Snow fell in Augusta Friday – thanks to Disney magic.
And it may have only been theatrics designed to go along with the songs from Frozen at Disney on Ice, but the children still oohed and ah’ed as it swirled around the skaters at the James Brown Arena.
The production, which has additional performances on Saturday and Sunday, showcases girl power with Ariel, Belle, Rapunzel, the three sisters from Encanto, Moana and Elsa and Anna. And of course, perennial favorites of Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy were also on hand, emceeing the action.
With brightly colored costumes, the skaters glided along to the familiar Disney songs, often stopping to wave and interact with the crowd, many of whom were dressed as Disney princesses.
Friday’s crowd was small, but the collective voices of children and adults could be heard above the soundtrack during songs such as Let It Go and How Far I’ll Go.
For two of the skaters performing with Disney on Ice is a dream come true.
Skye Patton, a champion competitive skater from St. Louis, is Luisa from Encanto.
“I started skating when I was 7,” said the 19-year-old.
When she was 8, Disney’s Toy Story on Ice came to St. Louis, and she knew exactly what she wanted to do with her skating. What’s cool to her, she said, is that some of the skaters from that show are still performing with the company.
Another young performer is Nadiri Brooks, another skater who grew up competing.
“When I was 12, I saw an advertisement for Disney on Ice. I cut it out and said ‘that’s what I wanted to do,’” said Brooks who is part of the ensemble.
Brooks never had the chance to see it in person though. She found it online instead.
“I watched it every single night with my mom. I watched every single performance,” she said.
And while the artistry is on display, the technical side is as well with performers adding spins and lifts into the story. And Ariel’s transformation from mermaid into human takes place high above the ice.
Showtimes are 3 and 7 p.m., Saturday Oct. 14 and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday Oct. 15. For tickets, go to the James Brown Arena box office or here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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