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The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg will be whirling with motion in March, as performances feature ballet, ballroom and contemporary dance; juggling and acrobatics; puppetry and more for all ages. The following shows will be presented:

Koresh Dance Company, Saturday, March 4, at 8 p.m.; $25 & $35 (Reserved seating)
Hailed for its engaging shows and technically superb dancers, the Philadelphia-based Koresh Dance Company creates thrilling, innovative and emotional performances that break the boundaries of traditional choreography and thrill audiences. Celebrating its 25th anniversary season, the critically acclaimed company presents a program drawn from over 60 existing works by Artistic Director Ronen Koresh. As part of this anniversary program, Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23 will be featured in a newly commissioned work, 23: Deconstructing Mozart, a collaborative initiative created by Koresh and multimedia artist Paul Miller, a.k.a. DJ Spooky. The company’s stunning athleticism and compelling choreography will be highlighted in works both old and new.

Masters of Dance and Music (American Repertory Ballet), Saturday, March 11, at 3 p.m.; $25 & $35 (Reserved seating)
Masters of Dance and Music is a plethora of style, spirit, grace and innovation. The program begins with Glazunov Variations, a highly technical work danced to sections of composer Alexander Glazunov's magical score for the classical ballet Raymonda. A world premiere by American Repertory Ballet Resident Choreographer Mary Barton also will be highlighted. The program finishes with There is a Time, a deeply evocative work by modern dance pioneer and choreographer José Limón. Based on Chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes (“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven”), this moving, majestic dance reflects the human condition and the interminable passage of time.

The Man Who Planted Trees (Puppet State Theatre Company), Sunday, March 19, at 2 & 5 p.m. (Recommended for ages 7 and older; all tickets $15)
Featuring a unique blend of comedy, puppetry and storytelling, The Man Who Planted Trees tells the inspiring story of a peaceful French shepherd and his button-eyed dog who, amidst the ravages of war, transform a barren wasteland into a thriving, beautiful forest—one acorn at a time.

Hatched (Treehouse Shakers), Friday, March 24, at 1:30 & 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 2 and older; all tickets $10)
Hatched depicts a newborn chick who emerges from her shell to a strange and busy world. She is met by an assortment of farmyard friends: a feisty old rooster, a wobbly calf learning to walk, a gaggle of dancing chicks, a lamb, and a noisy nest of baby birds. Told through movement, music, handcrafted puppets and with very little human dialogue, Hatched encourages young audience members to interact with the newborn animals as they explore their worlds.

Water on Mars, Saturday, March 25, at 2 p.m. (sensory-friendly performance) & 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 7 and older; all tickets $15)
Water on Mars could be described as intense juggling for space stations: 100 rings thrown through the air, backflips landed, feet twisted, water flying, 21 balls juggled and 15 pins spinning, all set to the pulsing rhythms of an electronic beat. Created in Stockholm, the show features three gifted performers who combine juggling with music and acrobatics—not to mention snow, chocolate, tap dancing, and 400 rolls of tape. Manipulating juggling in the most surprising ways, the performers present unique tricks that are as physical as break dance, and just as stylized as Japanese pop art.

The 2 p.m. sensory-friendly performance is designed specifically for children with autism or related conditions who experience heightened sensory sensitivity, providing a safe and judgment-free space that is welcoming for all families. The performance is general admission, allowing families to choose a comfortable seating space. Families who have not been to The Theatre at RVCC before are invited to stop by and visit the theatre space and explore the seating areas two hours before the show. They also may visit in advance by making an appointment date.

In conjunction with the show, The Juggling Team (www.thejugglingteam.com), a local juggling center, is offering a free workshop for adults and kids (age eight 8 and older) before the 2 p.m. show featuring beanbags, juggling sticks and more. Beginners and experienced jugglers are welcome to attend. The workshop is scheduled for 1-1:40 p.m. and registration is limited to 24 people. To reserve your spot, email Lisa at lisa.melillo@raritanval.edu.

Che Malambo, Sunday, March 26, at 3 p.m.; $25 & $35 (Reserved seating)
A powerhouse company of men, Che Malambo brings fiery Malambo traditions and virtuosic dancing to the contemporary stage for an exhilarating and entertaining show that’s appropriate for the entire family. The Argentine-based company presents a thrilling, wonderfully wild percussive dance and music spectacle, exciting audiences through precise footwork and rhythmic stomping, drumming and singing. The performers celebrate the unique South American cowboy tradition of the gaucho.

In conjunction with the show, Ludo’s Ballroom of Whitehouse will offer a free tango lesson from 1:45-2:30 p.m. No tango dancing experience is necessary. Registration is required and space is limited. To reserve your spot, email Lisa at lisa.melillo@raritanval.edu.
For additional information or to purchase tickets for any Theatre production, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Subscribers’ packages are available. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are also available for most performances.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2017

Media contact: Donna Stolzer, 908-526-1200, ext. 8383

PR #99