Three spectacles on ice for summer audiences

Just at the peak of summer, three major ice shows are coming to Seoul with programs ranging from ice skating performances based on classical ballets or musicals to costumed animation character shows, catering to audiences’ different tastes.
The Saint Petersburg State Ice Ballet, the most “classical” of the troupes, will perform Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” and “Sleeping Beauty.”
In “Bolshoi on Ice 2005,” skaters will dance to tunes from the musicals “Notre Dame de Paris,” “Cats,” “Mary Poppins” and “Aida,” as well as classical ballet pieces from “Swan Lake” and “The Snow Queen.”
There is also something for children: “Disney On Ice ― Jungle Adventure” will showcase favorite Disney animation characters from “The Jungle Book,” “Lion King” and “Tarzan.”
The Saint Petersburg State Ice Ballet will stage full-length classical ballets, unlike ice shows in which a variety of pieces are performed. Skaters will wear elegant costumes while performing on a lavishly decorated stage.
The company was formed in 1967, and has performed more than 6,000 times around the world. All the performers trained at the Russian Ballet Academy.
“The Nutcracker” is considered one of the company’s best productions, with marches, waltzes, Arabian dances and Chinese-style music. The ballet will be performed from Tuesday to Thursday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, while “Sleeping Beauty” will be staged from next Friday to Sunday. Showtimes are 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on weekdays and 3 and 6 p.m. on weekends. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won ($29) to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 548-4480 or visit www.seoularts.com.
The “Bolshoi on Ice 2005” show is presented by Moscow Stars on Ice, which was established by former European figure skating champion Igor Bobrin. The show will feature many figure and ice skating champions, including 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic gold medalists Natalia Bestemiyanova and Andrei Bukin, 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic gold medalists Elena Berezhnaya and Anton Sikaruldze, and 1999 World Championship gold medal winner Maria Butyrskaya.
The show will take place at the Mokdong Ice Rink from Thursday through Sept. 19, except Mondays and Tuesdays. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, 4 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 and 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Ticket prices are 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For information, call (02) 368-1515 or visit www.ice-show.com.
The “Disney On Ice” show is a musical on ice based on the story “Jungle Adventure.” The show has brought a set weighing seven tons, including 583 lights and artificial trees and plants to create the atmosphere of a jungle. Voice actors who have appeared in Disney animations shown in Korea dubbed all the songs.
Performances start today at the Seoul Olympic Fencing Stadium in Olympic Park and continue to Aug. 28, except Monday. The 11 a.m. Saturday shows will be conducted in English. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2113-6869 or go to www.disneyonice.co.kr.

by Limb Jae-un