Yes, I realize that we just want to GET TO THE PHOTOS, so let me be brief: Halloween on Ice is AMAZING.
I know, I know: when I first heard about it, I was kind of like, “Well, this could be interesting, or it could be cringeworthy....” Because skating has certainly had its share of schlockfests in its storied history.
This is not one of those.
This show is everything a skating show should be. The level of skating talent is superb; the show is well-produced, with excellent lighting and sound; the programs run the gamut from ethereally beautiful to exciting and action-packed; and despite some reviewers’ apparent confusion, there is, in fact, a simple but enjoyable plot that weaves everything together, so that rather than being the monotonous recital-style show, where the programs are disconnected stand-alones, here the skaters’ numbers advance the storyline while also showcasing their talent.
Most of all, it’s just FUN! The show is wonderfully entertaining from start to finish for adults and kids alike, and it flies by so fast that it’s over before you’re ready and you’re left wanting more. Which is exactly perfect.
And of course Johnny is beyond spectacular in his role. As you’ll see below.
There is a real dearth of skating opportunities in the US, and that’s a shame, because skating is truly so beautiful to watch, and there are so many gifted skaters outside the competitive world who deserve to be highlighted and appreciated. It is breathtaking performance art when it’s done right, and Nancy Kerrigan and her team have done a tremendous job at getting it right with very little prep time and an incredibly grueling performance schedule.
Thank you to Johnny, Nancy, Kurt Browning, Jerry Solomon, StarGames, and all the amazing skaters on the tour for one of the most memorable evenings of top-notch skating I’ve ever enjoyed. I can’t wait to see the show again next week....!
The following photos and videos cover the three main parts of the show that feature Johnny. In the show, Nancy Kerrigan plays an old woman on Halloween night, who is having a party with a few friends and also answering the door to trick-or-treaters. But she soon falls asleep, and the rest of the show is her Halloween dream, populated with spooky and silly characters, in which she is transformed into a young princess who falls in love with a handsome but fearsome creature of the night....
As always, many of the photos below are nicely huge, so please click for the full-size images in all their glorious detail. Please also note that Johnny skated the entire show on a sprained right ankle. Which you would never know from his performance.
PART 1: Bloody Mary / Hell
VIDEO!
Johnny’s complete first solo, including the Bloody Mary section.
Video link.
Alternate link.
PART 2: I Put a Spell on You
Near the end of the first Act, Dracula materializes, intent on making the lovely princess his own...
PROGRAMMING NOTE:
Due to technical difficulties, we do NOT have video of the incredibly awesome group number to ‘I Put a Spell on You’ from the Syracuse show. But fortunately we DO have an entire post devoted to it, with exclusive HD video, from the Peoria show!
PART 3: The Vampire King’s Masquerade: Waltz
In Act II, the Vampire King and his newly crowned Queen spend time sitting on their thrones together and being entertained by various dream characters. But near the end of the show—perhaps realizing that his Queen will soon awaken and return to her life in the real world—the King performs by himself. And it is absolutely spellbinding. Johnny’s Masquerade is brilliant and haunting and infused with unexpected poignancy. The entire audience was transfixed. It was the highlight of the show, earning him the longest and loudest ovation of the night.
VIDEO!
Johnny’s complete—and stunning—Masquerade.
Video link.
Alternate link.
BONUS PIC
Exclusive photos © David Keyser.
