PERRI FAULK
Perri Faulk is excited to be bringing Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” to the ice.
“I saw the movie in theaters twice,” explained Faulk, a 21-year-old Altamonte Springs, Florida resident. “It was a cool story and it was different from the classics because Tiana was hard working and she wasn’t waiting for someone to come and save her. She was very responsible and she had fun.”
Faulk will bring out Tiana’s fun and sassy side along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse Donald, and Goofy as they all embark on a treasure hunt for some of the most popular Disney films ever in Feld Entertainment’s “Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove.”
“We’ve chosen some of the greatest gems from the Disney treasure chest for this production,” said producer Nicole Field. “We went through our entire portfolio of “Disney on Ice” shows trying to bring something very different to audiences. We wanted to pick action-packed stories that really resonated with not only kids today, but with their parents as well. “Treasure Trove” has everything from swashbuckling pirates in “Peter Pan” to the comedic duo Timon and Pumbaa in “The Lion King.”
Tales in the production span from the first Disney animated show to the 50th.
“This is an amazing show,” said Faulk who has been a member of the Disney and Feld Entertainment families since 2011. “They wanted to give a little bit of everything so there is not a dull moment. Parents can tell their kids about their childhood Disney memories and the kids can make their own.”
The Ice spectacular will explode onto the Console Energy Center stage Feb.27 to March 3.
Tickets for the show can be purchased at www.disneyonice.com or Ticketmaster, the Dick’s Sporting Good Box office at the Console Energy Center, or call 1-800-745-3000 to reserve seats.
Before the action begins, audiences will have the chance to get a taste of what Disney skaters do to prepare themselves for the show by stretching with Mrs. Incredible, running in place with Dash, pump iron with Mr. Incredible and work up some energy with Violet. The routine promotes active kids while allowing them to participate in the show.
“We want to promote healthy living and I enjoy doing that,” Faulk said. “The athletes aren’t the only ones who need to stay healthy.”
“Crowd interaction is a key component to the “Disney On Ice” experience,” explained producer Juliette Feld. “Rapunzel and Flynn share a special moment with an audience member when they release a lantern together, Sebastian invites everyone to be a part of the rhythm during ‘Under the Sea,’ Peter Pan and Tinker Bell encourage the crowd to echo the crocodile’s ‘tick tock’ and Aladdin stops to shake hands with guests in Agrabah.”
Faulk began ice skating at the age of five—at her mother’s suggestion–after beginning her athletic career as a gymnast.
“It was a great way to get rid of all of the excess energy I had as a child. I loved the feel of gliding across the ice,” Faulk said.
She was not deterred by the lack of African-Americans on the ice along with her.
“It was weird wondering why there weren’t that many Blacks, but people should give it a chance because it’s a good way to relieve stress,” said Faulk who cites French skater Surya Bonaly as one of her inspirations and who enjoys rock climbing, photography, writing and drawing.
“I love what I do. There were Debbie Thomas and Surya Bonaly before me. If I can go out there and inspire other little African-American girls to dream to skate that’s great.
“I love Disney and I loved watching the movies and it’s a wonderful experience bringing that to life and bringing the dream of Disney alive for kids,” Faulk added.
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