A Mixed Bag: 'Evenings on the Huitor' Ice Show
check_circlePros
- The show was visually stunning, with plenty of colorful costumes and characters.
- The skaters were incredibly talented and performed some impressive moves.
- The set design was impressive, with a large ice rink and elaborate backdrops.
- The show was well-paced, with a good balance of music, dance, and storytelling.
- The costumes were creative and added to the overall visual impact of the show.
cancelCons
- The seating arrangement was a bit off-center from the stage, which made it difficult to see the action at times.
- The price difference between central and off-center seats was pretty steep – up to 15,000 rubles!
- The show didn't quite live up to my expectations, especially considering the price we paid.
- The use of screens on either side of the stage felt like a gimmick and didn't add much to the overall experience.
- The show's storyline was a bit disjointed and hard to follow at times.
Editor's Summary
I'm still trying to wrap my head around our experience at the 'Evenings on the Huitor' ice show. We splurged on tickets for 2000 rubles each, scoring seats in sector V21, row 1. The seating arrangement was a bit off-center from the stage, but we could still see everything crystal clear. The show was visually stunning, with plenty of colorful costumes and characters. However, tackling Gogol's work is no easy feat, and this production didn't quite hit the mark. The show's storyline was a bit disjointed and hard to follow at times, which was a letdown considering the price we paid. Still, the skaters were incredibly talented and performed some impressive moves, and the set design was impressive, with a large ice rink and elaborate backdrops. Overall, it was a mixed bag – the show had its moments, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
Specifications
We caught the 'Evenings on the Huitor' ice show recently, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around our experience. Let me share my thoughts straight from the source.
We splurged on tickets for 2000 rubles each, scoring seats in sector V21, row 1. The seating arrangement was a bit off-center from the stage, but we could still see everything crystal clear. I mean, the central sectors offered the best views, but those tickets were pricey – up to 15,000 rubles! It's worth noting that the price difference was pretty steep.
On either side of the stage, there were two screens displaying close-ups of the main characters. That was a nice touch, but I'm not convinced it added much to the overall experience.
My take on the show was mixed, to say the least. Tackling Gogol's work is no easy feat, and this production didn't quite hit the mark. I was expecting more from a show that promised to bring Gogol's stories to life on ice.
As seasoned ice show attendees, we had a point of reference for comparison. Here's what I liked:
- The show was visually stunning, with plenty of colorful costumes and characters. The skaters were dressed to impress, and the sets were top-notch.
- The lineup featured some big-name figure skaters, including champions and masters of their craft. It was great to see them perform live.
- The pacing was well-balanced, with no slow moments to speak of. The show moved at a good clip, keeping us engaged throughout.
- The special effects were impressive and added to the overall spectacle. I loved the way they used lighting and projections to enhance the performance.
Now, for the not-so-great parts:
- The storyline. Let's just say they took some... creative liberties with Gogol's work. I'm not sure what they were going for, but it didn't quite work for me.
The second act started with Catherine the Great and Prince Potemkin snoozing in bed – in ice skates, of course. I mean, what's the point of a New Year's show, especially one aimed at families, with that kind of content? It felt out of place.
Cirque performers showed up, and Vasily Vasiliev's kuznetz (blacksmith) character appeared, which left me scratching my head. Some key characters were MIA, while others, like Solokha, were reimagined as a sultry seductress. And then there were the noses – yes, you read that right – on ice skates. It was like the writers threw in every Gogol reference they could think of.
- The music. It was a jarring mix of Ukrainian folk elements, Grieg, Tchaikovsky, Michael Jackson, and some Greek-inspired bits. I mean, where was the author's Ukrainian flair? The music didn't quite fit the tone of the show.
- The sound quality was subpar. The music was too loud, with overpowering bass that gave me a headache. And the recordings themselves were lacking.
When the show featured a choir, the lyrics were almost inaudible, which made it hard to follow the storyline. But when it was just solo performances, the vocals were clear, and I could understand what was happening.
The show was visually stunning, but the storyline was a letdown. I think they took a few too many liberties with Gogol's work. His stories are so rich and unique that they could have stuck to the original material and still created an amazing show.
It would've been more fitting to call the show 'A Night Before Christmas,' as that's the only Gogol story represented in the production.
I wouldn't recommend this show for very young children, as they won't understand the storyline. It's not exactly kid-friendly.
When buying tickets, be sure to check the lineup for the specific performance, as some stars may not be part of every show. It's worth checking ahead of time.
The event takes place at the MegaSport Palace, which is conveniently located near the CSKA metro station. It's easy to get to, and the venue is pretty cool.
Plan to arrive early, as the lines at the entrance can be long. Security checks are in place, and they'll even confiscate your water bottle – yes, you read that right. It's not like you're flying, folks!
The venue was packed, with barely any empty seats. The show lasted two hours, with a 20-minute intermission (although it felt more like 30 minutes). We were glad to have a break, to be honest.
In the foyer, you can find programs, souvenirs, and a buffet with 'theatrical' prices – just like any other show. The prices were a bit steep, but the food was decent.
