Backstage at Disney On Ice; Raleigh Welcomes a Skater Back Home

Feld Entertainment’s spectacular new show “Disney On Ice: Rockin Ever After” rocked into Raleigh last night.  Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and the gang were all there along with Disney’s newest heroine, Merida, from Disney Pixar’s latest film, “Brave.”  This is the first time that a Disney On Ice production has put Merida on the ice.

Disney's newest ice star, "Merida" from Pixar-Disney's "Brave." I think I have my own little Merida.

My family, along with other Triangle bloggers, got a chance to meet Merida and chat with some of the skaters at the event’s opening night. 

For the first time ever, the City of Raleigh welcomed one of its own to the stage. Hometown girl Lauren McHenry is part of the ensemble in the show.  She started figure skating at the age of 7 and told me that it is exciting to be skating on the ice where she grew up watching the Carolina Hurricanes on the rink.

Raleigh native, Lauren McHenry, and Jackson Stevens, of Canada, are skaters in the show.

Lauren and her skating colleague, Jackson Stevens of Canada, are currently touring the East Coast in this toe-tapping, dazzling ice revue show that takes audience members through scenes of “The Little Mermaid,” “Tangled,” “Brave,” and “Beauty and the Beast.”

Lauren and Jackson typically perform five days a week and skate up to three shows a day on a weekend.  There are 45 skaters in the production, and it takes more than 100 people to take this show on the road.  It’s hard work, but Lauren says it’s a dream come true skating professionally.  Like a girl after my own heart, she says she loves sightseeing in every city that she visits.

Lauren says the costume changes in the show are so much.  She's in this number, and it's one of her favorites.

This month, Disney On Ice is in North Carolina.  The show will go to nearby Fayetteville, N.C., when it closes in Raleigh on Sunday.  Minnie, Mickey, and Merida will then head to Albany, N.Y., to perform just before Christmas, then take a few weeks off and get back on the road again.   Lauren and Jackson both said that seeing the children in the audience so elated really makes this experience even more fun.

There is nothing like the magic of Disney.  Just take a look at this candid reaction when my daughter saw Mickey and Minnie come out on the ice for the first time.

Her reaction to seeing Minnie and Mickey live was priceless.  She's not been to Disney World yet. 

The costumes in the production were amazing, and I’m in love with the “Beauty and the Beast” costumes. The teapot, the teacup, and the silverware were so cute.

I liked all the segments of the show, but seeing the dancing silverware and teapot delighted me. Belle also seems to be
my daughter's favorite princess, too.  However, she did get excited when Merida took the stage, especially after meeting her before the show.

The Scottish Highlands came to life on the ice. It was a very entertaining segment. I loved the music.

 I was also in awe of the skating horse in the “Tangled” number.

The show lasts about two hours with one intermission.  It is family-fun entertainment at its best.  Whether you are 43 or 3, you will love to be part of the Disney On Ice magic.

Want to Go:

Disney On Ice Presents Rockin Ever After

Raleigh, N.C. Dec. 5-9

Fayetteville, N.C. Dec. 12-16

Tickets are sold on Ticketmaster.

Prices start at $16.

Disclosure: I was an opening night guest of Feld Entertainment. Opinions of the show are my own. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live! Some photos courtesy of Feld Entertainment.

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