Jessie, Woody, and Buzz Lightyear in Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3 (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
Muscogee Moms Chats with Buzz Lightyear and WoodyBy Janna Morris-Meeks
© 2011 – Muscogee Moms LLC, muscogeemoms.com
The toys are back! Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3 is coming to the Columbus Civic Center, beginning May 12th. In this live show, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home in their most daring adventure ever.
A few new faces join the fun, including Barbie’s groovy bachelor Ken and Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear. It’s the biggest Toy Story experience on ice, jam-packed with fast-paced adventure such as Buzz’s galactic battle with Emperor Zurg and a hoe-down at Woody’s Roundup. Relive the humor and friendship of Toy Story 3 as well as other moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in this family-friendly adventure on ice.
MuscogeeMoms has the inside scoop about the sensational ice skating show, including interviews with lead characters Buzz and Woody! Read on…
The Toy Story gang arrives at Sunnyside Daycare (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: At what age did you begin figure skating?
Woody: I began skating at age 3. Both my mom and dad were skating coaches and my older brother skated, as well, so I spent a lot of time in the arena as a kid.
Buzz Lightyear: I started skating when I was about 2 years old. It became a full-blown sport to me when I was around 6.
MM: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue skating as a profession?
Woody: During my last year of competing, I had the opportunity to be a part of “Stars on Ice” with all of my skating heroes, like Kurt Browning. I realized while doing that show that performing was my calling.
Buzz Lightyear: I couldn’t let my sister be better than me at something. That really started my passion for skating and competing.
MM: How do you prepare for each show?
Buzz Lightyear: We do a number of things to prepare. Performance notes are given to each member of the cast as something that they can improve upon for the coming show. We also do warm-ups before every show to make sure that our bodies are prepared to go out there and perform.
Buzz Lighyear leads Jessie in a Flamenco-style dance after he is switched into Spanish mode (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is a typical Disney On Ice week like?
Woody: Life on the road is very fun and fast-paced! Usually we travel on either Sunday night or Monday morning. Then, we have the rest of Monday and all day Tuesday to see the city. Wednesday is usually our opening night, so there is a lot to do to get ready.
Buzz Lightyear: The rest of the week is an exhilarating blur of shows and performances.
MM: Do you have family members that travel with you? How often do you get to spend time with your family?
Woody: My family does not tour with me now, but I call and e-mail them often. On a tour, the cast and crew become very close and you create a family for yourself on the road.
Buzz Lightyear: My fiancée travels with me. She’s also a skater. The rest of my family is home in British Columbia. I get to see them for a month or two every year.
Barbie meets Ken at Sunnyside Daycare (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What do you like best about the character you portray?
Woody: The unique relationship he has with each of his toy friends in Andy’s toy box, especially with Buzz. He can roll his eyes at Buzz’s delirious space ranger ways but is still his best friend!
Buzz Lightyear: What I like best about Buzz is his over-the-top heroism. It’s a lot of fun to go out there and be larger than life in every show.
MM: What is the most advanced skating maneuver you perform in the show? How long did it take you to learn the move?
Woody: In the second act, Woody flies through the air on a kite! It’s very exciting!
Buzz Lightyear: Probably my backflip. I could always do a backflip as a kid. So when I came to Disney and started working on the ice it didn’t take me long (to land it).
MM: What cities have you visited while on this tour?
Woody: Every major city on the East Coast along with some Canadian cities. Soon the show is heading to Puerto Rico and Mexico!
Jessie and Bullseye (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the ice during a show?
Woody: There are so many bloopers that come to mind! Once my cape got caught on a light backstage while I was skating out and it flung me back into the curtains like a slingshot!
Buzz Lightyear: I used to spray the audience with snow at the end of Disney On Ice Presents a Disneyland Adventure. One day I skated up and went to spray them but just as I did I lost the edge, mainly due to my boot covers. I fell and slid into the headers. I had to have Mr. Incredible come rescue me.
MM: What is the best thing about touring with Disney On Ice?
Woody: The people you meet along the way!
Buzz Lightyear: One thing is the travel. I’ve been to Japan, Bangkok, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing and Malaysia. I’ve also been to Australia and my favorite to date, New Zealand. The other thing is that it allows you to get paid to do something that you love.
MM: What are your plans for after you retire from this show?
Woody: I would love to work toward becoming a performance director in the near future.
Buzz Lightyear: My current plan is to go home and become a commercial airline pilot.
Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head (© 2011 – Feld Entertainment)
MM: What is most difficult about being a professional figure skater?
Buzz Lightyear: The most difficult thing about being a professional figure skater is that if you’re sick, your character isn’t. I might feel sore, tired or sick, but Buzz Lightyear never feels that way.
MM: Can you offer any advice to kids who might be interested in touring with Disney On Ice in the future?
Woody: Don’t ever underestimate yourself, or let others underestimate you. Know your strengths and sell them right up to the people in the last row!
Buzz Lightyear: Practice hard and keep at it. Other than that, learn some skating maneuvers that are more specific to show skating. They might not make you a lot of points in competition, but they look very cool.
Editor’s Note: Adam Loosely performs the role of Woody in Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3; he is from Petrolia, Ontario. Robert Harrison skates the role of Buzz Lightyear; he grew up in Enderby, British Columbia.
If You Go
What: Disney On Ice: Toy Story 3
When: Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m.; Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m.
Where: Columbus Civic Center
Cost: Ticket prices start at $17 and go up to $42 per person. Additional service and handling fees may apply.
For More Information: Tickets can be purchased at the Columbus Civic Center Box Office, located at 400 4th Street; online at www.TicketMaster.com; or by calling 800-745-3000.
Duplication and/or Publication without permission is strictly prohibited.
Please contact Charlotte Bowman, Muscogee Moms LLC,
(706) 888-0260, or [email protected] for duplication/publication use.
