While im not sure how Disney does it at AK, on a Broadway show there is usually a specialist crew member in charge of safety for the rig system/flying. Even if the cast members are still there, you wouldn’t need that particular expertise in a unionized crew member. Saves costs.
Most people here seem to disagree with my budget cut comment, which is fine, but it’s pretty clear to me as someone who has seen financials for Broadway shows that this show is slightly cheaper to run for numerous reasons. All good though. I’m glad the show is back and keeps its soul. It’s still fun to watch. Seems like they balanced safety with saving money.
In an ideal world: The aerial routine could have been modified so that it was just one person in the sky, like many cirque shows, to avoid hand holding. Perhaps the other dancer could be below her to simulate partnership.
The monkeys could have been minimized but present and done more solo or duo acts on the large platform (former gymnast here and I loved that part.)
I expected much worse though. Pretty happy with this. The real question is will the normal version return in the future or will they eventually become the permanent version.
