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Ilia Kulik |
Mr. X always accuses me of liking anyone who’s a fan of my show, which isn’t necessarily true. Several times, famous people have been very complimentary to me, and if I’m not a fan back, I’m at a loss for words. So when there’s a mutual admiration society, it’s great.
Ten years ago, backstage at a Champions On Ice after-party, a guy came up to me and was pretty effusive, which I totally appreciated. I didn’t know him at the time, but it turned out to be Jef Billings, who’s considered to be the master costume designer for ice skaters. I’ve since learned to recognize his work, and I can happily report that the admiration is indeed mutual.
He’s since taken on the added task of directing Stars On Ice, which is choreographed by Cindy Stuart, and I had the privilege of seeing this year’s show at the Honda Center in Anaheim this week.
The show is so gorgeous that I had to run right home and write about it while the visions were still dancing in my head. Unfortunately, that made me miss the backstage festivities afterwards, so no up-close-and-personal stories this time. But I’ll definitely be catching up with them on the East Coast, and I’ll post those pix and stories then.
My main regret is that I missed the chance to gush over the amazing Ilia Kulik in-person, as well as his gorgeous family, (he’s married to Katya Gordeeva, in case you don’t know). I won’t get that chance again this year because he’s doing only nineteen dates with the tour, and the three choices I have in NY and RI are none of them.
Both his numbers are stunning, including one to music composed by him and accompanying himself on piano. What a talented guy! You’ve got to see his speed across the ice in person.
The highlights of the show were almost every number. From every performer. Seriously, I’ve been attending skating shows since I was very little, and this is the third best one I’ve ever seen! (First is the 2000 Stars On Ice and second is the 1999 Champions On Ice, in case you’re curious.)
The new blood is amazing. Shen and Zhao from China, 2-time Olympic medalists, are even more breath-taking in person. And it’s so great to see the fun they’re having being touring pros, rather than competing. (Though they would still win everything, I’m sure.)
Shen & Zhao |
Dubreuil and Lauzon, a super-in-love ice dance couple from Canada who’ve come on strong in the past few years, are also just fabulous. And the addition of Sasha Cohen makes the show seem more modern and hip. She does one number, in ballet slippers rather than on skates, that shows her supreme flexibility, and takes your breath away. It doesn’t hurt that she’s accompanied by three hunks, my favorite of whom is the mouth-watering John Zimmerman.
DUBREUIL AND LAUZON |
Johnny Z is the skater I’m the most upset to have missed backstage. I must add to my collection of John and Karen pix, which is a little sick of me, I know. (Mr. X, my actor-boyfriend, has taken so many pictures with certain fans of his that I’m sure the occasional girl sends them to her family and claims he’s her boyfriend. Hmmm, how many do I have with John now?)
Kyoko Ina & John Zimmerman |
My favorite number, after both of Ilia’s, is the three couples skating to Nessun Dorma, one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. And the best part of that whole thing is getting to see John be elegant again.
At the beginning of his pairs career, that’s what he was known for. But when he teamed up with the super-athletic daredevil, Kyoko Ina, he adapted to her style, very successfully, I might add. As fun as it is to see him throw her around in gasp-inducing stunts, it was soul-satisfying to see him get back to his more graceful roots, if even for one number.
The cast is rounded out by my mother’s favorite skater Todd Eldredge, who’s the spitting image of my father when he was young, the have-no-fear Michael Weiss, the skater’ skater Yuka Sato, and Jennifer Robinson of Canada, who’s the least familiar to American audiences.
This show is the perfect example of something for everyone and everything for someone. Just make sure to eat and visit the rest room before the show, because you really don’t want to miss even one second of this one. If you’re in one of the cities I may stop at next, don’t even get distracted looking at me! And that’s saying something.
Stars On Ice www.starsonice.com
I can’t believe that Valentine’s Day is upon us once again! So that you don’t have to do the mental work this year (especially if you‘re a guy!), here are some easy suggestions:
Enough with the chocolate already! Get creative with your sweets for this special occasion. I’d go with a delicious, creamy, home-made cheesecake from Sky’s Gourmet Tacos, of all places, located in Pic-Fair Village (aka Mid-City.) As great as their entire menu is, for all meals starting with breakfast, I can’t wait to get to the end and scarf a slice of their heavenly cheesecake.
They come in pineapple, which is my favorite, and caramel crunch, mango, and plain, as well. Order up a whole one, and I have a feeling your Valentine’s Day will start off well. And, hopefully, wind-up even better!
www.skysgourmettacos.com
John Zimmerman & Kyoko Ina |
A guy actually brought the fabulous Serendipitea loose tea to my attention! My friend, Dan, pointed it out to me at a food expo in the summer, when we were looking for interesting new items. We were blown-away by the variety, and cleverness, of the flavors. It was hard to choose exactly which ones we wanted to sample.
I’ve since recognized it at some of L.A.’s top restaurants because it’s so chock full of ingredients, which is unusual for teas. Celadon features my favorite, Coco Loco. Other flavors I’m recommending are: Buccaneer (chocolate and vanilla rooibos with coconut), Ruby Sipper (blood orange), and Fiji (green tea with pineapple and papaya.) So much better than candy or flowers. More healthful, too.
www.serendipitea.com
No time to shop for even a card? I found a company that will send out a personalized one for you…for only $1.03! And that includes postage!
I still can’t figure out how that’s even possible, but that’s what they do. And they have gifts to include, as well. Someone just sent me their delicious brownies for my birthday (which most of my other friends might want to take note of!) I understand they have major store gift cards, too.
The site is little hard to navigate at first, so Peter Prince, the rep I started using said that you can call him directly and he’ll talk you through it. And give you 2 free cards to send in the process.
With the price of greeting cards and stamps these days, that just might save you enough moola to take your loved one out to dinner! Or at least breakfast, which is actually the most romantic meal, in my opinion.
www.sendoutcards.com/35614 Peter Prince 609-654-2776
Two Of The 100 Candles Selection |
The only problem with ordering candles from 100 Candles is that there’s so much to choose from! It should be re-named 1,000 Candles!!! And each presentation is more special and clever than the next.
For Valentine’s Day, though, I suggest either one of their beautiful red or white hearts or flower-shaped gifts that look very real. You still have a big choice among those.
And candles are not just romantic these days--with all the storms and other bad weather, every household should have a ton of them on hand. Why not make them so decorative that you can just leave out and not have to search for when you’re in a rush?
And for people like me and my fam, who all have fragrance allergies, there are unscented varieties, as well as battery-operated ones, which are also great for houses too near fire zones.
Another candle bonus is that they can easily be given to anyone, without committing to being in love. Heck, now that I found this company, everyone I know, including the mailman, should be expecting one from me in the near future. And we know I’m certainly not in love with my postman…unless he rings twice.
www.100candles.com
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