Swan Lake on Ice: A Spellbinding Reimagining That Redefines the Art of Skating

The Imperial Ice Stars: Swan Lake on Ice

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Forget everything you thought you knew about ice skating—it’s about to be redefined.

To mark their 21st anniversary, the Imperial Ice Stars present a breathtaking new production of Swan Lake on Ice that pushes the boundaries of performance art. This isn’t merely figure skating—it’s a dynamic fusion of ice theatre and circus artistry, infused with enchanting Russian folklore and Tchaikovsky’s ageless masterpiece. The result? A spectacle that mesmerises the senses and leaves audiences spellbound.

This isn’t a performance for purists seeking a traditional Swan Lake. While it honours iconic fairytale imagery like Odette’s anguish, a charming prince, and the shimmering beauty of the swans, it boldly reimagines the classic with innovative twists, a remix of the iconic score, and original musical additions. The result is a dazzling reinterpretation—a vibrant celebration of art, athleticism, and imagination.

Watching ice dancing live is a feast for the senses. You can smell the crisp, clean chill of the frozen stage and hear the exhilarating whoosh of blades slicing through ice. The shimmering costumes catch the light in dazzling displays, while the sharp crack of a perfectly executed jump reverberates through the air. Every movement, every glide, every leap, every nuance immerses you in a world of elegance and strength.

Featuring a cast of 23 elite skaters—collectively boasting over 250 medals in Olympic, World, European, and National Championships—this production transforms a frozen theatre stage into a playground of daring acrobatics and lyrical grace. Imperial Ice spares no effort in its design and execution. Snow drifts gently from above, fog swirls mysteriously across the ice, and pyrotechnic bursts ignite the stage, amplifying the drama. The choreography pushes the limits of contemporary ice dance, combining storytelling with awe-inspiring physicality.

 

Olga Sharutenko as Odette the White Swan embodies the character’s vulnerability and ethereal beauty with poignant grace. Her movements are fluid and deeply expressive. Act 2 sees her truly come to the fore, especially during the partner work, where her connection is both tender and intense. While her en pointe sequence showcased remarkable technical prowess and undeniable difficulty, it momentarily disrupted the natural flow and sweeping rhythm of the choreography. Even so, Sharutenko’s commanding performance left an indelible mark.

Maksim Miroshkin brings a charming and energetic presence to the role of Prince Siegfried. His partnering is undeniably strong, effortlessly lifting and supporting his partner with power and precision. It was a lively performance that brought a refreshing energy to the stage and story. Ratibor Shirokov, as Baron von Rothbart, commands the ice with menacing, strong movements and fabulous partnering. Dmitrii Lapshin plays the Prince’s loyal friend Benno. His skating is precise and sharp, showcasing exceptional technical skill and control, punctuated by several dazzling jumps.

As Odile, Viktorriia Mikhailova is a captivating enigma, personifying the Black Swan. Her skating is fast, fluid, and powerful, seamlessly blending incredible athleticism with pure, unadulterated artistry. Mikhailova’s portrayal perfectly captures the character’s seductive and manipulative nature, enthralling the audience with every movement. With her beautiful lines and impeccable mastery, her pas de deux with Miroshkin is a breathtaking display of lyricism, evoking the grace and intensity of Olympic-level competition.

The lake scenes were a highlight, where the skating flowed effortlessly with the music, undistracted by pyrotechnics or spectacle. In these moments, the ensemble moved with synchronised grace, while featured solos and duets added a profound intimacy, drawing the audience into a world where the emotional depth of Swan Lake was fully realised.

This dazzling production showcases the unparalleled artistry of Russian ice skaters, performed to a stirring Russian score, and warmly appreciated by the many Russian compatriots in the audience. But beyond that, the sheer spectacle, athleticism, technical brilliance, and boundless joy of the performers will keep both the young and the young-at-heart on the edge of their seats. Be sure to stay for the encore—an unforgettable surprise finale worth the ticket price alone.

To book tickets to The Imperial Ice Stars: Swan Lake on Ice , please visit swanlakeonice.com.au

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

A Serene Soundscape: Noonan & Schaupps Southern Skies Volume 2

Songs Of The Southern Skies

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On the traditional lands of the Dharug people, The Parramatta Riverside Theatre played host to a celestial journey through the works of Australia’s brightest female songwriters and singers. Katie Noonan and Karin Schaupp’s “Southern Skies Volume 2” reimagines the timelessness of Australian music including industry royalty such as Aunty Ruby Hunter, Kate Ceberano, Missy Higgins, and Sia.

