By Karen Bloom
Among others in the star-studded cast are World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Irina Slutskaya; 2004 world silver medalist Sasha Cohen, Olympic bronze medalist Timothy Goebel and Russian world champion Evgeni Plushenko. It's also a chance for skating fans to see Kimmie Meissner, the 15-year-old sensation who became the first American since Tonya Harding in 1991 to land a triple axel. Other new talents include 2004 U.S. Bronze Medalist Jennifer Kirk, World Champions Taitana Totmyanina and Maxim Marinin.According to the tour's founder and president Tom Collins, these pre-Olympic shows are among the best. "These wonderful skaters have worked together for several years and trust each other implicitly," he said. "Just before an Olympic year, our show represents some of the most experienced skating talent anywhere, plus the added element of several newcomers expected to challenge for future medals. "Besides the artistry of these current and future Olympic stars, the 2 /12 hour show features other entertaining acts, including the comedy of Dan Hollander, acrobatic duo of Vladimir Besedin and Oleksiy Polishchuk and the amazing hula hoops on ice with Irina Grigorian. In all, 13 individuals and seven couples - who have competed in the recent World Champions or the Olympics - have come from around the world to display their remarkable skills in this tour.The production continues to feature long-time audience favorites, such as two-time Olympic Silver Medalist Elvis Stojko, U.S. Champion Rudy Galindo, Olympic Champion Victor Petrenko, and three-time World Silver Medalist Surya Bonaly.In true Champions on Ice tradition, all of the skaters will perform to original music and choreography of their choice. Selections help match famous names and faces with personality and style. Each skater is encouraged to select music and choreography to match his or her personality and skating style.As the countdown to next year's Olympics in Turin, Italy begins, this show provides an opportunity see these skaters up close and fresh from competition. They get to have some fun, entertaining their fans, before begining their Olympic preparations.
John Hancock's Champions On Ice
Monday, Apr. 4, 7 p.m. Tickets start at $23.50 and can be obtained at (631) 888-9000.
Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead.
