Disney's first black princess skates into Coliseum
Quick Summary
Disney on Ice's latest show, "Let's Celebrate," is at Nassau Coliseum from Nov. 10-15.
Photo credit: Handout | Princess Tiana, played by Tetona Jackson, is featured in Disney's latest ice show, "Let's Celebrate."
Want a sneak peek of the newest Disney princess - and the first such African-American royalty in the fantasy-maker's animated annals? The latest Disney on Ice show, "Let's Celebrate," brings Princess Tiana into sharp-as-a-blade focus, starting Tuesday night at Nassau Coliseum.
Tiana, who is princess to her love Naveen's prince, stars in "The Princess and the Frog," the latest Disney animation feature premiering in New York and Los Angeles Nov. 25 and across the country Dec. 11. But Disney on Ice introduces Tiana as a live-in-person figure skater in "Let's Celebrate," a holiday confection featuring more than 50 Disney characters from 16 classic stories.
We chatted with the princess-on-skates, Tetona Jackson, 2006 artistic champion and overall bronze medalist in the National Showcase, a U.S. Figure Skating Association theatrical skating competition.
What does it mean to you to be portraying the first African-American princess in the Disney pantheon of characters?
It's such an honor to portray her, such a huge deal - you know, to be the first one - I'm really excited. But to be honest, I was a little nervous at first, because I want it to be perfect. It's turned out to be a lot of fun, though.
Have you had a peek of the film yet?
We saw bits and pieces of it, my Frog Prince and I [she laughs at the mention of her skating partner Mark English's title role]. They allowed us to see a few scenes to get a feel for the characters. I'm looking forward to seeing the whole thing.
How does "The Princess and the Frog" fit into the Disney on Ice show?
Our show celebrates the seasons and holidays. In the Valentine's Day section, Minnie is trying to find her true love. She asks the different princesses how they found theirs.
And Tiana found hers by kissing a frog. Some advice.
[She laughs again.]
Did you have a favorite Disney character growing up in Los Angeles?
My two favorites were the Lion King and Pocahontas. She was my favorite princess. But now I'd have to say it's Tiana. [Another laugh.]
Disney on Ice presents "Let's Celebrate": Opens Tuesday night at 7; also 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, at Nassau Coliseum. Tickets: $20 to $80; Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000, details at disneyonice.com
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