Photo: Icettes form a pyramid while skating during the 2019 50th anniversary show, Northbrook-On-Ice: Turn Back Time

May 3, 2021 at 1:20pm

⚠️ Please Note: This article was published in 2021. Visit our Events Calendar to view current upcoming events.

A beloved community tradition is returning to the Northbrook Sports Center this May, bringing glamour, glitz and excitement with a few modifications.

Northbrook-On-Ice: Viva Ice Vegas is set to perform four shows Mother’s Day weekend—Friday, May 7 at 7pm, Saturday, May 8 at 11am and 4pm and Sunday, May 9 at 1pm. In-person tickets are unavailable to the general public but  livestream links for each show will be available to purchase.

Last year, the production had to be canceled for the first time in 51 years due to the pandemic. Although the show didn’t take place, graduating 2020 seniors were recognized with a special commemorative program and a drive-by parade on Monday’s Day weekend when the show traditionally would have taken place.

This years’ show will feature more than 200 skaters ranging in age from 3-18, including skaters from the  Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association’s SPICE program and Teams Elite Synchronized Skating Teams.

“It was really important to be able to do a show this year,” said Recreation Supervisor Kennedy Lieb. “This gives our local skaters an opportunity to showcase everything they’ve been working on during the year. Our staff members have worked hard to modify and change some programs to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines, but those changes haven’t impacted our skaters’ abilities to work on new skills and routines.”

Lieb said viewers can expect the same high-quality pizazz of previous shows, with dazzling costumes, beautifully designed sets and high-energy theatrical performances. The Viva Ice Vegas theme features the history and allure of Las Vegas, with plenty of sequins and vintage details. Skaters will perform to iconic music by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Marie Osmond and other Vegas legends.

“We have costumes of every color and style,” Lieb said. “Putting this show together has definitely been a team effort. The skaters are so excited.”

Among those skaters delighted to perform Mother’s Day weekend is Maddy Shalin, a senior Icette and Northbrook Park District Skating School instructor.

“It’s amazing the Northbrook Park District is able to make this happen,” said Shalin, who attends Glenbrook North High School and has been helping with the choreography for Northbrook-On-Ice. “I’ve been looking forward to this since I was four! We’ve been practicing for a lot of hours and it’s going to be a really amazing show.”

To purchase a livestream ticket for $10, available for viewing on up to two devices, choose a show and corresponding time and click the link:

Northbrook-On-Ice was created in 1969 as an Ice Follies-style presentation to showcase the talent of local skaters. The production continues to grow each year, captivating audiences, motivating skaters and creating memories.