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At ice show, a warm reception for Valley boy
The shows reflect values often seen in the Valley.
YOUNGSTOWN — A master of ceremonies on ice skates announced that “High School Musical: The Ice Tour” would start in five minutes.
“Are you ready?” he shouted to the Friday night crowd.
The screams from the very young children flooded the Chevrolet Centre.
But first, there was a brief award ceremony that recognized Alex Schlosser, 10, of Youngstown, who received the Star Dazzle Award given by the cast to a local child for work in the community.
The award was inspired by one given in the second of the three “High School Musical” movies.
Alex also got to sit as close to the rink as possible without having to have wear skates.
His dad, Frank Schlosser of Youngstown, said, “I never expected this to happen.”
The “High School” shows and movie, and now the musicals, reflect wholesome messages that are commonly found in the Mahoning Valley.
“We’re very happy,” Schlosser said of his son.
The youth helped a teacher organize her lessons, gives his Christmas toys to Toys for Tots, gives to charity and donates his old baseball equipment to others.
The reason?
“That’s the way he is,” his father said.
Alex has an interest in math and sciences, but his first love is baseball.
Frank Schlosser has a mathematical bent. He’s an electrician for the Youngstown’s wastewater department. His wife, Mary Ann, works for the Youngstown schools. Their daughter, Stephanie, 5, is just getting into athletics.
Schlosser said the city schools “do a good job, hands down.”
A lifelong resident of Youngstown, he said that as the city steps into the future, “let’s celebrate where we came from.”
Allison Grusha, 8, of Mineral Ridge, was in the audience with her mom, Ruth.
Her father, Gary, said their daughter is involved in all sorts of dramas and plays as well as dancing.
“I’m kind of the designated driver,” he said.
At the intermission, David Slaton of Austintown had praise for the show.
“It’s been exciting,” he said. “It’s high energy. Good music.”
The show was a Christmas gift for his 3-year-old daughter.
The show, he said, “showed a combination of values.”
The show will be performed through Sunday.
wilkinson@vindy.com