Dory’s coming – if she remembers

THE RECENT hit animation “Finding Dory” was all about the loveable fish of “Finding Nemo” fame getting lost in turn, but relax, she’s been found – and she’ll be making an appearance in Bangkok as part of the newest “Disney on Ice” extravaganza.
Dory the cute but comically forgetful fish will be joining Elsa, Anna and Olaf from that other cartoon smash, “Frozen”, as well as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, the superstars of the Disney funhouse.
All these beloved characters will don skates for the ice-bound spectacular at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani from March 30 to April 2. BEC Tero, which is mounting the show here, recently flew the Thai press to Hong Kong to see what’s in store.
“The Wonderful World of Disney on Ice” opened with the familiar faces – Mickey and his friends – welcoming the fans, followed by a romp across the (frosted) African plains with Simba, Timon and Pumba from “The Lion King”.
Next came the cast of Disney’s first feature-length animated film, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, who had viewers singing along to “Heigh-Ho”, perhaps the most memorable tune from the soundtrack.

Then it was off to the exotic Middle East of storybooks for a shimmering journey with Aladdin and Princess Jasmine and the utterly apt song “A Whole New World”. The giant blue Genie grants the pair three wishes as another catchy tune, “Prince Ali”, fills the air.
“Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” formed the background music for a submarine adventure with Sebastian the Crab and the beautiful Ariel from “The Little Mermaid”. The fans were rooting for Ariel to realise her dream of becoming a human female and living above the waves.
Back on dry land in a time long ago, Rapunzel lets down her long blonde hair from the window of a castle, hoping to be freed from her tower prison. Members of the audience joined her and Flynn Rider in releasing lanterns while singing along to the romantic “I See the Light”.
And that was just the first half of the show. After a 15-minute intermission – time enough time to pick up a lovely Disney souvenir – the second segment opened with a cheery cowboy act starring Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from the “Toy Story” films.
Then it was Dory’s turn to shimmer, bringing along her piscene pals Marlin and Nemo. The fun here is in urging Dory along, jogging her memory as she searches across the ocean for her parents. It’s an adorable tale of friendship, family and the feeling of belonging.
The finale to a wonderful night was dedicated to “Frozen”, the hugely successful children’s movie that was a big part of the draw in last year’s “Disney on Ice”. This time Anna, Elsa and the other characters add a few fresh turns to keep the crowd entranced and singing along to such popular songs as “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” and “Let It Go”.
It proves yet again that Disney’s ice capades aren’t just for children, but the entire family.

Enjoy “The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice” at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani from March 30 to April 2.
Seat prices start at Bt600 at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com. Reserve tickets at www.BECTero.com before January 31 for a 20-per-cent discount.