Peter Tyrrell was born in Philadelphia, PA in 1896. After spending some time as a publicist for a boxing promoter, Tyrrell became a boxing matchmaker with the Philadelphia Arena, then that city’s largest public entertainment facility. (The Philadelphia Arena was built in 1920 by George F. Pawling, an engineer and athletic official, who installed $150,000 worth of icemaking equipment in an unsuccessful effort to increase the popularity of ice skating in Philadelphia.)

Tyrrell significantly enriched the variety of public entertainment in Philadelphia and elsewhere. In 1936 he became one of the first to book the Shipstad and Johnson ice-skating show, and its success in Philadelphia led to the establishment of the Ice Follies, which in turn became one of the most successful shows in the entertainment field.

In 1940 he formed an association with ten eastern sports Arenas which financed the Ice Capades, another ice-skating show separate from Ice Follies. Tyrrell was named business manager and organized and signed the talent for the first production. He served as first company manager and president. After rehearsing the show in the Philadelphia Arena, Tyrrell took it on its first road trip to New Orleans, La. Subsequently, the show was taken to Atlantic City, N.J., and rehearsed during the summers under Tyrrell’s direction before setting out on road tours throughout the country during the winters. He was a director of the Ice Capades from 1940 until 1963, when the company was sold to Metromedia, Inc., for $5 million.

An interesting side note to Tyrrell's career is he convinced Sonja Henie to turn professional, and she made her professional debut at the Arena and subsequently became the star of her own show, Hollywood Ice Revue.

Peter A. Tyrrell died in Philadelphia, Pa., May 8, 1973.



