Review: Snowden on Ice

Copyright 1997 Reed Elsevier Inc.

(Fri. (28), 8-9 p.m., CBS-TV)

Taped in by Smith-Hemion and Target Stores. Exec producer, Gary Smith; producers, Smith, Scott Hamilton; director, Dwight Hemion; writers, Buz Kohan, Tony Michelman, Gary Smith; adapted from a story by Nancy Carlson; camera, uncredited; editor, Bruce Motyer; sound, Ed Greene; choreographer, Michael Seibert; animation producer, Dan Netter; costume designer, Jeff Billings; original music, Randy Goodrum; production designer, Rene Lagler; lighting designer, Greg Brunton.

Cast: Ekaterina Gordeeva, Kurt Browning, Josee Chouinard, Daria Grinkov, Scott Hamilton, Kenny Lamb.

Voiceover musical numbers: Amy Grant, Olivia Newton-John, Anne Murray, Lou Rawls, Kenny Rogers, B.J. Thomas.

To no one's surprise, exec producer Gary Smith and director Dwight Hemion have turned in a holiday-period special that's a pleasantry, and have also resurrected that by-the-wayside novelty, a smart-looking hour with original tunes, talented entertainers and a pro look. The storyline's simplistic, but the sweet flavor saves the day.

Skaters Ekaterina Gordeeva and Kurt Browning are involved in a whimsical tale about encouraging Snowden, snowman spirit of the late, beloved Grandpa Albert, town's long-gone you-can-do-it resident. Blessed with an unchallenging adaptation of Nancy Carlson's story, "Snowden" family fare cuts the ice.

Host and narrator for the bright goings-on is the pond's aging caretaker, Scootch (Scott Hamilton), who clears the ice, skates effectively and merrily hokes up his routine.

Kate (Ekaterina Gordeeva) and petite daughter Lizzie (4-year-old Dana Grinkov, Gordeeva's delightful real-life daughter) live a train-ride away from skatesville known as Albert's Pond. Kate lived there until, almost falling on her Henie, she lost a competish to ambitious young Shana (Josee Chouinard). Kate, ashamed to skate again, ankled the burg.

Now she's brought Lizzie to gingerbread-like Albert's Pond for the winter festival. Albert's spirit, smiling on Kate. gives her a much-needed boost in magical ways. Old friends hail her --- well, everyone but blonde looker Shana, who, now armed with a bunch of trophy wins, seems to have a lock on handsome hockey instructor Brett (Kurt Browning, who's also Grandpa Albert reincarnated).

The outcome of the figure-skating competition between Shana and Kate --- Shana is ablaze in hot red, Kate's a cool breeze in pale blue outfit --- isn't exactly a surprise, but it's an optical treat. Canadian champion Chouinard's Shana solo is a rouser, and Kate's elegant turn is a delight.

Browning's hockey routine with kids is a winner, and Browning's Snowman's careful ice dueting with young Grinkov is a pleaser.

Olympic gold medalists such as Gordeeva and Hamilton and four-time world champ figure skater Browning give the icer an eye-opening sense of accomplishment and professionalism. "Snowden's" a prime example of Smith-Hemion showmanship.

Randy Goodrum's penned suitable original music for the winter spec, and the topflight solo singers are of enormous help. Michael Seibert's choreography keeps the spirits up.