SWCS Graduate Returns To Area To Perform In Excellence On IceBy Scott Kindberg Kristen Treni performs as Sharpay in Disney's High School Musical, The Ice Tour. Treni is in Jamestown this week to perform in the Jamestown Skating Academy's annual Excellence on Ice event. Submitted photo Kristen Treni sits in the conference room at the Jamestown Skating Academy offices on Monday afternoon and a smile spreads across her face. She's returned to Jamestown from a six-week tour in Spain, Italy and the tiny country of Andorra as part of the cast of "Princess Classics." The visit won't be an extended one, but the 1998 Southwestern Central School graduate is happy to be home. "It's a great time," she said, "and I feel lucky to have someplace like this to come back to." Treni, 28, is a former three-time national competitor with the Jamestown Skating Academy, who has parlayed those successes into a professional career that has spanned nearly a decade. Among her credentials are stints with Holiday On Ice, various cruise ships and a starring role on a reality television series. But her most visible role was as Sharpay in Disney's High School Musical, The Ice Tour, which completed its two-year run throughout North America in March. "The first year was like a rock concert," Treni said. "I loved my character . ... The show itself was amazing. With my part, I loved the freedom. It was fun coming into work." And it was fun for Jamestown Skating Academy co-directors Kirk Wyse and Lenel van den Berg to see their former student be part of the highest-grossing Disney ice show in history. "Kristen is fantastic as Sharpay," van den Berg said. "We saw her in the show in Cleveland." Now, area residents will get that chance on Saturday. Treni will be one of the headliners in both the 3 and 7 p.m., performances of the Skating Academy's annual Excellence on Ice, "The Pride of Jamestown" at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. She will play her Sharpay role in the show's High School Musical production. "I'm excited," she said. "Kirk and Lenel put on shows that are almost at that (professional) level." Featuring all new costumes and a new lighting system, the show will also include Taylor Firth, a former three-time national competitor who is making her first public appearance since starring in the movie "Ice Castles." "We skate because we enjoy performing," Treni said. "It can take you in different directions than you ever imagined." That's why - even after nearly 10 years - Treni intends to continue to perform. "The travel and lifestyle are not comparable to a normal job," she said. "I love to get paid to travel, I love to skate and I love working with people from all over the world." But she also loves being at home. "It's always nice to come here," Treni said. Tickets for Excellence on Ice are available at the arena box office, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On-ice VIP table seats are $17 and general admission tickets are $9. To reserve tickers by phone, call 664-6609.
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