By Steffen Klenk
Disney on Ice makes its star-studded return to Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City for an unforgettable show the whole family will love. The brand-new production, “Spotlight Magic,” brings timeless Disney classics to life while introducing audiences to new characters and beloved stories. More than thirty popular Disney characters will take to the ice showcasing never-before-seen performances, and a soundtrack showcasing classic Disney songs along with hits from the Disney Channel.
“Spotlight Magic” will be the red-carpet celebration of the year complete with familiar Disney tales and characters. The production will include stories from “Toy Story,” “Monsters, Inc.,” “Tangled,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Moana,” “Zootopia 2,” and “Lilo & Stitch.”
Among the characters taking center stage are Judy Hopps and her sidekick Nick Wilde from “Zootopia 2.” Audiences will witness the debut of Gazelle and Gary De’Snake in a courageous and heartwarming tale. Angel from “Lilo & Stitch” will also make her North American on-ice debut. She enters as a pop star and will perform “The Glitter Glide” in a lighthearted number with Stitch.
There will be plenty of laughs as Mike Wazowski and Sulley from “Monsters, Inc.” take the ice; plus Woody, Buzz, and Jessie will leap into action for an exciting “Toy Story” adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat. And, of course, no Disney show would be complete without Mickey and Minnie as they welcome crowds to this star-studded gala experience.
Zander Neilsen, ensemble skater for Disney on Ice, spoke with Shore Local prior to this weekend’s performance. “I just came out of school so it’s really nice to be able to focus on something like skating, which has always been a passion for me.” Neilsen described his enthusiasm for performing in front of audiences young and old. “It’s really nice to be able to do something that brings people so much joy.”
The show will also include a villain segment featuring the Queen from “Snow White,” along with Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” and Ursula from “The Little Mermaid.” Audiences will be treated to acrobatic performances, familiar songs such as “Be Our Guest,” and songs from “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical 3.” Audiences are even encouraged to come dressed in their favorite Disney costume.
We asked Neilsen why audiences should see “Disney on Ice: Spotlight Magic!” His answer was simple. “The show is a lot of fun; there are a lot of acrobatic apparatuses, which always keeps things entertaining.” Nielsen described. “Everyone really gets their chance to shine in the spotlight, and there’s truly something for everyone.”
“Disney on Ice: Spotlight Magic!” will appear at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Showtimes are Friday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7 & Sunday, Nov. 8 at 12 p.m. & 4 p.m. Tickets and information are available at www.disneyonice.com, the Boardwalk Hall box office or via Ticketmaster.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
