SKATING IN
‘Encanto,’ ‘Frozen’ featured in latest Disney On Ice show
There’s not much in common climate-wise between the snow-covered Arendelle of Disney’s “Frozen,” and the tropical Colombian mountain town of “Encanto” — but the two stories have parallel messages, says Adam Loosley.
He’s the director of the latest Disney On Ice show to visit Orlando, one that tells the two tales — and he loves the similarities between Anna of “Frozen” and Mirabel of “Encanto.” It will be performed at the Amway Center May 12-15.
“Both of them in their stories don’t possess magic themselves that you can see,” he says. “But both of those two characters create their own magic and
become the heroes in their own stories.”
But aesthetically part of the fun of the Disney On Ice presentation is differentiating the two locales.
“There’s a completely different feel visually,” he says. The “Frozen” segment, in which Olaf narrates the plot of the movie, is lit in cool blues. “Encanto” is full of bright, warm colors.
“The contrast is what makes it so much fun to watch,” Loosley says.
Born in the town of Petrolia in the Canadian province of Ontario — his dad is mayor of the community of about 6,000 people — Loosley began ice skating at age 3. A Canadian National Team member, he competed for years before joining Disney On Ice producer Feld Entertainment in 2003.
For 12 years he skated in seven different productions, visiting 35 countries around the world.“I wouldn’t have traded that for anything,” says Loosley, now based minutes away from Feld’s Palmetto headquarters outside Tampa. “My biggest education was my travel. It opens your eyes.”
Among his memorable roles, he names two that create a study in contrast: Woody, the good-hearted sheriff doll from the “Toy Story” movies, and Ryan Evans, the exuberant, fashion-forward twin to queen bee Sharpay in the “High School Musical” franchise.
Woody appealed because “he’s everyone’s hero,” Loosley says. “His heart’s always in the right place. Sometimes he gets off track but his friends get him back.”
Ryan was a challenge, at least when it came to the technical elements.
“He had 10 different outfits,” remembers Loosley, who also had to lean into Ryan’s dance prowess and comedic elements.
“It was a lot of work,” he says, adding with a laugh: “But I really didn’t have to act that much, to be honest.”
After serving as line captain for the male skaters at the end of the tenure, he was promoted to performance director in 2015. In that role, he mentored and guided skaters
and crew to maintain show quality.
In 2022, he took on his current role.
While many Disney on Ice shows are pastiches or mashups of multiple Disney stories and characters, this one tells the two complete stories — something that Loosley enjoyed exploring.
“We get to dive into these two worlds,” he says. “It’s fun for me as a director to develop these characters more.”
As you might imagine, Loosley has become an expert on “Frozen” and “Encanto.”
“I’m inundated with the stories for a year,” he says of creating a show. “We definitely do our homework. It’s so important we get it right.”
After all, Disney on Ice plays to a discerning crowd.
“The kids watch these
movies over and over,” says Loosely, who has written a children’s book titled “”You Are a Great Story.” “They’re our best critics.”
He returns to the idea that both Anna and Mirabel learn they have something special to contribute to the world, even if it isn’t as flashy as the powers possessed by those around them. It’s something children need to hear — that they have their own gifts to share.
“That is the through line,” Loosley says. “Telling kids ‘you are the magic.’ ”
DISNEY ON ICE
What: The stories of “Encanto” and “Frozen” Where: Amway Center, 400 W. Church St. in Orlando When: May 12-15
Cost: $40 and up
Info: disneyonice.com