So we have now come to the last three minutes of the Sun Valley show, and IDEK how to explain the lolworthy insanity happening here.
To recap: Johnny arrived in Sun Valley barely seven hours before showtime after surviving a travel day only Loki, God of Chaos, could have designed. He had less than an hour of actual ice time before the show, which was the first time he’d stepped onto the ice in a week.
And then he performed both Carmen and Creep flawlessly. And the crowd LOVED him.
His Creep was the final program of the night, and then the Sun Valley ensemble cast headed into the finale. This year’s show was Western-themed, with the history of Sun Valley as a centerpiece. So the finale included a routine to the old Bonanza theme song, and then segued into ‘Cotton-Eyed Joe’ as the show’s stars were introduced.
The photos and video below begin with Johnny’s introduction near the end of the finale as the headliner of the night. He seems to be in a very good mood. And how wonderful it is to see him like this, his sense of humor and joie de vivre on full display in a way that harks back to Be Good Johnny Weir, Season 1, the vehicle through which many newer fans fell in love with him.
Whatever kind of day you’re having, it will be improved a billion percent by the following pics and video. Please click any photo for the glorious full-size image, and please feel free to return to this post anytime you need some happy. Results guaranteed. :D
Note: due to the way seating is arranged in Sun Valley, center ice seats are limited to people who are enjoying the outdoor dinner buffet. But those seats are too far from the ice for good photos or videos. So though we’re in front row seats, we have a side view of the ice, and that’s why he’s sometimes photographed here through a forest of other skaters.
With Jozef “Jumpin’ Joe” Sabovčík, who was introduced just before Johnny.
“And the STAR of Sun Valley on Ice: JOHNNY WEIR!” the announcer intones as Johnny executes his signature slide.
With Extreme Comedy Champion skater Jason Graetz, who’s still wearing his character costume from earlier in the show.
The cast acknowledges the audience.
Reassembling for one final bow.
Thank you, Johnny! We love you!
VIDEO!
Ridiculously fun, completely Johnny-centric footage. Love all the yelling and screaming for him by the crowd (“Johnnyyyyyyyy!”). And it might seem like it’s over at 2:04, but wait, there’s more...!
Video link.
Alternate link.
Exclusive photos © David Keyser.
