Stars on Ice U.S. 2018

[scooter]

My daughter was in the group number at the start of the second half of SOI in Hartford. Can I just say that Jason Brown took the time to stop and talk for a long while with each and every kid and was very happy to do MANY pictures with each kid. There's a reason he's such a favorite.

 

[Doubletoe]

No, she didn't participate in the team event (it was Bradie SP & Mirai FS).

Castelli/Shnapir, the 2014 Olympic USA team event bronze medalists, got a couple(?) of SOI dates four years ago (without agent representation, IIRC) and I was hoping the Knierims would get a couple of guest spots too, but nope. They are represented by Achilles PR in Washington, DC.

ETA:

Yes, Jason is represented by Jerry Solomon of StarGames, and Ashley is repped by CAA in Los Angeles. Everyone else on the U.S. tour has IMG representation, though Adam is now with WME, of which IMG is a subsidiary.

Thank you, Sylvia! Yes, it was Bradie, not Karen in the team event. I thought I'd corrected that, but maybe not. Anyway, still trying to understand why no Knierims. . . Sigh. . .

 

[Laura4]

Phil Hersh SOI Review:

http://www.globetrottingbyphilipher...hter-as-show-goes-on-leaving-you-wanting-more

 

[clairecloutier]

A couple weeks ago, I went to the Portland show of Stars on Ice. I finally got a chance to write up some of my highlights from the show. It's not a full review; just highlights. https://adivinesport.com/2018/05/03/ice-shows-2018-highlights/

I got my parents, kids, & husband to come to the show as well. It was fun. I can report that my dad enjoyed Jason Brown & Nathan Chen the most. His only complaint was that he didn't know any of the music in the show. (He's 76.) My mom really liked Meryl/Charlie, the Shibs, Jason, and Bradie.

My husband enjoyed the whole show. I think his favorite was definitely Jason, but he liked most of the skaters. He particularly liked Karen's first number (the more lyrical one).

 

[el henry]

....
It was fun. I can report that my dad enjoyed Jason Brown & Nathan Chen the most. His only complaint was that he didn't know any of the music in the show. (He's 76.) My mom really liked Meryl/Charlie, the Shibs, Jason, and Bradie.

....

I'm not 76, although closer to 76 than the skaters' ages, and I can safely report that, other than through having seen the competitive programs, I knew *none* of the music either. Except the Frank Sinatra portion of "That's Life".

Thanks for the review!

 

[Tavi]

A couple weeks ago, I went to the Portland show of Stars on Ice. I finally got a chance to write up some of my highlights from the show. It's not a full review; just highlights. https://adivinesport.com/2018/05/03/ice-shows-2018-highlights/

I got my parents, kids, & husband to come to the show as well. It was fun. I can report that my dad enjoyed Jason Brown & Nathan Chen the most. His only complaint was that he didn't know any of the music in the show. (He's 76.) My mom really liked Meryl/Charlie, the Shibs, Jason, and Bradie.

My husband enjoyed the whole show. I think his favorite was definitely Jason, but he liked most of the skaters. He particularly liked Karen's first number (the more lyrical one).

Thanks so much Claire - that was a really vivid, thoughtful review. It was great to hear about Ross as well! You’ve almost convinced me to try to see SOI even thought it’s not coming anywhere near me and I’m generally not an ice show fan. Thanks!

 

[VGThuy]

Despite some misgivings expressed by some about this cast, I have to say I am so happy I attended. This show was absolutely wonderful and the skaters really brought it here. This was one of the best purchases I've made.

 

[Firedancer]

Great review @clairecloutier!

There are always adjustments we would like to see to the cast. But I am so glad I made the trip to Hartford. I loved this years show! I thought it was so well put together with a high level of skating brought by all of the skaters.

 

[shine]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiXO3Uggq9G/

 

[NoStefaniaNo]

I'm so excited to go see this show tomorrow. I even got my brows touched up yesterday in honor of Adam. Does anyone recall how long the show is?

 

[sk9tingfan]

I'm so excited to go see this show tomorrow. I even got my brows touched up yesterday in honor of Adam. Does anyone recall how long the show is?

With intermission about 2 1/2 hours

 

[nimi]

Mirai vlogged! It's called "Pre-Premiere of Dancing With the Stars" but at least the first few minutes (I just started watching it) are all about SOI rehearsals so...

https://youtu.be/7YjahVvIWzA

 

[NoStefaniaNo]

With intermission about 2 1/2 hours

Thank you so much! I'm getting really excited about tonight's show.

 

[Sylvia]

Thank you so much! I'm getting really excited about tonight's show.

You mean this afternoon, right? ENJOY and please share your highlights afterwards, if you can!

