Journalist/Photographer: Yuchen Wu
The Stars on Ice tour brought a rock-themed production this year, attracting audiences of all ages. Over Memorial Day weekend, the tour wrapped up with two shows at the Skating Club of Boston—a return to the city that hosted this year’s World Figure Skating Championships, with all four U.S. gold medalists among an all-star cast—and a tribute to those lost on Flight 5342, marked by guest performances from Maxim Naumov.
What is the magic of rock music? One element is that many in the audience would be able to recognize majority of the songs. From Prince to Chappell Roan, from Michael Jackson to Imagine Dragons, the wide-ranging selection kept fans engaged and the energy high. As Ilia Malinin said in a pre-show interview: “This rock-themed production is able to attract different audiences—not only skating fans, but also people who recognize the music of their generation and the different rock characters each of us plays in the finale.”
Elvis Stojko delivered two distinct programs, each rich with choreographic detail and interactive moments. Clever use of a mic stand transformed the “Rock Medley” program into a concert, hyping up the audience. His other program, “Nothing Else Matters”, showcased masterful blade control, prompting the crowd to clap even during purely choreographic moments.Even in his fifties, Elvis remains at the top of his game.
Two-time World Champion Ilia Malinin performed to “Cage of Bones”. Using a white mask, he told a compelling story and immediately drew the audience in. The other program, set to “Billie Jean”, displayed remarkable emotional depth—beyond effortless jumps, backflips, and his signature raspberry that sparked cheers. His growth in artistic expression was immense, and he closed the performance with Michael Jackson’s signature moonwalk as he glided into the wings.
Alysa Liu returned to the Stars on Ice cast after a return to competitive skating this season and capturing gold at the World Championships in March. Her performance to “Slow Dancing in the Dark” highlighted her musicality and expressiveness, while “MacArthur Park”, her free skate this season, emphasized her technical prowess. Her joy was contagious, especially during the step sequence, performed with oozing confidence as the audience clapped along.
Three-time World Champions Madison Chock & Evan Bates brought two standout programs. Their rhythm dance from this season—a fan favorite in competition—featured music from the past few decades, completely fitting for this theme. Their new show program, “Sherlock Holmes”, capitalized on their exceptional acting skills. They remained in character throughout, creating an atmosphere of mystery and delightingthe audience with playful humor.
Two-time Olympian Jason Brown, long celebrated for his creativity and artistry, did not disappoint. Skating to “Rock Around the Clock”, he transformed a chair from mere prop to an extension of his body, showcasing diverse and dynamic choreography. “Hit the Road Jack” was an upbeat program that highlighted his signature lines, extension, and effortless speed.
In her first year with Stars on Ice, U.S. Champion Amber Glenn delivered two crowd-pleasers: “Heads Will Roll” and “Hot to Go!”. The audience clapped and sang along, with younger fans enthusiastically joining her in performing the letter gestures of“Hot to Go!”. Her powerful presence and bold, dynamic movements commanded the ice, bringing an extra punch to both performances.
World Silver Medalist Isabeau Levito presented two of her competition programs. In “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, she brought Audrey Hepburn to life on the ice, with elegance and charm. In her Egyptian-themed “Yearning”, she portrayed a curious snake exploring its world. These programs showcased her versatility and growing maturity as a performer.
Seven-time Canadian Champion Keegan Messing brought his full entertainer self. In “I Was Made for Lovin’ You”, every one of his moves had intention. The emotional complexity of this piece was blended with classic crowd-pleasing moves—including hydroblading, a spread eagle with such a heavy lean that seemed to defy gravity and effortless backflips that prompted loud cheer from the audience. In “Blue Jeans Blues”, Keegan Messing and Madison Chock were an unexpected but compelling pairing, telling a story through every glance and movement.
Four-time Japanese Champion Satoko Miyahara has become a beloved addition to Stars on Ice’s North American tours since her retirement from competitive skating. This year, she ventured further outside her comfort zone. “Lilies of the Valley” was full of sharp, unique movements and choreographic surprises, while “It’s About That Walk” saw her donning a hot pink bodysuit and channeling the quintessential swagger and confidence of Prince. Her continued growth and willingness to push her artistic boundaries were a delight to witness.
Maxim Naumov, son of World Champions and Skating Club of Boston coaches Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, made special guest appearances at the Boston shows. His heartfelt performance earned standing ovations on both days, and he expressed deep gratitude for the support. As Elvis Stojko said in his introduction: “Courage, resilience, perseverance, and heart definitely run in this family.” It was also heartwarming to see the skating community rally in support following such tragedy. His program was thoughtfully placed before the group number “Brothers in Arms”, which embodied unity and solidarity.
Throughout the production, the energy remained high, with group numbers interspersed between individual performances. The clever use of electric guitars as a transition element kept the theme alive, while “Icons” as the finale tied everything together. In this closing number, each skater appeared as a renowned rock character, signaling the evolution of the genre and drawing cheers from the audience throughout. The show concluded with “We Are the Champions” by Queen—a fitting ending, especially in Boston, where we had witnessed four U.S. skaters crowned World Champions in March, and where this very club and community has championed resilience by holding each other up during this difficult time.
Stars on Ice has been a beloved show for years, blending world-class skill with pure entertainment, but its impact goes far beyond figure skating—that is what gives it the power to captivate audiences wherever it goes.
This year’s rock-themed production had everything a fan could have hoped for. The sound of young fans shouting their favorite skaters’ names at the top of their lungs, the joy on the faces of audience members—many of them former or current skaters—gathering to share stories, and the electric energy in the rink—that is what the show is all about.
Boston was as loud as ever during both performances, and in celebrating and commemorating all that the city has experienced over the past few months, the legacy will live on for generations to come.
Figure skating rocks on.
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