Elvis Stojko, former three-time world champion figure skater and two-time Olympic silver medalist, is a man of many talents. And this month he puts two together for a unique stage show at the Princess of Wales Theatre. Blades On Stage will be the first North American production to do a skating show on a theatrical stage. The show opens Christmas Eve and runs until
Jan. 4.
How did the idea of Blades On Stage come to be?
Mirvish was really interested in doing something a little bit different — it hasn’t been done in North America, putting ice onstage. I came up with the idea when I did Chicago last year both on Broadway and in Toronto. It’s been done in Europe but never here. They loved the idea, so we put together some skaters including my wife, Gladys Orozco, along with Pete Dack, Shae-Lynn Bourne and a number of other really good skaters.
How has delving into Broadway enhanced your career?
It definitely has enhanced the performing ability. You’re aways growing in confidence and learning more about yourself. Performing is performing, but when you add another skill set of singing and acting, it’s huge. At the Broadway performance and the Princess of Wales Theatre during Chicago, at first I was quite overwhelmed. But just before the first show on Broadway in New York, I think things started to come together.
You’ve made some of your own music. Is that a big part of your life?
Well, my dad being a singer, I just wanted to do something on my own. It wasn’t something that was hugely publicized. It’s not something I’m focusing on right now. I’m actually focusing on racing, getting in the go-carts and racing them.
With all these side projects you’ve had, how do you feel about Patrick Chan taking a year off before returning to his quest for a gold medal next year?
I understand why he’s doing it — it is stressful at that level. But when you think about taking a year off, it’s tough coming back, because you can lose your edge, unless you’re really adept at competing, really good at competition.
Blades On Stage, Dec. 24–Jan. 4, www.mirvish.com.
