Mice on ice

The classic Disney cartoon characters Mickey and Minnie Mouse are jumping from the small screen and comic books to a frozen stage for "Disney on Ice Presents Mickey and Minnie: Amazing Journey". The cartoon mouse couple will lead their friends on the rink in Bangkok during the upcoming school holiday from March 21 to 30 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

This year, Mickey will take his friends on an exciting adventure in the "Hazardous Safari World", "Hawaiian Ocean", "Fairy-tale's Magical Land" and bustling "London City". This is the first time that characters from "Peter Pan", "101 Dalmatians" and "Lilo and Stitch" are taking part in the "Disney on Ice" production. Accompanying them are cute characters from "The Lion King" and "The Little Mermaid".

"This is the ninth tour in Bangkok. The 'Mickey and Minnie Amazing Journey' is really neat. Mickey and Minnie make their presence feel more personal. The theme of the show is they will present something that's never been seen in Asia before. It's an amazing adventure. I think the audience can participate and follow the route around the world," says Eric Gravelle, regional marketing director for Asia Pacific for Feld Entertainment, which produces the show.

"Disney on Ice"  kicks off with the "Pridelands of Africa", starring the "Lion King" Simba and his friends Nala, Pumbaa and Timon. The show features proficient ice dancers and visual effects depicting scenes from the classic animated feature film.

The ice stage then turns into the hustling town of London, which is the backdrop for "101 Dalmatians".

Mickey and the gang also takes audiences to explore the marvellous underwater world of "The Little Mermaid", which stars the beautiful mermaid princess Ariel. A parade of sea creatures like Nemo the clownfish, as well as starfish, crabs, sharks, crocodiles and mermaids also appear.

Next, it is time to journey to the wonderful land of Peter Pan. The stage features a mock-up of Westminster in Edwardian-era London. The cityscape features colourful red dresses and special effects. The amazing adventure begins, when the young boy Peter Pan takes Wendy and her little sbrothers flying to his Neverland. In this part the audiences can enjoy the story of pirate Captain Hook who is not afraid of anything, except crocodiles. The highlight is the exciting sword duel between Peter Pan and Captain Hook on a giant ship.

Then there's "Lilo and Stitch", which is set on a Hawaiian beach and is about the friendly relationship between a lonely girl and cunning monster from another planet. Audiences will be delighted by the "Hula Hula Hawaii" dance show and the hit songs of Elvis Presley.

"Mickey and Minnie Amazing Adventure" is touring around Asia until May and goes to Australia in July.

Disney on Ice Presents Mickey and Minnie: Amazing Journey runs from March 21 to 30 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani. Tickets are Bt200, Bt400, Bt600, Bt900 and Bt1,200, available from Thaiticket-major, Thai Post offices and Major Cineplex and EGV ticket counters. For more information, call (02) 262 3456.

Pattarawadee Saengmanee