Posted by: Janet Wright,
Last modified on: 11/30/2007
 

The following is an excerpt from Eddie Shipstead, Ice Follies Star (pages 98 - 101)
[sic] . . their show as a good one, but no matter how good it was, if they could not get people to come to see it, they would very soon be in serious trouble. From Kansas City they went to St. Louis where they fared little better in attracting patrons to their show. Now there began to be talk about throwing in the sponge, but the three partners had too much invested in the enterprise to give up so soon. The other members of the cast agreed, but reluctantly. But it took more than this to discourage Eddie, Oscar and Roy. By
the time the show reached Philadelphia, the faith and determination of the three young men began to show results.
To their joy and relief, the ill-fortune which had
dogged their efforts disappeared in Philadelphia.
Their itinerary included a two-night stay in the City
of Brotherly Love, and true to its name, it welcomed
the discouraged little group. It was there that their
fortunes took a turn for the better; Lady Luck and
good Dame Fortune were both awaiting them there.
They had been tested and found worthy of their
blessings. Then, learning that their Nordic stock
was truly the intrepid kind that had made their
ancestors known throughout the civilized world for
bravery and valor, it had given the group its bless-
ing, in effect saying, "You have proved yourselves
worthy. The entertainment world is now yours; go
as far as your talents and courage will take you.
There are no limits other than your own."
The manager of the Philadelphia Arena was a
man named Pete Tyrrell, a quiet person who pos-
sessed a dynamo of energy and an indomitable will.
He had heard of the discouragements that had be-
fallen the Ice Follies cast and he was determined to
do something about it. The show was too good and the
idea behind it too novel to have them fall by the
wayside. The Philadelphia stay could well be the
deciding point in the ice show's career. If this city's
support proved to be not greater than that which
had been given them in the four previously visited
cities, it could well be that the show would "fold"
and the members of the cast return home in defeat.
On the other hand, if good fortune blessed their
Philadelphia stay, it could well prove to be the im-
petus needed to keep them intact and on the road.
Pete decided to do something about it.
All that was needed were customers, he decided,
and they could be lured into the Arena only by let-
ting them know just what kind of show had been
booked for their entertainment. This in turn could
be done only through proper advertising. Pete pro-
ceeded to exert his best efforts. He let the Phila-
delphians know the treat that was in store for them
if they came to the Arena to see the Ice Follies, and
the people, believing, came. Instead of playing to
empty seats as they had been doing, they performed
before a large and appreciative audience who liked
what they saw and told others about it. The result
was that the second night's crowd was even larger
than that of the first performance. It was clearly
shown that people could be induced to attend the
unique show and when they did, they would be
pleased. That in substance was the lesson that had
been taught in Philadelphia. With confidence re-
stored and spirits renewed, the little group gave up
all thoughts of quitting and devoted their efforts
in producing an even better show. The audience
responding in kind, showed their appreciation by
applauding, whistling, and stomping their feet.
"It was a brand of entertainment that had never
before been seen in the home city of the Liberty
Bell," was Eddie's comment. "They loved it and they
asked for more. The members of the cast were fired
to a new pitch of enthusiasm and they gave the
audience what is was clamoring for. It was a highly
advantageous type of thing for both of us."
Unknown to Eddie, Roy, or Oscar, there were
scouts in the audience that evening in Philadelphia
who were to play an important part in the success
of the new entertainment company. Some time pre-
vious to their Philadelphia appearance, Roy had re-
ceived a request from Madison Square Garden ask-
ing him if he were interested in taking part in a
special show that was to be held in Madison Square
Garden in which he would do a solo act. While he
was very much interested, he was forced to wire
back that he would not be able to consider their
offer as he was on the road with his own show. He
informed the Garden agent that he would be in
nearby Philadelphia on a certain day in the near
future, performing there.
The Madison Square Garden representative,
Major Harold Dibblee, contacted Walter Brown, of
the Boston Gardens, and the two men decided to see
this new Ice Follies road show for themselves. They
were both desperate for new talent at their arenas
and were interested in the reaction that Philadel-
phia audiences might have to the show. With Pete
Tyrrell, Harold Dibblee and Walter Brown were
watching the rejuvenated and inspired skating group
stage their performance. They were astounded by
the enthusiastic endorsement that the audience gave
to each number as it was presented and they lost
no time in hurrying to the dressing rooms after the
show to talk to the three men. It appeared that not
only did the enthusiastic audience provide an an-
swer to the worried Ships tads and Johnson troupe,
but it also gave Mr. Dibblee and Mr. Brown a solu-
tion to their problem. Both men were responsible
for huge arenas and they were desperate for some-
thing new and appealing to present to their patrons.
The Ice Follies was the answer, in the opinion of
both men. Not only would the show be a real attrac-
tion in the near future but it would provide an en-
tertainment that could be returned year after year.
Before Mr. Dibblee and Mr. Brown left the Fol-
lies dressing room that evening, the show had been
booked to appear at both the Madison Square Gar-
den and the Boston Gardens. The Philadelphia
newspapers carried the story in full, extolling the
ice show and telling of its coming appearances in
New York and Boston. In this way the word got
around and soon offers were coming in from other
arenas as well. It seemed that everyone was inter-
ested in not only a current appearance but also re-
turn engagements in future years. Within a few days
the Ice Follies of 1936 was booked solidly for the
remainder of the season and well into the next year.



Posted by: Janet Wright,
Last modified on: 11/30/2007
 

I hope this letter finds all the right people. If your performing right now your living it to the fullest. Remember this is a great business to be in, but keep your realities in check.We have all heard the term Lifer .That is the show skater that has taken this as a career. It is a big decision and yet a risky one . You have decide to take the other fork in the road. You've decided to continue your skating education and make some money.

The facts are you have to look beyond your show skating carreer as the posibilities to advance in managemmet or production are limited after you decide to hang em up.

The goals to keep in mind are : set yourself up financially so you have something to fall back on and keep conections open if you are going to someday teach which is the natrural progression for most skaters once they have decided not to get their PHD.

If your under contract this is a job which can work for you.You show income which if you have good credit you can purchase that house or apartment you have always wanted.
That contract shows you are employed which is important when investuing in real estate.
If your on tour ,you can rent that place out till your ready to settle a bit and its paying itself off.

Think where you would eventualy want to be and keep those conections so you can work at that rink when your on break or stay in your own house!

