parks Blog feature puts names and stories to the current quartet: John Barnick, Jonathan Meadows, Dirk Donahue and Michael Rodriguez.
The November 2 Parks Blog post calls the group one of Walt Disney World’s longest-running entertainment traditions, more than 55 years in, with roots that go back to Disneyland in 1959.
A Father-And-Son Main Street Legacy
John Barnick, a 12-year cast member, grew up watching his father, Don Barnick, perform as a Dapper Dan at Magic Kingdom for more than 15 years. The family photo albums are full of a young John visiting Walt Disney World while his dad entertained guests. “I knew I wanted to be a Dapper Dan from a very young age,” John told Disney. After other entertainment roles across Walt Disney World, he joined the quartet and now carries that family line on Main Street.
How The Other Three Got There
Jonathan Meadows came to Walt Disney World as a college student from Iowa, heard about a Voices of Liberty audition, printed sheet music on the spot and gave it a try. That started a Disney career of nearly two decades that eventually led him to the Dans. “We’re the welcoming committee of Main Street,” he said. “Guests aren’t just watching the show. They’re part of it.”
Dirk Donahue grew up a few miles from Walt Disney World and remembers watching Disney performers as a kid and imagining wearing a Disney costume himself. More than 30 years later, he is still creating moments for guests on Main Street. One of his favorite stories involves Kelley McGillicuddy, who met him when she was 7 while he was performing with the Voices of Liberty. She auditioned for Disney at 19 and is now a Disney performer herself. “Those interactions with Dirk and other Disney performers stayed with me long after my vacation ended,” she said.
Michael Rodriguez, a Miami native and classically trained opera performer, especially enjoys connecting with Spanish-speaking guests. He told Disney about a child who walked up and said, “You look like me.” “It’s hard to describe what that meant,” he said.
More Than Four-Part Harmony
Disney stresses that the Dans are musicians, improvisers, dancers and storytellers, and they still use vintage Deagan Organ Chimes as part of their signature sound. They perform at street level rather than on a stage, which is why birthdays, anniversaries and veteran honors so often become part of a set.
Their home turf is already in holiday mode, too. Main Street’s Christmas decorations are up and holiday music is playing ahead of the season.
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