Pauline Adamek
A highly theatrical, stylized production for all ages that utilizes poetic language, circus arts, live music and multi-media to explore themes of grief and loss, Walking the Tightrope makes its West Coast premiere debut in Downtown Los Angeles. Opening night is Saturday, January 26, with Saturday performances through March 30, 2013.
Presented by LAb24, 24th STreet Theatre’s resident experimental theater company, this show provides a unique experience for families and plays to adults and kids on multiple levels.
The innovative company’s 2012—13 season of sophisticated and provocative theater appeals to and is appropriate for kids while maintaining the emotional complexity of adult theater.
Directed by 24th STreet Artistic Director Debbie Devine, and starring Mark Bramhall, Tony Duran, Michael Redfield and Paige Lindsey White, the deceptively straightforward story concerns young Esme, who visits her grandparents every summer at a seaside resort and is left to wonder why, this year, Nanna isn’t there. On a more complex level, Tightrope explores the deep grief experienced by her grandfather over the death of his wife, and his redemption through the innocence and inherent joy of a young child.
“This is a very special piece, a lyrical tone poem that has been dramatized and turned into a play for all ages,” explains Devine. “Children will get that Esme is searching for her grandma, and they’ll love the clown, music and vivid design elements. Adults will understand and relate to the old man’s profound grief. How do you survive a spouse? How do you go on?”
Walking the Tightrope continues the groundbreaking work that earned 24th STreet Theatre last season’s national TCG Peter Zeisler Award for risk taking and innovation in the American theater. The highly lauded creative team includes set designer Keith Mitchell, sound designer John Zalewski, lighting designer Dan Weingarten, costume designer Ela Jo Erwin and video designer Matthew Hill.
“These artists are acclaimed for their design work in theater, opera, film and TV, but they clearly ‘get’ what needs to be done to engage young audiences as well,” says Devine.
Walking the Tightrope
Presented by LAb24, 24th STreet Theatre’s resident experimental theater company.
24th STreet Theatre
1117 West 24th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007-1725
Performances:
Runs Jan. 26—March 30, 2013
Saturdays @ 2 pm: Jan 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Saturdays @ 7:30 pm: Jan 26; Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23; Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Bookings: (213) 745-6516 or online.
TICKETS:
Adults: $15.00
Under 16: $10.00
Seniors, Students and Teachers: $12.00
North University Park residents: 24 cents
PARKING: Secure lot on the southwest corner of 24th and Hoover: $5.00
Brian Sonia-Wallace
