Skaters hit new heights

Elevation happened to be the title of Kurt Browning's closing number, but it could just as well have been the theme for the Stars On Ice show that played the Molson Centre last night.

Elevate is what Stars On Ice has done for ice shows for more than a decade.

It had been two years since its last visit to Montreal, and more than 8,000 energized fans turned out to welcome it back.

As usual, they got an eyeful and earful over the course of two hours, and returned the favour with a steady stream of standing ovations.

If the ensemble numbers seemed a bit less synchronized than usual, the solo numbers, over-all, were stronger.

On a night with many highlights, the individual star had to be Russia's Alexei Yagudin, 22, who performed both the short and long programs that recently won him Olympic gold and his fourth world figure-skating championship.

The programs - Winter and Man In the Iron Mask - are among the most evocative and memorable the sport has ever produced, and their magic is only enhanced when you see them live.

Browning, for his part, continues to amaze. At 35, the four-time world champion still can spin and jump with the best of them, and his showmanship is second to none.

His first solo turn, to an acoustic-guitar piece composed for him by his friend Ed Robertson of Barenaked Ladies, ranks with the finest work he's ever done. Not even a fall at the end could break its spell.

Ice dancers Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz have always been favourites in Montreal, where their partnership began, and they were in dazzling form last night in two crowd-pleasing numbers, including their Michael Jackson medley.

Pairs stars Isabelle Brasseur and Lloyd Eisler have returned from a brief hiatus in fighting trim. Those who thought they might have made their throws and lifts tamer since Brasseur became a mother quickly learned otherwise. Nice to see Lloyd back in drag again, too.

Brian Orser, Swiss spin demon Lucinda Ruh, six-time U.S. champion Todd Eldredge and pairs skaters Jenni Meno and Todd Sand also made their mark. The only performer not particularly well served by her musical selections was former U.S. champion Kristi Yamaguchi.