Interview: Phoebe Flynn Accomplishes Satisfaction DARE-ing TO DREAM

Having just started in Denver, Colorado; the national tour of DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM will land in southern California for dates at the STAPLES Center beginning December 13, 2018; with more cities through April 2019. Performance Director Phoebe Flynn was most gracious to take some time from her multitude of show duties to answer a few edgy questions I flipped to her.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview, Phoebe!

You're currently the Performance Director for this tour of DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM. Would you describe what various DISNEY ON ICE positions you worked at, leading up to this current position?

I started my career at DISNEY ON ICE as an ensemble performer, eventually working my way up to principal performer. In addition to my responsibilities on the ice, I developed my leadership skills within the company working from Training Line Captain, to Ladies Line Captain, and now to my current role as Performance Director. Working at many different levels throughout my DISNEY ON ICE career helps me be a better leader and support for my current cast, as I understand much of what they go through on a daily basis.

What do you remember of your initial audition/interview with DISNEY ON ICE?

auditioned with DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS 100 YEARS OF MAGIC at the Denver Coliseum. I was so dazzled by Cinderella's castle, the beautiful props and, of course, the amazing creative people that walked me through the process. I immediately felt I had found my new home.

I had the opportunity to catch a performance of DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT a couple of years ago. What differences will WORLDS OF ENCHANTMENT audiences experience with DARE TO DREAM?

Each DISNEY ON ICE show has something different to offer our audiences, but I am very excited that DARE TO DREAM will be the first show to bring Moana to Denver (and subsequent cities on our tour). We also feature a live host, who is down in the audience throughout the show, really bringing the experience to a whole new level.

Would you tell us what your daily duties on this tour involves?

My daily responsibilities revolve around creating the best performance possible for each and every audience member. I maintain the artistic vision, set by our Creative Director, to bring Disney magic to each city we visit. This includes running rehearsals, preparing skaters for their roles, as well as overseeing the appearance of all of our tech elements and dazzling special effects.

How old were you when you decided you wanted to be a skater?

I started skating at South Suburban Ice Arena, in Centennial, CO at four years old.

Now that you're in a creative position off-stage, do you still sometimes need to feed your performance skating chops?

I feel very fortunate to be able to stay within a profession that has meant so much to me my entire life. Although I no longer get the thrill of performing, I enjoy the even greater thrill of watching others develop and truly enjoy what they do.

This tour has already hit Vancouver and Edmonton, Canada, as well as, Denver, Colorado. How would you compare Canadian audiences with DARE TO DREAM audiences in Denver? (no difference? more boisterous? more polite?)

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM has received a great reaction on every stop of our tour this season, and Canada was no exception. Our show really celebrates the "inner hero" in each of us, and I think that is something we can all connect with.

What's the most surprising audience reaction you've experienced during DARE TO DREAM?

A surprise crowd favorite is always Tamatoa, the giant shiny crab that Moana and Maui meet on their quest to save her island. He is the sassy center of an exciting production number, which everyone really seems to enjoy.

This tour will be hitting cities all over the United States, ending in April, 2019 in Little Rock. Arkansas. Any city you're particularly looking forward to playing in?

Denver is where I grew up and learned to skate, so it is very exciting to bring a show back to my hometown, especially one I am so proud to be involved in.

Who's your favorite Disney character that you have performed?

I had the privilege of portraying the role of Belle from Beauty and the Beast for a few years. It is such a classic story, and I love being able to retell it here on DARE TO DREAM as well.

What would you like your DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS DARE TO DREAM audiences to leave with after your skaters' final bow?

We hope that audiences leave our show inspired to follow their own dreams, and to be the hero of their own story.

Thank you again! I look forward to seeing your hard work pay off on the ice!

For DARE TO DREAM ticket availability at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles December 13 through December 16, 2018; log onto AXS.com

For DARE TO DREAM tickets: at Honda Center in Anaheim December 19 through December 23, 2018; at Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario December 26 through December 30, 2018; or at Long Beach Arena in Long Beach January 3 through January 6, 2019; log onto Ticketmaster.com

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