Regardless if you’re a fan of figure skating, the Juan de Fuca Skating Club’s upcoming Skating in Colour show promises to serve up great entertainment for the entire family.
While the show is still a ways off – performances go Saturday, March 11 at 2 and 7 p.m., and March 12 at 1 p.m. – the club has already put a lot of work into getting ready, said Larry Rushton, who coaches club skaters with his wife, Leslee. He added that audiences will feel like they have walked into a theatre instead of an ice rink.
“We’ve built a 180-degree stage design from ice to ceiling,” he said. “There’s colourful set designs and props and costumes that reflect the theme of the show. Pacific Audio Works is providing the audio, along with spectacular lighting like no show before. It’s like a Hollywood musical production set to skating that will appeal to all ages.”
The Magic of Colour incorporates popular songs from different generations, woven together with colour as the common thread. The opener, “Black and White,” will immerse the audience in Michael Jackson’s legendary video, while toes are sure to tap when the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine” surfaces.
Other numbers feature the works of Coldplay, Prince and the Chordettes, to name a few. Work on the production has been ongoing for almost a year, noted Larry, who handles production and direction.
Leslee said the show involves all of the club’s 147 skaters, who vary in age from three to adult and in skill level as well.
“Everyone’s been working very hard and has put a lot of effort into this,” she said during a break in rehearsal. “The kids are really excited, because the club hasn’t done a show like this for four years.”
Tickets are on sale now, with reserved seating for chairs at ice level at $12, general admission costing $10, and tickets $8 for seniors and children under 12. They can be purchased in advance at the West Shore Parks and Recreation counter during regular hours, and during some of the skating club sessions as well.
“It’s amazing entertainment value for the price of an inexpensive ticket,” Larry said.
Skate over to juandefucaskatingclub.ca, e-mail lrushton@telus.net or call 250-818-7151 for more information on the show or the club.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com