2023 Canadian Stars on Ice Tour

[Alilou]

I finally bought a ticket!

 

[DE93]

I finally bought a ticket!

You wont regret it!

 

[DynamicMutation]

Saw the show in Calgary with a non-fan friend and she was distinctly impressed.

Kurt appeared to have tears in his eyes even in his first number. It is clear he has some history in this city and province and the audience response for the Alberta boys was Wonderful.

I won’t bore with repetition of comments already made. I’d say only that thr first act is somewhat low energy and the second act really builds and makes up for it.

 

[SkateGuard]

Please forgive me (pardon the pun) if this has already been posted already... but here's a really great video of Kurt's "Please Forgive Me" program:

Stars on Ice 2023 - Please Forgive Me, Kurt Browning

From the Hamilton, ON stop.

www.youtube.com

 

[Sylvia]

Piper shared this Calgary SOI clip via Twitter today ("Probably my favorite moment so far!! Yeehaw Off to Victoria!"): https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsRPXp3p841/


Danielle Earl's photo of cowboy Piper & Paul (more pics are on her IG account): https://www.instagram.com/p/CsRWsDQrq3I/

 

[Teenes]

A few more of my pics on Instagram:
James Bond Medley: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsPqzBlRWTP/
Second act, part 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsROi4oxF3x/
Second act, part 2: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsR2P21yu2Q/
(second act not in chronological order)

 

[Garden Kitty]

Piper shared this Calgary SOI clip via Twitter today ("Probably my favorite moment so far!! Yeehaw Off to Victoria!"): https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsRPXp3p841/


Danielle Earl's photo of cowboy Piper & Paul (more pics are on her IG account): https://www.instagram.com/p/CsRWsDQrq3I/

Have to love Evan riding out on the stick horse in his tuxedo costume.

 

[DynamicMutation]

Have to love Evan riding out on the stick horse in his tuxedo costume.

That was noted by my friend. And Kurt with his upside down hobby horse

 

[SkateGuard]

Clips from the Victoria show on the YouTube...

Elvis Stojko - Jump: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY4RoGrhCSo

Gilles and Poirier - Evita: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHXzJopS64Y

Chock and Bates - Nightcall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr4SDjfPTTU

Jason Brown - Backstreet Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SoHUF8yt_4

Kurt Browning - Please Forgive Me: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t87Ro6DNK3Y

Kurt Browning - Who Are You: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5XuwRF0lzE

 

[Sylvia]

^^^ Thanks @SkateGuard! And one more from Victoria at the same account - Chock & Bates' "Let's Dance": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkPRGwNHyV4

Piper Gilles' video of orca whale watching in Victoria: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsT82cQAaGO/

Satoko's fun photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsUQPEuP1Da/

Patrick filmed these 2 clips of Jason in practice: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsGbnl1tKYH/ & https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsSIA19tW9W/

 

[Sylvia]

Mathieu Caron has shared 2 costume videos "from the studio to the spotlight": https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsKD1XQAsQ_/

Painting the shirts for "To Build A Home": https://www.instagram.com/reel/CsTXWowgGwp/

Oh, that was not an easy one.
“To Build A Home” is a tribute to Kurt Browning and his contribution to the Stars on Ice family. The costume had to be sober to leave room for the skaters’ interpretation and especially to allow the spectators to appreciate the last lap of the one they cherished during 30 tours. Impressive.
Painting each pieces of the costumes one by one was my personal touch to pay tribute to Kurt. Thank you @kb.on.ice !

Taking the ferry from Victoria to Vancouver yesterday: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsZJJVNJgVY/

Schizas' pics+ whale watching clip: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsYMDikOyEr/

ETA:

10 photos by Kevin Light from the Victoria show: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsWpoOevzHi/
And his Kurt photos: https://www.instagram.com/p/CsWqeJWPisj/

 

[karmena]

I finally bought a ticket!

