It is known as the magical world of Disney for a reason, which is immediately evident when you witness the spectacular show Disney on Ice presents Magic in the Stars. Featuring a surfeit of Disney favourites, this is something special. As technology continues to develop and with creativity in abundance, I venture to suggest this is the best Disney on Ice yet … and I have seen many.
Think ice skaters par excellence performing somersaults, lifts, twirls and jumps, not to overlook aerials. Add in pyrotechnics and fire, colourful video, rich and evocative costuming (230 in all), and musical mastery and the cup runneth over. Mickey and Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy set out to celebrate Disney stories and they do that in fine style.
The show features timeless tales and new fancies – no less than 56 characters, in fact. There is plenty I hadn’t seen before and the show moves along at pace, transitioning seamlessly from one tale to the next. From Aladdin to Toy Story, Cinderella to Disney Princesses, Cars to Frozen and Moana, and much more, I looked on with childlike wonder.
Add tunes like When You Wish Upon a Star, Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, Beauty and the Beast, and Some Things Never Change, and you know you are onto a winner. When Lightning McQueen and the tow truck Mater took to the ice at the start of Act II, I was thinking that Disney had taken fantasy to a whole new level.
This is a cavalcade of all that is so good about a studio that has entertained youngsters for generations. Importantly, it is something that can be enjoyed by not just children, but by their parents and grandparents. I put it this way – it has universal appeal. Delight and awe are written all over the faces of the young ‘uns, but reflect for a moment on the amount of work that goes into crafting something that is so slick.
With a full house on opening night in Melbourne, merchandise stands were doing a roaring trade. The sophistication and variety of the toys is a fine match for the non-stop action taking place on the ice. Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars is an absolute beauty. It is on at Rod Laver Arena until 6th July, Newcastle Entertainment Centre from 9th to 12th July and Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney from 15th to 19th July, 2026.
For more information and to buy tickets, go to https://www.disneyonice.com/en-au/
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Disney on Ice: Road Trip Adventures (touring) – family theatre review
- Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero (Rod Laver Arena) – theatre review
- Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonder (touring) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
