ent000814-053

HB^HBHH^^^HH^^ fsfiRJETY Fri., Jan. 9, 1970 Holiday On Ice-1970 (The Forum; $5 Top) A biped ?╟÷ Ronnie Robertson?╟÷ is twice announced as star but two kicking quadrupeds?╟÷a small mule and a pony ?╟÷ and a trio of diminutive chimps are the actual stellar attractions of this edition of "Holiday on Ice," which began a 12- day Silver Anni engagement Wednesday at the Forum in Ingle- wood. Opening with an appropriately-garbed number to celebrate the event and even overshadowing past years in lushness, current show concentrates more on spectacular extravaganzas than in the past ?╟÷ a total of nine production numbers brilliantly choreographed and costumed ?╟÷ but also leans heavily on comedy. Unquestioned hit of evening is an act billed as "Kossmayer's Mules" ?╟÷ back again from its 1967 appearance ?╟÷ entirely sans skates and starring the two four- footers whose sole ambition is to keep volunteers from the audience from riding them. Whether the volunteers are company shills or not doesn't matter. Biggest hand went to one obviously house man ?╟÷ the audience roared its appreciation with a vociferousness that must have been disheartening to Robertson, whose "Human Blur" appellation still may apply to his unbelievable twirling. Robertson's effectiveness is somewhat dimmed by his two cos tumes, one black and white, other entirely black. They almost reduce him to a shadow at times when he skates out of a weak spotlight. Generally, this frosty frolic is fast-paced, various numbers seguing smoothly into others, but occasionally there is a dull spot. Alfredo Mendoza and Darolyn Prior in a pas de deux unfortunately are called upon to participate in one of these, with some unfunny comedy inserted by a house cop without blades entering the act. Number, despite the ability of the pair, should be deleted to snap up a show that opening night was rather overlong (nearly three hours). Compensating for this letdown is another twosome, Tommy Allen and Juanita Percelly, whose brightness and personalities coupled with interesting routines made them one of the highlights. In point of comedy, fastly pacing the mule-pony turn are Werner and Denise Muller with their chimps, as cute a set of anthropoids as has ever been seen on ice, reprising their success of last season. Back again, too, is the Cook Family ?╟÷ father and mother Cal and Dori, and moppets Kim, Kris and Kelly ?╟÷ whose appeal also reached a crowd that only about half-filled the Forum. Another act drawing particular moppet response is the old houn' dog act of Mendoza and John Ladue. Starting off with a standing silent audience ovation to the memory of the late Sonja Henie, "Holiday's" nine production numbers cover ?╟÷ virtually every season and occasion. There's St. Valentine's Day, Easter, Fourth of July, autumn, a Roman holiday spread and another set in Rio, and the stunningly - effective climaxing "White Christmas" number. In a more minor key, two other numbers are engaging, "Salute to the Operas" and "Hallowe'en Time." Also to be singled out for individual mention in solo work are Grete Borgen, Marie Langenbein, Alice Quessy, Ray Balmer, Carol Johnson, Paul Andre, Johnny Leech. Created, staged and directed by Donn Arden, "Holiday" in its two-act-18-scene spread deserves particular credit for Freddy Wit- top's inspired costumes. Deserving also of credit are John Finley, production director; Ben Stabler, musical director; Glenn Holse, scenery design; musical arrangements by Ivan Lane, Phil Moody and Stabler. Dorothy Morris' lighting frequently is lost in the cavernous Forum. Whit.