Amidst the pulsing, frenetic energy of Parramatta’s Eats.Beats.Art Festival, Noonan and Schaupp’s performance provided a serene oasis, a pocket of tranquillity in a world that seems to never stop. The crowd, a mix of ages and backgrounds, was visibly captivated by their heartfelt interpretations and innovative arrangements. These carefully curated selections showcased the enduring appeal, depth and diversity of Aussie music, reaching as far back as the 70’s. It was an intimate experience showcasing the talent of two extraordinary artists.

Noonan’s ethereal vocals, paired with Schaupp’s masterful guitar work, breathed new life into iconic and some lesser known gems. Their performance was a stunning tribute to the extraordinary talent of Australian female singer-songwriters, culminating in a meditative and memorable evening.

With less-is-more magic, they paid homage to the original songwriters and singers. This stripped-back approach highlighted the strength of the songwriting itself, revealing unexpected soul in familiar tracks. Who would have thought that Olivia Newton-John’s “Xanadu” or Kylie Minogue carried such spiritual messages and connections?

Noonan’s voice is truly something special. Her incredible range effortlessly bridges the spectrum of human experience. She wields a unique ability to transform a song, cradling the soft moments while reverently holding space for the lyrics, before ascending to operatic heights. Every note is infused with a sage sense of love and authenticity as we witness the music flow through her. Her respect for her craft and why she does it is inspiring and evident in every note.

 

Noonan is also a natural storyteller. She is so warm, inviting and humorous, introducing each song and their creators with quips, memories or anecdotes – like she’s welcoming you into her living room.

Classical guitarist Karin Schaupp, an internationally sought-after recitalist and soloist, is the perfect musical foil for Noonan. Her technical brilliance and intuitive playing style provided subtle support, intricate harmonies, and emotional depth. A new found appreciation for this instrument and its artists was discovered.

While this performance was a minimalist masterpiece, featuring only Noonan’s vocals, Schaupp’s intricate guitar work, and some sparse percussion, the album itself features guest singers. Make sure you check out Kate Ceberano’s fabulous new version of “Brave” that reveals the raw power of her incredible ability and emotional expressiveness. ‘I Thought You Were God’ with the brilliant Clare Bowditch is a lesson in harmonising and the magic that happens when two great voices come together.

Noonan and Schaupp are a dual talent that sustain, fiercely advocate for, and shape the Aussie music industry scene. There’s a reason these ARIA-winning powerhouses are celebrated. Deceptively simple but deeply profound, “Southern Skies Volume 2” is music that calms the heart, ignites the imagination, and offers enlightenment.

A soundtrack for creative expression or quiet contemplation, Noonan and Schupps are a symbiotic testament to the universal beauty of words and music and the way they can move and inspire.

Don’t just listen to it, experience it.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Family Fun and Wonder: Michael Boyd’s Magical Spectacle

Mystique

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Mystique: where magic meets emotion, and the impossible becomes an unforgettable reality. In a dazzling display of sleight of hand and showmanship, Michael Boyd proves that illusion is not just tricks, but an art form with a twist.

Boyd presents a world tour of magic – blending Asian exoticism, African rhythms, and Bollywood glamour, with lashings of Vegas spectacle, captivating and engaging a multigenerational crowd. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone is on board for a thrilling journey across continents and illusions.

Featuring awe-inspiring wizardry, designed and crafted by the same team that brought us David Copperfield’s legendary shows, ‘Mystique’ blends jaw-dropping escapes, levitations and transformations with mind-blowing disappearances that leave the audience spellbound. An energetic soundtrack featuring contemporary songs and iconic film scores amplifies the energy and tension, whilst the exquisite showgirl costumes add glitz straight from The Moulin Rouge.

A great magic show combines skill and deception to evoke amazement, blurring reality and fantasy. Boyd does all of this, but amidst a haze of smoke and mirrors. Voilà! and Ta-da flair, this show refreshingly redefines the typical flash-and-dazzle mould. It breathes new life into familiar tricks thanks to Boyd’s authentic stage presence and effortless charisma, making this show accessible, unpretentious and terrific fun.

Boyd’s style is distinctly interactive, openly celebrating magic and its origins. He cleverly incorporates recognisable and much beloved classics – rings, scarves, and magic boxes – that spark nostalgia and inspire new generations. While these segments risk being cheesy, Boyd’s enthusiasm and charm make them work beautifully.

Eight-year-old Elijah joined him onstage for a delightful “Helping Hands” act, featuring a suitcase of face-paced tricks – blooming flowers, cards, and colour-changing scarves. This enchanting moment captures the essence of backyard birthday party entertainers, where the simplicity of yesteryear reigns supreme. Elijah’s face radiated pure elation as he took a bow centre stage – a future magician was born.

