Stars On Ice - Philadelphia, PA & Atlantic City, NJ 02/20-21/04
by Betsy Burkinshaw

Hoo's review was so complete & comprehensive, I'm just going to give some basic impressions & my personal highlights of the shows.

First, the crowd in Philly, while a good size crowd, seemed a bit subdued. The Atlantic City show was a slightly smaller crowd, but was much more responsive.

The outfits in the opening are nice, but the fuchsia & terracotta colors just do not go together at all. It's a real clash visually. The skating was very nice though, so I forgave the color problem. Todd & Alexei's mirror death drops were especially cool.

'Long Time'- This number has a great song, and Paul Wylie's great skating-they just shouldn't have been combined. It was a complete disconnect for me. Technically, he's getting all the skills back, but the music is so incongruous with his usual style, I just sat there & went, "Huh??" I have always loved Paul's skating, so this number was hard for me to see.

Yuka-all her programs were awesome as usual. You have to love the smoothness, grace & precision she brings to the ice.

I may be shot for this but here goes-I loved Todd's 'Metronome' outfit. Sincerely loved it. No joke! I'm beginning to call it 'Sgt. Pepper on Acid' It's so tacky, it's cute. Every guy in the show has a stint with a bad outfit-Todd's is just a bit more loud. I couldn't see the eyepatch from where I was sitting. I liked the hat too. Sorry folks, but I also liked the famous 'Taco Bell' from a few years ago-so now you see where my taste is!

'Hands of Time'. Loved the sneaker boot covers on the ladies. The dresses didn't seem as poofy, and were cuter than I had expected.

'Flamenco'-This number just keeps getting better & better. The performance in great in Philly, but in AC was absolutely awesome-he nailed it completely. Jumps, spins, everything was there to enjoy. Dramatic, passionate, emotional-wow! Great simple outfit too. The rest of the arena seemed to agree, because this was well-received both nights.

'Jailbird'-Who knew Todd does vaudeville? Another moment in the Metronome outfit, and some jokes. Yes, it's cute! Only in Philly-wasn't done in AC. Bummer.

'Memorial'-Alexei just wasn't 'there' in either city. I was actually a bit worried for him, because you can't tell if he's exhausted, in pain, or simply going through the motions. (or a combination of all the above) This also applies to all the numbers he's in. He didn't do 'Memorial' in AC. I would be surprised if he was on the tour next year, especially if he is having physical problems.

'TGIF'-There's nothing as fun as seeing guys have fun and acting like, well...guys! This was hammy & hilarious. I loved the colorful jackets-they reminded me of high school fashions (and behavior!) back in the 80's! The only things missing were the narrow ties and the wayfarer sunglasses! Todd seemed to be having a blast with this one. It was great to see Todd actually (sort of) dancing!

Right before intermission, before the lights came up, Todd skated out and spoke for a minute or two. He seemed very comfortable and spoke very well.

'Work n' Time'- no broom drops in Philly, one in AC. Another fun number, sort of 'the guys in TGIF at work'.

'4x2=8'-Ear muffs??? I'm still trying to figure that on out. Another cute transition, this time with Todd getting pulled out on the ice by the ladies. This song is now the musical 'worm' that will not get out of my head!

'When You Come Back To Me Again'-I don't know how I can keep rhapsodizing on and on about this number, but I will, because this number just keeps getting better & better. Todd did seem to have a few no-so-bad-problems in Philly, but it was a good program there in spite of the problems, but in AC, it was just breathtaking. Just spectacular. And have I ever mentioned that I love the violet-purple outfit ? This whole number works so well, it just brings tears to your eyes. Great song, wonderful skating-awesome.

'Timely Advice'-I loved this number, and so did the audience. I had a hard time hearing all the lyrics in Philly, but it was loud & clear in AC. Real and humorous advice. And, yes, I DO wear sunscreen!

'Hero'-Paul Wylie's second number was quintessential Paul Wylie. It was clean in Philly, but he had a few problems in AC. He is getting all the tricks back, just no triples. Beautifully done, with a gorgeous knee slide, and very well received by the audience in both cities.

'Have You Ever Been In Love'-Kristi Yamaguchi. A sweet and gentle program, very nicely done. I must admit though, I was drooling so over her utterly gorgeous dress, that I was distracted from her skating for a bit. Clean in Philly, a bobble in AC, but definitely the biggest ovation of the night in both cities.

'Rock Lesson'-Again, I couldn't hear it all too well in Philly, but loud & clear in AC. If you haven't seen the show yet, make sure you listen closely! It's utterly hilarious. There is nothing to compare with seeing Todd in the Metronome outfit, in sunglasses, doing the rock moves. There are no words. I'm actually sitting here smiling, just thinking about it. The only thing missing were the lighters! (sorry-another 80's reference!)

Finale-I liked the closing number, very nice. The white outfits work better in the closing than the color clash at the beginning. This was very similar in skating and overall feel to the beginning. My only quibble would be that it seemed a teensy bit anti-climactic. That being said, it was still very effective as a bookend to the beginning of the show.

Overall, these were fabulous shows. Lots of fun, with some awesome skating by Todd.

I'm still planning on seeing the Baltimore show too, so I'll post a (much less wordy) review then. If you're going to Baltimore, I'll see you there!

Betsy