Louisa Gouliamaki, Getty Images Costas Filippidis, the first torchbearer, holds the Olympic flame during the lighting ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Click photo for larger image.

TURIN, Italy -- Futuristic performers zipping around on roller blades with flames shooting from the back of their helmets will be the star attractions of the opening and closing ceremonies at the Turin Olympics.

The display by the "Sparks of Passion" bladers, who will skate at up to 43 mph, was one of the few details revealed yesterday in a preview of the productions that cost nearly $33 million.

"They will represent the Turin and Italy of the future," producer Marco Balich said, comparing the skaters to the "Children of Light" performers at the 2002 Salt Lake City ceremonies.

"Every Olympics has its icon," he said, adding the skaters also will be at the medal plaza in downtown Turin and other areas during the Feb. 10-26 Winter Games.

Balich said the show will carry themes of energy, velocity, style and passion, performed in a "contemporary language."

"Turin is looking to the future," he said. "This is the biggest city a Winter Olympics has been in."

There also will be the usual acrobatics and fireworks. In a break from past Winter Games, no ice will be used. "We decided not to use ice because we think ice limits speed," Balich said.

The shows will be in the renovated 35,000-capacity Stadio Comunale and broadcast live worldwide. "It's the moment the games start, and in the end it's the most widely followed event of the two weeks," said Andrea Varnier, the organizing committee's director of events.

After an hour-long show, the opening ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. local time and is to last 21/2 hours -- perhaps more depending on the length of the parade of nations.

Tickets are still available and cost from $293 to $997. Also, 6,100 volunteers will be on hand, 500 pairs of roller blades will be used and 3,900 gallons of tea brewed to keep performers warm.

A 43,000-square-foot stage -- one of the biggest constructed in Italy -- is being built on one end of the stadium.

Californian Doug Jack is the choreographer and has arranged the opening and closing ceremonies for the past five Olympics.

For local flavor, Giorgio Armani will choreograph the entrance of the Italian flag. Dancer and Piedmont native Roberto Bolle will be a featured performer.