On Saturday, May 20th, 2023, some of the world’s top figure skaters joined hands in Anaheim, California for Stars On Ice 2023 tour. The tour made its stop at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the city Disneyland calls home. The group of skaters who participated include Isabeau Levito, Piper Gilles, Paul Poirier, Nathan Chen, Alexa Knierim, Brandon Frazier, Alissa Czisny, Jason Brown, Loena Hendrickx, Llia Malinin, Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Kurt Browning, and Satoko Miyahara!
Our review will focus on Madison Chock (and her partner Evan Bates), Satoko Miyahara, and Nathan Chen. Though, it is important to mention that is was Kurt Browning’s final tour and it also marks his 30th anniversary.
Figure Skating Olympic Medalists Take The Ice
Nathan Chen was the headliner for this tour as he is
currently both the best and most impressive male figure skater on the planet
Stars on Ice
The Olympian dominated the 2022 Winter Olympics and those who attended Stars On Ice were able to see just how talented he is in person. Moving on ice is probably foreign to many of us yet to these skaters, it’s a part of who they are. The way these figure skaters move on the ice is quite fascinating. The talent was shown, from Nathan’s flips, to Madison’s chemistry with her partner, Evan, to Satoko’s twirls. All of the skaters were impressive and kept the audience captivated every minute of the show.
Act I
The show began with the case performing together for “All These Things That I’ve Done” by The Killers. They came out continuously and kept the Honda Center captivated throughout the first performance. After they completed this, the familiar melody of “Materiel Girl” by Madonna started and the light shined on Isabeau Levito who had taken the center of the ice.
As the most anticipated skater of the evening, Nathan Chen showed why everyone had high expectations. His first performance in Act I was to Elton John and Britney Spears’ “Hold Me Closer”. This performance was high energy where he showed his speed on the ice and his signature back flip. Madison Chock and Evan Bates wowed the crowd with their chemistry during the performance to “Nightcall” which is by London Grammar. They were able to show the longing explained in the lyrics with their intricate performance. At the end of the Act, Satoko Miyahara started slowly skating on the ice to keep everyone’s attention glued to her. She performed to “Jenny of Oldstones” by Ramin DJawadi/Florence + the Machine.
The cast came out to the track “To Build a Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra where they wore similar black and white outfits and performed a moving number. The cast ended this performance by lining up and receiving a hug and sometimes a handshake from Kurt Browning. The audience received a short intermission where we could hear everyone chattering in awe about what they had just witnessed; and in anticipation of what was to come.
Act II
The male cast came out in tuxedos to the “James Bond Medley” by John Barry. This performance started off the second Act with some comedic relief. They all turned to Nathan Chen who had to slide off the ice to get away. The female cast had their joint section of the performance and they joined the rest of the cast at the “bar” for some drinks as they watched each performer. Once the performers were done, the solos for Act II officially began!
Satoko Miyahara had a moving and emotional performance. She had everyone in the crowd wondering what the letter she held said. She performed to “Ne me quitte pas” by Jacques Brel/Maysa and had everyone awestruck by her distinct and sharp movements. Some of the cast came out to introduce the newly-crowned 2023 World Champions. Madison Chock & Evan Bates are the newest addition to their cast. They performed “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie with bold and extravagant movements on ice. If everyone thought Satoko Miyahara showed us a more deep emotional performance, the opposite could be said for Madison Chock & Evan Bates as they rushed the audience with theirs.
Following was Nathan Chen for his last routine performing “Mr. Blue Sky” by Electric Light Orchestra. He showed a more gentle performance compared to the first act. However, this was still full of high energy and his famous flips. The cast came back out in bright colors to Ben Rector’s “Brand New”. This showed the cast’s bond and how much fun they have on their stage.
Stars on Ice is a show any figure skating fan wouldn’t want to miss. Thankfully, there are still more shows left on the tour so don’t miss out! Buy tickets now.
About The Figure Skaters
- Nathan Chen is an Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, three-time World Champion, and six-time U.S. Champion.
- Madison Chock & Evan Bates are Olympic Silver Medalists, 2023 World Champions and four-time and reigning U.S. Ice Dance Champions.
- Satoko Miyahara is a two-time World Medalist and four-time Japanese Champion.
Thank you for the lovely photos! I went to the same show so it’s great to be able to relive it here!
Great review! Just wanted to mention that Satoko’s name is misspelled in most of this article. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for pointing that out! This has been modified.