Memorable Disney moments on the ice

As we turn the page to a new month and a new year, another Disney On Ice extravaganza awaits fans at Nassau Coliseum. This time around, the Disney On Ice crew will elicit ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from its youthful audience with “100 Years of Magic,” which visits Long Island for four days, opening Thursday, Jan. 7.
The show is basically a revue of Disney’s treasure trove of popular animated classics over its storied history, including those produced with Pixar. That long list features “Aladdin,” “Toy Story,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Mulan,” “Pinocchio,” “Finding Nemo,” along with segments including those beloved Princesses.
Disney’s unforgettable stories and enthralling characters are brought to life on ice in a captivating production with the largest cast ever of Disney stars on ice – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Stitch, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Nemo and the Incredibles, to name a few. Exciting moments from Disney movies are presented through 10 different story segments, along with special sequence featuring “a small world.”
Characters from these movies skate to those classic Disney songs: “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Under the Sea,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” and many more. Dazzling sets, beautiful costumes and exciting special effects will transport audiences through decades of beloved Disney stories.
“This show is special because it’s not just one story,” said skater Natasha Kuchiki, who appears as Mulan in the production. The former Olympian, who earned acclaim as one-half of the internationally recognized pair with partner Todd Sand, has been performing with Disney on Ice since 2000.

Kuchiki said she loves to perform because she is “able to reach the crowd and pull them in, so that they understand the role I’m playing. When I see just one of the audience members looking at me the way I want them to, I know I’ve gotten them and that’s fulfilling.”
According to Kuchiki, this tour is particularly appealing to fans because it translates favorite Disney stories into reality. “There’s something for everyone,” she said. “Kids love seeing the characters magically brought to life and the high level of skating appeals to all ages. When the house lights go down, it brings out the inner child in everyone.”
Complementing the skate sequences, choreographed by Sarah Kawahara (who has previously worked with Michelle Kwan), are the memorable tunes that have captured the hearts of generations of families.
Scenic Designer David Potts, who has worked on numerous Broadway productions, creates a theatrical atmosphere on ice. Skaters weave around and enliven the “it's a small world” sequence amidst sparkling floats that turn into a radiant light parade; a blanket of snow and an avalanche fall as Mulan battles the Huns; and a giant present is opened to reveal Buzz Lightyear as he’s first introduced to that favorite toy cowboy, Woody, and his pal Jessie.
“It really is a fantastic show that celebrates the Disney legacy,” Kuchiki said.
The audience comes ready to share their beloved Disney moments, often dressing up as their favorite characters.
It all culminates with a taste of the Disney World experience, with a pyrotechnic display similar to the fireworks displays at the theme park, that brings the cast to the ice for their curtain call.

Disney On Ice’s “100 Years of Magic”
Thursday through Sunday, Jan.7-10. Times vary. Tickets are $20-$80;
available at Nassau Coliseum Box Office, (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.