STARS BRING MAGIC TO ICE

May 13, 2011

As Vancouver prepares to host the opening game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Western Conference Finals this weekend, a different group of stars took to the ice at Rogers Arena Friday night.

Sears Stars on Ice presented by Samsung iced a a lineup of world renowned all-stars, giving Vancouver fans a night chalked full of breathtaking, theatrical performances.

The stars opened the show with an upbeat group routine to Enrique Iglesias' "I Like It", that set the tone for the night. The men dressed in head-to-toe black and the women in matching black, sequined minis, the stars skipped, spun, and danced across the ice.

Four-time Canadian figure skating champion and four-time World Champion, Kurt Browning played host and dedicated the show to the Stars on Ice crew and their behind-the-scenes work.

With the crowd warmed up, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue took to the ice with "I Want to Hold Your Hand", displaying the chemistry, flawless fluidity, and intricate footwork that earned them Olympic Gold and made them the darlings of the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver.

Browning took over with his first solo performance to "Steppin Out of My Mind", that included a hilarious voice over, taking fans inside his head. The Wayne Gretzky of figure skating and seasoned performer, can entertain on the ice like no other, his personality shining through every move.

Skating to Cindi Lauper's "True Colors" Joannie Rouchette was in fine form gliding across the ice and taking the crowd's collective breath away. She captured the hearts of Canadians and people around the world with her strength and grace during the 2010 Winter Games, earning a Bronze medal in honour of her mother who passed away suddenly days before the competition.

Olympic Gold Medalists, Canadian Figure Skating Hall of Fame inductees, and fan favourites Jamie Sale and David Pelletier earned huge applause as they made their lifts, throws, and jumps look absolutely effortless.

The night was filled with awe-inspiring skating, energetic and high-tempo performances, and even some humourous skits mixed in. In stripes and polka dots the stars jumped and jived, channeling the 1950s as the cast took a trip back in time for some musical theatre on ice that continued into the second half.

Another highlight of the night was a solo by Evan Lysacek, 2010 Olympic Gold Medalist and one of the most successful American male skaters of his generation. Tonight, skating to "The Climb" he proved why, showcasing his range, skill, and grace.

Thanking the crowd for being the best, Browning was joined by everyone dolled up in red for the finale accompanied by Tina Turner's "Simply the Best". The entire cast, that also included Sasha Cohen, Jeffrey Buttle, Shawn Sawyer, Kyoko Ina, and special guests Miki Ando and Takahiko Kazuka, high-fived and hugged fans as they bid a final goodbye.

It was the last stop of 2011 Sears Stars on Ice presented by Samsung tour and the skaters brought their magic to the ice, skating for fans not judges, feeding off the crowd's enthusiasm and having a great time.

The Vancouver show had something for everyone, offering a variety of stunning skating and fun-filled routines, from a truly star-studded cast.