Review by CJ

Starring:
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Princess Ariel, Prince Eric, Ursula, Sebastian, Flounder, Princess Rapunzel, Flynn Rider, Maximus, Mother Gothel, Belle, Beast, Lumiere, Cogsworth, Mrs Potts, Chip, Gaston, LeFou, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff, Sven, Prince Hans

Venue:
Rod Laver Arena

Running time:
123 minutes (including 15 minute interval)

Disney On Ice: Magical Ice Festival features modified tellings of The Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck appear between sets to introduce and wrap up each of the main features.

Each of the stories featured in Magical Ice Festival are only modified to allow them to be shortened. For example, any reference to Maurice is removed from Beauty and the Beast. As a fan of all four of the films these segments were based on, I didn’t feel the changes were detrimental to the stories for the purpose of Disney On Ice. The primary songs from each of the represented films were featured. This is incredibly important for an ice dancing show as the songs are where the stars really shine.

The costumes in Magical Ice Festival are stunning. They have sequins and sparkles aplenty, bright colours and character suits galore. You want beautiful gowns? They got twenty. But who cares? (I do.) No big deal. (Huge deal.) I want more. (Now that you mention it, there was SO much more.)

The performances in Magical Ice Festival are amazing. In the literal sense of the word. I was amazed by the feats achieved by the performers. The solo, couple and group performances are all perfectly choreographed and executed. The performances are so outstanding that they appear effortless, despite the complete opposite being more likely.

The special effects featured in Magical Ice Festival were delightfully effective. From pyrotechnics indicating spells to angry villagers wielding actual fiery torches to floating lanterns rising into the arena — the effects all added extra depth to the show. Then … wait for it … it started snowing. Yes. In Rod Laver Arena, it snowed. Because when Disney is involved magic happens. Or snow machines attached to the ceiling. Whatever. It was magnificent.

It’s in the title but everything truly was magical. There was nothing that I didn’t enjoy about Magical Ice Festival. You don’t necessarily need to be a fan of Disney films to appreciate the art behind what the performer can do on the ice. I highly recommend Magical Ice Festival for kids of all ages who enjoy Disney or ice dancing. For fans of both, Magical Ice Festival is a must see show.

Rating: