2017 U.S. Stars on Ice (April 13 & May 4-21): publicity articles, fan reports & more

[Sylvia]

2017 U.S. full-time cast members are Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Jeremy Abbott, Ashley Wagner, Gracie Gold, Adam Rippon, Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue (their debut): http://www.starsonice.com/the-skaters.html
Nathan Chen and Karen Chen will make their respective SOI debuts, performing in 6 of the 7 cities (minus the first show in Florida).

Rehearsals for the U.S. tour are underway in Florida - goofy group photo from last night, minus Bates (Rippon, White, Donohue, Hubbell, Chock, Gold, Abbott, Davis, Wagner, choreographer Buttle & assistant choreographer Tyler Myles behind Wagner): https://www.instagram.com/p/BSsAHusg1p8/

SOI's Twitter: https://twitter.com/starsonice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starsonice/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starsonice/

Original U.S. SOI thread with links to the 12/30/16 Lake Placid show photos and a few videos/clips: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/in...7-including-lake-placid-ny-dec-30-2016.99693/

The 7 U.S. tour cities/dates in the spring of 2017: http://www.starsonice.com/get-tickets.html

Thursday, April 13
GERMAIN ARENA
FORT MYERS, FL

Thursday, May 4
GIANT CENTER
HERSHEY, PA

Saturday, May 6
ALLSTATE ARENA
CHICAGO, IL

Friday, May 12
SAP CENTER
SAN JOSE, CA

Saturday, May 13
HONDA CENTER
ANAHEIM, CA

Saturday, May 20
KEYARENA
SEATTLE, WA

Sunday, May 21
TOWN TOYOTA CENTER
Wenatchee, WA

---
Meryl Davis was interviewed for this Fort Myers/Estero show preview article: http://www.news-press.com/story/ent...estero-runnells-news-press-germain/100028594/

Re-posting @Jozet's Charlie White interview here:

The interview was for our local parenting magazine. It's part of the SOI promo and I tried to make the interview relevant to a wider audience than skating fans (e.g. sports parents in general).

http://www.centralpennparent.com/20...harlie-white-olympic-ice-dance-gold-medalist/

ETA:

A SOI-related interview with Gracie Gold is posted in this GSD thread: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/gracie-gold-2017-stars-on-ice-interview.101067/

Link to the preliminary info thread in GSD for the 2017 Canadian SOI tour that kicks off in Halifax on April 28: https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/index.php?threads/stars-on-ice-canada-2017-april-may.99881/

 

[Debbie S]

Excited to see the show in Hershey!

 

[ZilphaK]

Excited to see the show in Hershey!

I'll be there! Maybe this is the year we'll meet!

 

[ZilphaK]

I have a Gracie interview coming up. Just need to find the time to transcribe more. She was absolutely lovely to talk to and I had to try very hard to be professional and not "Squeee!" the entire time.

Also, I did the Charlie interview at home and my 10yo son was outside my office door, coming up with 1,000 emergencies because he knew I was talking to Charlie. I asked Charlie if he'd say hi to my son, just so my kids would stop bugging me, and Charlie was very gracious and talked to him for a minute. Very nice guy. My son was thrilled.

 

[Spun Silver]

I have a Gracie interview coming up. Just need to find the time to transcribe more. She was absolutely lovely to talk to and I had to try very hard to be professional and not "Squeee!" the entire time.

Also, I did the Charlie interview at home and my 10yo son was outside my office door, coming up with 1,000 emergencies because he knew I was talking to Charlie. I asked Charlie if he'd say hi to my son, just so my kids would stop bugging me, and Charlie was very gracious and talked to him for a minute. Very nice guy. My son was thrilled.

I love your interview with Charlie, @Jozet! Either he has thought a lot about kids and sports or you got him to!

 

[seabm7]

It looks like Buttle is creating a complete different set of group numbers from those shown at Lake Placid.

 

[Frau Muller]

So the only Americans to win a medal at 2017 Worlds (Shibs) aren't on the tour, yet the 6th-place US Natls lady is? Season-end tours used to be a celebration of that season's winners.

Maybe Gracie signed a multi-year contract with IMG years ago, when it was a "given" that she'd be America's Ice Queen all the way to 2018? Otherwise, this looks ridiculous. She should use this time before fall competitions to be training in secret and try to regain her old form.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

I'm guessing the Shibs declined. They are IMG clients, so they surely would've been invited.

 

[DreamsofBliss]

It looks like Buttle is creating a complete different set of group numbers from those shown at Lake Placid.

In a live video from either SOI's insta or Meryl's on Sunday (I can't remember which one they were back to back) Meryl said she, Charlie, and Jeremy didn't have to learn as much since they were using choreo from SOI Japan.

I definitely recommend following all the skaters instagram stories if you are interested as they are sharing fun little bts stuff. SOI in the live video on Sunday said they hoped to do some Facebook Lives with the skaters as well.

 

[Kecasyl]

It looks like Buttle is creating a complete different set of group numbers from those shown at Lake Placid.

That's because most of the group programs from the Lake Placid show were either done in last years US tour or were specifically for the Japan Tour.

 

[AxelAnnie]

I am really disappointed. There are so few skaters, and more that I don't care to see than the ones I would love to see.

 

[Yazmeen]

Sorry, but I miss COI with many, many skaters and the most recent champions. I can remember having to preorder tickets or call for them the moment they went on sale to be sure you'd get them. The fact that there are so few SOI tour dates says a lot about the popularity of figure skating in the USA right now.

 

[centerpt1]

Gracie is a past US Champion.

Don't the Shibs usually have multiple show options in Japan? They pay more $$$, so they don't need SOI - especially the cheap-o pared down SOI.

(so I guess you can tell it's coming nowhere near me this season. I always used to go to St Louis to see it.)

 

[chapis]

Gracie is a past US Champion.

Don't the Shibs usually have multiple show options in Japan? They pay more $$$, so they don't need SOI - especially the cheap-o pared down SOI.

(so I guess you can tell it's coming nowhere near me this season. I always used to go to St Louis to see it.)

I think they have enough options, they were in SOI USA last year, but this year they have been working non stop since Worlds in their new programs, and apparently they were offered participate in WTT and they declined the invitation, so I guess they just want focus completely on the preparations for the olympic season.

 

[Sylvia]

Clip of Hubbell/Donohue practicing a rotating lift: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSuSsVsA5PR/?taken-by=starsonice&hl=en

Adam Rippon, cat burglar? https://www.instagram.com/p/BSv7nDWl2kP/?taken-by=adaripp&hl=en

Misha Ge has choreographed a SOI number for Karen Chen: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSm-Yx-h1EQ/?taken-by=mishage8&hl=en

 

[Kecasyl]

I think they have enough options, they were in SOI USA last year, but this year they have been working non stop since Worlds in their new programs, and apparently they were offered participate in WTT and they declined the invitation, so I guess they just want focus completely on the preparations for the olympic season.

That, and they have been doing Sports Envoy related work/appearances for the US Embassy now like Lysacek was a few years back, so that's keeping them busy too.

 

[StitchMonkey]

I think they have enough options, they were in SOI USA last year, but this year they have been working non stop since Worlds in their new programs, and apparently they were offered participate in WTT and they declined the invitation, so I guess they just want focus completely on the preparations for the olympic season.

It was pointed out that skipping WTT means your competitors have to keep practicing their "old" short dance while you can start working on the new one... in essence giving the skaters not going a one monthish head start on the Olympic season. Sadly... i can see it making sense.

 

[chapis]

It was pointed out that skipping WTT means your competitors have to keep practicing their "old" short dance while you can start working on the new one... in essence giving the skaters not going a one monthish head start on the Olympic season. Sadly... i can see it making sense.

yes, but it means more money for the teams participating in WTT, not to mention the opportunity to redeem themselves, especially after the subpar performance of C/B. I guess Madison and Evan do not want the last impression they leave this season to be their performance in Helsinki.

 

[Barbara Manatee]

I don't see why skaters going to WTT couldn't start working on their new programs as well.

 

[Kecasyl]

I don't see why skaters going to WTT couldn't start working on their new programs as well.

They have. Chock/Bates have already started on things with Christopher Dean for next season.

 

[seabm7]

In a live video from either SOI's insta or Meryl's on Sunday (I can't remember which one they were back to back) Meryl said she, Charlie, and Jeremy didn't have to learn as much since they were using choreo from SOI Japan.

Then I wonder what part of the group numbers they are using again: Opening, Closing or the tribute to late Jef Billings.

 

[vireo]

Christopher Dean choreographed a new show program for Chock and Bates for this SOI tour.

Here's a cute photo of Madi and Chris: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSluHdYhHip/?taken-by=chockolate02

A clip from rehearsals of the new program: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSmJtwqlsOo/?taken-by=evan_bates

Evan, Madi and Zac during rehearsals. Looks like they're having fun. https://www.instagram.com/p/BSwT9wsFgxf/?taken-by=evan_bates

Nice pic of the SOI women on day 1: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSrqGK1Ba0L/?taken-by=chockolate02

 

[chapis]

Why is not Karen in the cast?

 

[Sylvia]

Why is not Karen in the cast?

See post #1 - Karen and Nathan will join SOI for the 6 shows in May.

"What really happens on Day 4 of rehearsals." https://www.instagram.com/p/BSyk8g3gHhi/?taken-by=starsonice&hl=en

 

[chapis]

See post #1 - Karen and Nathan will join SOI for the 6 shows in May.

oh thanks!

 

[ZilphaK]

My interview with Gracie. Again, this was a Stars on Ice promo interview, and I write for a local parenting magazine, so I let the kids ask the questions and asked some follow-ups to cover the "how not to be awful sports parents" angle.

Gracie was lovely to interview, very sweet and thoughtful with her answers. Also, my son asked me to ask her whether she's ever tried hockey skates--because, of course, all skaters should play hockey. The answer is no. But she's a soccer girl.

http://www.centralpennparent.com/20...wo-time-u-s-figure-skating-national-champion/

 

[kwanfan1818]

It's not that skaters in WTT can't start on new programs: they just have to spend time practicing their old ones.

 

[jenniferlyon]

Sorry, but I miss COI with many, many skaters and the most recent champions. I can remember having to preorder tickets or call for them the moment they went on sale to be sure you'd get them. The fact that there are so few SOI tour dates says a lot about the popularity of figure skating in the USA right now.

I remember standing in line at the record store to get tickets to the COI tour in 1994! It was during the dead of winter, my car wouldn't start, and I had to ride my bike up to the record store. Good times!

 

[seabm7]

Opening?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2Qi8jjLWi/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2aDvMDWZN/


Several photos from the 1st half (6 photos)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2NqpRAdW9/


Ashley Wagner, "HandClap" by Fitz and The Tantrums

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2RRXeAzBz/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2XDpuA59z/


Tribute to Jef Billings?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS3TxrpjC3E/


Final?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2UCtDBDHY/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BS2dCtslHmx/

 

[seabm7]

Program List

http://www.starsonice.com/music.html

* The Act I final and the Act II final music pieces are the same from the Lake Placid stop at the end of 2016 and JSOI 2017.


In Dreams

ACT I

“24K Magic” Bruno Mars - Cast

“Bang Bang” Ariana Grande - Gracie Gold

“Diamonds” Josef Salvat - Adam Rippon

“Believer” Imagine Dragons - Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

“Land of All” Woodkid - Jeremy Abbott

“Tango” Gotan Project - Madison Chock & Evan Bates

“Bright Lights” Gibbz - Gracie Gold, Ashley Wagner, Jeremy Abbott, Adam Rippon

“Adagio for Strings” Samuel Barber - Meryl Davis & Charlie White

“Handclap” Fitz and the Tantrums - Ashley Wagner

“Send in the Clowns” Barbra Streisand (Tribute to Jef Billings) - Cast

ACT II

“Fratres” Arvo Pärt - Cast

“Stand by Me” Florence + the Machine - Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

“Getaway” Tritonal ft. Angel Taylor - Adam Rippon

“Golden” Ruth B - Gracie Gold

“Black Hole Sun” Nouela - Meryl Davis & Charlie White, Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Madison Hubbell & Zachary Donohue

“In This Shirt” The Irrepressibles - Jeremy Abbott

“Under Pressure” David Bowie & Queen - Madison Chock & Evan Bates

“Exogenesis: Symphony Part III” Muse - Ashley Wagner

“Sax” Fleur East - Meryl Davis & Charlie White

“Can't Stop the Feeling!” Justin Timberlake - Cast