REVIEW: Disney glides into Coralville’s Xtream Arena

CORALVILLE — Nobody does spectacle like Disney, and every inch of Disney on Ice: Into the Magic was spectacular.

Thursday’s opening night audience came prepared to sing, dance, clap and cheer, sporting their mouse ears, princess dresses and Pua hats. I confess I didn’t see “Moana,” so when I asked some teen girls the significance of their pig hats, they kindly told me about Pua, Moana’s pet pig.

I also haven’t seen “Tangled” from beginning to end, but since I don’t live under a rock, I do know the main story of “Rapunzel.” However, the visuals in the books I read as a child don’t hold a candle — or sky lantern — to the spectacle of seeing Rapunzel and Flynn flying through the air on her long golden locks.

Just when I thought the show couldn’t get any more dazzling, the dazzles kept piling up, right through some jaw-dropping pyrotechnics.

The production opens with hosts and characters on skates — including Mickey and Minnie Mouse — talking to the audience. Then the rest of the cast glides into view to lead spectators in a hip version of dancercize, which not only gets the kids even more hopped up, but also helps the skaters loosen up their spins and spirals.

And it buys enough time for viewers to buy sparkly gadgets and gizmos aplenty before LeFou stumbles and Gaston struts onto the ice, with Belle reading a book in the background.

All of the stories that unfold are abridged versions, and even if you haven’t seen all of the shows, you’ll get the gist of what’s going on.

So in this production, the story skips straight to the Beast’s castle, where Lumiere the candelabra and Cogsworth the clock welcome Belle and beckon her to be their guest, with spoons and dinner courses skating around the scene. You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a kick line of spoons.

Many Disney stories have a dark twist, and kids all around the arena screamed when Gaston attacked the Beast, then cheered when the Prince emerged from the evil spell and began a series of triple jumps before sweeping up Belle in his arms for some lovely pairs skating.

This same kind of action played out through scenes from “Tangled,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and “Moana.” “Coco” also has a festive moment, as Miguel dances with skeleton ancestors from the Land of the Dead, wearing Mexican folk garb that glows under black light, but you won’t see his story play out.

As beautiful as all the scenery and costumes are, the skating takes center stage. Double and triple jumps abound, along with powerful pairs skating lifts and spirals, and lots of solo magic, especially for Elsa. Behind me, a suite full of tween girls sang every word of the “Frozen” and “Moana” segments, which added so much charm and audience energy to the evening.

This was my first trip into Coralville’s new Xtream Arena, and I’m looking forward to many more outings in this venue where foot traffic moves swiftly and easily.

Don’t count on finding prime parking spots near the building. Head to the ramp about a block away. It’s free and easy to navigate entrances and exits around the parking circle. And if you’re hungry, go early to scout out the nearby eateries in this bustling, burgeoning Iowa River Landing development.

Performances continue through Sunday.

Comments: (319) 368-8508; diana.nollen@thegazette.com