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(Henie/Wirtz Center Theater productions) |
Bob Payne's (Petrillo) first ice show was at Center Theater, which is one block down from the famous radio city music hall. The show was named "Hats Off to Ice," "Stars on Ice," and more. I was a chorus boy and had principal roles at this time. Sonja Henie and Arthur M. Wirtz were the producers.That's how I met Sonja. The theater was a beauty - great dressing room and wonderful stage. The theater held 3300 people. After doing several shows, I went on tour with the Sonja Henie Hollywood Ice Review. 
Sometime after that I partnered with Genevieve Norris and we had the leading skating team with many shows, including "Ice Vogues." We toured South America and all over Europe. The Holiday show opened in Bruxelles for the first European engagement. After a wonderful trip on the Queen Mary (I still have the passenger list) and a very successful one-year tour, the company sent Genny and myself back to the USA to open in another "Holiday on Ice" in 1952.During a performance we had an accident caused by a large spangle which my blade came in contact with, and I lost my edge and down we went with Genny on top of me. I injured my back so badly that I was out for six months. 
Genny went to Europe with another edition of Holiday. I tried to get back on the ice with a new partner, Helen Smith, and we skated at the famous Allalphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas. We did a few shows there, but my back just could not handle it, so I got out of skating.At this time I turned to my next love, the antique business. I opened a store in Greenwich Village, New York City, in 1960 and then moved to Southampton, New York with the shop in 1965. As you can see, I have thirty-plus years in the business, and maybe a few more left. I would like to find some home movies from anyone that might have taken them during the "Holiday on Ice" shows. I realize it was a long time ago, but I feel there must be some footage - either 8mm or 16mm - of Norris and Payne. If found, I will pay to have tapes copied. 
P.S. I went skating recently - still have not forgotten how - at the Gold Coast Ice Arena in Pompano Beach, Florida. I still have some edges! - Bob Petrillo, June 1999  from "Ice Vogues" program, 1949 |
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