My post today is a response to the WordPress prompt, “What was the last live performance you saw?”
We took our three granddaughters to see Disney On Ice at VyStar Veterans Auditorium in Jacksonville, Florida. It was our Christmas present to them, even though we went at the end of March. This year’s show featured performances from two of their favorite movies, Frozen and Encanto, so they were thrilled.
Some time in my youth, I went to see the Ice Capades at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. The only thing I remember about that show was Mr. Frick, a skater who could lean way back to skate under very low poles limbo-style.
The three girls, ages 6, 4, and 2, were dressed in purple princess dresses. Most of the girls in attendance wore every variety of princess dress imaginable. The level of excitement was through the roof.
Of course we stopped for some snacks. With a tray full of cookies, Cheetos, waters, and a cheese tray for my wife and me, we headed for our seats. Row V facing the stage meant we had a great view. We only had to wait ten minutes before the lights dimmed and the show began.
The first ones out on the ice were Goofy and Donald Duck, followed by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, who introduced the first half of the show, Frozen. The talented skaters looked just like Elsa, Anna, and Christoff, along with Olaf and Sven, whose costume accomodated two skaters. Snow fell from the rafters as the skaters jumped and spun to all of our favorite songs.
The twenty-minute intermission seemed too long, but the Zamboni had to smooth the ice while the cast re-costumed for Encanto. The two-year old granddaughter lost interest after a few songs, so I took her out to walk around. We joined many moms, dads, and tired children who had sat in one place as long as they could. Two forty-five minute shows is a lot for the littles.
I thought the cast was very talented. I only noticed one slip and fall. I wonder where they find skaters for these shows. I also wonder what it’s like to skate seven or more shows a week for a season.
The tickets weren’t expensive, but the merch was. So many were waving forty dollar bubble wands and light up scepters. Outside the venue, vendors lined the streets. Inside the halls were lined with souvenir stands. Someone makes a lot of money from these events.
I doubt we’ll go to another ice show like this. It was fun, but once is enough. When my four-year old granddaughter walked in, she exclaimed, “I’ve never seen real ice before!”
Waite for it... 