Past Exhibitions ● 2006Magic on Ice: A Retrospective of REIA Christmas Shows, 1986–2003
Schulz favored lush, romantic numbers that featured “old-fashioned” music, and he made sure that every show included one. Audiences could also be assured of eye-popping costumes, choreography, and skating. Many of the top skaters of the day—including Dorothy Hamill, Scott Hamilton, Toller Cranston, Robin Cousins, Charlie Tickner, and Richard Dwyer (a.k.a. Mr. Debonair)—appeared in these programs. Of course, that star of stars, Snoopy, appeared in several numbers throughout each performance. The shows themselves were complex orchestrations, each requiring an average of 250 costumes plus elaborate stagingand props, and each with varying themes, like An American Beagle in Paris and Dragonfly Summer. In this exhibition we are pleased to present original costumes, sketches, props, programs, posters, and photographs that will recreate for our visitors Charles Schulz’s particular Magic on Ice.
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Magic on Ice examines the eighteen-year history (1986–2003) of Christmas ice shows that were held each December at the Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa, California. Charles Schulz took great personal pride and joy in these ice shows, and he enjoyed creating them for his local community. He once remarked in an interview, “The thing that I enjoy most of all, even more than drawingcartoons, is putting together an ice show. …I think that is the ultimate in happiness.” He enjoyed being a “hands-on” producer, involving himself in every aspect of the show, from determining initial themes to last minute dress rehearsal changes.
