Disney on Ice’s ‘Toy Story 2’ sure to please the children

The floor of the Bangor Auditorium looked like many a child’s room Wednesday night, as it was littered with toys.

That’s because the Disney on Ice production of “Toy Story 2” had arrived, for the first of eight shows.

Skating on a portable ice rink installed just for the show, the cast dazzled the 1,732 (mostly parents and children) in attendance (a near sellout) with a series of colorful production numbers and some very inventive staging.

The production closely follows the 1999 Pixar-Disney film of the same name. For those unfamiliar with the plot, cowboy doll Woody, who belongs to Andy, is stolen from a yard sale by unscrupulous toy seller Al. Woody finds out that his character was once the star of the TV series “Woody’s Roundup,” and he meets his co-stars Jessie, Bullseye and The Prospector. He finds out that they’re all bound for a toy museum in Japan. His toy friends from Andy’s bedroom, led by Buzz Lightyear, mount a rescue.

The show supplements the meager soundtrack of the film with familiar pop tunes, including a Beach Boys medley, “The Toys (Boys) Are Back in Town,” “Man With the Hex,” “Hold On, I’m Coming,” “Rescue Me” and “Shout.” This gave the parents in the audience something to knowingly smile about.

With the bulky costumes some of the roles required, it’s a wonder that the skaters could maneuver at all. Yet they managed to execute intricately choreographed routines, especially in the larger production numbers.

The sets themselves, which were moved around by the cast in shadow, were a marvel, be it the landing gear of an airplane or the “Woody’s Roundup” display at Al’s Toy Barn.

Now for a caveat emptor: the merchandising began on the lawn outside the auditorium. To get to their seats, families had to pass through two levels of booths selling “Toy Story” geegaws. After sitting down, parents were bombarded by waves of circulating vendors. So, after shelling out $20 a ticket to get in, parents will be badgered to buy $10 snow cones and $16 light wands. This marketing blitzkrieg is the dark underbelly of an otherwise vibrant production.

Still, most children will enjoy Disney on Ice’s “Toy Story 2,” even if they don’t get a full goodie bag to drag home. And the joy on their kids’ faces will be reward enough for most parents.

“Toy Story 2” will be performed at 7 tonight, 11 a.m. and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $30 and $18.50. For tickets, call 990-4444 or 775-3331. Dale McGarrigle is a Style Desk writer. He can be reached at dmcgarrigle@bangordailynews.net.