A "dreamy" experience on ice

Skating finally takes center stage at Nassau Coliseum. Olympic champion Scott Hamilton bring his latest Stars On Ice theatrical showcase to Long Island next week, in the form of "Imagination." His Stars On Ice show features the superstars of the figure skating world. This year, Long Island skating fans get a special treat: Sarah Hughes returns to skating and her "hometown" roots, when she makes her Stars On Ice debut in this year's production. "I am thrilled to be part of the show and excited to skate for the hometown crowd," Hughes said, noting that it's been some time she has appeared before a local audience. "I'm skating with the best in the world and having a great time. The show is fun for everyone, the audience and the skaters."Produced by Hamilton and conceived and directed by ice dancing champion Christopher Dean (of Torvill & Dean), the two skating stars have followed up on last year's critically acclaimed show with another highly creative production. This year's show, "Imagination," presents dazzling entertainment and lots of surprises, according to Hamilton.The whimsical, fantasy-inspired program includes aerial work from a skater 30 feet in the air, with show-stopping solo and group numbers from the all-star troupe. The cast incorporates seven Olympic gold medalists, including 2002 Olympic gold medalist Alexei Yagudin, 2002 Olympic pair champions Jamie Sale and David Pelletier, two-time Olympic champion Ekatarina Gordeeva, World champion Todd Eldridge, World champion Yuka Sato, World Bronze medalists Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman, and British National Champion Steven Cousins. Yet another Olympic champion, Ilia Kulik, appears a special guest star.The skaters present a variety of skating styles, each performing programs showcasing their individual talents. It's all headlined by the youth and grace of Sarah Hughes. "Sarah captured not only our hearts, but the hearts of everyone around the world, when she won the Gold at Salt Lake City," Hamilton said. "Sarah's style, ability and charisma is certain to make the upcoming season of Smucker's Star On Ice another step in our evolution."With a stellar cast performing visually stunning routines laced with enjoyable music, special effects, and a bit of magic thrown in "you don't have to be a skating fan to appreciate the show," Hughes added. It's also the culmination of yet another goal for Hughes. "This is the best show in the world and I've wanted to skate in it since I was six years old, she declared. This fulfills a dream for me."

Stars On Ice