Let's see, where to start. . . well right off the bat I went straight to the area where they sell the SOI merchandise. Since I wasn't in front of the line to get into KeyArena, by the time I went to buy my SOI merchandise, almost half of the pictures were already sold out! But luckily for me (since I'm short! LOL!) there was a really nice and VERY TALL guy standing next to me. I asked him to describe what items they were selling. They had the usual-- t-shirts, sweaters, jacket, program, magnet, mousepad, keychain, beanie babies. I only saw one cast photo. Usually there are two different poses of the cast photo. Maybe they ran out of the other one. But I was able to pick up the cast photo with everyone in their costumes. They are sitting on that zebra couch. . . I don't know why, but Kurt Browning in the picture looks like the loner in the group (only in the photo of course)! Everyone else is all squished together on the couch. I guess there was no room for him to sit! LOL! They also were selling lots of photos from last year, including Katia's fragile and four corners photos. They were selling Scott and Kristi's book, as well as Katia and Katia Sport. I couldn't believe how inflated the prices were!!! I think they were selling a 1 oz. Katia bottle for $35 when you could get it at Target for $19.99! Luckily I already have some at home.

Well after FINALLY getting all of the merchandise, I headed for my seats. Compared to last year, I was very happy with my seats. But I wasn't as lucky at Michelle to get on-ice seats! I WAS CLOSE! I sat in Row 3. . . so it really wasn't that far from the ice! Now let's get to the review:

Opening Number to Kodo: I really like this music. . . just something with the beat that's catchy! Of course there was really nothing that special with the opening number but compared to last year's opening number, I think I like this year's so much more better! When the person who announces the skater's names said "Ekaterina Gordeeva" the whole building went wild. I think besides Scott, Katia got the biggest applause of the night!

Bailamos: Again this was just a small group number. I don't recall what went on but I kept my eye on Ilia! LOL! We actually made eye contact! It gave me a weird feeling that I could be this close to such famous skaters!

Never:  This is the number with Lu Chen. She is skating with a big gold fan. I agree with most people that I didn't really like this number. I've read lots of reviews of SOI and they all seem to not like this number and I completely agree. I miss the "old Lulu" and wish she'd get back to the kind of skater she was on '98 before she retired. It looked like all of her jumps have left her. I don't even think she did any jumps in this number.

Demain: This is the small group number with Katia and Kristi. Again nothing special. Both Katia and Kristi were doing and dancing on the ice from one place to the other. They both looked cute though!

Swingtown: Boy! In this number I could not take my eyes off of Steven Cousins! He may not be a Scott Hamilton or a Kurt Browning, but this guy has style! And not to mention CUTE! LOL! Again, we had loud cheers from the audience when Scott starting flirting with the audience a bit.

Ragidon: Kurt was so hilarious during this number. I could actually hear him talk to himself as he was skating! I have never seen this program live before. I know many people are disappointed that Kurt is doing this clown number this year, especially since last year's theme was about clowns. . . but he was hilarious. The entire audience got into his performance and I loved it! He got a standing ovation from me!

Ghost: This was Roca&Sur's number. I think this is a beautiful number! Their flow is beautiful and so is their extension! I really like this year's number by them!

Ribbon: Tada! Now it's Katia's turn! She looked so amazing! Very beautiful! From the top of my head, she landed a beautiful triple toe in the beginning of the program, a single axel with the ribbon wrapped around her, and a single lutz. She had some minor problems with the ribbon when she had to catch it behind her back. She sort of had to assist with her other hand and look. But I didn't care one bit. Even if Katia fell (which she didn't!) I still wouldn't care. Katia's skating is so beautiful! I gave her a standing ovation!

Blues fro Narada: Next was Ilia's turn. He was having some problems with his jumps tonight. He singled his axel that I think he meant to make a triple axel. On his triple lutz, he touched down with one hand on the landing. And he doubled one of his other jumps. But aside from that, his program was pretty good. I really like this program. I think it suits him and his style very well!

Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing: This was Meno&Sand's performance. They looked very relaxed and into the program, especially Todd! They performed a beautiful throw double axel and when they did their signature lift, lots of people gasped in the audience! Again, I really like their new number this year!

Genie in a Bottle: Now when I first saw Tara skate to this on the NBC broadcast, it's not that I didn't like the program. . . it's just that Tara didn't look comfortable doing the dance moves. She looked really stiff. However, tonight, she didn't look as stiff. I think it'll still take me awhile to get used to this program but I guess as the tour progresses, hopefully she'll improve her presentation of it. But she landed all of her jumps beautifully and had a smile on her face the whole time. I actually like this song by Christina Aguilera. I know some people thing the song is offensive because of the lyrics but once the singer (Christina) explained what they meant, I understood them and after that didn't think they were offensive at all.

You Can Call Me Al: Scott Hamilton was such a cutie in this number! His facial expressions are so hilarious! Definitely a crowd pleasure! He doubled all of his jumps I think and did a wondeful backflip that made the crowd go wild. In the end, I think he was milking the audience for a standing ovation, but hardly anyone stood up! Sheesh!

