'Princess Wishes' rule the ice in latest Disney show

Ariel of "The Little Mermaid" longs for a life on land in Disney on Ice presents "Princess Wishes."

Ariel of "The Little Mermaid" longs for a life on land in Disney on Ice presents "Princess Wishes."

While the last couple of weekends have been filled with brew-fests and Greek and Spanish cuisine, Disney on Ice is bringing something for children to enjoy with its latest show, "Princess Wishes."

Disney on Ice has put on a number of shows in Knoxville and the surrounding areas over the years, bringing different Disney animated characters to life in a way not possible on film. This year's event brings an all-new story to the Knoxville Civic Coliseum with a host of Disney princesses that include Ariel, Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and Mulan.

The story follows the Disney princesses on a quest to find "their heart's fondest wish." Teaming up with another Disney favorite, Tinkerbell, each princess has her own journey, similar to the story in the princess' respective movie. Ariel wants a human life out of the ocean, Snow White seeks true love, and Mulan searches for inner strength.

While the central theme of the production leaves out many of Disney's favorite male characters, there is still plenty for everyone to enjoy. Special effects and sprawling set design, along with the talents of the skaters, keep the show exciting throughout.

Keri Jones, a skater in the show, has been performing since 2000. Growing up just outside of Liverpool, England, Jones has been skating since she was 6, but didn't start performing professionally until she was 27.

When asked what she enjoys most about performing, Jones simply replied, "Making people smile and laugh." To Jones, it is all about the audience's satisfaction. "I want them to leave the building with a smile on their face."

If she weren't performing, Jones says she might be working in the travel industry or "working at my father's car dealership business." Jones auditioned for Disney on Ice in Manchester, England, after seeing the Pocahontas show. "I was in college when I got the call," she said.

Jones loves touring, saying, "It's a very different lifestyle, which you either adjust to or you don't. I love it. I get restless at home."

She also has some advice for those looking to pursue their dream of performing in any field: "Work hard, but stay grounded."

Disney on Ice presents "Princess Wishes" will be performed seven times Thursday, Oct. 28-Sunday, Oct. 31. Tickets start at $17 ($12 on Thursday), and there are a limited number of $33 VIP and $43 rink-side tickets available.

Also, don't forget to get there early. An hour before each show will be a special "Disney on Ice Princess Pre-Show," an "exclusive fairy tale collection of gowns and treasures from the Disney Princess stories." Each show will feature a Disney princess host and is free to all ticket holders.

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