Keep it real and look ahead a bit and you wont find yourself in a hard situation when that producer says hey
we think your a bit to old for this ,or the limited opportunities to further your career are not presenting themselves.

I like to call it post traumatic perfromers syndrome.It takes years adjust to a more normal life and these things give you a bit of security.

Good luck and keep skating!

Posted by: Richard Swenning,
Last modified on: 6/26/2006
 

Hello, I am figure skating coach that skated with Holiday On Ice. Show skating is so different than "regular" skating it is so hard to imagine, however, it is the greatest experience that I have ever had in my entire life time. I was lucky in that I traveled with HOI to Europe, South America and Asia, what an experience! Also, I met my husband (still married after 21 years) in the show. He was the Chief Electrician for the show. We met 1 month after I joined HOI and have been joined at the hip ever since. Today we live in Chicago and I coach skating. I have so much passion for skaitng and always talk about my days of touring with the show and how great it was. I encourage my students to be the best skater and person that they can possible be. I talk to them a lot about show skating and how rewarding an experience it was for me. The skating is great and the opportunity to travel the world and be with others from all over the world is such a wonderful experience. I hope to send several of my students off to the show skating world and watch them live their dreams on ice!
Mary


Posted by: Mary Antensteiner,
Last modified on: 5/28/2006
 

The new FOX television show, "Skating With Celebrities" has been one of the most rewarding and pleasurable experiences in my career. As one of the coach/choreographers (shared with Michael Seibert and Renee Roca), I was working with Dave Coullier (with Nancy Kerrigan) and Bruce Jenner (with Tai Babilonia). Dave kept me laughing throughout the entire project with his perfect comedy timing and shaving off his first two toe picks from his blades because he normally skates in hockey skates. This was a concern, as when he tried to jump or stop backwards he usually ended up toppling forward onto both hands. When down there he could do push ups for extra training.

Bruce, on the otherhand, transformed himself into a competitive adult skater. He worked very hard by coming back at night and doing extra training hours. So much so, that when he was practicing a camel spin he took a dangerous spill which we will see in an upcoming episode.

These two men loved the skating terminology. Now, we have a
'double ham sandwich' followed by a 'straightline Mercedes step!'

Thanks guys!

Posted by: Randy Gardner,
Last modified on: 1/31/2006
 

Starting your professional career is starting to live the dream of skating and what skating is meant to be.The Joy of skating is being able to perform and grow as an artist.
You have worked so hard for many years and now you find yourself performing. This is your reward.

No matter what your position in any production keep your goals in sight. Strive to be a better skater,or performer every night and every week ,and you will be rewarded further. The biggest reward is the personal satisfaction you receive through your hard work. Maybe aquiring a principal spot, another role, a better salary, eventually choreographing,or a management position anything is possible...all great reasons to keep improving and seeing those goals become a reality.

Learn from wathcing your idols -first for their qualities as good human beings, and second as great artists, or performers.
Your only as good as your last show..so be better than the last one...get that comedy role you've always wanted, or that choreography gig!







Posted by: Richard Swenning,
Last modified on: 1/29/2006
 

What if your husband thru you a surprise birthday party with it's own ice skating palace, fleece vest scarfs and gloves for every guest, a ice show, a performance by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and a performance by a jazz band in your own 50's style dinner? Then you too would be as lucky as "Pat". She was the very happy birthday girl that Craig Heath, Ashley Clark , Fred Palascak and myself got to perform for in Birmingham last week. It was a very unique experience to say the least.If you are a child of the 80's, like me, it was so sureal to hang out with Joan Jett!!! She looks the same as she did in the 80's and she even gave us some of her CD's. We had some much fun at her show that we almost forgot we had to get ready for ours!! It's times like this that make what we do so cool.

