Originally Published: 2004-12-19

On December 25, Mickey and Minnie are hitting the ice at the Air Canada Centre, along with Pinnochio, Snow White, Simba and friends. Disney on Ice presents its commemorative celebration of Walt Disney's 100 Years of Magic. The show will be assembling Disney stories and characters that have spanned the decades into a single two-hour skating spectacular.
Collaborating with this event are several prominent figures in the artistic world. Emmy Award-winner Sarah Kawahara (a Montreal native) is the head skate choreographer; she has previously worked with Olympic skater Michelle Kwan in the 2002 Olympics. Kawahara worked closely with costume designer Scott Lane, who skillfully laboured to maintain the authenticity and beauty of the characters' signature outfits while ensuring that they would be suitable for easy movement and breathability, as well as adept to the moist climate of an ice rink. The stage (or rink) itself was designed by David Potts, and includes a gigantic 38-foot tall, 20,000 pound castle, which serves as the set's centrepiece. Potts selected this piece so as to create an image that would "transcend the years and become the show's unifying theme." The set also features ornately decorated floats and over 100 scenic elements, including the 36-foot-long Monstro whale from Pinocchio. In the second half of the show, the arena will be transformed into a battlefield for a dramatically choreographed fight scene between Mulan and the Huns. Nothing is too grand for a Disney celebration.
The show will highlight the most memorable moments of Disney's 100 years, with musical numbers ranging from "When You Wish Upon a Star" to "It's A Small World" (the latter of which features representatives from 18 different countries). With a cast of over 60 stars, a timeless musical repertoire, beautifully choreographed skating and intricately designed set pieces, Walt Disney's 100 Years of Magic does promise to be a truly sparkling affair.

Disney on Ice runs from December 25 to January 2 at the Air Canada Centre. Visit www.disneyonice.com or call 416.870.8000 for info.

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