Thank You Canada Tour - V/M, Chan, D/R, Osmond

[kwanfan1818]

There were other issues with the arena in Abbottsford: the one place that might have been perfect for wheelchairs was one of the short ends, but that was over the entrance, and there were three vertical panels blocking the view. I went up with Rosaleen and kalamalka to see where they were situated, and there were light beams obstructing the view in the top corner just outside where they were having the buffet.

A women from the arena came up to talk with us with a list of people in wheelchairs that she was trying to re-situated. She pointed down, but said that the view from where we were was better. She seemed more concerned that groups > 2 had to be split -- that should have been clear from the tickets -- but that is pretty much SOP in most venues: one wheelchair and one companion usually get to sit together, with the rest of the group in standard seating. She talked about other places with rooms for wheelchairs and scooters, but said that the solid half wall in the suites was too high to see out.

We're still not sure why there was no on-ice seating for wheelchairs, ie, whether there was a possibility to do it -- enough clearance, elevator access, etc. -- or it was a decision not to.

I wouldn't call the set-up for this performance, at least, accessible.

 

[overedge]

@kwanfan1818 you and/or @kalamalka should contact the arena and tell them about the inadequate arrangements. It sounds like there isn't a clear plan for accessibility for shows that use the ice surface or that don't use the full seating.

 

[kwanfan1818]

@kwanfan1818 you and/or @kalamalka should contact the arena and tell them about the inadequate arrangements. It sounds like there isn't a clear plan for accessibility for shows that use the ice surface or that don't use the full seating.

They know: the woman who was talking to us was from the arena staff.

 

[overedge]

They know: the woman who was talking to us was from the arena staff.

But that may not mean that the information will get to the arena administration.

 

[kalamalka]

But that may not mean that the information will get to the arena administration.

One of the places we went while in search of the wheelchair seating (most of the staff we talked to didn't even know where the section printed on our tickets was) was Guest Services, and I told them how disappointed I'd been that even buying on the second day seats were on sale - which would have been the first day, but for accessible seating you need to call the box office, which keeps limited hours and requires leaving a message for a callback anyway - there were no decent wheelchair seats. I just didn't know how bad they'd be, or that the view would end up being obstructed by the lighting setup. A lot of the lifts were blocked, as was much of the V/M dance number.

I also made extensive comments about the seating issues in responding to a post-show survey from the arena, and said that the poor wheelchair seating would make us unlikely to go back for events at that arena.

The helpful staffer was some sort of supervisor, who was trying very hard to move people around. She came back early in the second half to take us to one of the suites, hoping that a space in it would work for the wheelchair. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite wide enough, and going there and back we missed most of W/P's second number.

Aside from the lousy wheelchair seats, we agree with the others that it was a great show. Our favourite number was also Eric on piano with Patrick skating. Sublime! We weren't as taken with Elvis's Dragon as kwanfan or alilou, never having been Elvis fans, although it was impressive for 25 years after its debut.

That is a really special group of skaters, and it's great that they are able to do such a long tour together. I also think that it was a good choice to have each of them do one competitive number (albeit a show version), given that most of the people attending will never have seen these programs in person.

 

[Scrufflet]

One of the places we went while in search of the wheelchair seating (most of the staff we talked to didn't even know where the section printed on our tickets was) was Guest Services, and I told them how disappointed I'd been that even buying on the second day seats were on sale - which would have been the first day, but for accessible seating you need to call the box office, which keeps limited hours and requires leaving a message for a callback anyway - there were no decent wheelchair seats. I just didn't know how bad they'd be, or that the view would end up being obstructed by the lighting setup. A lot of the lifts were blocked, as was much of the V/M dance number.

I also made extensive comments about the seating issues in responding to a post-show survey from the arena, and said that the poor wheelchair seating would make us unlikely to go back for events at that arena.

The helpful staffer was some sort of supervisor, who was trying very hard to move people around. She came back early in the second half to take us to one of the suites, hoping that a space in it would work for the wheelchair. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite wide enough, and going there and back we missed most of W/P's second number.

Aside from the lousy wheelchair seats, we agree with the others that it was a great show. Our favourite number was also Eric on piano with Patrick skating. Sublime! We weren't as taken with Elvis's Dragon as kwanfan or alilou, never having been Elvis fans, although it was impressive for 25 years after its debut.

That is a really special group of skaters, and it's great that they are able to do such a long tour together. I also think that it was a good choice to have each of them do one competitive number (albeit a show version), given that most of the people attending will never have seen these programs in person.

