Swan Lake on Ice – Opening Night Lyric Theatre Sydney

27 August 2010   Review of Swan Lake on Ice, Photos and Story from the Opening Night; MiSociety

Russia’s Imperial Ice Stars swan into Sydney to give a fairytale performance
Swan Lake on Ice at the Lyric Theatre opened to a full house and drew a standing ovation for an engaging and thrilling  performance by the world renowned Imperial Ice Stars.

Swan Lake on Ice combines the fairytale story of Swan Lake with dynamic ice skating, made all the more ‘seat edgy’ for the audience as the cast are performing on a very tightly dimensioned stage (and in the air) with such absolute precision.

Artistic Director/Choreographer Tony Mercer attains a story book  ambiance throughout the scenes whilst one of Australia’s leading scenic designers Eamon D’Arcy has created some marvelous sets which have that twinkling magic that will surely appeal to young and old alike. 

Albina Gabueva’s superb period costuming is stunning as the cast  perform their demanding choreography including some innovative figure skating elements.

The Imperial Ice Stars bring a Russian sense of dare and bravado to their skating here that is not to be missed.  Add to the mix the unrivalled super star of the show, the great Russian composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and it’s a winner.   You can’t beat a good melody and Tchaikovsky delivers with Swan Lake an absolute blizzard of foot tapping tunes.

The opening night after party was not a huge affair being made up of  sponsors, special friends, invited media and the cast.  MiSociety was delighted to meet and chat with the cast and to learn of the dedication that’s required by these artists as some have been performing with the troupe for two years and more, non stop around the world.  The professionalism of these ice dancing stars is obvious on stage and even more obvious when told they have all danced and skated their entire lives.

We shared a drink (or two) with Swan Lake on Ice’s gregarious Company Manager Cheryl Sheldon , the Production Manager, Paul Mansfied and Calling Stage Manager, Chris Hewitt, as they gave us some insight into what it takes to get a show like this on stage and on the road around the world.  Cheryl imparted that these performers’ sense of personal dance space was extraordinary.  When asked about ‘packing’ for her nomadic life she rolled her eyes and laughed as we had hit on a subject that then led us into some hilarous tales.

Swan Lake on Ice is a sheer delight so treat yourselves – and the kids – they will love it.  Bookings and tickets details

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