Posted by: Melanie Lambert,
Last modified on: 1/28/2006
 

It is such a blast to be a member of the cast of the television production Dancing On Ice. Taking part in the most watched television show in U.K. history on its' first episode is brilliant.(over 11 million viewers)The backstage is chaotic. Literally, a hundred plus people running around like maniacs from about 9AM straight through until 10PM. Comparatively, setting up an ice show is a walk in the park.
The best part of the whole thing is getting to work one on one with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. Watching and learning as they masterfully choreograph routines is a sheer pleasure. Not to mention, being lifted by Chris makes me feel like a gitty school girl everytime.
My personal highlight of each episode is watching Torvill & Dean perform. If you aren't able to see the show I can assure you they haven't lost their fluidity, grace and unision a single bit. The entire cast eagerly surrounds backstage monitors to watch each and everytime they run or perform their numbers.
As for partnering with a celebrity that has no former experience on the ice, it's quiet a challenge. The male skaters have their hands full trying to lift their partners while the female skaters fear for their lives whenever their skates leave the ice in the hands of a begineer level skater.
Thanks to Chris, Jayne and England's top coaches Steven & Karen Barber we all come out looking like real pair teams. Of course, some better then others.



Posted by: Tamara Sharp,
Last modified on: 1/28/2006
 

Back in 1993, I was hired for my first skating tour with Dorothy Hamill's Ice Capades-Cinderella Frozen in time. Two company's of the production were to be created at the same time and then one tour would go to the US West coast and the other the US East Coast. Little did the skaters know what we were in for during the rehearsal period. We all showed up in Toronto with eager anticipation of the show that was to be choreographed. Tim Murphy and Nathan Birch were to be the choreographers and they, along with Dorothy, believed in "ice class". So, each morning we would get up early and take a bus to the ice rink and begin an off ice warm up routine. Then, Nathan would read out a list of who was in which group of skaters. There were four skaters per group and the first group was the best to be in and the later the group the worse you were doing. We all strived to get into a higher group and knew that if we didn't that we had a lot more work to do before the next morning.
After that, we had a few minutes to get our skates on and then we began a two hour class on the ice- all before the actual show rehearsals started! As hard as this was, I can safely say that everyone learned a great deal about working together, edges, movement, flow, leaning into your circle, all around balance on the ice.
After about 8 weeks, there were 2 beautiful shows put together. The concept was totally different than anything that Ice Capades had ever done. It was basically a theater production that toured arenas. Unfortunately, the audiences that came to see the Smurfs and the "glitz and glamour" did not buy what we were selling as much as they did before. Another production called "Hansel Gretel the Whitch and the Cat" was produced but was abruptly canceled half way through the tour. The Cinderella production managed to tour for 2 more years and did quite well in the smaller markets.
For the skaters, the lessons we learned and the "ice class" that we mastered was invaluable. I think that all of the skaters who were a part of that show came out as much better skaters and performers. As hard as it was, day after day, week after week, I am thankful for the experiences that I had to challenge myself to survive in that environment. That show set me up for a wonderful show skating career. Thanks Tim, Nathan, Dorothy and every skater involved.
Craig Heath


Posted by: Craig Heath,
Last modified on: 1/27/2006
 

October 1999 the Royal Caribbean Cruise ship "Voyager of the Seas" set sail from Turku, Finland and became the first cruise ship to have a permanent ice show in production. "ICEjammin" ran for 6 successful years and was replaced by a new production entitled "Ice Odyssey" in October 2005.