I am really impressed that people were making efforts to accommodate, even with scant resources. In Toronto, I go to Air Canada Centre for SOI and get seats either on ice or in 1st row. I check my walker at Fan services and they wheel me down to my seat and back. At last year's SOI, I even saw one staff member carry a rather large disabled woman down a set of stairs! I'm so glad you were pushing for more! I've stopped going to other events as seat location is poor and the washroom situation is horrible.

 

[Scrufflet]

There were other issues with the arena in Abbottsford: the one place that might have been perfect for wheelchairs was one of the short ends, but that was over the entrance, and there were three vertical panels blocking the view. I went up with Rosaleen and kalamalka to see where they were situated, and there were light beams obstructing the view in the top corner just outside where they were having the buffet.

A women from the arena came up to talk with us with a list of people in wheelchairs that she was trying to re-situated. She pointed down, but said that the view from where we were was better. She seemed more concerned that groups > 2 had to be split -- that should have been clear from the tickets -- but that is pretty much SOP in most venues: one wheelchair and one companion usually get to sit together, with the rest of the group in standard seating. She talked about other places with rooms for wheelchairs and scooters, but said that the solid half wall in the suites was too high to see out.

We're still not sure why there was no on-ice seating for wheelchairs, ie, whether there was a possibility to do it -- enough clearance, elevator access, etc. -- or it was a decision not to.

I wouldn't call the set-up for this performance, at least, accessible.

Good on you for speaking up!

 

[rosewood]

aaaahhhhh I wish I were in Canada and able to see TYCT.

 

[sap5]

2. There was a time they played some (pop? rock?) song I'm not familiar with and asked the audience to light up their phones. At the end of the song came the words "I love that song". But what was it for? We all just looked at the pretty lights all around the arena and empty ice. I'm guessing it may have been filler while they changed costumes or something but it seemed a bit lame to me. I came to see skating dammit!

Haven't seen the show myself yet, but my understanding is the next number the cast comes out wearing sunglasses -- so lighting up the arena with your phones might make it easier for them to see where they're going?

 

[Alilou]

Haven't seen the show myself yet, but my understanding is the next number the cast comes out wearing sunglasses -- so lighting up the arena with your phones might make it easier for them to see where they're going?

Yes but as soon as they came out everyone turned their phones off

 

[made_in_canada]

I had to check my driver's license to be sure that I wasn't replaced by a random stranger who joins standing ovations for Elvis Stojko, but in his modified "Dragon," his gestures were so clear, all the way to the rafters, and his timing so perfect, it was sublime, for me the highlight of the first half, and he had formidable competition.

I was so prepared to disagree with you but Elvis was in fine form. I generally find him kind of boring and gimmicky as a show skater but he really stole the show in the first half.

In Prince George, Weaver & Poje skated their free dance which was gorgeous and my youngest niece’s favourite program. They have improved so much. I’ve never seen them skate so quietly.

I also really enjoyed how the second half flowed with group numbers and solos. It felt very collaborative which doesn’t always happen with ice shows and it was quite effective, IMO.

Kaetlyn was having a rough night and fell a few times and generally just seemed off and not her usual perky self.

Patrick skating to Eric playing the piano was definitely a highlight for me. It was such a moment. You could have heard a pin drop in the arena.

The entire show had a lot of attention to detail and was very well put together. It was really lovely to see how much fun the cast was having too. They did a fantastic job of bringing the audience into the show too. We’ve been so spoiled in Canada the last few years with such talented skaters across all disciplines and it was definitely a treat to watch.

 

[coppertop1]

Can't wait for tonight! I'm having trouble printing my tickets which is a pain

 

[HSGP21]

Two tickets to the Thank You Canada Tour for Sale, November 4th, PM for info.

Nov 4
The Thank You Canada Tour
3:30 PM - Meridian Centre - St Catharines, ON

.. bought for $74 Canadian, will resell for $50/ticket

• Section 117, Row G, Seat 11
• Section 117, Row G, Seat 13

 

[kimkom]

Can't wait for tonight! I'm having trouble printing my tickets which is a pain

Don't forget to wear red!!! Where are you sitting so I can wave at you? We're in Section 4, Row B...right at centre ice.

 

[mackiecat]

Why wouldn't you just show them on your phone? Mine were added to my Apple wallet

 

[screech]

I didn't know until just now that Patrick was producing the tour. TSN just did a pre-recorded catch-up bit with him during their Skate Canada broadcast where he mentioned he, Tessa and Scott are the co-producers.

