The Disney film Frozen is to little girls today what Grease was to my generation. But instead of the heroine like Olivia Newton-John's Sandy, who tarts up to impress a wayward boyfriend with black Spandex and a perm, Frozen's Elsa (based on Hans Christian Andersen's Snow Queen) and sister Anna are the first Disney strong female cartoon leading ladies to take matters in their own hands without a prince or father dictating their fates. Plus, the Disney tale has that funny snowman Olaf voiced charmingly and hilariously by Josh Gad, and some killer vocals thanks to Idina Menzel and company.
So, I'm happy that my friends and relatives' daughters have these fun, lovely and fierce role models and understand why parents were besides themselves with worry that the Stanley Cup playoffs would postpone or cancel Frozen on Ice shows this weekend.
If the Washington Capitals were to win against the New York Rangers, the Lightning, with a higher standing, would have had home game advantage, forcing Disney and co. out.
The fact that the top-seeded Rangers won sends the Lightning to their rink up north for the round three games, which is somewhat disquieting for hockey fans, but great news for Frozen on Ice ticketholders.
All performances scheduled for this weekend of Disney On Ice presents Frozen, presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, will be proceed at Amalie Arena as planned. In the show, the land of Arendelle is re-created as well as the journey up the North Mountains as Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff help the royal sisters along the way in a story full of action, adventure and magic. Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, the show features special guest appearances by beloved Disney Princesses and characters.
This would not have been the first time hockey playoffs bumped a Disney show. In 2011, the Lightning advanced to the eastern conference finals and three performances of Disney's Toy Story on Ice were canceled.
Showtimes are Thurs., May 14, at 7 p.m.; Fri., May 15, at 7; Sat., May 16, at 11 a.m., 3 and 7 p.m.; Sun., May 17, at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets start at $20. amaliearena.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-presents-frozen.
