And so, with 15 performances finished, we have come to the end of our glorious coverage of Johnny as Kai in Snow King 2.
He survived getting kicked in the leg, hit in the nose, dropped and dragged on the ice, falling in the shower, and a technical malfunction that meant he and Plushenko suddenly had to improvise the crucial carriage scene without an actual carriage — and he did it all with a smile (except maybe the shower thing), never missing a beat, and with all the passion and artistry that make audiences fall in love with him all over again wherever he performs.
Below is a final roundup of wonderful exclusive photos of Johnny from the meeting with his beloved Russian fans on his last day in Moscow. Thank you, Johnny, for giving your heart and soul in every moment on the ice. Both those who saw your Kai in person and those of us who watched from afar will return again and again to relive Kai’s journey through the amazing photos and videos from this show.
Спасибо моей #teamsnowking , спасибо всем зрителям ! Вас было 115000 зрителей ! Я счастлив ! Спасибо всем моим друзьям за поддержку ! Спасибо всем создателям шоу ! Москва , Питер , увидимся в декабре 2016-январе 2017 на моем новом шоу " Щелкунчик " ! 💪🏻#thesnowkingbyplushenko #снежныйкороль2 #thesnowkingbyplushenko Ну все , я полетел в Японии , продолжать свой мировой тур ! 🇯🇵
4,960 Likes, 55 Comments - Евгений Плющенко (@plushenkoofficial) on Instagram: "Спасибо моей #teamsnowking , спасибо всем зрителям ! Вас было 115000 зрителей ! Я счастлив !..."
After the final show on Orthodox Christmas Day, Johnny took time to meet with Russian fans briefly before getting ready to fly home.
He sat and chatted with them about the show and what’s coming up for him, and they also presented him with a beautiful gift. At the end he took selfies with everyone in front of the hotel Christmas tree, and also did a mini-photoshoot, much to the delight of all in attendance and as seen in the exclusive pics below. Editorial note: his hat is everything.
And he loves them!
My fans are the best! New mink blade covers!! Всем спасибо!
2,372 Likes, 26 Comments - *JOHNNY WEIR* (@johnnygweir) on Instagram: "My fans are the best! New mink blade covers!! Всем спасибо!"
VIDEO!
I love sixteen minutes of Johnny speaking Russian even though I mostly have no idea what he’s saying. And his excitement over the gift at about 1:50 needs no translation. Original video thanks to Olga Kononova!
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More video! I need to know what is happening at about 17:06 and 19:57. Also watch for an abundance of gift-giving beginning around 20:45. Oh, and he takes his hat off at about 6:02. Thanks to Yulya Ponomaryova for the clips!
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BONUS VIDEO
Johnny’s amazing four-jump combo in the show!
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Curtain call. Johnny is introduced beginning at about 3:30.
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AND FINALLY
We would be remiss if we did not once again offer very special thanks to the lovely and amazing Elena Vasileva, who worked tirelessly (despite very little actual sleep) for more than two solid weeks to bring Johnny’s appearance in Snow King 2 to life for all of us around the world through her extraordinary photographs.
Elena was one of the official show photographers, but she also generously provided additional exclusive photographs to the blog, documenting everything from Johnny’s arrival in Moscow to his final bow to his post-show fan meeting (which she organized).
I leave you with her beautiful thanks to him, posted on her Instagram after Johnny had departed for home:
