Story book characters come to life in the 54th Annual Ice Show, "Off the Pages," this weekend in Jefferson City.
One of the directors came up with the idea, and they've never had a theme featuring books or novels, said show director Rachel Bruemmer.
Story lines from "Alice in Wonderland," "The Cat in the Hat," "Treasure Island," "The Great Gatsby," "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "Charlotte's Web," each has lessons to teach, she said.
The majority of the 250 amateur skaters are children. The directors selected books that people were familiar with, but also wanted to expand their skaters' horizons.
"We're trying to stretch the boundaries," Bruemmer said. "Most of the performers are children and may not have read "Treasure Island,' "Great Gatsby,' or "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.' It could spark some interest in reading those books."
The show also features spotlight performances, including the University of Missouri's synchronized skating club performing its competitive routine.
Bruemmer has been involved in the ice show for 33 years, either as a performer or a director. She started skating in the shows at 7 years old, so it holds a special place in her heart.
"I get paid to teach kids how to skate," she said. "I'm really lucky I have a place here. It's the best job for me. I get to create new things every year."
Every show takes a year to create from inception to reality. The directors start brainstorming after the show concludes each year and practice the story lines right up to the next show.
It's bittersweet at the end of each show because they've spent all year prepping for it and in a blink of an eye it's over, she said.
"If anyone has never been to an ice show, they might be surprised how entertaining it is," Bruemmer said.
The 54th Annual Ice Show will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Washington Park Ice Arena. Admission for adults is $7, youth at $5 and children age 2 and younger are free.