Yorkregion.com - Markham - 200 skaters ready for show
200 skaters ready for show
Karolina Mazur (right) plays the teacher instructing students Danielle Pantaleo and Gabriella Dore at rehearsal for the Markham Skating Club show April 11 to 13 at the Markham Village Arena. The show’s theme is school days.
Markham
Apr 04, 2008 09:49 PM
By: Simone Joseph
Spectacular.
This is the best word to describe what you can expect from the Markham Skating Club’s show April 11 to 13, said Anne Marie Brown, who organized the event with Marisa Sylvester. “The cast, lighting and props are spectacular,” she said.
The 2 1/2-hour show features 200 skaters with guest appearances by Canadian senior men’s champion Patrick Chan and world junior silver medalist ice dancers Vanessa Crone and Paul Poirier.
The theme is school days and highlights such attractions as the Markham Fair and Markham Museum.
Part of the storyline has students visiting the museum and meeting a knight in armour.
Ms Brown has been thrilled with how the show has come together and how the participants have improved.
“It is unbelievable how these kids have grown. Skating has opened doors and built their confidence,” she said.
Participants range from beginners to professionals. Some have skated with the club as long as 16 years.
Markham produces a show every two years. This year’s edition features hundreds of locally designed and produced costumes.
Ms Brown insists she is only a small part of the huge effort that goes into the production.
“The show is really good community building,” she said. “Parents make time to volunteer — cutting fabric, painting props and sewing sequins,” she said.
There are four performances at the Markham Village Arena: Friday, April 11 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 12 at 1 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 13 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include reserved seating and a souvenir program.
Check out www.markhamskatingclub.com or call 905-472-6982 for more information about the club.
Tickets for the Markham Skating Club show are sold Monday to Friday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. until April 11 at the Markham Village Arena (on Hwy. 7 just east of Hwy. 48) and can also be bought at the door before performances. For more ticket information, call 905-471-1997.