By Karen Bloom
The stars of the skating world showcase their talents at Nassau Coliseum, on Sunday, Apr. 29.
Olympic silver medalist Sasha Cohen, who is currently seen on movie screens in the new Will Ferrell comedy, ³Blades of Glory,² headlines a power-packed cast. Many of the 2007 national champions are participating, including Evan Lysacek, who captured his first national title this year, and those ice dancing sensations, the 2007 U.S. Champions and 2006 Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto (the first American team to win an ice dance medal in 30 years).
They are joined by the rising young talent 2007 U.S. Bronze Medalist Alissa Czisny, three-time U.S. Champion Johnny Weir, and 2007 U.S. Silver Medalist Ryan Bradley. Fans also get to see several Olympic and World Champions; among them reigning Olympic Gold Medalist Evgeny Plushenko, along with 2006 pairs gold medalists Tatiana Totminana and Maxim Marinin of Russia, as well as Olympic ice dancing veterans and gold medalists Marina Anissina and Gwendal Peizerat of France.
In true Champions on Ice tradition, the skaters perform all new routines, set to original music and choreography of their choice. Each skater is encouraged to select music and choreography to match his or her personality and skating style.
Besides the artistry of these current and future Olympic stars, the 2 1/2 hour show features other entertaining acts, including the acrobatic duo of Vladimir Besedin and Oleksiy Polishchuk, the comedy of Dan Hollander, and the amazing hula hoops on ice with Irina
Grigorian.
The team of Besedin and Polishchuck can be consider the real-life answer to the male figure skating team in ³Blades of Glory.² This comedy team makes an unlikely pair ‹ with Besedin at 6¹2² and 210 lbs. and Polishchuk at 5¹7² and 150 lbs. ‹ but they have developed a loyal following with their acrobatic skills on ice. Both have gymnastic backgrounds and began their careers as floor acrobats before taking their talents to the ice.
Champions
On Ice
Sunday, Apr. 29, 1 p.m. Tickets start at $29 and can be ordered at all Ticketmaster outlets, (631) 888-9000, ticketmaster.com or www.championsonice.com. Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead.
