The Honda Center roared to life Saturday, May 17th, 2025, as Rock Stars on Ice brought a stunning fusion of music, athleticism, and theater to Anaheim. Themed around rock anthems and high-energy performances, the show turned the ice into many things. A concert stage, a dance floor, and a dramatic theater all at once.
Act I: High-Octane Openers and Bold Characters
The evening kicked off with the electrifying “Mama Let Him Play,” setting a bold tone for a show that would never lose momentum. The transition into “Sisters Are Doin’ It” felt like a power surge, highlighting the strength and charisma of the female skaters.
Isabeau Levito graceful number to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” offered a more whimsical vibe, a brief calm before the energetic storm. Jason Brown, with his trademark charm, brought the house down with a retro, footloose rendition of “Rock Around the Clock.” The “Rock Moves” transition, starring Elvis Stojko, Ilia Malinin, and Keegan Messing, packed punchy charisma and powerful edgework. It was a throwback to classic rock’s swagger, with Elvis’s influence stamped all over it.
With “Heads Will Roll,” a dramatic and intense performance that combined eerie imagery with spins, Amber Glenn broke the ice. While Alysa Liu‘s fragile rendition of “Slow Dancing in the Dark” had emotional depth seldom witnessed. Keegan Messing‘s sweet yet turbulent rendition of “Made for Lovin’ You” enchanted the crowd.
Ilia Malinin delivered one of the night’s standout moments with a haunting, masked performance to “Bones.” His athleticism and narrative commitment made it a dramatic high point. Satoko Miyahara’s ethereal “Pina” brought a balletic, poetic contrast, reminding the audience of the quiet strength behind the spectacle.
The tempo shifted with Madison Chock & Evan Bates dazzling in a dance medley—a polished display of chemistry and innovation. This act closed with a raucous piece featuring Keegan and Ilia in a playful face-off, followed by Elvis’s crowd-pleasing “Rock Medley.”
The whole group lit up the ice—literally—with a flashy Act I Finale involving flashlights, layered choreography, and synchronized precision that brought the first act to a thunderous close.
Act II: Emotional Arcs and Iconic Imagery
The second act opened with Satoko’s mesmerizing number to “Prince,” a unique blend of elegance and funk. Keegan, now joined by Madison, took a bluesy turn with “Blue Jeans Blues”—a performance as smooth as it was soulfully raw.
Isabeau returned with “Snake,” combining serpentine grace with edgy power. The transition into “Bohemian Rhapsody” featured Ilia and Keegan trading spotlight in an operatic skate-off that was both chaotic and masterful—one of the show’s most ambitious sequences.
Jason injected humor and musicality into “Hit the Road Jack”. Amber returned with high voltage pop for “Hot to Go,” exuding confidence and control. The ensemble came together for a stirring “Brothers in Arms“. This was a rare moment of introspection, with Satoko, Isabeau, Jason, Ilia, Madison, and Evan casting a somber, united presence on the ice. Elvis Stojko’s dramatic performance to “Nothing Else Matters” brought the house into an awed silence. This was a reminder of his veteran power and artistry.
The audience favorite of the night may well have been Madison and Evan’s delightful “Sherlock Holmes” routine. Blending mystery, comedy, and interactive theatrics (including a “security guest” on stage guarding a prop). The duo pulled off a mini heist mid-performance—proving that storytelling on ice can be just as engaging as the sport itself.
Ilia’s homage to “Billie Jean” was another masterwork, with his triple axels and moonwalks seemingly blending together flawlessly. Just before the big conclusion, Alysa’s fanciful and dramatic “McArthur Park” added a surrealistic finish.
Finale: A Celebration of Icons
The show ended with the all-skater “ICONS” finale—a dazzling, costume-heavy, lights-blazing tribute to rock legends and skating greats. The ice became a kaleidoscope of color and energy as each skater took their final bow. They left the audience on their feet, cheering for more. Many children ran up to see the skaters as close as possible. They obliged by jumping off the ice and coming up close to them.
“Rock” Stars on Ice isn’t just a skating show—it’s a full-blown rock spectacle. It celebrates the theatricality of music and the versatility of figure skating. It brings legends, newcomers, and creative risks together under one electrified spotlight. From the pulse of Queen to the soul of Metallica, and the grace of “Tiffany’s” to the grit of “Blue Jeans Blues,” this tour proves that skating, like rock, is all about passion, power, and unforgettable performance.
A must-see for skating fans, rock lovers, and anyone ready for a night of edge-of-your-seat entertainment.
