ICE SHOW REVIEW : Pinocchio Is Still Spinning Tales--but on Skates

“Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Ice Starring Pinocchio” (at the Anaheim Convention Center) is a brightly colored, upbeat holiday entertainment that will delight small children and amuse their parents.

Because it has more action and a more episodic structure, “Pinocchio” makes a more effective vehicle for an ice show than some of the other fairy tales Disney adapted--notably last year’s production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Changes have been made (Stromboli runs a carnival instead of a puppet show), but the familiar elements of the tale remain intact, including a clever staging of Pinocchio’s nose growing after he lies to the Blue Fairy.

The story line falters during the undersea production numbers that compose most of the second act. Black light, day-glo paint and elaborate costumes create a charming fantasy of tropical fish, sea horses and starfish, but these colorful divertissements have little to do with Pinocchio’s desperate search for his father.

The high point of the show occurs when Monstro the Whale, a 40-foot construction that’s a cross between an outsized costume and moving set, invades the undersea world and literally swallows Pinocchio and Geppetto. It’s a terrific effect, simultaneously impressive and scary, and the children in the audience on opening night loved it.

Naturally, all ends happily when the Blue Fairy makes Pinocchio a real boy and brings all the toys in Geppetto’s shop to life. The classic Disney characters--Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto, who also introduce the show--join the toys in the finale and assure everyone that they will be back next year. (Roger Rabbit and the cast of “Oliver & Company” are curiously absent.)

As Pinocchio, Grant Noroyan executes a combination of dance steps and athletic feats with effortless aplomb, and his assured motions suggest the cocky attitude of the living puppet. But Bob Paul’s choreography is too even and fails to distinguish between the puppet and the real boy. Pinocchio performs such complicated movements from the instant he comes to life that it’s difficult to believe he wasn’t always real.

Shannon Sowers’ graceful turns and glides suggest the ethereal grace of the Blue Fairy, and the Jackpots (Steve Bobola, Robert Rowntree and Kevin McDonald) offer slapstick performances as both a trio of British sailors and three rowdy boys on Pleasure Island.

It’s worth sitting close to the rink to get a clear view of Jose Lengson’s opulent costumes, especially the beautifully detailed robes of the commedia dell’arte players in Stromboli’s carnival. Reid Carlson’s sets preserve the look of the film, and his glittering backdrop of Pleasure Island captures the alluring menace of the gigantic playground.

Dress warmly and/or take a blanket, because a cold breeze blows off the ice, and be prepared to dodge flying water during the Jackpots’ comic routines. No matter where you sit, be prepared to fend off the very aggressive toy and goodie vendors.

“Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom on Ice Starring Pinocchio” continues through Wednesday at the Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim. Hours: 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. today and noon, 3:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday. Tickets: $8.50-$12.50. Information: (714) 740-2000.