Cinderella On Ice
Review by Kim Wilson
25th August, 2008

Two years ago the Imperial Ice Stars brought his production of Swan Lake to Melbourne which I felt had been their best show to that date. I wondered when we found out that Cinderella on Ice was coming whether they could surpass that splendid show.

Well from my personal perspective I feel they have. Cinderella on Ice has a definite maturity of a company that has really honed the craft of the theatrical ice show, with the storytelling abilities of the cast really coming to the fore.

Firstly if you were expecting the traditional story of Cinderella, you will be surprised. There are no kings and queens in this one, but rather a Mayor and his son (the prince), the Fairy Godmother is a Fortune Teller and Cinderella’s father is a watchmaker. And the stepmother runs a ballet school which is the catalyst for Cinders and her man coming together. I think it actually gives the story a more realistic touch.

From the moment the house lights when down you knew you were in for a treat. The projected clock (clocks are a big theme throughout the show) at the start set the scene.

As with previous productions, you couldn’t help but be drawn in by the performances. Olga Sharutenko has become one of my favourite skaters to see on stage, after her roles in the Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. I have certainly become a fan. Apart from her wonderful skating, she has a presence that shines and she has the ability to give the characters she plays sincere emotion and depth. It is totally believable.

Andrei Penkine in the production takes on the Major’s son. I think we were used to seeing Andrei playing Benno from Swan Lake shine with personality, however he shows a different side of his acting with playing the romantic lead. He is very suited to this role and does it very well. And just throws off double axels like they nothing.

Vadim Yarkov this time plays Cinderella’s father. He was aged up with a few grey tinges but he proves that he has really developed with the acting side of performance and I think enjoyed the chance to stretch himself in this regard. And he also acts as the show’s “human crane”, just carrying a couple of the girls around the stage as if it is nothing.

Olena Pyatash (who was Odette in Swan Lake) is the stepmother. Another skater who has a different type character from her last show and she certainly has channelled the haughtiness and arrogance needed for the part.

But as with these productions it is a team effort and the timing, choreography and precision of the whole ensemble is excellent. My favourite moment of this aspect of the show was the clock, represented by 6 pairs. And another great moment was where the Major’s son was trying on the skating boot (glass slipper) on a number of the girls (one foot skating eat your heart out!). There were indeed some very clever moments.

Overall I was swept away by the production and found a little tear in my eye at the beauty of the final scene where Cinders and her man skate together.

The show will be touring extensively. It may take a while to get to your part of the world but if it does do not miss the chance to see it.