skate the nation 98

May 28 Sudbury, Ontario - Andrea Durkac

Skate the Nation made its way to Sudbury once again and the crowd was certainly entertained for a full 2 hours of wonderful skating by a lot of very talented Canadian skaters. Everyone seemed to be so on tonight. No one really had any stumbles or great falls. Maybe that is because they had a few days off prior to the show in Sudbury. Do to the fact that the show in Thunder Bay was cancelled due to a strike. There where no cancellations in Sudbury and the skaters came out in full force and WOWED the crowd in Sudbury. I had great seats. I was sitting 3rd row centre across to where the skater come out. I got a different view of the show than when I went to see the SOI show in April. I really enjoyed these seats and would sit there again.

They started off skating the opening number to Led Zeppelin. It was skating well by all. I really had a different view since the white lights where shining directly into my eyes from across the arena. I mostly saw the skaters' shadows when these lights were on which was a neat  effect from where I was sitting. Kurt as always amazed me once again with him skating with those hockey skates. After the opening it was time for Jason Denomme to hit the ice and skate. I really enjoyed his program. He reminds me a little of Kurt. When he is out there he makes contact with the audience and gets the crowd going. He is really a show man. The costume looked very sharp on him. All I could day was WOW! Way to go Jason!! Menzies & Bombardier skated to a lovely soft piece. They where very graceful on the ice with their lovely lifts and throws. (She landed every one.)

Brian Orser did his 5 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days number. Once again performed it with much energy and plenty of foot work. line Michelle McDonald and Martin Smith did a very different but unique number to "Crash" from the movie Romeo and Juliet. This dance team is very talented with many wonderful and sometimes crazy moves. I really enjoyed watching them tonight. Liz Manley skated to "Fly" by Celine Dion. She was also very graceful as if she was flying on the ice. Her white dress really made the program seem so gentle and soft to watch as Celine sang the song. Canadian Champions skated next...Sargent & Wirtz. They had a lovely program. They look better and better each time I see them. The Elvis Presley Medley was done by Josee and Kurt. Both skated very well and received a standing ovation at the end. Just before the intermission was over I spotted the Muses walking around the arena in line form and making their way down the steps and onto the ice. From where I was sitting the muses where Kurt, Josse, Liz, Michelle McDonald, Martin Smith,and Brian Orser. At least I think that's who they where. It looked like Kurt won when he was the first to put his skates on.

Steven Cousins was the first to skate in second half. He skated to Love Rears Its Ugly Head wearing those sexy silver pants. All I could say was WOW once again. McDonald & Smith skated next and once again they wowed the audience. At the beginning of the program Michelle was standing on her head while Martin was holding her feet. Very different and neat. "Jimmy Ray" was the name of the song that Menzies & Bombardier skated to. I really enjoyed the program and actually I don't mind the song as well. Jean-Michelle looked cool wearing those sunglasses (I think the ones the Muses wear?). Josee skated to "The Sweater." Always a delight to see her skate. She landed all her jumps and did a great job. Always smiling that girl :-) Steven Cousins skated another number wearing a white shirt and velvet green pants. I have to say this was a very different performance that I see Steve do. It had a lot of feeling in the program and was skated with passion. Hope we see more of this from Steven.

Emmanual Samdu skated in Sudbury. He skated very well with a lot of great jumps and flexible spins. Look for him in the up and coming ranks. Jason appears again with that smile from ear to ear. And his dimples. The crowd just loved him. He received a great response. The moment everyone was waiting for..Kurt Browning. I just LOVE this program. It has indeed grown on me. He started his number right in front of where we were sitting. The crowd really got into it and was clapping all the way. And of course a standing ovation for Kurt once again. Finale.....Stairway to Heaven. What a way to end the show. I found the glittery costumes to be very bright and effective. Especially the purple on Sargent & Wirtz. At the end of it all Kurt said we where a crazy audience who made LOTS of noise. And thanked us...See you next year!!

