The Imperial Ice Stars’ third production, Cinderella on Ice, had its world premiere in New Zealand in July 2008 and went on to play to more than one million people during its two year, 22-country world tour, garnering outstanding reviews across-the-board.
EVERYTHING about Cinderella on Ice is extravagant and sure to dazzle both adults and the little ones.
– THE AUSTRALIAN JEWISH NEWS
Cinderella on Ice continued to build The Imperial Ice Stars’reputation for innovation in the skating world, both with their daring manoeuvres on the ice and their unique style of story-telling. Stunning skating feats, some only seen in Olympic arenas and some never attempted before, were performed within the confines of a frozen theatre stage, including breathtaking high speed throws and incredible lifts and lift sequences. Cinderella on Ice was conceived and choreographed by Tony Mercer, widely regarded as the world’s leading creator of theatre on ice, together with the highly respected ice coach Evgeny Platov, dual Olympic gold medallist and four time World Champion, and Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski, the 2006 and 2007 ice dancing World Champions.
The production boasted one of the most expensive sets ever created for a theatrical ice show, anywhere in the world, from one of Australia’s top scenic designers, Eamon D’Arcy. It incorporated stunning three-dimensional scenery depicting a Siberian village square and a black and silver art deco theatre; magical special effects, including fire and rain; flying and state of the art projection. Cinderella on Ice featured 77 opulent costumes from Albina Gabueva, head designer at Moscow’s famed Stanislavsky Theatre, each of which were individual designs, made by the famous Bolshoi Ballet’s costume cutters. Ten of the costumes cost more than £4000 each with their luxurious fabric and fine detailing.
In this new interpretation of a classic tale, The Imperial Ice Stars told the story of Cinderella, a humble chorus dancer who is thrust into the spotlight as a prima ballerina and captivates the handsome Lord Mayor’s son, the most eligible bachelor in town, with her graceful performance. Despite rival attempts by her stepsisters to steal his heart, the kindly Watchmakers and Gypsy Fortune Teller ensure that true love triumphs. The stunning new score was written by Tim A. Duncan and Edward Barnwell, highly regarded contemporary composers. Artistic Director Tony Mercer says “The ‘Cinderella’ story has been told in many different cultures over many centuries. I wanted to give our version a new setting while retaining the ingredients and emotions of this timeless story.”