What: Disney On Ice presents Frozen
When: 5th July, 2017
Where: Hisense Arena, Melbourne

SPOILERS!

Playing at Hisense Arena, Melbourne until 9th July with extra shows added 22-23rd July
Tickets and information can be found here: www.disneyonice.com

Disney on Ice presents Frozen, based on the heart-warming Academy Award®-winning Disney movie musical of the same name delighted audiences – both young and old, during its opening at Hisense Arena last night. Combining the characters, songs and laughs you loved from the original alongside choreographed skating by seasoned professionals.

Adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, Frozen follows royal sister’s Anna and Elsa, with friend’s Kristoff, Sven and Olaf, on a magical quest to bring back Summer. The storyline is changed ever so slightly in the show – simplified but with the important stuff (dialogue and song is taken from the movie). The beginning feels rushed, almost fully cutting Frozen Heart in replacement of some mischief between baby Sven and Kristoff. From there, the pace flows better, and truer to the original, straight into fan favourite, Do You Wanna Build A Snowman? Versatile and mobile ice rink pieces complement the decor hanging from the ceiling.

The problem was always going to lay in translating the movie magic into real life. Using special effects, lighting, projections and pyrotechnics, they come pretty close. Highlights include the snowstorm during the iconic, Let It Go and, given the limited mobility of the inflated snow monster, its sheer scale, taking up most of the stage, is very impressive. The wolves are portrayed as dark figures with glowing eyes, but their appearance is brief to not scary children too much. Careful consideration has been taken on the costumes, production design and look of the characters (especially the trolls) to mirror the movie.

I questioned whether there is enough colour in the show to keep children entertained for a long period of time – and that remains to be seen. Children did seem restless until everyone’s favourite snowman, Olaf hit the stage (he makes a brief cameo during the first act but really doesn’t appear until the second act). Some much needed colour is a welcome relief, from the muted blues and whites tones, during In Summer, in which the cast cancan beside (the iconic nod-to-Mary-Poppins) penguins, bees and flowers.

The ice skating adds an extra dimension to the show (although it would be just as successful performed on stage) for those impressed by the skater’s athleticism. It’s hard not to marvel at the twirls, spins and jumps by the principal cast – especially Jonathan Partridge as Kristoff.

Disney On Ice once again proves its quality. There’s not much you can fault in terms of production. Hosted by Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Minnie Mouse, with special appearances from Disney/Pixar favourites – Eric and Ariel from The Little Mermaid; Buzz and Woody from Toy Story; The Lion King‘s Timon and Pumbaa; Rapunzel and Flynn from Tangled – and more! Eager families are welcomed to the stage for a special moment with their favourite characters after the big group closing number.

Don’t forget to check out the substantial merchandise for sale before leaving. On offer is a souvenir programme (Olaf nose included), plush toys, collectable figurines, t-shirts, headbands, goblets, flags, spinners and more from the collective works of Disney/Pixar – not just Frozen. Also, for the hefty price of $20 (a collective frame will cost you an extra $8) will get your photo taken in the wintry Arendelle with a cardboard Olaf.

Disney On Ice presents Frozen is playing at Hisense Arena, Melbourne until 9th July with extra shows added 22-23rd July. Visit www.disneyonice.com for more!