Chicago SOI Review

[Josef]

A great, great show.. Get out and see it if you haven't already! It's completely worth it.. :D Here's my review from last night's show:

http://www.theskateblade.com/events/reports/2003soi-chi.htm

[Nickel]

Hey Josef! I was there too! Great report btw. I'm glad I went, last minute though it was.

I definitely enjoyed the second half more than the first and I really enjoyed all the pairs programs (if you like pairs skating, this year's show is full of it! :D ).

I did not miss Tara at all...sorry Tara fans but she never has excited me much. I did miss Ilia though. And, of course, I miss Steven and his radiant smile. Todd and Alexei were fine, much better in the second half, but I was a little disappointed in them. I agree that Todd looks uncomfortable and awkward as an entertainer but hopefully that will change as he gets more and more used to this style of skating. And I did notice too, that John Zimmerman seems to be a natural at entertaining and seems to really enjoy it! I never was one of those ladies that thought John was all that, but last night he was hot! teehee. I was one of those gals hooting and hollering during the guys' number. I wanted to see that one again! LOL

I think the show was definitely missing out with only one single lady skater. To bad Kristi didn't come back to fill in this year. But Kat seems to really be enjoying her vamp role and I think she does it well. I even actually enjoyed her this year. (Probably because she wasn't kissing on Steven like last year. ;) ) Except that costume that seemed to be falling off was really distracting! Loved the color but hated that shoulder strap flapping around!

All in all this was a very enjoyable SOI. I agree, too, that it seemed like it ended too soon and that the last group number needs something more to it. Oh! Forgot to mention how much I absolutely loved Roca and Sur's The Prayer number! That was absolutely beautiful. Another program that I'd love to see again and again. What a pleasant surprise to see them come back at the last minute. I think I would have missed them too, had they not toured again this year.

[Kruss]

Nickel - why didn't you tell me you were going??!! I was there too!!!! Missed seeing you - would have loved to have said hello!

Last night's show - I went because I took a friend who'd never seen the show. Had pretty decent seats. The show was good, but for me the magic of SOI is totally gone - the golden age of pro skating is over.

Still, lots of great stuff last night. I thought Todd was excellent - I wanted him to loosen up and join SOI for years, and I think he's going to continue getting better and better. Nice to see a couple of triple axels from him.

LOVED Roca/Sur - when they joined at the last minute, that's when I decided to go.

Didn't even mind the cowboy number - except I didn't appreciate the ending pose with the hats.

Man, Jamie and David were ON last night - totally on!

Yay Alexei! Despite the wipeout, it was such fun seeing him skating live - finally!

Elena sparkled last night - she has more audience interaction that I through she did.

Fun - it was nice to go again. Nice to see Kurt again - probably for the last time as I'm expecting that he may not tour with a baby on the way for Sonja...thanks Kurt for all the years. (Even if he stays, it's probably my last SOI.)

:)

P.S. regarding Kurt's Slippery Side Up - the man is a genius. I know many are tired of his 'cute' programs, but did anyone watch his feet last night? The man is phenominal! At one point he went in a diaganol from one corner of the ice to the other, twisting and turning many times, all on the same foot!!! Amazing....

[Nickel]

Sorry Kruss! I wondered if you would be there. I didn't know I was going until only a couple of days before. I, too, brought a friend who had never seen the show or even figure skating live before. I think we might have a new fan in the making.....:D She was really impressed.

[Iskatgal]

This is a wonderful show! I relly enjoyed the skating. Yes, go see it if you haven't already. Check out my photos from the show!

Stars on Ice Chicago
http://www.ldynwaitin.hispeed.com/iskatgal/soi/

Sylvia