Family Series

THE ENGLERT THEATRE PRESENTS NEW FAMILY SERIES TO FEATURE PRESTIGIOUS ALL-AGES ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTISTRY

IOWA CITY, IA – The Englert Theatre announces its new Family Series as an extension of the organization’s commitment to present a diverse array of entertainment experiences. After a successful series pilot featuring Visible Fiction’s “Jason and the Argonauts” in October 2013, the Family Series formally launches its spring programming with Imago Theater’s dance-circus hybrid “FROGZ!” on March 4, “America’s Got Talent” alumnus Lightwire Theater’s dazzling visual storytelling on March 12 and Terrapin Puppet Theater’s touching multimedia performance of “Love” on May 24/25.

Designed to be enjoyed by audience members from 4 to 104, the Englert’s Family Series aims to provide low-cost, high-value live performance experiences from national and international touring troupes to foster a lifelong love of the arts for Corridor children and the adults in their lives.

“The performing arts can literally move us – emotionally, spiritually,” said Englert Executive Director Andre Perry. “It’s important to share these experiences when we are young and when we are old, and with friends and family. It’s part of how we enjoy life and shape a better understanding of the world.”

The Englert believes in the transformational power of the performing arts experiences, and is committed to ensuring access for all Corridor families. Admission for “Love” is only $5, and $10 discounted tickets for “FROGZ!” and Lightwire Theater are available to Friends of the Englert. In the future, the Englert hopes to continue setting Family Series admission as low as possible, with the goal of making many shows free.

“After ‘Jason and the Argonauts,’ we heard back from patrons that they were really happy that the Englert would continue to offer family programming,” said Englert Development Director Katie Roche. “Area families are looking for cultural events that are appealing to all family members and both ‘FROGZ!’ and Lightwire will dazzle, setting the bar high both in entertainment value and through their incomparable artistry.”

 

In Imago Theatre’s “FROGZ!”, movement, mask and mime combine to create a spectacularly fun program filled with creative critters both fantastic and touchingly human in a performance that The New York Times said “left everyone…feeling giggly.” Lightwire Theater – an “America’s Got Talent” semifinalist – uses electroluminescent crayon-like creatures to light up a darkened stage in astonishing displays of visual storytelling. Puppetry, neon-lit costumes and mystifying choreography make Lightwire Theatre a must-see theatrical experience. And “Love,” presented by Australia’s Terrapin Puppet Theater, is packed with charming, larger-than-life characters, stories and multimedia imagery that create “an amazingly multi-layered piece of visual theater…one of those rare shows that burn brightly forever in the memories of the young children who are lucky enough to see it.” (Write Response)

 

The Englert Family Series is sponsored by the Gannett Foundation and the Community Foundation of Johnson County, Hills Bank, Yotopia Frozen Yogurt, 4C’s Community Coordinated Child Care, and the Iowa Children’s Museum.

 

The Englert Theatre is a community arts center and performance space that enhances the vitality of Iowa City’s historic downtown as its last historic theater. The Englert Theatre provides diverse programming, educational opportunities and exposure to the performing and visual arts. The organization strives to highlight the talents of local performers, artists and ensembles as well as hosting regional, national and international touring performances.

 

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