 

[coppertop1]

Don't forget to wear red!!! Where are you sitting so I can wave at you? We're in Section 4, Row B...right at centre ice.

Section 13, Row B, seat 4. Unfortunately, my red shirt has a big hole on one of the sleeves

Why wouldn't you just show them on your phone? Mine were added to my Apple wallet

I prefer having the ticket printed out. I'm old -fashioned that way.

 

[dramagrrl]

CTV will be broadcasting the Thank You Canada tour on Nov. 24th at 8 PM. I'm not sure which city they filmed or will be filming.

 

[JoannaLouise]

My work friend is texting me pictures from the Kitchener show right now (while I'm in Laval at Skate Canada!).

She's not really a skating fan, but it sounds like she's having a blast. I'm still hoping to convert her.

 

[believed]

I just came back from the Kitchener show and it was so fun and incredible! And seeing Moulin Rouge live actually did make me cry.

 

[dramagrrl]

Can someone who has been to the tour tell me the approximate length of the show, including intermission if there is one?

 

[overedge]

I prefer having the ticket printed out. I'm old -fashioned that way.

Paper never crashes.

 

[believed]

Can someone who has been to the tour tell me the approximate length of the show, including intermission if there is one?

My show started at 7 and ended around 9:30. Intermission is 20 mins.

 

[Emdee]

I went for the Kitchener show and it was amazing. Every skater brought their A game. Patrick’s beautiful POTO and his skating to Radford’s piano piece moved me to tears. His skating was organic and pure . There followed MR which I have seen live three times and I never felt they skated it better with so much energy and commitment. Scott of course was belting out the words. Enjoyed Weapo too and hope they have a medal shot with that program though their competition appears very stiff.

 

[Jay42]

Can someone who has been to the tour tell me the approximate length of the show, including intermission if there is one?

It was a little more than 2 hours when I went at the beginning of the tour. Intermission was about 20 minutes.

 

[dramagrrl]

I was at the afternoon show in Mississauga today and I really liked it. It wasn't quite up to the standards of Stars on Ice in its real heyday (late 90s), but overall well-produced, with good transitions and fun group numbers. My favourite parts were Patrick's skate to Eric Radford's original composition, "Storm", with Eric playing the piano on ice, and of course VM's Moulin Rouge, which I've now seen three times and never gets old. I also really enjoyed the segment where VM did an off-ice hip-hop dance to Madonna's "Four Minutes" on a platform at centre ice. I know a lot of people were not into that because they would rather have more skating, but I thought it was a fun showcase of their dance skills (especially Tessa's, but Scott can hold his own!) and gave the audience something a bit different.

I was never the biggest Elvis fan, but I have to echo the posters upthread who said they got emotional when he skated Dragon. I was barely a teenager when I watched him skate that program in competition, and it made me quite nostalgic!

The only part of the show that wasn't really up my alley was a segment where Meagan (dressed in a huge, poofy ballgown-style dress for some reason) and Elvis "hosted" a dance battle between the girls and the guys. It was amusing enough, but the costumes were very odd (IMO) and I would have rather had another type of group number.

 

[jersey1302]

If you guys have a chance to go see this show, you need to! I went in Brandon.. honestly is was better than stars on ice in my opinion. They change ups that they have with Eric playing piano and Patrick skating to it and Tessa and Scott dancing on a stage in the middle of the ice was fantastic. The battle of the sexes was quite humorous.. We saw all their Olympic programs done in the first half. The second half was all fun. I loved it!!!

 

[coppertop1]

I loved the show! It was definitely the best show I've seen! The montages were moving and I loved how they a competitive program for the first part then had fun in the second act. The part where everyone lit up the arena with their cellphones was really cool. Having Eric play the piano and Patrick skate was a wonderful touch. So glad I got to see it!

 

[ngcskate]

Two tickets for sale for the November 2nd Sarnia show. On Ice just off centre ice. Asking face value $121. Would have to meet up - tickets are hard copy and cannot send electronically

 

[Canadask8er]

Went to the Oshawa show last night. Can honestly say this was one of the best skating shows I have ever been to!

And Tracy Wilson and Rod Black were there as this was the show that will be televised!

There were also several standing ovations from the sold-out crowd! What an honour to have witnessed this show and to have watched these athletes grow and mature into class acts and ambassadors for this sport.

I also welled-up when I saw Elvis do his 1994/2002 long program. I witnessed his 2002 Canadians LP live and have never witnessed anything like this since... in any sport. Brought back many memories!

What a great show!