 

Six-year-old Katherine joined Boyd for a timeless table levitation routine. The beauty of the moment lies not in complexity, but in a child’s genuine wonder. She completely stole the show when Michael asked her how it feels to be a part of a trick. Everyone melted when she earnestly replied, “I believe in magic, and now I want to be a magician.”

The enchanting Music Box Act also whisks audiences away to a forgotten era. Beautiful ballerinas, dressed in elegant white tutus and glittering tiaras delight as they disappear and reappear. A change of tune occurs with a fabulous screwball “unplanned” moment unfolding when Suri “mishears” “banana” instead of “bandana,” revealing Boyd’s mastery of crafted comedic chaos.

Mystique seamlessly shifts between intimate, close-up magic and grand, theatrical illusions. The contrast is perfect, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats, eager for the next surprise. But it is the joy – the performer’s, the audience’s, and the magic itself – that transforms the evening into something truly special.

In a world where scepticism holds sway, magic reminds us of the power of fascination, the thrill of the unknown, and the simple pleasure of being transfixed. With the final bow, the awe lingers: we’re still baffled, but who needs answers? Mystery is the heartbeat of magic, and the soul of ‘Mystique’.

If you missed this show, don’t panic. THE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR, starring Michael Boyd and special guest Prinnie Stevens, will be the perfect end-of-year holiday treat at The State Theatre, 20-22 Dec 2024.

See https://www.aussietheatre.com.au/news/the-christmas-spectacular-starring-michael-boyd-and-special-guest-prinnie-stevens for details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Bum-Believable Fun and Chuckles Galore

The Bugalugs Bum Thief

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‘The Bugalugs Bum Thief’. Go on – you can’t resist. Say it out loud. Relish the alliteration and feel the silliness spread across your face. Bum bum bum! Let’s be real folks – the word ‘bum’ is a universal delight! Kids and adults alike can’t help but crack a smile when they hear it. And we get truckloads of bums in this humdinger of a show that’s totally cheeky, totally funny, and totally bonkers!

Adapted for the stage from beloved Aussie writer Tim Winton’s picture book, it’s a wonderful comedic goldmine of humour and wordplay. Not to mention a lesson in surrendering to the ridiculous. With its lighthearted and playful wit, this show is bottomless fun (pardon the bum pun) reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.

In the crazy crayfishing town of Bugalugs, Skeeta Anderson wakes up to a terrible crisis – his bum’s gone missing! And he’s not the only one – the whole town’s bums have been pilfered! And now they can’t sit down! (cue some fabulous physical comedy) Skeeta embarks on a hilarious hunt to track down the sneakiest thief in town and get his bum back.

The talented trio of Ziggy Resnick, Madeline Li, and Toby Blome truly brought the house (and their pants) down in their ability to tap into the childlike spirit of kids on a mission, perfectly capturing an appetite for the unknown and the mischief that defines childhood.

Ziggy Resnick as Skeeta, embodied the innocence and curiosity of a kid in a ridiculous predicament, defying the limits, bringing a refreshingly genuine spirit to the character that was both heartwarming and hilarious.

Madeline Li and Toby Blome, as Skeeta’s trusty sidekicks, channelled their inner Scooby Doo gang members, displaying some remarkable versatility. They breathed life into a vibrant cast of eccentric Bugalugs townsfolk, including a hapless cop, Skeeta’s bum bereft parents and the intimidating Mrs Misery – complete with fluro-pink dressing gown, shower cap and a terrifying hairbrush – just to name a few.

The Bugalugs Bum Thief

Stef Furnari, talented percussionist and ‘one-woman band,’ added an extra layer of excitement and energy with her dynamic and lively drumming. These infectious rhythms accompanied several humorous Bugalugs songs and conundrums to great effect.

Audience participation? Of course! Bugalugs school teacher, Mr. Wally took the lead. We played several games of “Heads, Shoulders, Knees” and learned that Mr. Wally’s rule – “keep the ending close to the beginning” – is a sanity-saver during kids News Time. Lauren and James, our brave volunteers, shone bright.

Lauren almost overcame stage fright to share her favourite food, while James regaled us with a harrowing tale of his car hitting a rock and exploding luggage (talk about a show stopping steal!) Then Mr Wally’s bright red boxer shorts made a memorable appearance and everything was back on track.

Kids go wild for bum jokes because they’re the perfect blend of teetering on rude without being crude so this revival is a perfect bum-tastic treat for the funny bone. A marvellous celebration of catchy tunes and all things delightfully playful, superb entertainment for little ones aged 4-12. Now, for the big question…… just who was the brazen bum thief? Nah – that would be telling!

For the answer and all things to do with Bugalugs Bum fun, see: https://riversideparramatta.com.au/whats-on/the-bugalugs-bum-thief/ for further information.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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