I'll try to be brief since there have already been so many good reviews. I took my Mom to her first ever live skating show, and though she knows little to nothing about skating from a technical viewpoint, she enjoyed it very much. As did I - I have to say there wasn't a single number that was a dud, each and every one was enjoyable.

Random comments : Kyoko Ina has a positively dazzling smile, capable of lighting up the entire arena! She also seemed to be very relaxed, very into it, I really thought she sparkled and drew attention(skating with John Z, that's no small task!)

We got Scott Hamilton as our "special guest star". He did the golf number, and a remade/reworded version of "Life's been good to me so far". The audience went nuts for him, me not so much. I would have vastly preferred a second number by Ber & Sik, but I can't begrudge him his place in the hearts and minds of the SOI attendees.

I thought Ber & Siks cold spot (Elvis and Marilyn) came across *much* better in person than it did on tv. I'll never love this program, and I don't think it truly does them justice but ... whether they've just gotten looser and more comfortable with the performing aspects, or if it was that, live, their silky speed, stroking and flow was more evident I don't know, but it worked much better than I thought it would. They are lovely, lovely skaters.

Sal=E9 and Pelletier were big crowd-pleasers, clean, precise and smooth.

I much preferred Kurt's non-comedy piece, highlighting his edges and footwork, though the crowd didn't agree with me.

Roca and Sur were beautiful as always, they were my Mom's favorite.

The cowgirl/cowboy number was a whole lot of fun, silly and sexy all at once.

I think the timing on Meno and Sand's number was subtly changed to de-emphasize the "gyno-lift/peek-a-boo" aspect, that was not played up at all(thankfully!)

Todd Eldredges effortless speed and cceleration, and his deep edging is a wonder to behold. Todd was someone who never-ever grabbed me on tv - I knew he was good, I admired and respected his skills, but truthfully I found him boring. UNTIL ... I saw him live, and wow!! Now I appreciate him on tv, but there's no substitute for experiencing his command of the ice in person. As I said, effortless speed, acceleration, control, line, and he truly connects with an audience, really draws everyone in. I actually thought he was one of the fastest, if not *the* fastest skater in the show - amazing ability to put on a tremendous burst of speed with no sense of strain or effort.

Kat is Kat - great basic skating, sex appeal from her head to her toes.

And, saving the best for last(IMO) ... Alexei is clearly THE star of the show, last to be introduced in both the opening and closing, his Oly footwork highlighted as he leads the entire cast through a portion of it - quite the homage in my viewpoint. His first number, Born to be Wild I found entirely dispensable, just a time-killer for me. Racing was fun, highly entertaining, but didn't seem to have quite the zip I thought it would. But Overcome, ahhh ... midway through this number I just sighed and said "this alone is worth the price of my ticket". I know of course that they are all *skaters*, not dancers, not actors - but Alexei managed to combine all three aspects, I found this number awe-inspiring. One note - I don't believe I saw him attempt an axel at any time, double or triple. I'm guessing that jump is particularly problematic for his hip? Much as I love his soaring axels, it didn't matter - the man oozes talent, skill and charisma.

All in all, a great show, I highly recommend it!