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Elvis has impressed the building
| Source: |
The Peterborough Examiner |
| Date: |
February 7, 2013 |
| Author: |
Dale Clifford |
Excitement was high at the beginning and the stars delivered right to
the end at the Rock The Ice IV figure skating extravaganza at the
Memorial Centre on Wednesday night.
The spectators, an estimated 2,300, showed their approval throughout
the show, which lasted about 2 1/2 hours, with much applause and
cheer.
They all had their favourites and Canada's Kurt Browning, Elvis
Stojko, Joannie Rochette, Jeffrey Buttle and Shawn Sawyer didn't
disappoint.
Being a Canadian/European themed affair, put on by Spotlight
Productions, they also were thrilled by performances from stars across
the sea such as the brother-sister team of Sinead and John Kerr,
Italy's Stefania Berton and Ondrej Hotarek, as well as Valentina
Marchei and Russia/Britain's Fiona Zaldua and Dmitry Sukhanov.
Live singing was provided for the first time by German singer Markus
Engelstaedter, who sang during five skating performances. Daniel Weiss
of Spotlight Productions was on-ice host along with P.J. Kwong of CBC
Sports who provided much of the humour as an
announcer/commentator.
The show got off to a resounding start with Live and Let Die from
James Bond and sung by Engelstaedter. It involved the entire
cast.
Marchei opened the set with the first individual performance, a soft,
beautiful number which showed her grace and Sawyer followed with an
upbeat piece that got hands slapping and toes tapping.
Berton and Hotarek kept it going with the moving I've Had The Time of
My Life from Dirty Dancing and the Kerrs brought Scotland to the ice
performing to the haunting sounds of the bag pipes.
The show returned to Canada with Buttle making his first appearance
here since the first show and showing he hadn't lost his touch or
power, skating to Fleetwood Mac.
Rochette gave a soulful performance to Isn't It A Crime and
synchronized skating was featured in a lively performance by the
Nexxice junior team.
The music of the Tragically Hip took centre stage with the dazzling
yet moving performance by arguably Canada's favourite male skater
Browning, who by most accounts drew the loudest cheers.
The live powerful voice of Engelstaedter was featured as Zaldua and
Sukhanov performed to Scorpions' tender Still Loving You.
The German singer remained right where he was to sing Queen's Who
Wants To Live Forever? and Stojko provided the emotion and strength on
ice.
Lakefield's Brenda Farrow brought her granddaughter Lizzie
St. Pierre-Farrow, 10, along and they took in the show for the first
time.
"It was excellent," said Brenda. "Joannie was beautiful and I like to
see Elvis's spins. It was nice to have the singer. You need music to
skate and it was good to have him here singing."
Her granddaughter agreed and added: "I like the colours on the ice
because you thought the ice was changing colour. I like the outfits,
especially those who wore purple (Zaldua and Sukhanov)."
There was also be a local touch to the evening's show with a group
from the Peterborough Figure Skating Club opening the second half with
a number together, skating to their own Gangnam Style.
The skaters all spoke about how they enjoyed doing the show and
skating in Peterborough.
Sawyer and Marchei continued with raucous numbers. The Kerrs slowed it
down to Mad World and Berton and Hotarek continued the pace with the
bluesy New York State of Mind sung live.
Engelstaedter continued with his voice and Buttle provided the dance,
skating to the haunting Fields Of Gold, performed on the big stage
recently by Celtic Woman and Zaldua and Sukhanov brought a more
classical feel to the ice with their second number.
Rochette provided a change of pace with a Moulin Rouge style
performance that had a certain Gay Paris look to it and Stojko rocked
it to The Knack’s My Sharona.
Then came the moment many people were waiting for. Led by the voice of
Gene Kelly, Browning brought back his skate to Singing In The Rain and
knocked it out of the park, drawing a standing ovation. He was even
helped by a little rain shower, cleverly coming down from the ceiling
to wrap it up.
Sisters Sharon O'Brien and Carole Constable enjoyed their Christmas
gift, which was also their first time to the show.
"It (Browning's last skate) was a highlight for me," O'Brien said. "It
is a classic."
They both agreed all the skaters were good and put on a great
show.
"It was entertaining and they were all wonderful," added
Constable.
When it was time for the grand finale, the entire troupe finished the
night the way they began, to James Bond. This was a tribute to the
latest, Skyfall.
Then just like that, it was over.
Until next year. And it looks like that is going to happen with Rock
The Ice V.
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