Disney on Ice's new show Find Your Hero has all the usual favourites and a first-ever New Zealand appearance of Encanto characters. Video / Annaleise Shortland
Auckland’s Spark Arena has been transformed into a winter wonderland for Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero.
While the show runs in the city until August 10, and then in Christchurch from August 15 to 17, the real magic for the performers happens long before the curtain goes up.
Disney On Ice performers at a final rehearsal before their Auckland shows at Spark Arena. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Among the cast of world-class skaters are two performers who have an especially strong connection to the show’s latest addition: Encanto.
Belgian skater Laura Balanean and American Emily Lyon portray sisters Luisa and Mirabel Madrigal and, for both performers, landing a role in the show was a dream come true.
“I grew up going to Disney on Ice,” says Lyon, a native of Virginia in the United States.
“I always watched and wanted to be doing that, so to be here, I worked really hard for it, and I’m really proud of that accomplishment. It feels great.”
Disney On Ice performers Emily Lyon who plays Mirabel (left) and Laura Balanean who plays Luisa, at a final rehearsal before their Auckland shows at Spark Arena. Photo / Sylvie Whinray
Balanean, who portrays Luisa, is now on her fifth contract with the company. For her, the job is not just about the performances.
“It means it’s a really fun company to be with and you get to travel the world, so that’s like a big plus,” she says.
Being a part of a touring family is also a highlight, as they all understand the challenge of missing loved ones back home. Balanean is particularly excited about the New Zealand leg, hoping to find time to go skiing in Christchurch next week.
They also shed light on the audition process, noting that applications are open online and can be done by sending in a video reel.
“I personally had a live audition because they played my hometown, but sometimes you make a reel, send it in. It really depends,” Balanean says.
Disney's Encanto makes its New Zealand debut in Disney on Ice presents Find Your Hero.
Through innovative lighting, special effects, and breathtaking skating, the show will transport audiences into the worlds of The Little Mermaid, Moana, Frozen, and more.
Balanean and Lyon are most looking forward to sharing the magic of Encanto with Kiwi audiences.
“The audience in Australia loved it, so we’re expecting the same energy here,” says Balanean.
“I think it’s gonna be great.”
Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero is at Auckland’s Spark Arena until August 10, and Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena from August 15-17.