Me & Julio: This was a small group number with Scott, Kurt, and Steven. I noticed that Steven's left skate boot was untied and his shoelaces were dragging. I didn't know if that was part of the small group number but everytime Steven performed a move, I kept telling to myself, "Don't fall, don't fall, watch out, and don't trip!" LOL! Luckily he didn't. Both Kurt and Steven were so funny in this skit! They'd make fun of each other and goof off!

Cecilia: Scott and Katia are skating together. Basically Katia skates around dancing and posing and flirting. I remember when she did this hip thing/hip bounce move and Scott fell backwards, everyone laughed! Scott played the cute chaser chasing after Katia!

The Sound of Silence: This included Scott, Bechke&Petrov, Meno&Sand, and Roca&Sur. I don't really remember much of their skating except I watched Elena and Denis skate! I was actually a little bit sad because I knew that this might be the last time I see them, since they are retiring after this season is over! They all skated beautifully. When everyone left Scott, he played the cute little loner looking for someone to just skate with. He definitely got the "awww" from the crowd!

Bridge Over Troubled Water: This was Kristi's turn to skate! I LOVE this number by her! It is even better watching her skate it live than on tv. Definitely no comparisons! She nailed all of her triple jumps, including a beautiful triple lutz that was set up right in front of me! Boy, she sure spins fast when she's up in the air!

Old Friends: This is the small group number that was televised on tv. It looked exactly the same, except when Katia is skating alone when she thinks everyone else is skating with her, then turns around and realizes that she's skating by herself, get's mad, and the group makes funny faces and stuff. They were too cute! Especially Katia's expression! She sure is a good actress! I guess practicing all of that facial expressions in the mirror with Sergei when she was younger really paid off! I LOVE this group number because of it's simplicity and sadness at the same time remembering "old friends." I couldn't help but think of the old cast members including Sergei of course!

Now was intermission time. Got me some food and then came back. Just some random thoughts. . . I remember Kurt coming down the stairs from the audience with a flashlight. He comes near the first row of seats and there's this lady there with her feet up on the railing and she had her shoes off. Kurt goes near this woman and takes a good sniff at her feet and makes a funny face and noise! The crowd just laughed hysterically! I hope that lady wasn't embarrassed! I know if that was me, I would be but Kurt was just playing around and he was so funny! I just couldn't help laughing!

Also, the different sections in the arena all challenged each other to see who could cheer the loudest! My section was the quietiest! I seem to always get stuck in the quiet section! I had to force people to clap or stand up! Geez! LOL! While the other sections across from me was even louder. The loudest section was to my side. Even Scott notices that this section cheered the loudest and did a double take, as if to say to everyone else, THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE! The look on his face was priceless! He is such a showman!

When they brought out the zebra couch. . . Kurt was on it pretending to sleep! He kept changing sleeping positions and scratched his butt! He was so funny. Then Lulu and Steven sit down while Kurt is on the other side of the couch making fun of them. He turns his back to us and sort of wraps his hands around his body as if to imitate them! Gosh, he was so funny!

Luv Me Luv Me: They brought out that zebra couch and everyone was sitting on it. I think they paired up Lulu and Steven, Tara and Ilia, and I forgot who Kristi was with. . .I think it was with Gorsha. Anyway, Tara comes out flirting and gets the attention of all of the guys! Meanwhile, Lulu, and Kristi get jealous or mad at their man for looking at another woman. And the guys skate after Tara trying to "impress" her.

It's About That Walk: Steven really got the crowd going here! He sure can move! He is such a cutie! Okay, I'll stop with all that cute stuff! LOL! But he shook his bootie and skated very well! He landed all of his triple jumps and really played to the audience. He lifted his shirt up to show his booty and he was right in front of me! Too bad I wasn't sitting on-ice! LOL!

It's Not Right (But It's Okay): Another number by Lulu. The only think I remembered from this was she landed a good clean triple toe and a double axel. But I don't remember too much about the program because I was looking at Steven most of the time since he was standing off to the side near where I was sitting! LOL!

Jazzin': Steven played to cute guy trying to impress both Kristi and Lulu! He got the crowd going with his moves, trying to flirt with both of them. Kristi really knows how to move! I still can't get over the fact that she is tinier than both Lulu and Katia! Weird!

He's Got a Way: I LOVE this song that Tara skates to. I didn't particularly like the outfit she was wearing. . . kinda like a sailor outfit/dress and it was purple and white to match Kurt's outfit. Again, I don't remember much of what Tara did because I was watching Kurt. While Tara was skating and as the lyrics go. . . "He's got a way. . . about him. . . ", Kurt is doing his best to look macho and flex his muscles. He was so funny!

La Valse Moderne/Dada Je Suis: This is the little duet with Tara and Kurt. I really liked this number with the two of them. It was very beautiful to watch actually and there were some funny moments. In the end, when Kurt puts his coat on Tara, I thought that was so cute! Everyone let out an "awww, how cute!"

