Chatting with Mulan

Disney glides into Columbus

by Dwayne Steward
Entertainment Coordinator
The Advocate
February 14, 2008

Kim Ryan is living the dream of millions of girls across the world. Every night she gets to dress up and become a Disney character.

“It’s amazing,” said Ryan, a principal skater in Disney on Ice presents Princess Classics, appearing at Nationwide Arena next week. “You get to play this famous role that known by kids worldwide.”

The grade school wonderland features infamous princesses from Disney’s classic animated films. Ryan, a 23-year-old from Washington, has played Mulan since she was 19 after competing nationally since she was nine, said seeing the children’s reaction makes it all worth while.

“One of my favorite parts in the show is when we go around to shake the hands of the little kids, most dressed up like their favorite character,” she said. “I just love to watch how it affects the audience.”

The show, starring Cinderella, also features Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Ariel and Snow White. Each get their own time in the spotlight, performing to a signature song from their movie.

The skaters’ graceful movements were created by Olympic choreographer Tom Dickson and his wife, former Olympian Catarine Lindgren. Their work showing no mercy, the show features a complicated 20-skater synchronized precision sequence during Cinderella’s ball.

The 780 costume pieces and more than 170 yards of fabric can be attributed to Broadway designer Eduardo Sicangio and his crew of more then 100 costumers. The set includes a 30-foot, eight ton spinning castle, which operates almost 100 of the show’s nearly 600 lighting fixtures.

Ryan also admits that she doesn’t mind the many exciting cities the tour stops in. She’s performed in countless arenas around the world including, Southeast Asia, Australia and on tours throughout Europe and South America.

“My favorite place to perform has to be Asia, the beaches are great, but I’m looking forward to seeing Montreal for the first time when we head there after Columbus,” she said.

The show opens in Columbus 7 p.m. Wednesday and run through February 24. Tickets are $13.50 to $44, call (614) 246-2000 or visit www.ticketmaster.com for more information.

“It’s really a great show, for kids and adults, there’s everything including fireworks” Ryan said. “I hear ohs and ahs come from everywhere.”