Date: Fri 20-Dec-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Illustration: C

Location: A15

Quick Words:

Gateway's-Holiday-Ice-theatre

Full Text:

(rev "Holiday On Ice" @Gateway's Candlewood Playhouse, 12/20/096)

Theatre Review-

Gentle Family Fare On Gateway's Ice

(with photo)

BY KAAREN VALENTA

NEW FAIRFIELD - Folks nostalgic for an old-fashioned Christmas can get into

the spirit by attending the second annual "Holiday Spectacular on Ice" playing

through December 29 at Gateway's Candlewood Playhouse.

Direct from the stage of Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, the production is

billed as a variety show on ice, featuring everything from world champion ice

skaters to a juggler and a comic impersonator. Those old enough to have seen

shows like Perry Como and Ed Sullivan, not to mention Lawrence Welk, will

remember when such gentle family fare dominated the nation's viewing habits.

Singers Brenda Barnett, J.T. Marshall and Larry "The Great Pretender" Musgrave

are the hosts, vocalizing well on a selection of Christmas tunes, and

occasionally urging the audience to join in. Even "The Little Drummer Boy," a

song that seems to be the most-played piece of music in every shopping mall in

America, took on new life with J.T. Marshall's blues version, dramatically

staged using black lights.

Larry Musgrave pops up throughout the evening as such immediately recognizable

characters as TV's Lt Columbo, George Burns and Elvis Presley. He does a

wickedly accurate rendition of Liberace, complete with the outrageous

costumes.

Those who remember juggling routines as something to be endured, have not seen

Albert Lucas do it on ice skates. The holder of six world championships for

his juggling, Mr Lucas was a real hit with the Candlewood audience on opening

night, interjecting suspense and comedy into a performance that included

everything from flaming torches to 18 pie plates.

There is somewhat less ice skating than had been expected, but given the small

size of the playhouse rink, the other acts filled in nicely. A dozen skaters

spun around the ice in well-choreographed routines, dressed as everything from

Raggedy Ann and Andy to gingerbread men.

Two-time world champion skater Robert Wagenhoffer was spectacular in tightly

controlled, sizzling routines which worked well on the small rink. Elaine

Zayak's fluid, sweeping routines were beautiful to look at but perhaps better

designed for more standard-size rinks - she came dangerously close to striking

the scenery on the edge of the rink on more than one occasion.

British gold medalists Ron and Mandy Green were fantastic. Their energetic,

risk-taking style of skating had the audience gasping in appreciation.

Interesting sets by Kat Moores and choreography by Lilli Erickson and Michi

Anzai added to the well-packaged production. Be sure to wear warm shoes or

boots, and bring your gloves, because the ice has to be kept at a steady

temperatures of 12 degrees.

Curtain time is 7 pm (one hour earlier than usual) on Thursday through Sunday,

and matinees are on Saturday at noon and 3 pm. Tickets are $25 each, $20 for

children age 12 and under. Dinner-theatre packages with the playhouse's

adjoining Playhouse Cafe are $38.50, $33.50 for children. Contact the

Gateway's box office, 746-4441, for reservations.