The Russian Ice Stars are presented by Wild Rose Productions and the company comprises the very best Russian Skaters around. They have all been World or International Champions, more than once, and they all have one thing in common - they started skating very young, most of them at 4-years-old, some as early as 3, others as late as 5.
Past ice show productions have included Carmen, Barnum, Phantom of the Opera, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker.
Peter Pan on Ice
In 2011 they are touring J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan on Ice. It is very cleverly done with the writer J.M. Barrie taking a leading role. He alternates between sitting at his desk scribbling away to performing some excellent skating with the characters he has created.
All the ingredients of the much-loved story are there. The Darling family, Peter Pan and his Shadow, Tinkerbell, The Indians with Tiger Lily, the Pirates led by Captain Hook, the crocodile. The only thing that is missing is Nana the dog.
There are some incredible aerial acts in the show as well as acrobatics on the ice. I have never seen anyone bounce on a trampoline in ice skates before and land perfectly on the ice.
The Russian Ice Stars
Playing the role of J.M. Barrie is Valdis Mintals. This 31-year-old skater from Tallinn competed in pair skating with Victoriya Shklover who plays Wendy. Between 1998 to 2002 they were prize winners in World, European, Junior World, National and many other Championships.
His skating had to be seen to be believed and his spins were like a corkscrew. Dmitri Naumkin Won both the Junior World Championships and the Nevelhorn Trophy in 1995. He was an exciting Peter Pan with great skating skills as well as being an expert in flying.
Ekterina Murugova known as Katya was an absolutely delightful Tinkerbell. She skated beautifully, but also acts so well. When she is standing on the edge of the ice watching Peter and Wendy her facial expressions showed what a great actress she is.
The evil Captain Hook was played by Andrey Chuvilyaev, who was a member of the Russian Senior Team for eight years with his partner Victoria Borzenkova competing in the World and European Championships. Not only were his skating skills excellent, his swordplay in ice with Peter was very proficient.
There are some truly magnificent lifts and headbangers that were terrifying to watch. This was skating at its very best in a show that stayed true to the story.
The 2011 Tour began on March 9th at the Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne. For further information about the company and where you can catch them on tour log into the Wild Rose website.
Amanda Wilkins - I am really looking forward to giving you news on all the latest shows and getting to know the other excellent contributors to this ...