Cute IG story short clips of the SOI cast singing Happy Birthday to Nathan backstage in Milwaukee yesterday:
Ashley: https://twitter.com/FSIgstories/status/992967613264351233
Meryl: https://twitter.com/FSIgstories/status/992988712001835008

 

[Sylvia]

Several video clips, filmed on the ice by former competitive ice dancer Jordan Cowan, from the Hartford pre-show practice on April 22 have been posted on his "oniceperspectives" Instagram account:

Before Jordan put on his skates - a bit of group practice: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiFIoFBlXit/?taken-by=oniceperspectives

Jordan putting on his skates as Jason is warming up (with Zach Donohue); Jason hydroblading into 3Lz: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh_saCiFN7f/

Jason dancing to "Can't Stop the Feeling!": https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh89IZrFnAj/

Ashley warming up/skating ("I am Here" added): https://www.instagram.com/p/BiY_qN5FSio/

Nathan skating part of his SP: https://www.instagram.com/p/BiaW0c0F3bm/

Nathan's "Back from the Edge": https://www.instagram.com/p/BiHXUWaFat5/

Karen Chen spinning (music added): https://www.instagram.com/p/BiRhQIwF5_D/

Here are a few videos from the Hartford show:

Dream (ladies' group): https://youtu.be/9uMJy2bO7zA
Shape of You (ice dance number with Hubbell/Donohue, Davis/White, Chen/Wagner): https://youtu.be/jHYJpXlrsck
Feel It Still (men's group): https://youtu.be/OxeWFonFA5c
Nemesis - Nathan Chen: https://youtu.be/s-DAXaOJGO0

Thanks! And here are some photos from the Hartford SOI show: https://www.instagram.com/patinartphoto/

 

[skatfan]

Thanks to all who have reviewed the show. You’ve convinced me to go to the SanJose show - anyone else going to be there?

 

[SkateSand]

Me!

 

[Anita18]

I will, with my sister! A day after Taylor Swift, I have no idea how much sugar/caffeine we'll need for this.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

Can't wait!

 

[Lovemyvike]

My friend and I will be at the Phoenix show! After getting her to go to Cirque De Soleil Crystal, I think I might have converted her to a skating fan.

 

[el henry]

Thank you @Sylvia for identifying the person behind "OnIce Perspectives". I have really enjoyed the vids posted to that account, and I didn't know who it was.

Here's hoping Jason's ankle is recovered for this weekend's performances, although even with an injury he'll still put on a great show

 

[aznchica]

can't believe the Anaheim show is this coming saturday! So excited!

 

[Sylvia]

Young figure skater with heart condition meets hero Ashley Wagner in Pittsburgh (article & video): https://www.wpxi.com/entertainment/...ts-hero-ashley-wagner-in-pittsburgh/740058984

FSO's review of the Pittsburgh & Chicago shows: http://figureskatersonline.com/news/2018/05/07/review-stars-on-ice-celebrates-olympic-season/

I came across this article from last month about early ticket sales: http://www.venuesnow.com/news/detail/stars-on-ice-ticket-sales-increase

“We spent a lot more time and effort advertising digitally, and that has paid off,” said Byron Allen, producer with New York City-based IMG, who produces the event. “We’re running about 20 percent ahead in ticket sales compared to the last post-Olympics Stars on Ice tour.”
Because competing athletes are prohibited from promoting brands during the Olympic games, there is typically an advertising blackout for Stars on Ice. However, with digital advertising, the 2014 Olympic skaters who are a part of this year’s tour were able to be involved in campaigns before the 2018 tour.
“We could continue digital promotions, rather than going dark, which was new this year,” said Allen. “Previously we were just selling television ads.”

Among the arenas on the tour this year is Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif. “Orange County has always been a good market for Stars on Ice, and Honda Center is thrilled to be hosting our friends again for the 24th time this May,” said Tim Ryan, president and CEO of the arena. “Ticket sales have been extremely swift this year, even compared to past Olympic years, and our lower bowl has been sold out for some time."
Ryan noted a shift to demographics for the show, with twice the percentage of ticket buyers belonging to the 18-34 demographic compared to a year ago.

Enjoy the show, all of you going this weekend, and report back if you can!

 

[aznchica]

I do love how the ticket sales are going so well this year! I have no idea about previous years since I had not gone to a show since the time Evan Lysacek was competing on DWTS. But I went back to see how the Anaheim show sales were doing. The entire lower bowl is sold out. The entire section that I will be in is sold out. There's only a few seats left in the other sections of the premiere area and the upper bowl.

 

[Lovemyvike]

For what it's worth, they are selling tickets on Groupon. That might help convince people that couldn't normally afford them to go.

 

[AnnM]

For what it's worth, they are selling tickets on Groupon. That might help convince people that couldn't normally afford them to go.

The last time I went to SOI (2012?), I bought tickets from Groupon. While the Groupon sections (all lower bowl) were sold out, the rest of the lower bowl was empty enough that I could easily move down to a seat much closer to the ice without anyone caring. So if the whole lower bowl is sold out, it still seems like sales have improved this year!

 

[MacMadame]

I got my tickets from Groupon! It's this weekend

 

[aznchica]

what??? Next time I decide to go, I should really check groupon. But I'm really happy with the seat I got for tomorrow through ticketmaster. First row of premiere. By the corner. I don't think I'll have to turn my head too much to see the whole length of the ice. So glad I got the ticket when I did. The entire section that I'm sitting at is now completely sold out.

 

[Lovemyvike]

Well, the attendance in Phoenix was... a little depressing. Maybe half the seats were occupied. Great seats bought on Groupon, but plenty of room to move around.

Also, show was FANTASTIC!

 

[el henry]

Some arenas you just can’t slip into the good seats...

At the Allentown PPL Center, I was in something called the “Club Section”, which was two (maybe three) sections, center ice, lower bowl. Security checked before you walked through doors to the “club”. I was not checked the second time because the guy remembered my fake jeweled cat sweatshirt (yes, I’m that person).

As it was, Allentown was maybe half full? I wasnt expecting a sell out of Stars on Ice, unfortunately