Disney characters appear at Discovery Playhouse in advance of Show Me Center performance

Two of the world's most popular mice, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, visited the Discovery Playhouse in Cape Girardeau on Wednesday to promote Friday's "Disney Live: Mickey's Rockin' Road Show" at the Show Me Center. The pair gave hugs, high fives and posed for photos with the more than 130 fans who greeted them at the museum.

Jenifer Maninger, public relations director for "Disney Live," said the show brings all the music and dance expected from a Disney performance but expands upon the traditional Broadway-style performance to bring more variety to the audience.

"There is fun, energetic hip-hop like they play on Radio Disney. There is fun, upbeat choreography," she said.

With the different types of music performed, the show is more enjoyable to children of all ages, not just the younger ones typically associated with Disney shows, Maninger said.

This year's show follows Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as they travel across the country to find performers for their talent show. Along the way, Maninger said, they encounter Cinderella, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and other Disney favorites.

One of the features of Friday's show is the pre-party 15 minutes before to the 7 p.m. start. Maninger said all ticket holders are invited to participate as the audience is led in dance, song and problem solving, while favorite characters from Playhouse Disney programs play along on a screen behind the stage.

"This is great. It really warms up the crowd. They have so much fun," she said.

Amanda Johnson of Jackson will be attending the show with her 20-month-old daughter, Stella Ruesler. She said Stella watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse every morning and is excited to see her favorite characters on stage.

Four-year-old Emily Sander of Jackson said she loves Minnie Mouse, particularly when she twirls and dances, and knows exactly what she wants to happen during the show.

"I want Minnie to wave at me," she said.

Shannon Buford, marketing director for the Show Me Center, said ticket sales have been strong for the event and that it appears to be one of the center's best-selling family events in a long time. Unlike most family events, he said, "Disney Live" will be a west-end stage show. This is the same arrangement used at concerts and opens additional seating.

Buford said those who missed the opportunity to see Mickey and Minnie Wednesday can visit with Tigger at 1 p.m. Friday at the West Park Mall.

Tickets are still available and range in price from $15 to $50. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Show Me Center's box office at 651-5000 and online at www.showmecenter.biz.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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