Imagine this: a summer’s night out in Barbie land, where women of all ages and backgrounds are running the show. It’s a land for Barbie girls in a Barbie world, where pink-clad besties can enjoy a symphony made up (almost) entirely of women of color.
The venue is a dreamy sea of pink, with everyone adorned in shades of rose, fuchsia, and blush, sparkling like jewels under the lights. The atmosphere is light and flashy, with disco balls and a powerhouse female DJ who kicks off the evening with anthems from the Barbie movie, including Lizzo’s “Pink” and Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night.”
This is what Tony Award-winning orchestrator Macy Schmidt is hoping to bring to life.
On Saturday, July 27 at the Hollywood Bowl, the Barbie Land Sinfonietta will make its spectacular debut in “Barbie The Movie: In Concert,” creating an immersive experience that transports attendees straight into the heart of Barbie.
“The real world is left at the door, Barbie land is this way once you step into the Hollywood Bowl,” Schmidt says with a laugh on a recent phone call. “If you lived in Barbie land and went for a night out with the symphony, you probably wouldn’t roll up to a symphony with 90 men in black suits playing Mozart. You’re going to get women in all pink and, even better, women of color on that stage.”
Like many growing up, Schmidt was a dedicated Barbie fan. As a first-generation Egyptian-American, she often struggled to see herself represented anywhere in mainstream media. But as Schmidt has grown, so has the world.
It’s 2024. The dawn of the internet and social media has created spaces where millions can share and see themselves reflected in diverse voices, cultures, backgrounds, and genders. This shift has been the backbone of Schmidt’s dream, something she once thought unimaginable as she played with dollhouses and well-loved Barbies.
Now, as she partners with the multinational toy giant Mattel, that dream is becoming a reality. The Broadway orchestrator, who landed on the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2022, acknowledges the challenge, recognizing the immense care, commitment, and respect needed to align the film’s vision with its music. For Schmidt, staying true to her values is essential as she weaves the Sinfonietta into the Barbie movie, ensuring that both her standards and the film’s integrity shine through.
“Honestly, the Sinfonietta’s journey hasn’t always been easy, and we’ve faced a lot of skepticism, both personally and as an orchestra,” Schmidt shares. “But being recognized and partnered with by Mattel and Warner Brothers for this event is something I deeply appreciate and don’t take lightly.”
“Working on the Barbie project has been incredibly special because it hasn’t brought the usual challenges I’ve faced in the past, which has been so enlightening,” she adds. “For the last six months, I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment free from the typical obstacles.”
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This summer, Schmidt will orchestrate and executive produce the project herself, bringing it to more than 35 venues nationwide, including the iconic Hollywood Bowl.
Last year, the Sinfonietta ventured into the live-to-film concert format with “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live,” which Schmidt believes was a turning point for the orchestra. With Barbie, she aims to embody the true essence of womanhood and girl power, one Sinfonietta performance at a time.
“To me, this film speaks volumes about what it means to claim and hold space as a woman. This project is a milestone and will always hold a special place in my heart. The film’s message reflects the daily experiences of all of us in the orchestra, as women of color in the music industry. Bringing this to life is an incredible joy and honor,” Schmidt shared.
Barbie The Movie: In Concert
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27
Where: Hollywood Bowl, 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles
Tickets and information: Tickets start at $31-$224 at hollywoodbowl.com.