THE ICE TO PRESENT CHRISTMAS SKATING SHOWS

The Ice at the Plaza Galleria will present "Holiday Vignettes on Ice" during the first three weekends in December.

The first of such shows, "Frosty the Snowman" will be presented Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m.

Admission to all shows is free.

The 30-minute shows combine narrations and music and feature students of the skating school in group and solo performances.

"You'll be seeing beginner skaters as well as pretty advanced soloists," said Tim Phillips, manager of the rink and the skating school.

In the past, the school has put on one, long production for the Christmas show. Phillips said this year, the school wanted to present several shows.

The skaters range in age from 3 to 53, he said.

"Some of these kids have never skated for an audience and some are metal winners in competitions," Phillips said.

The vignettes were adapted from short literary works and set to music and narration. This weekend's show is "Frosty the Showman."

"Nutcracker Fantasy" will be presented Dec. 13 and 14, and "Twas the Night Before Christmas" will be presented Dec. 20 and 21. All shows are at 6 p.m., and Santa Claus will make a special appearance each night.

Phillips said about 20 to 30 students will perform in each show. Rehearsals have been going on for about two months.

"There's really going to be some good skating in the shows," he said. "All year long we skate in competitions, so this is showcasing the best."