56th annual Northbrook-on-Ice show will light up the rink over Mother’s Day weekend

The magic of colors and music will fuse in a stunning display at “KaleidoSkate,” the 56th annual Northbrook-On-Ice show over Mother’s Day weekend.

This year’s production will feature four shows May 8-10, with about 275 skaters from the Northbrook Park District’s skating school and freestyle ice programs.

This Northbrook tradition provides exciting entertainment for the whole family, ranging from adorable numbers featuring 3-year-olds to impressive displays of talent from members of the Icette program, whose skaters perform everything from dance and gliding maneuvers to jumps, spins and stunts.

“KaleidoSkate is inspired by the bright, ever-changing patterns of a kaleidoscope,” Northbrook Park District Ice Skating Supervisor Ania Lopez said. “We chose songs that reference colors, and the colors of the costumes mirror the songs. It’s been a blast to come up with this year’s theme; we always have colorful shows, but this year, it’s a whole new spectrum!”

The show’s soundtrack includes tunes like “Paint It, Black,” “Orange Trees,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Orange Colored Sky,” “Pink Cadillac” and “Sapphire.”

Icette Emma Goldberg, a senior at Glenbrook North High School, will be performing in eight numbers, including one with Spartan Skaters and a solo.

“The KaleidoSkate theme is super fun and well put together. The music helps add variety to all of the numbers in the show, and the costumes match the music in a really cohesive way,” Goldberg said. “The choreography is also creative and engaging, which brings a lot of energy to each performance.”

Icette Chloe Levine, a senior at Stevenson High School, has been rehearsing since January for her two-night solo while creating choreography for other solos and group numbers.

Levine has been a member of Northbrook-on-Ice since 2021 and was selected to be on the U.S. Figure Skating International Selection Pool.

“This year’s Northbrook-on-Ice show is completely different from the previous years. I really like the theme; I think it’s very fun, and it’s going to be very cool with all the different colors,” she said. “The routines are very fun, and they showcase a lot of skills. It’s a full production.”

Performing as an Icette is the pinnacle of the Northbrook Park District skating program, said Sarah Muhl, also a senior at Glenbrook North High School.

“Most skaters spend the first half of the year working on new skills and preparing for the tryout. Then you spend the other half in long rehearsals working on numbers,” she said. “Because everyone cares about the ice show so much, it feels like a second home.”

First-time Icette Bree Auerbach, a sophomore at Deerfield High School, said she’s looked up to the Icettes since she was a little girl.

“I saw these older girls were so mature and were able to do things on the ice that I could only dream of at that time, so it’s really a full-circle moment,” said Auerbach, who’s been a part of Northbrook-on-Ice since age 7.

This year’s theme, KaleidoSkate, is going to be a lot of fun, Auerbach said. “It’s going to be full of colors and a lot of upbeat music. It’s a really vibrant show.”

Bree’s mother, Jenny Auerbach has been assisting the show’s main costumer, Laila Schlesinger, for about three years.

“Since Bree was about 4, we have been coming to the ice show. It’s so happy and special,” she said. “When an opportunity came for me to be part of it in the back of the house, I jumped at it. I also wanted to experience the magic of the ice show behind the scenes!”

This year’s costumes are especially bright and vibrant, Jenny Auerbach said. “It’s amazing to be part of it, in terms of embellishing the costumes and making sure all the skaters feel confident and beautiful when they put them on.”

Besides her pride in watching her daughter perform, the show is a great, high-quality spectacle, she said.

“It’s just a wholesome fun experience,” she said. “The first time I saw it, it was awe-inspiring. Seeing what these kids can do on the ice is incredible. It’s a fun way to spend the day or evening, and it’s our favorite part of Mother’s Day.”

Performances are at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 8; 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9; and 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 10.

Tickets are $14 for standard seating and $16 for preferred seating. For more information and to purchase tickets visit nbparks.org/event/noi56. Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.