Silent Roar at the El Portal Theatre

Silent Roar is a full-length multimedia ‘cirque-like’ theatre piece depicting the story of a family of whales and its perilous journey down and up the coasts of the North American continent as the sea-going mammals struggle to survive against predators both above and beneath the surface of the water. Some of the dangers they encounter are natural, from carnivorous enemies like Hammerhead sharks and Great Whites. Other threats are manmade, from ocean mining, oil drilling, and sonar testing.

Subtitled “A Whale’s Journey,” this heartwarming oceanic story of friendship and survival unfolds in a multimedia adventure of music, special effects, aerialists and live theatre.

Told from the vantage point of the majestic Gray Whale, Silent Roar recounts the tale of a pod of gray whales that journey the turbulent migration path from Alaska to Baja while staving off natural predators such as Sharks, Orcas and even mankind.

But there’s friendship in the creatures’ world as well, as they bond with fellow mammals like dolphins and sea otters. A baby whale develops a special bond with a young disabled boy in a relationship so unique it is nearly a miracle. Silent Roar is a window to the universal understanding that we need to take care of and preserve all of Earth’s creatures.

Silent Roar is created, choreographed and directed by Zina Bethune, who for over three decades has pioneered new movement-based works for the theatre.

The stage spectacle incorporates the talents of dancers, gymnasts, cirque-style aerialists and actors with a multimedia presentation including the artwork and video of renowned marine muralist Wyland, video/multimedia/special effects by Tod Hillman, and an original musical score by Zeljko Marasovich. Oceanographer Cynthia Matzke Baer was consulted to ensure that the elements of the narrative are scientifically accurate.

Special offer:

A dinner-and-show package is available through the nearby Spumante Restaurant at 11049 Magnolia Blvd., only a five-minute walk from the El Portal Theatre with adequate street parking or $4 garage parking adjacent to the theatre.

Enjoy fine dining choices from five entrees, three desserts and coffee or tea, plus get a show ticket, all for $50.00 per person.

The production is made possible in part through the support of the Annenberg Foundation, the Ahmanson Foundation, Bank of America, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

Silent Roar

El Portal Theatre, on the main stage,

5269 Lankershim Blvd.,

North Hollywood, CA 91601

Runs:

October 7—16, 2011.

Performances:

Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m.

Tickets:

$35.00 and $27.00

Seniors, students and groups $20.

Dinner-and-show package available for $50.00pp

RESERVATIONS:

(818) 508-4200

ONLINE TICKETING:

Go to their official site.