KSL.Com > 2002 Olympic Coverage > KSL Special Reports

Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake is bringing a message of hope to more than 3,000 children. (Feb. 2, 2002)------ Everyone who sees the story of Hans Brinker and Silver Skates understands a little more about the importance of fair play and acceptance of others. The Olympic spirit burns brightly on this stage as the Children's Theatre of Salt Lake pays tribute to the 2002 Olympic Games. Shelley Osterloh reports. The classic by Mary Mapes Dodge tells the skating tale of Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates. Joanne Parker/Hans Brinker Director: "LIGHT THE FIRE WITHIN, MY GOODNESS! THIS LIGHTS THE FIRE WITHIN, IT DOES." This inspiring story of an impoverished Dutch family revolves around a young boy, Hans Brinker, who is determined to find help for his sick father and change a family's life forever. Most of the show is performed on a faux ice rink made of a special plastic that allows the skaters to perform on real ice skates. At the heart of the story is a speed skating competion that shows the importance of fair play. And like the Olympic ideal, winning is not everything. Logan Young/actor: "NOT EVERYBODY HAS TO WIN, ON THE OUTSIDE TO REALLY BE A TRUE WINNER." Milana Perepyolkina/actress: "NOT EVERYONE GETS TO WIN. BUT I THINK WE SHOULD CHEER EVERYONE LIKE WE DO IN THE PLAY." Joanne Parker/Hans Brinker Director: "FAIR PLAY IS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL TO HAVE THE VERY BEST RACE. IF YOU DON'T HAVE FAIR PLAY, YOU DON'T HAVE THE BEST RACE." Many of the actors in Children's Theater of Salt Lake have to learn to skate for the production. Logan Young, who plays Hans, took long track speedskating lessons at the Olympic Oval. Joanne Parker/Silver Skates Director: "YOU CAN REALLY SEE CHARACTERS, YOU CAN SEE WHAT THEY'RE FEELING, THE EMOTIONS THAT ARE THERE HAVING COMING COME INTO A RACE." The skating Competition provides the conflict, but it is the family's love for one another that makes this a classic heartwarming tale. Milana Perepyolkina/actress: "THEY FEEL HAPPINESS, JOY, SORROW, UNHAPPINESS, THEN JOY AGAIN. AND THAT'S WHAT LIFE IS." With humor and drama, Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates, reminds us of the importance of peaceful competion, fair play and kindness to those who are different. The Children's Theatre of Salt Lake is located at 638 South State. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates runs through Feb. 23rd.

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