ent000658-016

?╤ :. ;: ARTHUR M. WIRTZ Producer *76>e 'ZfolttycvaocL Ice TReowe?╟÷ 'Plotted *?· ati *?ce^1Revcce<i It is no wonder that millions of patrons annually watch the awe inspiring performances of Arthur M. Wirtz' fabulous HOLLYWOOD ICE REVUE. The public has grown to realize the caliber of this million-dollar production and each year attendance records top those of previous years. Arthur M. Wirtz is the pioneer in the production of professional ice shows, having staged the very first ice extravaganza in 1935 when a $14,000 production premiered in the Chicago Stadium. Now the 20th edition of that pioneering effort will cost nearly 100 times the 1935 figure. In fact, the WIZARD OF OZ spectacle alone (which is only one of eight huge produclion numbers) will cost more to produce than the average Broadway play. The 1955 edition of the HOLLYWOOD ICE REVUE is a completely new show, with a new Choreographer, new Costume Designer, and several new and outstanding skating stars. However, many of the original staff, which helped Wirtz in his pioneering effort, are still on hand to steady the way and lend the vast experience gained during 20 years of producing the World's Greatest Ice Show. Included in the original staff is William H. Burke, whose ability and experience is unexcelled. He commands the title of Assistant Producer, and has been an able administrator since that first performance 20 years ago. Once the show opens and goes on the road, Ludy Kassebaum takes over as Manager. Business and show problems from there on rest on his shoulders. Donn Arden, choreographer, is an internationally famous "architect of show business". He has distinguished himself with many awards for his work both in this country and in Europe. Arden won the Grand Prix de Paree for his productions in Paris and Rome and is generally acknowledged to be the world's foremost choreographer. He staged the famous productions in Paris' Cabaret Lido and has had many successes in New York, Hollywood and Las Vegas. In addition, he is a leading name in television circles and has staged and choreographed many top TV productions. Arden has been producer, director, and choreographer of Moulin Rouge, Hollywood's famous showplace. Another of his successes will be seen in the new Cinerama Holiday. The costumes and stage settings, which account for a large portion of the million dollar production cost, are in i DONN ARDEN Choreography and Staging WILLIAM H. BURKE Assistant Producer the hands of the very capable Raoul Pene du Bois of New York. Mr. du Bois comes from a family of well known artists and writers and has done portrait paintings as well as settings and costumes for ballet, drama, motion pictures and television spectacles. He designed decore' for such movies as Louisiana Purchase, Frenchman's Creek, Lady in the Dark, and Dixie. He created costumes and settings for Billie Rose's Diamond Horseshoe and Casa Manana, as well as Leonard Sillman's "New Faces". Some of his top Broadway productions are Panama Hattie, Carmen Jones, Call Me Madam, Lend an Ear, Wonderful Town, Make a Wish, and Mrs. Patterson. The music for the current Hollywood Ice Revue is under the able direction of Paul Van Loan who has been with the show for the past 15 years. He has arranged scores for many leading radio and television productions. Van Loan was a bandmaster in the Marine Corps and has worked in every major movie studio in Hollywood, where he makes his home. He spent 10 years arranging, composing, and conducting at Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp. He has written hundreds of compositions. Besides this capable production staff which Mr. Wirtz has gathered over the years, no corner of the globe has been forgotten in his intensive search for the best skating talent. No less than 12 countries and 36 states are represented in the skating company. There are skaters from as far south as South Africa and as far north as Sweden. Austria, Germany, Italy, England, Brazil, Cuba, Switzerland and Canada are also represented. Almost every imaginable world's championship is also represented among the cast, the Olympic champion, two women world title holders, and several male champions, both amateur and professional. \yg:-j:m LUDOLF KASSEBAUM Manager RAOUL PENE DU BOIS Costume Designer PAUL VAN LOAN Musical Director