`Stars on Ice' Is Designed for the Skating Connoisseur

IMAGINE having the opportunity to watch two Olympic gold medalists, five silver medalists, and other world-champion skaters all in one show. That's the treat in the Discover Card Stars on Ice 1992-93 tour.

This is not your average ice show. Rather than lots of theatrical props, fancy costuming, and cartoon characters cavorting in the rink, the Stars on Ice tour spotlights the skaters' artistry. It includes the power and athleticism of Scott Hamilton and Brian Orser, the apparently effortless perfection of Kristi Yamaguchi, the taut control of Paul Wylie, the teamwork of pairs skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov (wife and husband) and Kitty and Peter Carruthers (sister and brother), and more.

The crowd at the Worcester, Mass., Centrum Jan. 26 rewarded the skaters with several deserved standing ovations. Mr. Hamilton was a genial master of ceremonies and provided some of the evening's most memorable skating. Mr. Orser's athleticism and Mr. Wylie's powerful grace were stunning a well.

But the star of the show, purposely, was Ms. Yamaguchi, who performed interpretations to classical music as well as current hits such as En Vogue's "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)." Her skating prowess brought the audience to its feet more than once, and a Yamaguchi routine in which she is backed by Hamilton, Orser, and Wylie is not to be missed. Rosalynn Sumners and pairs skaters Christine Hough and Doug LaDret also gave outstanding performances; Gary Beacom's slow-skate blues interpretation was also well-received.

Stars on Ice, which kicked off in late December, will appear in Orlando, Fla., today; Miami, Feb. 14; Providence, R.I., Feb. 18; and at New York's Madison Square Garden Feb. 19. All performances benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation of America.