Tons of locals came out to enjoy the hospitality of the Hall. The refreshments were a combination of sweet and savory; two delicious dips with choice of crackers, shrimp cocktail, a plate spread filled with meats, cheeses, tomatoes, and pickles, along with a variety of fruits, pastries, sweets, and as always, coffees and water. The food was beautifully laid out on a three-table spread with a charming display of flowers displayed on each table.

Executive Director of the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, Jennifer Block said, "SWAAC is excited to have the Fairytales on Ice show back in Hope for another spectacular show. Alex and the skaters love our community and are thrilled to perform their newest creation of Peter Pan & Wendy’s Adventures. Of course, there will be something for everyone in the show, from skating to sword fights. As always, Fairytales on Ice will not disappoint."

 

Director of Hempstead Hall, John Gladden talked excitedly about the production, "We're always so thankful to the community for their support. Partnering with the Arts Council to provide the Community Coffee is just one way that Hempstead Hall can show its appreciation. It's great to have Alex and the rest of the Fairytales crew come back for their 5th year! We're all very excited to present this show, which has quickly become the must-see family event every year!  The show starts this Friday at 7:00pm, and we look forward to seeing everyone here," Gladden said. 
 
 ICE Creative Director, Alex Wilfand talked to SWARK.Today about the production and this year’s cast saying, “We started working on this show the moment The Beauty and The Beast tour ended last year. In April we were tossing around ideas, Rapunzel and Alice in Wonderland were among the options discussed but since Peter Pan was our first show here, that’s what we chose. It’s my favorite story. I used to train Peter Pan performers for Disney so I knew I could do this. I wanted something new and modern so that lead us to pull in composers out of Broadway and Nashville so we could have it written and acclimated to our style. The story is similar, but we add in “the us, the wow” factor.”

Wilfred went on to discuss a few highlights for the audience to look forward to this year: a fourteen-foot sea shell backpack that glows, the same one that was used in the Taylor Swift concert. (ATTN Swifties) The crew has some cool flying incorporated in the act, plus an ice-skating, unicycler, juggler/ balancer in the show. This the first year with the cir-act on skates. “It is so exciting, and I know people here will love the effects and talent this show brings to our audiences. The cast is just killer, two of the boys went on to World Championships and this cast has excelled in both their professional and amateur careers. Just a lot of big, big moments for this bunch,” Wilfred said.  

Executive Director of the Hope Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce, Christy Burns expressed thanks to SWAAC, Hempstead Hall and ICE Productions for bringing this exciting show to the community, "I am always grateful to each party that has a hand in entertaining the citizens of Hope,"  Burns said. 

Wrapping up the coffee, guests were excited to see a sneak peek of the brilliance that will take place on Friday night as the ICE team rehearsed. Skaters glided across the stage ice ever so gracefully, the lights beamed what promises to be magnificent hues of color against the set as their very talented choreographer, Katie Garrity set the tone for skaters to be their absolute best. It was a sight to see for sure! For a full viewing of the show, tickets are available at https://hempsteadhall.thundertix.com/performances/2964425/section/42441 8575, or at the box office right up to showtime on Friday evening at 7pm. I guarantee this is not one you will want to miss.