By:Karen Bloom
The skaters portraying Tarzan and Jane make ice show history, according to the producers, by performing the daring Spanish web routine high above the ice."The concept for this daring expedition is exciting because it's the first time we have linked three Disney stories together that have a common thread," Producer Kenneth Feld explained. "In addition to taking place in the jungle, they share similar morals about growing up and taking responsibility. This message is universal and translates to children all over the world."The show features the wild adventures of Jungle Book favorites Mowgli and Baloo as they set out on a journey filled with hilarious marching pachyderms, a mesmerizing snake and all of "The Bare Necessities." The adventure then treks to the African jungle where Tarzan and his loveable friend, Terk, entertain audiences with their comical antics and the discovery of Jane, a new friend from a different world. The safari continues to the world of The Lion King. The arena takes on a lush appearance with a 38-foot, 15,000 pound jungle tree draped in tropical foliage and leafy green jungle vines that dangle from above. This sets the stage for an intricate sequence of aerial acrobatics that sets this show apart from other Disney On Ice spectaculars. In this production, a swinging vine lowers itself to the ice and a pair of fearless skaters ascend into the canopy of the African jungle. Set to music by Phil Collins, the couple begin their climb, twisting and turning into an intricate pattern of aerial acrobatics. And so begins Tarzan and Jane's breathtaking acrobatic Spanish web routine. A feat unparalled in ice show history, according the production team, the pair's routine is the show's most ambitious number, featuring a 35 foot rope suspended from atop the area with no safety equipment. Tarzan sets the stage for the routine, as he invites Jane to join him in exploring his world high above the jungle floor. Using just their hands, Tarzan and Jane navigate the swaying greenery and swing from the vines high above the ice, performing circus-like aerial acrobatics. The Spanish web routine, premiered in the 1960s as part of the Moscow Circus, with one acrobat performing stunts above the crowd. The Disney version offers two skaters intertwined within the web, trained by veteran aerialist and choreographer Russian-native Alla Youdina. The creative team, led by creative director Jerry Bilik, includes award-winning choreographer Barry Lather (renowned for his work with Olympic medalists Kristi Yamaguchi, Scott Hamilton, and Katarine Witt, among others), lighting desinger LeRoy Bennett, Broadway and film costume designer Frank Krenz, and Academy Award-winning scenic designer Robert L. Smith.Bringing together three hip, jungle adventures, Krenz said, is something families of all ages can enjoy together. "There is incredible circus-like aerial work in the show, which is simply fabulous."
Disney On Ice Presents Jungle Adventures On Ice
Now through Sunday, Jan. 25. Tickets: $15-$60 (rinkside). Available at Nassau
Coliseum Box Office or through Ticketmaster (631) 888-9000. Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale.
