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Disney ‘Dares to Dream’ in its return to Buffalo

Jan 27, 2017 | Entertainment

By Matt Chandler

To draw a quote from one of Disney’s most recognizable films, it’s “a tale as old as time.” Princesses, villains, wicked stepmothers, a bit of magic and plenty of believing equals a mesmerizing trip to a land where dreams truly do come true. Add to that a sheet of ice and a cast of incredibly talented performers and you’ve got the latest Disney on Ice touring show, “Dare to Dream.”

Mickey, Minnie and the gang dropped by Key Bank Center Thursday evening for the opening performance of a four-day, seven-show stay in Buffalo.

If you’ve never experienced an ice show live, the excitement begins long before the first blade hits the ice. There is something about standing on the upper level concourse and looking down over the railing into a sea of little princesses dressed in their best Cinderella, Ariel, or Snow White costumes that’s as magical as the show itself. A Disney show, and this one is no exception, is a chance for every child to embrace their own fairytale and for every adult to remember what that feels like, if only for a few hours.

Just after 7 p.m. the lights went down and the action heated up, as Mickey and Minnie were joined by old pals Donald Duck and Goofy to MC the evening.

Given the depth of the Disney catalogue, opening with a scene from the 2009 film, “The Princess and the Frog” seemed curious, but before you could ask where Olaf was, the ice had been transformed beautifully into the French Quarter and a rip-roaring Louisiana jazz party was in full swing.

Speaking of Olaf, you may want to prepare your little ones — Anna, Elsa and the rest of the heroes and heroines of Arendelle are conspicuously absent from “Dare to Dream.” But don’t fret; there are plenty of high-flying thrills to be had as you revisit timeless classics including “Cinderella” and “Snow White.” The latter is a bit intense and might have your littlest princesses covering their eyes — especially when it comes to the menacing trees and the diabolically evil mirror. Accompanied by haunting music and a grim light show, “Snow White” was done so well you’ll find yourself thinking twice before you eat your next apple.

The bulk of the second half of the evening is devoted to the tale of Rapunzel, the girl with the magical hair forever trapped in a tower. Without giving too much away, there are elements in this scene that are worth the price of admission alone. As if the magnificent skating wasn’t enough (and it is), the actors take to the air in some serious high-flying acrobatics, the likes of which you’ve never seen performed on ice.

You’ll wince several times (along with the rest of the audience) and squirm in your seat, wondering how what you are witnessing is possible … or safe. But in “Dare to Dream,” everything is possible and if you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to see for yourself. 

As always, the costumes were incredible, be it the dazzling dresses and gorgeous gowns, or the elaborate design of the many character costumes. Likewise the special effects will leave you wanting more. The lighting and music set the tone brilliantly for each story and the pyrotechnics for the big finale are the icing on the cake.

Whether you’re bringing kids, or you’re a kid at heart, Disney on Ice, “Dare to Dream” offers nearly two hours of world-class performances by a cast overflowing with talent who do an exceptional job of bringing some of the most beloved stories of all time to life.

Matt Chandler (@WriterInBuffalois a freelance writer from Buffalo.

Disney on Ice, “Dare to Dream”
Key Bank Center
Showtimes:
Friday, January 27, 7 p.m.
Saturday, January 28, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Sunday, January 29, Noon and 4 p.m.
Tickets: $20 – $80
www.tickets.com

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