Today last Canadian Stars on Ice. It has to be exceptional (emotional) for many skaters there... Please- but only if you can!- write a word/impression about Loena's skate.. for me it would be very interesting to hear how she blends in in the rest of the cast.

 

[Alilou]

Today last Canadian Stars on Ice. It has to be exceptional (emotional) for many skaters there... Please- but only if you can!- write a word/impression about Loena's skate.. for me it would be very interesting to hear how she blends in in the rest of the cast.

Will do my best

 

[karmena]

 

[overedge]

I went to the Vancouver show tonight and was very glad I did. Not just because it was the last night of the Canadian tour, but because it was a damn good show. I'd stayed away from SOI for a while because I got fed up with shoddy production and too many programs to GFBs (generic female ballads), but I didn't want to miss Kurt's last tour. This year definitely had higher production values and a really good variety of music.

Every performance had something worth watching, but to see Patrick Chan, Jason Brown, and Kurt and their beautiful edges and musicality on the same show was

This was the first time I'd been to live skating (other than at my own rink) since the Before Times, so there were some skaters I hadn't seen in person before.

Knierem/Frazier are fantastic, and Brandon looks less clunky than he sometimes does on TV. I'd seen Chock/Bates in competition, but they now look more evenly matched (not just Maddie with Evan as the background). Loena looked like she was concentrating hard and didn't connect with the audience as deeply as some as the other skaters did, but she hasn't been doing this kind of skating as long as the others, and she'll get there.

The James Bond group number was one of the best SOI numbers I can remember. Great to see some of the other great Bond theme songs being used!

ETA and there was Elvisography! Song lyrics say "time" - pretend to look at wristwatch. Song lyrics say "roll with the punches" - wave fists in the air. Although if Elvis had jumped every time David Lee Roth sang "Jump", he probably would have had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher

 

[Alilou]

My memory for these kinds of things is, not good
So what I remember:
Overall the show was good, and about what you expect of SOI - I've been to many.
Wish there had been more mini numbers as one skater left the ice and another came on.
Kurt and Elvis' buddy routine was magic and the only performance that got a SO - deservedly so, not for the skating so much as for the clever choreography, the fun of it, and just the whole damn history and connection between them. Seriously moving bro love.
Maddie Schisas skating to Don't Rain on my Parade - she's just not a big enough performer yet to carry off this kind of number. It needs some kind of huge chutzpa which she doesn't have yet. Cute tho. Her second number to Cats was more convincing and entertaining. She's new to this. She'll get there. I bet this tour was a whole new world of experience for her.
Wasn't that engaged with Leona's first number. That's all I remember about it. Her second number in the black bodysuit was fabulous. I think she needs a better choreographer; too much rolling around and posing on the ice. Stop that! Just skate! You look gorgeous and move well and fill the ice so have at it girl!
Loved Alissa! She fills the ice, she moves beautifully and powerfully - jumps not needed, everything else is so exquisite.
Tiny Queen Satoko moves so beautifully as does Jason
Chock&Bates and Piper&Paul all round good as you'd expect. Really enjoyed C&B's rhythm dance (even tho Evan will never get Latin, and Maddie has it coming out of her pores), and really enjoyed G&P's John Denver number. Fun! There was not enough Fun in the whole show!!! Bring on the fun!
Enjoyed Knierim and Fraser, especially the big tricks.
Loved loved loved the group James Bond number. Agree with @overedge that's it's one of the best ones ever. Def highlight.
Kurt was Kurt - have always been a fan but never an uber. At best he is absolutely brilliant (Ragudin, Nyah). He is a great skater and consummate entertainer.
Keegan's second number was great - entertaining. And fun!
But OMG Patrick His second number to his son almost had me in tears. See, it doesn't have to be fun, it just has to be convincing, and this was. You can take the entire cast, and a whole bunch of other elite skaters, world and Oly medalists - and none of them move like Patrick. It really stood out for me during the group numbers, and in his solos. Blade to ice he is the best ever IMO
Will add more if I remember more

 

[karmena]

I went to the Vancouver show tonight and was very glad I did. Not just because it was the last night of the Canadian tour, but because it was a damn good show. I'd stayed away from SOI for a while because I got fed up with shoddy production and too many programs to GFBs (generic female ballads), but I didn't want to miss Kurt's last tour. This year definitely had higher production values and a really good variety of music.