After the show I went to the reception to get some autographs and mingle with the skaters. When we arrived to the hotel, there was A LOT of heavy security because Shania Twain is in Sudbury and will be staying at the hotel (she is opening her tour here tomorrow and Sun.) Anyways, once the skaters arrived at the reception it was time to make my rounds and find the skaters. My first stop was to Liz Manley. I had her sign my book (Thumbs Up) and she told me she was in the middle of writing her second book. She says another book 10 Years Later. Don't know if that will be the name of the book. So all you Liz Manley fans be on the watch out next year for her book.

Then I made my way to Jason Denomme. What a darling he is. I brought a picture I took of him at the Nationals and he asked me if I was there. I of course told him YES. He asked my name and signed it personally to me. I had a little chat with Jason. He is so nice to talk to. I asked him about tour life and he is just overwhelmed with the whole thing. We also talked about Elvis. He says he really looks up to him and Elvis has helped him with his confidence and given him a few pointers. And he always tells him "Go for it!" It was really nice to chat with him. If anyone has the chance to meet him don't hesitate to make small talk. He is a talker and will talk and talk. I also saw Kurt. He looked really tired tonight. He wasn't in his chirpy spirit. But of course that's allowed. I also talked to Jean-Michelle. He asked me if I enjoyed the show and I surely told him YES. He said the crowd was fantastic and really crazy. (We sure were. Gave a lot of standing ovations.) All in all it was a great evening and was nice to mingle with the skaters. Most enjoyable one. Until next year when Skate the Nation comes again. Now it is soon summer and that means no skating shows for a while. Time to relax, remember the past and look on to the future.  Hope you all enjoyed my review. Hope it was not boring. Until next time!!

May 28, Sudbury Ontario - Louise

I sat on the ice near where the skaters come out. Unfortunately, they do most of their skating at the other end of the rink.  At first I tried to stretch and bend to see them but after awhile I stopped watching when they were over there. I couldn't see a darn thing! So, obviously I'm pretty disappointed in my $47 seats. I'm not disappointed in the talent, however. The cast consisted of: Kurt B., Jose C., Liz Manley, Sargeant & Wirtz, Menzies and Bombardier, Steven Cousins, Jayson Dnomme, Brian Orser, McDonald & Smith, and Emanuel Sandhu! They were great!

Here are my highlights:

The first program was "Get the Led Out" by the cast. I enjoyed it. Usually I find cast numbers hard to watch because of all the action but I must be getting better at it. Then Liz Manley skated to the Immigrant Song and she was very good.  (I must apologise now because I really can't identify jumps except for axels so this isn't going to be an in-depth analysis of skating jumps and other elements.) Liz wasn't having a great night. In fact, she fell on her butt right in front of our seats. I think the fall was during the "Fly" number. I really enjoy her skating though. I especially liked her routine to Tina Turner's "Proud Mary." A lot of fun.

As others have mentioned, Jayson Dnome really has "it." What a charismatic skater! He did a number to a Jukebox Medley and to "Reet Petite." Very enjoyable. I thought I saw him perform a flawless 3-axel but I needed confirmation on that. More on that later!

Menzies & Bombardier's "Everybody Hurts" was a highlight for me. They really had a nice soft connection with each other. In the second act, they skated to "Jimmy Ray." I loved Jean-Michel's showmanship during this number! I've never seem him so animated! I was also amazed at the height of their throw jumps. Seeing it at the ice-level really makes a greater impression.

Brian Orser was a joy as usual. He skated to "5 months, 2 weeks, 2 days" and "Namaste." He seemed to be enjoying himself. His jumps weren't really on last night but his backflips sure are a crowd pleaser.

I also enjoyed McDonald & Smith's "Crush." They had these silver and black costumes that suited the mood perfectly.  And they have some unique, fun moves. Too bad they skated way over on the other end of the rink most of the time.  Later they skated to "Perfect Day" and by then I had a stiff neck from struggling to see them, so I didn't see much of it. I really didn't enjoy the music to this one either.

Steven Cousins skated to "Love Rears Its Ugly Head" and "Belfast Child." The first one was forgettable (honest, I really can't remember anything about it). But I really enjoyed "Belfast Child." It was a soft, expressive number. It's nice to see him perform this live. Very touching.

