The Toys are Back in Town, Disney on Ice, Toy Story 3
A Review by Jane Haworth
Staff Writer
Last year having watched the Disney on Ice performance of Celebrations, my six-year-old son was indifferent about watching another Disney on Ice show so soon. But Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story 3 intrigued me and sounded like the perfect event to take him and his friend. It’s not that we have anything against the princesses, but they are so Disney and "for girls…". Toy Story 3 is a show we all would really appreciate. Courtesy Photo, Toy Story 3 gang
In fact Toy Story 3 outdid my expectations; it’s a must see for all the family. The show contains the right balance of music, dance, humor, and lovable characters. The skating routines are very impressive, the costumes colorful and fitted the storyline perfectly. The story moved along at just the right pace and was never boring for the younger audience. This show is definitely aimed at the whole family and judging by the audience sitting close to us, young and old, everyone was having a great time. Photo by Jane Haworth
The show begins with Andy’s toys coming to life in the musical number ‘The Toys are back in Town’ when Mickey, Minnie, and the gang describe the original storyline. All the original characters are there; Hamm the pig, Rex the T-rex, Slinky-dog, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, Jessie, Bullseye and not forgetting Woody and Buzz Lightyear. The first act of the show summarizes the first two movies and it's not until the second act that the story of Toy Story 3 is revealed. The toys have to deal with an uncertain future as Andy prepares to go to college. Will he keep Woody or Buzz or will he donate them with the other toys to Sunnyside Daycare? Once there, how will they escape from the commanding teddy bear Lotso, who runs the daycare more like a prison for toys? But all ends happily with the positive message ‘No toy gets left behind’. Photo by Jane Haworth, Ken and Barbie
I really enjoyed the ensemble numbers and first out on the rink was the army troop from the original Toy Story with a stunning entry, two on parachutes and the rest marching onto the rink. Another memorable number was when the toy alien figurines were being chased by the" giant claw" The end of the first act concluded with a colorful, country music hoedown starring cowboy Woody, cowgirl Jessie, her horse Bullseye and the Round-up Gang from Toy Story 2. After a short intermission the show resumed with the Barbie dancers and a very funny introduction of Barbie to Ken. Here the audience was graced with my favorite duet skating performance as Ken proceeded to spin and lift Barbie in an array of amazing and graceful lifts to ‘Dream Weaver". Photo by Jane Haworth
The show ran for close to two hours with a short intermission. Judging by the age and toleration level of young audience and parents, this was about perfect. If you plan on attending, be aware that we had to put up with the usual level of intensive merchandising, including many over-priced Disney items, all Toy Story related of course! Photo by Jane Haworth, Buzz Lightyear
Disney/ Pixar’s Toy Story 3 continues its run at Power Balance Pavilion at Sacramento now through February 20th with three performances each day over the weekend and two performances on Monday. Check www.disney.go.com for more details. Then the show continues at San Jose HP Pavilion Wednesday 22nd Feb through to Sunday 26th.
For more information about upcoming shows at the Power Balance Pavilion, call the box office at (916) 928-6900, or visit them on the web at www.powerbalancepavilion.com To learn more about Disney on Ice Productions or upcoming shows, visit them on the web at www.disneyonice.com
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