Every performance had something worth watching, but to see Patrick Chan, Jason Brown, and Kurt and their beautiful edges and musicality on the same show was

This was the first time I'd been to live skating (other than at my own rink) since the Before Times, so there were some skaters I hadn't seen in person before.

Knierem/Frazier are fantastic, and Brandon looks less clunky than he sometimes does on TV. I'd seen Chock/Bates in competition, but they now look more evenly matched (not just Maddie with Evan as the background). Loena looked like she was concentrating hard and didn't connect with the audience as deeply as some as the other skaters did, but she hasn't been doing this kind of skating as long as the others, and she'll get there.

The James Bond group number was one of the best SOI numbers I can remember. Great to see some of the other great Bond theme songs being used!

ETA and there was Elvisography! Song lyrics say "time" - pretend to look at wristwatch. Song lyrics say "roll with the punches" - wave fists in the air. Although if Elvis had jumped every time David Lee Roth sang "Jump", he probably would have had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher

Thank you both, overedge and alilou for the reviews ( and a word of your impression of Loena' skate!)!

 

[cheremary]

But OMG Patrick His second number to his son almost had me in tears. See, it doesn't have to be fun, it just has to be convincing, and this was. You can take the entire cast, and a whole bunch of other elite skaters, world and Oly medalists - and none of them move like Patrick. It really stood out for me during the group numbers, and in his solos. Blade to ice he is the best ever IMO

So glad to hear this - thank you for the review!

I’ve loved this song since Chock and Bates skated to it last year and knew it would suit Patrick beautifully.

I found a clip of it here from the Winnipeg show. Has anyone come across a video of the full program anywhere?

 

[karmena]

Thank you, overedge and alilou, once more. Is not it fascinating how much a written word can convey a spirit in which they are written? You gave a pure joy (= it was like I am in the show !)

Soo glad for both, for Loena and Madeline for being invited to the SOI. IMHO it is unevaluable experience for them both.
Glad to hear that your impression is that it would be fruitful for Loena have to try a different choreographer. It is my opinion too that some other choreographer might open her real potential/personality.

Yes, Patrick's skating skills...imho they are genius...unrepeatable gift.

 

[SkateGuard]

Clips from the Vancouver show...

Opening # to "All These Things That I've Done":

Stars on Ice show Vancouver 2023... intro group skate show

youtube.com

Group # to "To Build A Home": https://youtu.be/kjTG8IoqHSg

Patrick Chan - "Wicked Game": https://youtu.be/IFn5cjhl-tc

Kurt Browning - "Please Forgive Me":

Stars On Ice Kurt Browning solo skate May 2023

Kurt Browning retires from Stars on Ice in his last performance night in Canada. May 2023

www.youtube.com

Kurt and Elvis - "Raise A Little Hell":

Stars On Ice - Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko duet skate May 2023

Duet performance by Kurt Browning and Elvis Stojko in Stars On Ice performance in Vancouver BC Canada in May 2023. This is their last duet in Canada as Kurt ...

www.youtube.com

Elvis Stojko - "Jump":

Elvis Stojko performance in Stars on Ice show, Vancouver 2023

Stars On Ice performance by Elvis Stojko in his second solo that night in Vancouver in May 2023.

www.youtube.com

 

[Sylvia]

Permanent Rain Press' review of the Vancouver show: https://thepermanentrainpress.com/post/717812712879554560/stars-on-ice-may-18-rogers-arena-review
Photos by Timothy Nguyen: https://thepermanentrainpress.com/tagged/stars+on+ice