Posted by: Sylvia Froescher,
Last modified on: 1/27/2006
 

Shortly after Holiday on Ice finished in Taipei, Taiwan, my friend, Ellen, emailed me saying that it was a fantastic show and how much fun I would have if I could make it. I was so jealous because I have to tour with Disney on Ice and not be able to make it. It was the first ice show played in Taipei Dome, the place our skating people dream about for almost 20 years since we never had a regular size ice arena before. By now, you probably can tell that I am a Taiwanese skater, and the first Taiwanese professional skater ever. Skating in Taiwan is not a popular sport since we lack of good coaching and we only have one SMALL skating rink in the entire nation back when I was skating. I still remember the moment when I step onto the ice. The feeling was so cool, and I feel like that I can forget everything and be me when I'm on the ice. That is when I was 13 years old. Yes, a 13 years old boy whose height was about 5"00' and weight about 180 IB. I never thought that I could become a professional skater since I was not very fit! However, I love ice skating, it is something I would never give up. One day while I was practicing, one of my friends came to me and ask me, "Max, why do you skate? You are so fat; please don't waste your time and go to do something else!" It hurts, deeply into my heart. I almost gave up on my dream to be a skater but I didn't, I told myself that I have faith in myself and I will show him what I can do. Shortly after that, Disney on Ice - Toy Story 1 came to my town. I was so exciting about it since it was my first ice show. In my memories, I remembered there was a little boy who can spin really fast and jump really high in the show. He was my skating hero because I never see someone do that in front of my eyes before. If you guess who he was, he is our president of PSFC, Mr. Craig Heath. I said to myself, I want to be like him, skate in front of the audients and entertain people. Because of that, I made up my mind to be a professional skater. I never compete but always love skating. Maybe I am not that good of a skater; however, I have the heart to skate. Now, I am 21; 8 years after making my dream. I have the job I love, traveling all over the world that most people don't get chance to see. I did it. And I want to thank all of you who love skating because without you, I wouldn't become who I am now. Finally, it hits me when my friend told me the names of the principles for Holliday-Hollywood. It is Craig again... A little boy who help me make my dream come true. Thank you!

Posted by: Hao Liu,
Last modified on: 1/25/2006
 

Exactly. I have had the pleasure of working with so many wonderful people in all the shows I've done. What makes a wonderful tour is that you have to constantly re-invest your enthusiasm for living large and on tour. If you don't? You stop. I guess I'm still in the frame of mind I was my first show 11 years ago. Re-invest your enthusiasm in everything you do. It works. Cheers to the shows and all the people here tooonight!!

Posted by: FORREST RYAN MCKINNON,
Last modified on: 1/25/2006
 

As you travel across the world, from venue to venue, hotel to hotel, or sometimes hauling your trailer still...the smell of each arena you walk into, what make-up spot will you claim as your own for the week, is the ice hard or soft that week... where is the coffestand and board located,where is the local bar afterwards to unwind and chat with with the locals of the town or city...when is travel day and your day off, what time is the bus??, do you have your bus buddy..will the show get a standing "O" this week or not, but when you walk out of that building and say "Goodnight Phoenix", that you claimed to be your own for that particular week...the only thing that truely is yours is your Family of Friends that will last froever...That is what tour is all about....Nancy Pluta-choreographer