Csardas: Isn't this an old number by Bechke&Petrov?? Nonetheless, they skated flawlessly! Their lifts are so effortless and they performed a beautiful throw triple salchow right in front of me again! I guess you can tell I had good seats! They also got some huge cheers from the audience. I really will miss both Elena and Denis when they retire! It just won't be the same without them!

Casi Un Bolero: This was the same group number with Meno&Sand and Roca&Sur. Exactly like what was televised on tv.

Si Tu No Estas/Casi Un Bolero: I was waiting ALL NIGHT for this program. Katia looked so beautiful in her red senorita outfit! Since I was actually close up, I notices the beautiful embroidery on her skirt and on the sleeves. I thought everything was just plain but it wasn't! I've watched this number tons of times on my tape and practically remember every step! After Katia finishes her layback spin and Ilia is supposed to grap her hand, he sort of just stands there while Katia rotates an extra 2-3 times. I think he went to fast on his steps skating around Katia when she was spinning because he sort of just stood there. But I think he was waiting for the music change or whatever. Then they go into a pair spiral. Their extension was right on. They had the same height of their extended leg and as they skated past me, Katia had her eyes closed while Ilia was concentrating hard! LOL!  Then when they go into that chair lift, I almost lost it! Katia looked so happy, like she was free! It's just the expression on her face! Too bad I didn't have a camera with me. . .the many pictures I could have taken! The rest of the program was beautiful. They had no mistakes at all and skated beautifully! When they finished, they got several standing ovations, including me of course. I noticed Katia taking a very huge deep breath as if to say, "It's finally over.", as in the program being over or she was just so full of emotions. I think she also looked very surprised at the reaction by the crowd. She was definitely one of the favorites in the crowd but her reaction was like she didn't expect it! I love this number and will continue to keep watching it over and over! I don't think you can compare this to Katia and Sergei because there's just no comparison. This was a fun little duet for SOI and it worked. The chemistry was definitely there! Several people sitting next to me asked if they were going out because they thought she was dating Gorsha Sur! LOL! I had to correct them on that one!

Play That Funky Music: Kurt comes out to skate next. Everyone in the audience seemed to get into this number. I could hear both Kurt and the audience singing along to the lyrics of the music! Kurt sold the program and skated wonderfully! He landed all of his jumps! He was definitely ON tonight!

Smooth: When I first saw Kristi skate this number on tv, I didn't particularly like it. But I got a totaly different feeling after seeing her skate live! I really got into this number, partially because I love the song! But on her first jump, she fell out of the landing but all of her other jumps were landed beautifully! She got lots of whistles from the crowd, especially before she started the program. This made her laugh which was actually funny!

Baseball Cap: Now I didn't really like this number by Ilia. I don't know why. . . it's different and he does a good job with the hat. He didn't drop it once, and only did so when it was choreagraphed. He landed all of his jumps though and he skates fast! But for some reason I just didn't like the program. Maybe it was the music. I particularly didn't like the music.

American Woman: I didn't know why Tara didn't skate her "American Woman" number. Maybe there was some difficulties with the music being played or whatever. But I was also just curious. Hmmm. . .

Don Quixote: Scott was so hilarious in this program! He landed all of his jumps including triples. He sold this program and the crowd ate it up! FINALLY, everyone besides me gave him a standing ovation! LOL! I was a little bit disappointed though that he didn't swing on the rope towards the crowd. Was this just a one time thing for the opening night at Lake Placid or is he really supposed to swing on a rope in the number? I was just curious. They did have a rope but it was attached to the lights above and I was so sure he'd use that but he didn't. Oh well. Other than that, Scott was so funny! When he was skating in front of some of the people who had on-ice seats, one of the guys sitting there points to himself and then points at Scott! Everyone laughed!

What a Wonderful World: The Finale was okay. I definitely enjoyed this year's finale way more than last year's. In fact, I like this year's SOI better than last year's. But my all time favorite season was the 1994/95 season. Nothing can top off that! But this year's finale was great. I love their outfits! Definitely stands out! Katia looked cute. She kept this huge smile on her face throughout! Everyone was great in fact. There was too much going on to just focus on one skater though! LOL!

Another small thing I noticed was during the "Old Friends" group number, Ilia came out in a baseball hat and stood at a corner and watched Katia skate! I thought that was so cute! I noticed him immediately. I doubt anyone else noticed Ilia was out there but because I'm always observing and looking around everyone, I notice things! LOL! Also, during Katia&Ilia's duet, I think I saw Steven come out to watch too. He was wearing shorts. I could be mistakened about both Ilia and Steven but it sure looked like them!

All in all, I really enjoyed this year's SOI! It seemed really short or at least it went by too fast! Enjoy and if you haven't seen SOI yet and don't plan on going, you really should! It's a highly enjoyable show! Who knows. . .you might even like it! :o)