By Karen Bloom
This season’s new production combines four – classic and current – Disney stories in a dynamic visual interpretation that breaks new ground for the ice show.
The 70 city, two-year tour showcases beloved characters from Disney/Pixar’s Cars, Disney’s The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, as well as a live debut of the magical cast of new fairies from the recent DVD/ Blu-ray release of Walt Disney Pictures Tinker Bell.
The story line involves Mickey and Minnie going through different worlds in their jalopy. Along the way, they meet up with many beloved characters .
“Worlds of Fantasy connects classic and new Disney stories,” said Producer Kenneth Feld. “Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they encounter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, this time built to scale and live on ice. They will see their all-time favorites – The Little Mermaid and The Lion King – and discover up-close the secret world of Pixie Hollow. All of this, combined with a new Disney Princess pre-show experience, provides a value that is truly unparalleled in the world of live family entertainment.”
In a captivating “fairy tale” segment, audiences enter into the wondrous world of Pixie Hollow and meet the Disney Fairies from Tinker Bell. The entire ice floor is transformed into springtime, as the fairies’ magical role in the mysteries of nature is finally revealed.
“Our re-creation of Pixie Hollow and the visual splendor on the ice sets the stage for the magical and diverse cast of Disney Fairies,” said Feld’s daughter, Producer Nicole Feld. “Audiences will get to meet the fairies live for the first time ever as we open the door to this mystical fairy world deep in the heart of Never Land and unveil the secrets that lie within.”
Another aspect of the show – considered by some to be the production’s highlight – features Disney/Pixar's Cars characters coming to life on the ice. These aren’t just skaters dressed up in Cars costumes, instead these are state-of-the art custom animatronics that bring out the high-octane personalities of Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the crew. Their moving eyes and mouths twist and turn about on the frozen highway. Mater has amusing antics in store as the Cars characters convoy to rock the ice with jumps, spins and freewheeling fun.
It’s a fresh new twist on the Disney on Ice experience,” said Rick Papineau, VP of Scene Elements, who led the team that brought the Cars characters to ice. “Nobody is expecting the cars. People are amazed when they see the cars and how realistic they are, how they move and talk.”
Each Cars character took approximately 2,000 man hours to build and had to be built within a three-month time frame. “This show was the most challenging technically to pull off,” Papineau explained. “The biggest challenge we faced in making all the animated cars was figuring out how to combine the animatronics and the elements that would work for an ice show. The cars had to be able to animate and do all the things they did in the movie, yet still travel as live pieces that have to be loaded and unloaded every week and can withstand the rigors of the road. I am just thrilled with the way they came out.”
A bonus experience awaits, the Disney Princess Pre-Show, which is sure to be a hit with all those young fans of Disney Princesses (of which there are many). Prior to each performance, families can see the collection of enchanting ball gowns and mementos from the Disney Princess stories. And, of course, the pre-show features photo opportunities galore.
Worlds of Fantasy
Tuesday through Sunday, Nov. 18-23. Times vary. Tickets: $20-$70. Available at Nassau Coliseum Box Office or through Ticketmaster (631) 888-9000 or ticketmaster..com.
Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale.
