Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3

As the holiday season approaches, that means it’s time for another ice extravaganza from the Disney folks to visit Nassau Coliseum. The latest production – now underway and continuing through Sunday – brings everyone’s favorite toys, fresh from Toy Story 3, to the ice.
A cast of talented skaters, with an award-winning creative team, bring Woody, the pull-string cowboy; space ranger Buzz Lightyear; Jessie, the yodeling cowgirl; and the rest of the gang to visit with fans in this brand-new live ice spectacular. The show also introduces some new characters: Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, Ken and Barbie.
The tale begins – as fans of the movie surely know – as Andy prepares for college and is deciding the fate of his favorite childhood pals. Woody reminds the gang that they are still Andy’s toys and they reminisce over their many adventures as Buzz Lightyear defeats Evil Emperor Zurg; Woody meets up with Jessie on the set of their TV show, “Woody’s Roundup”; and Slinky Dog, Rex, Bullseye, Hamm, Barbie, and everyone’s favorite spuds -- Mr. Potato Head and Mrs. Potato Head -- keep the audience laughing with their comedic antics. This unforgettable troupe of toys takes matters into their own hands when they find themselves trapped at Sunnyside Daycare and at the mercy of some rambunctious toddlers. A toy box full of new faces, led by Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, temporarily detains them, but thanks to Woody, they devise a plan to get back home again. A hilarious and daring escape mission ensues as the gang endures a comical series of mishaps to ensure that “no toy gets left behind.”
It all unfolds in a way that involves 3D technology on the ice. “An award-winning team of artists, designers and technicians are redefining the theatre of ice with a show that challenges the audience’s perception of scale,” said Producer Nicole Feld.
To enhance this live experience, the production features state-of-the-art projection design, allowing adults and children alike to virtually shrink down as Andy’s room is transformed from human to toy-sized. This innovative 3D technology, a first for any Disney On Ice show, blends four separate images into one massive 3D projection using the entire ice surface to create oversized effects and scenic elements, altering the audience’s perception of scale.Memorable scenes take on a new life: a pinball machine of monumental proportion is created at Pizza Planet with the massive pinball table projected onto the ice and the scoreboard on the stage behind it. This perspective, among many others throughout the show, reinforces the audience’s experience as a toy-sized spectator.

Bringing the toys to life was no easy feat, particularly for Scenic Designer Joe Stewart, who never been involved in an ice show before. Stewart, an acclaimed art director who has worked on many television shows (including the “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien), said that he “didn’t know much about ice” when he was brought into the assignment. “I took it on as a design project. It’s been a great experience, the skating is fabulous. I love watching the show.”
Conceptually, designing the show was difficult, Stewart said, because the creative
team had to make human ice skaters appear as toys on ice. “The scale of the scenery had to be so large to make people look like toys.”
The result, according to Stewart, is an ice show unlike any other. “For the audience, I think the scale of the set will be amusing, fun and exciting, because you don’t get a chance to see things like how big a marble or a football is from a toy’s perspective. And I think children will be amazed by the ‘giantness’ of the toys, and that they do have a three-dimensional quality to them. It looks different.”
“It’s a wonderfully entertaining production that will appeal to adults as well as children. The show has an emotional edge and wonderful theatrical moments that will tug at the heartstrings,” Stewart said.
Although the show is faithful to its film counterpart, it has some additional plot elements involving the first two movies. “We incorporated all three Toy Story movies into the ice show by creating Act 1 and Act 2,” said Director Patty Vincent. “Act 1 is more of a memory, where Buzz and Woody and all the toys are going on this journey of memory. One of the toys will say, “Remember when we did this? Oh, this was so much fun… we were in Pizza Planet, then that spacewalk with Zurg!” And then suddenly the aliens appear. Act 2 is all about Toy Story 3.”
To help make sure this holiday season is a memorable one for local families in need, Disney On Ice is once again partnering with the Marine Corps “Toys For Tots” program. Donation boxes will be set up at Nassau Coliseum to accept new, unwrapped toys from patrons who wish to donate when attending the show.

Disney On Ice presents Disney-Pixar’s Toy Story 3
Now through Sunday, Nov. 14. Times vary.

Tickets: $20-$80; available at the Nassau Coliseum Box Office or through Ticketmaster (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale.