The Imperial Ice Stars present Swan Lake On Ice - Review
June 15th 2006 01:00
A few hours ago I found myself dead center in the middle of a fantastical world where everyone was pleasant and floating on air, graceful and poetic storytelling with unspoken words and incredible skills - dancing, acrobatics, mute acting and a classical soundtrack, all on a bed of ice.
"Swan Lake on Ice" is re-interpreted by artistic director Tony Mercer who heads the russian Imperial Ice Stars, perhaps the most renowned theatrical ice skating troupe in the world. I recognised a few of the stars, mainly the female protagonist from their production, "Sleeping Beauty on Ice" a few years back and the quality of the show and skaters has risen since.
Interesting fact: between the 25 internationally acclaimed ice stars, they have won over 200 medals, from national, international and regional championships.
I'm talking about grasping the armrests and holding one's breath while a skater sets themselves up for a triple air twist or similar ultra-advanced moves, wondering if they'll land on their feet or if their backside gets a taste of ice. After the first 15 minutes, it was obvious these guys were gonna always land on their feet; they flipped, spinned, were thrown in the air, executed perfectly with ease, grace and a big smile.
The costumes and set were spectacular, the variety of characters and choreography made for interesting dynamics and refreshing changes throughout while maintaining a consistent storyline. A few of the main ice stars looked as though they were in their late 40s-early 50s and their performances reflected vast experience and disciplined training from an early age. Others looked as though they were still in highschool but were in the same league as some of their older co-stars.
All in all it was an incredible experience and I encourage everyone to see it.
Tour Dates:
6 - 18 June
Lyric Theatre
Sydney, Australia
21 June - 2 July
Princess Theatre
Melbourne, Australia
5 - 9 July
Festival Theatre
Adelaide, Australia
13 - 23 July
St James' Theatre
Wellington, New Zealand
26 July - 6 August
Civic Theatre
Auckland, New Zealand
9 - 13 August
Lyric Theatre
Brisbane, Australia
18 - 27 August
Burswood Theatre
Perth, Australia
5 - 17 September
Canberra Theatre
Canberra, Australia
Visit www.imperialicestars.com for more details.
*Image used for promotional purposes and for event review and qualifies under fair use.
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Comment by Myuzikal Flare
i'mma go to see this as well!
kinda expensive though :'(
Comment by Trina
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Comment by Meg
I think the artistic director Tony Mercer is very clever. I love th scene when blak and white swans dance together with the prince. When the black swan put the ring back to white swan's hand, I was so close to tears.
Also that guy dancing / skating in the role of Benno, Andrei Penkine, he is so hot! Sexy, effervescent and dashing. He turned a small jester role into something really charming. I think it is rare nowadays to find some male dancer so positively...male.
Comment by Trina
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The lead Swan was so graceful and so good at showing emotions and really playing the part. I loved that part too when the black swan gave the ring to the white swan, it was a beautiful and very touching moment, something you rarely see these days whether in reality or in fiction.
Benno... oh he was so charming! Such a pleasure to watch, so entertaining, I agree with what you said about him. The other lead roles were just so spectacular too *sigh* I wonder what the next show the Imperial Ice Stars will do next... but until then, Disney On Ice!
Comment by Anonymous
Comment by sophie
Have a chance to meet the cast after the show and had a chance to have a very quick chat with Andrei Penkine. Extremely charming and good looking boy. By whatever he said to us about his "history" of skating and dancing, I think he is about 26 or 27.
Comment by Simone
I had the chance to see it this week. Amazing stuff!
I agree Benno was gorgeous! I fell in love with him in the first minute!! I wish I could've had a chat to the cast.. ah well.
Has anyone here seen Sleeping Beauty on Ice? I can't wait til the Imperial Ice Stars come back!!
Comment by sofi
here is a photo with Benno and Rothbart in it - see if you can find them
Comment by sophie
http://stirling.zoints.com/album/?imgid=30463
Comment by Trina
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Yes I've also seen Sleeping Beauty On Ice and it was fantastic, from what I remember of seeing it a few years ago!
Comment by Trina
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Comment by Anonymous
http://www.imperial-ice.com/artists/andrei.html
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Comment by WOW !!!! Factor
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Comment by Trina
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I loved the show and can't wait for the next Imperial Ice Stars show to come Down Under!