(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Ice skating cartoon characters it can only be Disney Around the world Disney on Ice is somewhat of a performing institution. From Madison Square Gardens to the Workers’ Stadium Beijing expert ice skating choreography melded with Disney’s best loved characters and stories has enthralled audiences for decades.
Now come September 10 to 13 the magic arrives in Dubai with Mickey Goofy and the rest of the crew presenting Rockin’ Ever After at the World Trade Centre.
We caught up with two of the main attractions Belle from Beauty and the Beast and the one and only Donald Duck for a breezy (and damp when it came to Donald) chat about the Disney lifestyle. Donald Duck
So first things first how old are you
Hey! What’s the big idea You wouldn’t ask Minnie that would you Aw I’m just kidding. I’m the perfect age!
Where have you travelled from
I’ve got a boat over in Toontown next to my good pals Mickey and Goofy. But lots of times we’re out travelling to all the places where we get to do our shows.
And is that with your family
No but I’ve actually got a pretty big family. But I’m closest to my three nephews – Huey Dewey and Louie. Oh and I can’t forget my Uncle Scrooge.
Your friends come with you though
Yes Mickey and Goofy! We’ve been best friends for ages.
Do they have nicknames for you
None that I know of though sometimes folks refer to me as “The Duck” which I like since it sounds important like “The President.”
What would you say you are best known for
My debonair good looks remarkable talent and of course my sweet disposition.
Do you have any hobbies
Oh boy! I like fishing and swimming and skating. Hey they’re all water sports! Guess it must be a duck thing.
What do you never travel without and why
My earplugs. Goofy always wants to practice his drumming or guitar playing just when I’m trying to take a nap.
Favourite movie to watch on a plane
Anything starring me of course! I especially like the ones where I get to be the hero that saves the day.
Tell us about Disney on Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After and what kids can expect:
It’s a talent show with all sorts of stupendous acts. There’s singing and dancing and skating. And me!
Do you think anything unexpected will happen
You could say there’s a distinct possibility. Goofy’s the stage manager so the chances that something goes kerplooey are pretty good.
Favourite song
Any song I get to sing! Belle
Whereabouts have you travelled to Dubai from
I live in a small provincial town in France. Papa and I have a little cottage there. But recently I’ve been a guest at a most interesting castle that I came across in the forest.
Can you tell us more about the castle you’ve been staying at
I’d be happy to. It’s… well it was placed under a magical spell by an enchantress so everyone who lives there is quite unique. I’ve made the dearest friends. There’s Mrs. Potts the teapot and her adorable son Chip. And of course Lumiere and Cogsworth. They’ve all made me feel very welcome.
What about the owner of the castle We’ve heard he’s a bit different
Oh yes. We’re just getting to know each other. He has a bit of a temper. But he can also be very sweet. In fact when he found out about my love of books he gave me the entire castle library to explore! I can’t even imagine how many incredible places I’ll get to read about in all those books.
Do you have any hobbies
Oh I love to read! Especially adventure stories about far-off places daring swordfights and magical spells! I also like riding and… well just spending time in the countryside.
What do you never travel without and why
I never go anywhere without a book or two or three. Wherever I am I like to find some quiet moments to curl up and let my imagination wander into a story.
Do you have a favourite book
Oh I couldn’t pick just one. You see when I read a story I imagine myself in that place and with the people I’m reading about. So each new story takes me someplace different and introduces me to new customs and traditions. That’s what’s makes reading so fascinating. There are so many books to get lost in.
What are your favourite places to visit
Well I haven’t been to very many places but I would love to see as much of the world as I can. I’ve read stories about so many wonderful lands and learned about all sorts of amazing people. I think it would be fascinating to travel and make new friends.
What are your plans for the future
Well I’d like to help my father become a world-famous inventor. And I hope to spend more time with my friends at the castle. I’d love to travel and see all the places I’ve read about. It seems I’ll be rather busy doesn’t it
What to expect…
As an adult it is often with a strong degree of trepidation that I enter a cinema when a kids’ movie is playing let alone go see a live action show. So when an invite came through to preview Disney on Ice’s Rockin’ Ever After performance there was an overwhelming sense I wouldn’t like it.
However I have to report that it is actually quite fun. The arena set out for the four-night run at the World Trade Centre is extremely professional as are all the dancers and costumes. Being a Disney import straight from America in retrospect that’s hardly surprising. As you take your seat classics such as Under The Sea from The Little Mermaid tinkle around the theatre before skaters burst through the curtain to introduce Mickey Minnie Goofy and Donald – the show’s ‘co-ordinators.’ The foursome bring in each segment of the spectacle with a song and a dance of their own riffing on pop hits as well as well-known songbook tunes.
Rockin Ever After comprises many stories such as Rapunzel and Beauty and the Beast condensed to five-minute portions and set to excellent ice choreography. The huge troupe of dancers flawlessly execute impressive moves while often dressed up in presumably cumbersome (but striking) costumes and interact with a number of props which are lowered from the ceiling. Pyrotechnics lights and even a ship for Ariel’s prince all make a welcome addition to what shapes up to be a great show.
If you don’t feel like heading to Dubai Mall and putting on a pair of ice skates yourself after the extravaganza is over there’s something wrong with you. davidkhaleejtimes.com Disney On Ice in numbers Hours it takes to set up the production - 12
Hours it takes to tear down the production - 3.5
Crew members who travel with the production - 14
Number of staff members with production - 5
Number of concessions members with production - 45
Number of trucks it takes to transport production - 13
Number of buses it takes to transport cast crew & staff - 4
Number of cities on the 2013-2014 tour - 37
Miles travelled during the 2013-2014 tour - 15927
Average distance between cities - 300
Number of trucks needed to haul equipment - 12
Number of computers utilized by management - 4 Dells & 1 MAC
Average size of ice skating surface - 140’x70’
Number of concessions trailers - 3
Number of male performers in the production - 18
Number of female performers in the production - 21
Number of countries represented by cast - 6
Age range - 18 to 45
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.