Posted by: Nancy Pluta,
Last modified on: 1/22/2006
 

As Craig said in his recent story, we are so fortunate as professional skaters to be able to do what we do and not only get paid and travel all over the world but really put ourselves in a position to meet so many amazing talented performers,people in the business and most of all make so many connections that really can be used as resources for yourself as a professional. I think my fondest memories as a young professional skater fresh out of high school and the amatuer skating world, was when I toured with "Disney On Ice" which at that time was called "Magic Kingdom On Ice" starring my all time favorite skater Linda Fratianne! She was one of my idols growing up as a little girl and to think I was going to be in this big show with the Olympic silver medalist was like the coolest thing that could ever have happen to a litle girl from Paxton Massachusetts. I was like a super star now! Annie Schmidt built such an impression on me and made the show sound like the most glamorus life you could ever have! She was the talent coordinator at that time. When I got "The Call" it was probably the most memorable moment as an 18 year old skater could have. I have to say there were some moments I will never forget and most of all people I will never forget! I remember meeting Jill Shipsted for the first time during rehersals and thinking, "She is like a star from the Ice Follies and I'm actually getting choreography done by her!" I thought she was the most glamorus show girl ever! She was so fun to work with and I remember her teaching me the little hand position that I still can do to this day and remember how hard I had to work to make my hands look like Alice in Wonderand! She did it so perfectly and she had one of the best sit flexes in the world! She worked so hard to show me how to make my legs do that pose and I tried so hard but I think I was missing about 2 feet worth of leg compared to hers! I remember Bob Paul asking me if I was going to change my hair color and make it more blond to look like a real show girl should! I was horrified had no clue what hair dye was all about but I'll tell you I learned pretty quick! Because of Bob Paul I have remained blond to this day and love it ... thank-you. How about those darn eye lashes for the first time! Ok my Mom didn't really let me where makeup back then so I was at a complete loss of what eye lashes were all about not to mention how I was going to get those on my lids. Thank God for my roommates who rescued me from this horrible dilema. That was a great laugh! I think we all can relate to our first experiences at the show and I feel so lucky to have met so many wonderful people that taught me so many aspects of the show world. About the travel,I can't even explain what an amazing effect being in Japan had on me. Granted we were there for quite a long time and adjusting took a little while especially looking at that little fish on my plate fresh out of the water thinking am I really going to be eating this? Needless to say Sushi is now one of my most favorite foods in the world to eat! What I loved the most about the country was how people remained so traditional in a country that was so modernized! I loved the whole culture and it's beautiful traditional ways. I remember going to watch the Geisha dancers and watching traditional Japanese Karate demonstrations as well as the giant Sumo wrestlers. Needless to say I now take traditional Okinawan Karate and love it! Where would I have ever gotten such amazing adventures as these but in the ice show! Now as a coach I look back and have some great laughs with some of my show friends and most of all use some of my teachings in my career now. Not the eye lash story but really learning the business from the best of the best back when show skating was changing from Ice Follies to Magic Kingdom to now Disney On Ice. How lucky I was to share such great times with such incredibly talented people.

Posted by: Beth-Anne Duxbury,
Last modified on: 1/22/2006
 

How lucky are we anyway? I am constantly thinking about how fortunate I am to be able to do what I love to do and then to get paid for it! I just completed a fantastic tour of Asia with Holiday on Ice- Hollywood. We performed in Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong (over Christmas) and Taipei. Since I also write a travel column for a magazine, I had plenty of research to do in these exotic places. I love that part of the world so it is not a stretch for me to be there for an exended period of time. I will tell you about some of the crazy and interesting moments that I experienced over there.
After closing in Bangkok, I flew home to San Francisco for two weeks and then back to Jakarta where we performed for 4 days. Then, I jumped back on a plane and flew to Hawaii for 2 weeks to skate and vacation until I had to head back to Kuala Lumpur. The air miles were piling up fast! The show dates were spread out so that is why I was able to be such the jet-setter. I did stay with the tour for the remainder of the tour, which was fantastic.
In Singapore I helped teach a seminar to the local skaters. I had done this a few years before while in Singapore with Disney on Ice- Toy Story. It is always interesting teaching kids from other parts of the world. Ice skating is our common language though so we always can communicate.
In Hong Kong not only was I performing in the shows, but I was waking up early in the morning and taking the train to the mall so that I could work with a few of the skaters that I knew from them coming to Sun Valley, Idaho (where I teach and perform in the summers) the summer before. Yes, I was tired, but it was a joy to be able to work with them and feel like I actually lived in Hong Kong for a few weeks!
Then, I flew to Taipei for an advanced publicity tour for our show. I had a fabulous time and became somewhat famous on TV and in the newspapers while I was there. Who is famous in Taipei? It must have been the blonde curly hair! I think that I was on TV there ust about every day! Maybe I'll have to go back soon.
During the final performance, I was handed a beautiful bouquet of 26 roses in the finale. Wow! It was from a fan, apparently. I love Taipei!
As you can see, I had a wonderful time filled with great experiences and interesting moments. This is the kind of life that I feel so fortunate to live.
Now, I am home in San Francisco getting ready to skate at a birthday party in Birmingham. Joan Jett is playing at the party too. They built a rink in the backyard and she wanted a skating show. I love it!
These are just a few of the moments that make my professional skating life a dream come true. I want to skate until I drop.
Sincerely,
Craig Heath

Posted by: Craig Heath,
Last modified on: 1/17/2006