The Imperial Ice Stars in:

Cinderella On Ice

Adelaide Festival Theatre

Friday 15 August 2008 - 7:30pm

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This is the first 'On Ice' show that I have been to see and was not sure what to expect. I took my husband along and explained it to him as a contemporary type dance routine but the dancers are on ice skates. Not sure if that won him over but neatherless he came and enjoyed!

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Well when we arrived at the Festival Theatre, I noticed the large amount of families present with their children (mostly daughters) and I must say I was glad to see parents getting their children involved in performing arts. I know I have harped on about it before, but Adelaide needs so many more people involved and supporting performing arts, that maybe the next generation will help pull us through - you never know!!!

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The performance started and notably absent was any talking in the production. The story was told purely through dance, music and a little imagination.

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The stage set up was amazing, and the ice skaters were absolutely brilliant. The gentleman that played the part of Cinderella's father, was lifting women probably around 50 kilos above his head and was spinning them around in the air like they were featherweights. I don't know if the skating movement made holding the women easier, but the strength and rhythm shown was truly exceptional.

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The story was very cleverly done, and without giving too much away because I know that the show is still touring this wonderful country, it starts with the emotional scene of Cinderella's mother dying. With no words spoken you could feel the heart break and emotion of the cast involved. Then going into the future 10 years, you saw an adult Cinderella trying out for the lead role in 'Swan Lake', she was of course a brilliant dancer, but then enter the evil step mother, the head of the dance school who wanted her daughter to take the lead.

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Of course fate have that the step sister was injured and Cinderella filled her spot only to grab the attention of the handsome prince in the audience.....the rest of course is history with the only exception to the story being that the glass slipper was replaced by a ice skate and of course fitted Cinderella perfectly.

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And what can I say they all lived happily ever after.......

BOOM BAH!

State Library of South Australia

Tuesday 8 July 2008 - 10:00am

This was a children's play performed by the team at 'Windmill Performing Arts' and was aged at children 1-3 years.

It was based on the book 'Boom Bah!' by Phil Cummings and Nina Rycroft.

If you have never read the book, it is a simple story of Animals making noises with items from around their farm. When they all join their sounds together then 'Boom Bah' you have a farm yard band!

The actors for the performance came out dressed as a Cat, a Goat, a Rooster and a pig and in a very clever way of slow movement and sounds from their instruments captured the attention of the under 3 years old crowd - an amazing feat if you ask me, since most mums know that to hold a 2 year old's attention for more than 5 minutes is a miracle!

After cleverly telling the story the actors allowed the children to interact and play and touch the instruments used in the performance. After half an hour of sitting and taking in what they had seen the kids all got to have a little run around and learn about the sounds they had just witnessed.

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This is the third 'Windmill' performance that I have taken my son too, and have once again not been disappointed. After seeing 'Cat' and 'Green Sheep' and thoroughly enjoying them all with my child, I will continue to support and attend these local productions to stimulate and enhance my child's educational advancement.

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For more information on upcoming 'Windmill' children's performances check out their website at http://www.windmill.org.au/index.htm