Ice extravaganza headed for Dunedin

Ice extravaganza headed for Dunedin

The international ice dance sensation The Imperial Ice Stars are heading for Dunedin for the very first time, with their dazzling production Sleeping Beauty on Ice.

The announcement from Lunchbox Theatrical Productions – who are bringing Singin’ in the Rain to Wellington in April and Auckland in May - follows news that the Imperial Ice Stars are returning to Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington as part of their 10th Anniversary World Tour this June and July.

Sleeping Beauty on Ice will be staged at the Regent Theatre from 11 – 14 June. Tickets will go on sale nextFriday, 17 April. The season will be strictly limited so fans are urged to act without delay. Tickets can be purchased at Regenttheatre.co.nz

During the last decade, The Imperial Ice Stars have enthralled audiences in 27 countries across five continents, gaining a worldwide following and establishing an unrivalled reputation for marrying well-loved classical scores with breath-taking ice dance and creative and powerful story-telling.

Their last New Zealand tour, with The Nutcracker on Ice in 2012, earned them nightly standing ovations and five star praise from audiences and critics alike.

The 18 World, European and National Championship level skaters push the boundaries of contemporary ice dance with their skill and athleticism, combining audacious high-speed leaps, throws and lifts with beautiful fluid ice dancing, all performed in the intimate setting of a frozen theatre stage.

Set to the magnificent music of Tchaikovsky, this Sleeping Beauty on Ice brings a new take – and some new twists - to the classic fairytale love story, with exhilarating choreography and innovative staging from Tony Mercer, the world-renowned director of theatre-on-ice.

“For the first time ever, I’ve introduced multi-person lift sequences and combination lift sequences,” enthuses director Tony Mercer. “These unbelievably talented skaters astound me with what they can achieve, so I’m confident they will enthral our audiences too.”

Mr Mercer’s interpretation of the well-known fairytale brings a few surprises: traditionally a wicked fairy, this Carabosse is a menacing male for the first time, who spikes Princess Aurora’s birthday drink. “Though the production is set in Imperial 19th century Russia, I wanted to bring a more modern and realistic interpretation to the piece,” explains Mr Mercer.

In another first, the skaters perform on a dual-level ice surface, bringing added grandeur to the Imperial Palace.

To create a frozen stage, 15km of pipe-work chilled to minus 15 degrees, four tonnes of crushed ice, and regular spraying with water over 34 hours are required; while the audience enjoy the comfortable ambiance of the theatre and some scorching skating!

With lavish, elegant costumes, including some stunning LED illuminated effects, sumptuous sets, spectacular flying sequences, and dramatic fire effects, Sleeping Beauty on Ice is a theatrical experience suitable for all ages, from 3 to 103.

Whether you’ve seen The Imperial Ice Stars’ Sleeping Beauty on Ice before or have yet to experience the thrill of world-class ice skating up close in a theatre, this new adrenaline-rich production will bring you to the very edge of your seat…

www.imperialicestars.com

DATES, VENUES & BOOKINGS:

DUNEDIN

11 – 14 June

Regent Theatre

Book at: RegentTheatre.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH

16 to 21 June

Isaac Theatre Royal

Book at ticketek.co.nz

AUCKLAND

24 to 28 June

Civic Theatre

Book at ticketmaster.co.nz

WELLINGTON

1 to 5 July

St James Theatre

Book at ticketek.co.nz

Quotes:

“Hottest act on ice.” SUNDAY EXPRESS, UK

“If blood-stirring, bravura skating is what you’re after, look no further.” ****THE TIMES, UK

“Skilful, exciting and utterly beautiful… a cut above the rest in every way.” THE SCOTSMAN, UK

“The Imperial Ice Stars are to skating what Cirque du Soleil is to circus - inspiring, original and great theatre.” SUNDAY TELEGRAPH, SYDNEY

“Dazzling, delectable ice treat.” Sydney Morning Herald

“Elegant, sophisticated, stylish and above all supremely accomplished.”

The Daily Telegraph, Sydney

***** (5 Stars) ‘‘Visual enchantment in generous measure... Jaw-dropping… exquisite’’

CAPE ARGUS, SOUTH AFRICA

“One of the most exhilarating entertainment spectacles you will ever witness.”

NEW ZEALAND HERALD (Cinderella on Ice)

ENDS

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