Josee was all smiles as usual. She performed "The Sweater" and many shorter with other members of the cast. Josee and Kurt seem to have a good rapport and were having a lot of fun together in "Surrender."

Sargeant & Wirtz were a pleasure (more on that later) and they skated well too! I love their number to "Why'd you lie" by Colin James. They seem to really skate as one and they expressed the program very well, IMO.

Kurt was breathtaking as usual. I get the feeling I'm starting to take all this skating talent for granted. Kurt skated to "Are you lonesome tonight." It is a program that just shines live. The first time I saw it on TV I didn't like as much as I usually like his programs. But he certainly won me over to it last night. He had a few bobbles/shaky moments but it was still glorious.  And "Antares"? What can I say? Standing ovation, of course. I was in awe the whole time. Now, if only he skated a little more on my side of the rink. I really have nothing to complain about (more on that later). Be patient.

And I saved the best for last ...

Emanuel Sandhu skated to "Carmen." As he stepped onto the ice, the crowd roared to a frenzy before the music even began. He is so incredibly smooth. When he skated by I couldn't hear his blades. His balletic style is quite beautiful. And (Bonus!) he skated at my end a lot!

The skaters all got a standing ovation and lots of screams at the end of the performance. They said we were the best crowd they've had in 2 weeks. I've always wondered if they say that to every crowd. It's the cynic in me.

Ok, it's later...

After the show my mom and I had invitations to attend a reception to meet the stars of Skate the nation. It was at the same hotel that Shania Twain is staying at. (She begins her world tour here tonight in Sudbury.) So, we get to the hotel where there is a banquet room full of people, a bar, a nice little buffet. So, why did I complain about my seats? I'm spoiled, I want it all. The first skater I met was Kristy. Wow she is so tiny in person. She was so nice and friendly. So was Kris. I told him I was glad they won the Canadians this year. And he said, "Yeah, one!" tongue-in-cheek of course.  I responded with "No, first one" I also spoke to Jayson. And boy can he talk. He's not shy, but very friendly. I asked him if I saw a triple axel tonight. And he said "Yes" and that he was really happy about it. My Mom said she was watching out for good things from him and he responded, amicably, "Oh no, the pressure." He was sweet. (and cute but far too young for me)

Emanuel Sandhu was also very friendly and polite. He makes great eye-contact when he speaks to you. He's confident and I'm glad because he made a great impression on me as a person and as a skater. Liz was very nice and was apologetic about her performance but my mom and I assured her that her performance was not at all hampered. She said her legs weren't under her and that she's wondering if she's crazy to be doing this at 32 years of age. I hope she sticks around a long time.

Menzies & Bombardier are also extremely nice. Jean-Michel seems to have a good sense of humour. I could have talked to him longer but I didn't want to monopolise him. Michelle was very sweet. She seems a little shy. Of course, I am a stranger to her, so what do I know! Steven Cousins hung around this one group most of the time. I assume he knew them; they seemed chummy. I managed to get an autograph and a picture with him but it was anti-climatic. He was very "business as usual." Accommodating but not very friendly. Don't get me wrong, he wasn't rude, just indifferent. I can understand it because I'm sure it's the last thing any of them wanted to do after a show and before leaving town.

I saw Josee but she wasn't there long and I missed talking to Brian too. Bummer! Of course, Kurt had a suffocating crowd around him the entire time. So I ignored my claustrophobic instincts and attempted to get a picture with him. He wasn't chatting with anyone. He just signed autographs and posed for pictures because there were so many people who wanted to meet him. Eventually I got my chance. I told him I've been a fan since I first saw him at the '88 Olympics and that I enjoyed his skating ever since. Unfortunately, he was quickly distracted by some other pushy fans who can't wait their turn. So I moved aside and thought it was not the meeting I had hoped for but it's better than nothing. Then I heard him shout "Thank you!" as I walked away. Even surrounded by an impatient crowd, he still has class. Kurt looked very tired and didn't smile much at the reception. I guess touring takes its toll.

So that was my evening. Needless to say I had a hard time sleeping later due to all the excitement.  But it was definitely worth it.  Now, I can only hope the pictures turn out!