The Nutcracker On Ice

The Nutcracker On Ice

WORLD CLASS ICE SKATING IN THE INTIMACY OF THE THEATRE

International Concert Attractions (ICA) in association with Wild Rose Ice Theatre today announced the Auckland season of The Nutcracker On Ice. 26 Russian Ice Stars will perform this magical interpretation of the popular Russian fairytale. For the first time, The Civic theatre stage will be transformed into an ice rink for this spectacular ‘ballet on ice’ in September 2003.

Performed to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved musical score, these outstanding Russian skaters tell the enchanting story of young Maria’s Christmas Eve adventures with her Nutcracker Doll, who is transformed into a handsome Prince. The full cast of colourful characters, from toy soldiers and mice to the Land of Sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy, will showcase technical skating brilliance never before seen in the intimacy of The Civic theatre stage.

The Russian Ice Stars feature Ioulia Barsoukova, the gold medallist in gymnastics from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and, making a special guest appearance, Anjelika Krylova, the 1998 and 1999 pair’s ice dancing World Champion and silver medallist from the 1998 Nagano Olympic Games. Between them The Russian Ice Stars boast over 200 competition medals in Olympic, World, European and National Championships.

“A question that is often asked is whether the rink is actually made of real ice,” said Tony Mercer, Artistic Director of Wild Rose Ice Theatre. “In fact there will be in the region of 14 tons of it on the stage and hidden beneath the surface, all at a working temperature of minus 15 degrees.

Producers have assembled an Australian creative team for the show. Lavish backdrops and scenery; have been created by one of our leading scenic designers Eamon D’Arcy. The production will also feature a lighting design by Gavan Swift, one of the theatre industry’s top lighting designers.

“The graceful and flawless ice dancing, colourful costumes, beautiful staging and glorious music, performed in the intimacy of a theatre as opposed to the usual arena setting is sure to delight audiences young and old,” said co-producer and joint managing director of ICA, James Cundall.

The Nutcracker On Ice marks the first visit to Australasia by The Russian Ice Stars, and comes direct from the extensive sell-out tour of the UK during 2002 and 2003. Wild Rose Ice Theatre has been producing and touring ice shows in the UK for ten years, notably The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Phantom of the Opera, Carmen, Peter Pan and Barnum. The ice shows have also been performed in Hong Kong, Monaco and in Europe.

International Concert Attractions in association with Wild Rose Ice Theatre present THE NUTCRACKER ON ICE

AUCKLAND The Civic, The Edge From Friday 05 September Tickets Available Through Ticketek

Auckland Publicity Lynn Smart, Nick Smart Marketing (09) 378 6100 or 0274 738 230 or nick.smart@xtra.co.nz

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