I had great seats. I was sitting 3rd row, center, across to where the skaters came out. I had a different view of the show in Sudbury as compared to the seats I had for the Stars on Ice show in April. They started off with the opening number skated this year to music from Led Zeppelin. It was skated well by all. Since I had a different view the white lights where shining directly into my eyes from across the arena from time to time. I mostly saw the skaters shadows when these lights where on which was a neat effect for me. I really liked the choice of costumes they wore. They where very effective for the choice of music they skated to. All the skaters where wearing black plastic type pants and red flashy tops.I was so happy that Jayson Dénommée was asked to skate with Skate the Nation this year. When the announcer introduced each skater I was thrilled that when he called Jayson Dénommée name he posed right in front of us. I truly gave him a loud cheer. I would have stood up but I don't think the people behind me would have liked that. Kurt as always amazed me once again when he skated with those hockey skates on.
After the opening number I did not have to wait long because Jayson was next to skate. I really enjoyed his program skated to "Jukebox Medley" When he goes out there he really makes contact with the audience and got the crowd really going in Sudbury. He really is a showman. I really liked the choice of music he skated to especially "Stayin Alive" His costume looked very sharp on him. WAY TO GO JAYSON!!!!
Next to skate was Menzies & Bombardier. They skated to a lovely piece by REM "Everybody Hurts" They where very graceful on the ice. I really like their choice of lifts.
McDonald & Smith did a very different number to "Crash" from the movie Romeo & Juliet. This dance team is very talented with the many wonderful and sometimes crazy moves. But that what makes them unique. I really enjoyed watching them tonight.
Canadian Champions were next. Kristy Sargent & Kris Wirtz skated to "Climbing" by Lionel Richie. The look better and better each time I see them skate.
Brian Orser did 5 Months, 2 Weeks, 2 Days. Once again he performed it with much energy and plenty of difficult footwork.
Liz Manley skated to "Fly" by Celine Dion. She was 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. Very touching!
The Elvis Presley Medley was done by Joseé Chinouard and Kurt Browning. They both skated individual numbers with Kurt starting it off with "Are You Lonesome Tonight" What can I say. Kurt did it once again. Brilliant. "Too Much" was skated by Josee. I really like the choice of colour that Josee wore. Light blue top with shorts. They received a standing ovation at the end of the performance.
Just before the intermission was over I spotted the Muses walking around the arena in line formation and making their way down the steps and onto the ice. From where I was sitting the Muses were Kurt, Joseé, Liz, Michelle McDonald, Martin Smith and Brian. At least that is who I think they where. It looked like Kurt was first to put on his skates.
Steven Cousins was the first to skate in the second half of the show. He skated to "Love Rears It's Ugly Head" by Living Colour wearing those sexy silver pants. All I could say was WOW!! "Are You Jimmy Ray" was the name of the song Menzies & Bombardier skated to. I really enjoyed this program. It was filled with great lifts and wonderful jumps. I think these two will have a GREAT future in professional field. Jean-Michelle looked very COOL wearing those sunglasses. (I think those are the ones the Muses where??)
My favorite skater of the whole show was next to skate....Jayson Dénommée!! He once again skated a great number to "Reet Petite" by Jackie Wilson.He has the cutest smile. The crowd once again loved him and recieved a great response. He certainly has a great future ahead of him and I wish him the best of luck!! This is one skater everyone should keep their eyes open for. Watch out ELVIS!!!
McDonald & Smith wowed the audience again with their performance skated to "Perfect Day" by Trainspotting.At the beginning of the program Michelle was standing on her head while Martin was holding her feet. Very different and neat.
Emmanual Sandhu skated in Sudbury. He skated to "Carmen" by Bizet. He had so many wonderful jumps and landed every one of them. And talk about flexible. He also will be one to watch for in the future. I would say that this program would be a great short program for next season. But then again I could be wrong.
"The Sweater" by Meryn Cadell skated by Josée. I absolutely love this program. It is certainly suits Josée. She is always a delight to watch her skate. Always smiling that girl :-)
Steven Cousins skated another number wearing a white shirt and velvet green pants. I have to say this is a very different performance that I have seen Steven do. He is always skating to jazzy, rock n' roll pieces. He sure had A LOT of feeling in the program and was skated with a a lot of passion. I sure hope we see more of this from Steven.
The moment everyone was waiting for...Kurt Browning! I just LOVE this program."Antares" by The Tragically Hip. It is so Kurt. It has indeed grown on me. He started his program right in front of us. The crowd was with him clapping all the way through. And of course another standing ovation for him once again.
Finale....Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. What a way to end the show. All the skaters came out dressed in the Muses costume. Then BAM...Josee was wearing a gliddery red costume. Very brite! Then the rest of the skater came out in different colours. The girls in glitter. I really liked this effect. All the colours blended together was great. They did their BOW WOW and Kurt had the mike, thanked everyone for coming and told us we were really loud and crazy audience. See you next year!!! Most definitly!!
After the show I attended the reception and had the chance to mingle with the skaters. My highlight was meeting Jayson Dénommée again. We talked for a few miniutes about everything. He is so sweet and a joy to talk to. The whole evening was fantastic. Now that summer is over it is time to wait for another and exciting year of skating. And before we know it Skate the Nation will be on tour again. Giving crowds the show they want to see. And won't be disapointed when they leave! Must say Sandra Bezic is a very talented choreographer and I can't wait to see what she has in store for next year's show!