INTERACTIVE STORY
`Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party' is opening Thursday at state fair
Performers will be taking on incredible new feats when “Disney On Ice” skates into the state fair
From sway poles to hoverboards, performers will be taking on incredible new feats when “Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party” skates into Jim Norick Arena.
“`Mickey's Search Party' has so many more elements added to the
ice show. Outside of just skating, we have tumblers and a teeterboard act. … We have so many cool, new and exciting elements that have never been done before with Disney On Ice,” said Aaron Blake, an ensemble skater with the show.
“That was kind of a new direction that (producer) Feld Entertainment wanted to pursue was more audience interaction and more acts that incorporate circus elements, because they work really well and look phenomenal on the ice.”
For more than three decades, Disney On Ice has been an Oklahoma State Fair tradition, but this year's edition is billed as the Mouse House's most acrobatic and interactive ice extravaganza yet. The show opens Thursday with the fair, and nine performances are planned through Sept. 16.
Like all state fair attractions, Disney On Ice is about making family memories, Oklahoma State Fair spokesman Scott Munz said.
“Disney is a phenomenal brand known throughout the world, and if that's where you make your memories, that's where you make your memories,” he said. “There can be as three generations over there at any given time.”
Interactive story
In “Mickey's Search Party,” “Peter Pan” baddie Captain Hook captures Tinker Bell in attempt to steal her magic. Mickey Mouse and pals follow the pirate's treasure map for clues to find the missing fairy.
“Of course, it's hosted by Mickey and Minnie.
You really can't have a Disney On Ice show that isn't hosted by Mickey or Minnie,” Munz said.
On the quest, audiences will encounter scenes and characters from hit Disney animated movies “Moana,” “Frozen,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Toy Story” and “Aladdin.”
“We need some of the audience's help … to get her back. It's in some of the individual storylines within the show: For example, in `Toy Story,' we have a giant ball that we're trying to get off of a shelf, and we need the audience help. A giant ball will be in the audience and we need the help of them to get it back on the ice,” said Blake, who
is an ensemble skater and also performs the role of Aladdin. “What's so special about this show is you will see your favorite Disney Princesses, but you'll also see Woody, Buzz and all your favorite characters from `Toy Story.' This show is very accommodating to everyone, and there's so much to offer. It's a phenomenal show to watch with these cool new acrobatic elements. It's got a lot for a family to come see.”
`Coco' debut
“Mickey's Search Party” also features the Disney On Ice debut of the popular aspiring mariachi musician Miguel and his fellow characters from Disney/Pixar's Oscarwinning animated film “Coco.” The ice show uses video projections, intricate costumes and circus tricks to whisk ticketholders across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel.
“It's one of the most beautiful segments. … The projections really can take you to another world … and we have onscreen and on-ice projection,” Blake said. “We can transport you to the Land of the Dead, and we have the sway poles that get super close to the audience, which is exciting. And then we have the skeletons and Miguel. It's a really, really exciting segment.”
It also is an especially meaningful part of the show, he said, as “Coco” is considered a groundbreaking film for its poignant and respectful depiction of Mexican culture.
“When we've played Hispanic-dominated areas, you could really see how special it was to them to be able to see a movie that they hold very dear brought to life. It's a huge honor and privilege to be able to portray and bring something as special as our `Coco' segment to people around the world,” Blake said.
The Tennessee native previously played the Oklahoma State Fair in “Disney On Ice Presents Follow Your Heart,” and he said it as much fun for the performers as it is for the audiences to have the ice show as part of the fair.
“I know it's a very longstanding tradition,” Blake said. “It's really fun for us to perform here because we not only do we get to perform for the city here but we also can in our spare time enjoy what the fair has to offer … and maybe try something that's deep-fried or play some of the games or ride some of the rides.”