ETA - Nguyen's Vancouver SOI photos also are posted on theprpress's Instagram account (3 sets): https://www.instagram.com/p/CsdIkSQuxwv/ & https://www.instagram.com/p/CseM2q0xeK6/ & https://www.instagram.com/p/CseuxLByCue/

 

[Sylvia]

Just came across this person's 20-minute phone cam vlog/video of clips, filmed from afar, of the May 11th Saskatoon show - opening group number, Keegan's Grace Kelly, G/P's Evita, K/F's Shallow, Jason's BSB medley, Kurt's Please Forgive Me, To Build a Home group number / James Bond medley incl. Diamonds are Forever, Keegan's Mountain Song, Kurt & Elvis, Satoko's Ne Me Quitte Pas, Kurt's Who Are You, Finale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GmvjuuwfAw

 

[Sylvia]

I’ve loved this song since Chock and Bates skated to it last year and knew it would suit Patrick beautifully.

I found a clip of it here from the Winnipeg show. Has anyone come across a video of the full program anywhere?

@cheremary here's Patrick's full "I Hear A Symphony" from Vancouver! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C94b-MfH0-k

"To Buld A Home" that closed the first half: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjTG8IoqHSg

Same account has 11 more solo numbers from Vancouver: https://www.youtube.com/@BNT4251211/videos

CSOI tour music PDF: https://s3.amazonaws.com/busites_ww...nada-running-order-final-39865-1683910913.pdf

ETA - Jason's final 1-minute SkaterCam video recapping the entire show: https://twitter.com/starsonice/status/1660788077143691264 & https://www.instagram.com/reel/Csj-XPBrgCp/

 

[fruchick]

I had the pleasure of photographing the Vancouver show last week, and the results (to the tune of 300+ keepers) are now live: https://kurtfiles.com/pics/event.php?id=2023/Vancouver+Stars+on+Ice&search=

I'm particularly happy with the shots from Raise a Little Hell and the James Bond group number.

 

[shutterbug]

Latest Rob Brodie article: A conversation with ... Kurt Browning

And such a perfect job should demand a perfect ending, right? A special kind of sendoff that reminds you of just how much you were appreciated for your efforts over the years. And Kurt Browning, being fortunate one more time, got exactly that back in the spring. Five months later, he marvels at just how well it turned out. Just how perfect his farewell tour was for him — a two-month love fest between a beloved skater and the audiences who still adore him — and how it brought him such joy and satisfaction.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how perfect the tour was,” he says now, with enough time having gone by to truly reflect upon it all. “It was great. It was absolutely wonderful.”

 

[victorskid]

The CBC broadcast of the 2023 Stars on Ice tour (Kurt's farewell) is scheduled for December 7th from 8-9 p.m. (local time), according to the Holiday Season broadcast schedule: https://www.cbc.ca/life/holiday/holiday-tv-schedule-2023-1.7012702

 

[SkateGuard]

The CBC broadcast of the 2023 Stars on Ice tour (Kurt's farewell) is scheduled for December 7th from 8-9 p.m. (local time), according to the Holiday Season broadcast schedule: https://www.cbc.ca/life/holiday/holiday-tv-schedule-2023-1.7012702

So looking forward to this - this year's tour was amazing!

 

[victorskid]

So looking forward to this - this year's tour was amazing!

They will never be able to adequately capture it in an hour broadcast, unfortunately

 

[TRAxel]

I was really hoping CBC could give Kurt a 2 hour send off, but nope

 

[Desperado]

Just watched the CBC show (replay on Gem). 44 minutes definitely wasn’t enough. Solos by Kurt (and interview snippets), Keegan, Jason, Patrick and G&P. No Madeline but a lot of Satoko, no Alexa & Brandon, but Chock & Bates’ rhythm dance, which I had already seen too many times, and group numbers too.

From Bogie to James Bond, Kurt still looks fabulous in a tux.