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Coolest fairy tale

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WE ARE all familiar with the traditional rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella, where true love conquers all, a story that has been told in many different cultures over many centuries.

Now Imperial Ice Stars are bringing a unique interpretation of this story to Abu Dhabi for the first time, billed as one of the most spectacular versions of the story ever produced, presenting… Cinderella On Ice.

Dancing to another tune

Cinderella On Ice is a dramatic new rendering of the classic tale, conceived and choreographed by award-winning director Tony Mercer and presented by a cast of 26 Olympic, World, European and National Championship skaters. The performance is a dazzling display of daring dance feats, graceful ballet, gymnastics, skating and acrobatic stunts.

Highly regarded contemporary composers Tim A Duncan and Edward Barnwell developed a spectacular new score especially for the show, which was recorded by the 72-piece Moscow State Cinematic Orchestra and soloists from the Manchester Symphony Orchestra.

Performed on a specially created stage, Cinderella On Ice boasts incredible costumes and stunning special effects including fire, rain and flying.

As cold as ice

In a novel twist to the timeless tale, the all-singing all-dancing production is set in a Siberian town. Cinderella appears as a prima ballerina who captures the heart of the handsome Lord Mayor’s son with her poetic performance of Swan Lake and it is indeed love at first sight.

The love-struck leading lady has a number of obstacles to overcome before she can even get close to her prince; her invitation to the ball is stolen by her selfish stepmother – the local ballet teacher – meanwhile coldhearted stepsisters attempt to snare the Lord Mayor’s son
for themselves. What’s a girl to do? Why, enlist the help of a time-travelling fortune-teller of course…

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Stepping into Mercer’s shoes

We broke the ice with Tony Mercer, choreographer of Cinderella On Ice and artistic director of Imperial Ice Stars

 

You had a lot of fairy tales to pick from, why did you choose Cinderella?

I created Imperial Ice Stars ten years ago and I wanted to represent my own unique style on stage. Ice dance is incredible and I first became inspired by it after watching a pair of skaters called Torvill and Dean and how well they interpreted the music and brought characters to life, and­ I wanted Imperial Ice Stars to do the same.

I chose Cinderella because I wanted to move away from the typical ballet and fairy tale on ice productions that we are familiar with, and do things differently. I wanted the production to have its own story, music and characters that people can relate too, for example instead of Prince Charming we have the Lord Mayor the city’s son.

I aimed to bring Cinderella to life in a non-childish way, with a degree of realism that would appeal to adults.

 

Is this the first time this production has come to Abu Dhabi?

Yes and I’m really excited. I have heard many good things about Abu Dhabi, all positive, so I’m looking forward to seeing the city for myself. We have been to 18 or 19 different countries now and the show has been seen by more than four million people, despite this I still get nervous about performing in a new country.

What can Abu Dhabi audiences expect from the show?

Cinderella On Ice will make you laugh and make you cry.

You are going to see theatrical dance at its best, special effects including rain falling, fire and aerial gymnastics.

It is not a children’s show but it is a show for adults that they can take the kids to.
It is actually suitable for everyone aged from six to 106!

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Get your skates on

The question is not whether Cinderella will go to the ball, but will you go to Cinderella on Ice?

Tickets are available to purchase online from: www.boxofficeme.com and prices start from AED 160, with 50 percent off for children under the age of 12.

The show takes place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center and timings for the show are as follows: Wednesday 2nd October at 7pm, Thursday 3rd October at 7pm, Friday 4th October at 3pm and 7.30pm, and Saturday 5th October at 11am and 3.30pm.

Doors open 30 minutes before the show starts. The performance runs for around two and a half hours including a 20-minute interval.

 

Win! Win! Win!

Two Gold tickets for Cinderella On Ice worth AED 680

The world famous Imperial Ice Stars are back with their most spectacular production yet – Cinderella On Ice. Experience breath-taking world-class skating in the intimacy of the theatre, with dazzling costumes, lavish sets and stunning special effects. One lucky reader will win a pair of Gold tickets for Cinderella On Ice. Note the tickets are for the 7pm performance on Thursday 3rd October.

For your chance to win, simply answer the following question correctly:

 

The competition prize is Gold tickets for which show?

A. Cinderella Is Nice

B. Little Bo Peep On Ice

C. Cinderella On Ice

 

To enter: Visit abudhabiweek.ae/competitions/ and enter before 12pm on Wednesday 25th September. Only one entry per person.

 

Fact file

Nine tonnes of ice  are created in the production, the same weight as nearly two elephants

2,500 tonnes of antifreeze are used to make the ice – enough to fill 100 car cooling systems

The original designs for the scenery and props were done by Eamon D’Arcy who was senior production designer for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and the 2006 Asian Games in Doha

The 1950s Cinderella movie was the first Disney film to have its songs copyrighted and published

Cinderella’s hair colour has been the subject of much debate. In the original film and sequel, Cinderella’s a redhead. In the franchise and in the Disney parks Cinderella’s hair is blonde

One of the original taglines for Disney’s 1950 film was ‘Midnight never strikes when you’re in love’

The Prince was not given a name throughout the 1950 film nor is he ever referred to as ‘Prince Charming’

In the original story Cinderella got her name because her face used to be covered with ashes and cinders; she had to sleep in a cold, bare room and used to curl up next to an open fire

 

Catriona Doherty 

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