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Review: ‘Disney On Ice’ enchants at PPL Center

“Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment” brings that Disney magic to PPL Center, Jan. 31 through Feb. 3.

The ice show has incredibly-skilled skaters, a huge cast, impressive choreography, props and scenic backdrops, spectacular lighting, pyrotechnic and fog effects and, of course, the beloved characters from Disney feature movies.

True to its title, “Disney On Ice” enchants with entertainment that can be enjoyed by the family.

The show is divided into two acts, and not unlike a Broadway musical format, the first act is about one hour, followed by a 15-min. intermission, and the second act is about 40 min.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, accompanied by Goofy and Donald Duck, are the ice-skating hosts of the show. Their familiar voices and chuckles are heard in the pre-recorded soundtrack, as are the songs and voices of other characters (rendered in amazing likenesses) from Disney animated feature films.

The first act concentrates on the “Toy Story” movies, with characters including Sheriff Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Bucket O Soldiers, Rex, Slinky Dog and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.

Portions of popular songs, including “Dream Weaver,” “Le Freak,” “Kung Fu Fighting” and “Aquarius-Let The Sun Shine In” are heard during sequences with Barbie and Ken, a particularly good skate. The skaters portraying Ken and Barbie are splendid in duos.

Some of the show’s humor may go over children’s heads, which is OK, as when Barbie says to Ken, “So, how ‘bout we put you in my closet for awhile?” And, at another point, of the plastic toys, it’s said, “So, who’s going to get recycled as park benches?”

Against a backdrop of a playroom or a child’s bedroom, the storyline touches on themes from the “Toy Story” movies, that of toys discarded when children outgrow them. As with the movies, empathy is evoked through dialogue and song. You feel story for the toys left behind.

The first act segues into scenes from “The Little Mermaid” movie with day-glo lighting. Ariel and Eric are excellent pairs skaters, with some exciting lifts, spins, and skate-dancing. The “Under The Sea” number, including Sebastian and Ursula, is the rhythmic highlight of the first act.

The second act begins with characters from the “Cars” movies, with full-size, or possibly even-larger, versions of Lightning McQueen, Mater, Ramone, Sally Carrera, and Flo, sliding around the ice.

Centerpiece of “Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment” are scenes from the “Frozen” movie, which is sort of a show within the show’s second act, with the characters Anna, Kristoff, Elsa and Olaf. The land of Arendelle is backdropped with a castle facade and then is “frozen” by Elsa.

The songs in “Frozen” are simply great songs, including “For The First Time In Forever,” “Love Is An Open Door,” “In Summer” and “Let It Go,” the latter the show’s emotional triumph.

With the temperature outsite PPL Center hovering around 3 degrees F on opening night, Jan. 31, according to the time-temperature sign on the bank across the street, “Frozen” is a theme that one could all too well relate to.

“Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment” is an outstanding ice show that will warm hearts. It’s fun to see the many children in the audience dressed up for the show. If you’re a Disney fan or a fan of professional ice-skating, you don’t want to miss “Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment.”

As Mickey Mouse said in his trademark phrase at the end of the show, “We’ll see ya real soon.”

I hope so for what has become an annual event at PPL Center. Short of going to Disney World or Disneyland, “Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment” is the place to be.

“Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment,” 7 p.m. Jan. 31, Feb. 1; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Feb. 2; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Feb. 3, PPL Center, Seventh and Hamilton streets, Allentown. Tickets: PPL Center Box Office, 701 Hamilton St., Allentown; PPLCenter.com; 610-347-TIXX. Group rates and information: 610-224-4625.

PRESS PHOTO BY PAUL WILLISTEINElsa and Anna “Let It Go” in “Disney On Ice Presents Worlds Of Enchantment,” Jan. 31-Feb. 3, PPL Center, Allentown.