Princess Elsa. Princess Anna. Twirling on skates in sparkly costumes. Falling snow. I challenge you to think of a way to make a four year old girl happier than by taking her this year’s Disney on Ice: Frozen edition.The night began with the usual goofy banter between Micky Mouse and co., and then some of the ol’ favourites were rolled out – Snow White, Cinderella, Ariel, Timon and Pumbaa – to do a lap around the rink, but the Elsa-dress-wearing crowd was impatient to get the show on the road.
When Princess Elsa appeared on stage, my daughter’s eyes bulged and she whispered in my ear in awed tones – How did she get here? On a plane, I said.
There is no doubt that the people behind Disney on Ice (Feld Entertainment) have been salivating from the moment Frozen came out in 2013 – you couldn’t have scripted a better movie for the ice. The show followed the plot closely, with all the favourite scenes and songs to sing along to.
There’s a reason why this is the highest-grossing animated film in history – those are some catchy tunes. It’s nigh impossible to not sing along to Let it Go or smile a big cheesy smile at Love is An Open Door or chuckle at Fixer Upper or Reindeers are Better Than People.
Olaf has to be one of the most lovable Disney characters with his buck teeth and adorable dreams of basking in the sun and In Summer was done beautifully, with scores of skating butterflies and bees.
Staging was impressive, with over 200 props that were moved swiftly on and around the stage, some by remote control. Recreating the wintry wonderland of Arendelle took 20 snow machines and the giant bridge that features in the film was recreated in all its glitzy glory.
There were impressive skating performances by the leads, particularly Kristoff, who did a number of impressive triple spins and a backflip, a clever routine by Princess Anna and Hans, and some beautiful triple axels by Princess Elsa during Let It Go.
The Disney on Ice franchise cannot fail; the quality of skating is excellent and makes it entertaining for adults too. As for my daughter, she was glued to her seat, staring straight ahead wide-eyed for two hours as she soaked up the sights and wonders of the show.
Disney On Ice presents
Frozen
2017 National Tour Dates
Perth
Perth Arena
2 - 5 June
Adelaide
Adelaide Entertainment Centre
9 - 12 June
Wollongong
WIN Entertainment Centre
15 - 18 June
Newcastle
Newcastle Entertainment Centre
22 - 25 June
Brisbane
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
29 June – 2 Jul
Melbourne
Hisense Arena, Melbourne
5 - 9 July
Sydney
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park
12- 17 July
Visit: www.disneyonice.com.au for more information