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The Theatre at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg is whirling with motion in April, with offerings that include circus-like acts of juggling and aerial comedy, a puppet show for very young children, a self-portrait of a poet and artist, a performance by a Grammy-nominated guitarist—and more. The following shows will be presented:

Olive & Pearl (Treehouse Shakers), Monday, April 9, at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. (Recommended for ages 2 and older; all tickets $10)

Created as a first performance for very young children, Olive & Pearl is the story of a young girl, Olive, who is lovingly being raised by her Granny, Pearl. Told through puppetry, theatre, music and movement, the intimately staged production lets audiences sit within Olive and Pearl’s home: a dome of soft felts, crocheted squares and colorful fabrics. Visual, stimulating and oftentimes funny, this delightful tale takes young theatergoers on a wonderful sensory journey.

UnFRAMED (Iyaba Ibo Mandingo), Tuesday, April 10, at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.; $15 (General admission; recommended for age 14 and older; includes discussion and light refreshments; audience members may pre-order a $5 box lunch and dine before the 1 p.m. show)

UnFRAMED is the emotional, powerful and uplifting self-portrait of Iyaba Ibo Mandingo, a poet, painter, playwright, husband and father. After reveling in an idyllic childhood in Antigua, Iyaba is rudely awakened when, as an eleven year-old, his family moves to the United States, where he believes the streets are paved with gold. Instead, he meets a world of betrayal and racism. Yet, through poetry, storytelling, song and the portrait he paints as he tells his tale, the artist shares his joy in the journey of finding his voice for change.

Martin Taylor, Thursday, April 12, at 1 p.m. & 7 p.m.; $15 (General admission; audience members may pre-order a $5 box lunch and dine before the 1 p.m. show. The 7 p.m. show includes light refreshments.)

Grammy-nominated musician Martin Taylor is a virtuoso guitarist, composer, educator and musical innovator described by Acoustic Guitar magazine as “THE Acoustic Guitarist of his Generation.” Widely considered to be the world’s foremost exponent of solo jazz and fingerstyle guitar playing, Taylor possesses an inimitable style that has earned him global acclaim from fellow musicians, fans and critics. He dazzles audiences with a signature style that artfully combines his virtuosity, emotion and humor with an engaging stage presence.

The Young King (Slingsby), Sunday, April 15, at 1 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. (Recommended for ages 8 and older; all tickets $10)

A naïve boy raised by goatherds turns out to be the heir to the kingdom. Untold treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others? The Young King is a coming-of-age story that grapples with the ethics of leadership and compassion. Oscar Wilde’s achingly beautiful language joins the intimate and magical world of internationally acclaimed, Australian theatre company Slingsby. Audience members will journey to faraway lands replete with rich rewards and challenging choices.

Air Play (Acrobuffos), Friday, April 20, at 7 p.m. (Recommended for ages 7 and older; $10)

Air Play is a circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal land of air, transforming the ordinary into objects of uncommon beauty. Fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, and a gigantic snow globe makes audiences gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts. The creation of husband-and-wife team Seth Bloom and Christina Gelsone, Air Play merges circus and street theatre performance art with the sculptural artistry of Daniel Wurtzel. Acrobuffos has performed in over 20 countries, juggled on Letterman, starred in the Big Apple Circus, and was featured in The New York Times.

The Polar Bears Go Up (Fish And Game/Unicorn Theatre), Saturday, April 21, at 10 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. (relaxed setting); $10 (Recommended for ages 2 and older)

There aren’t many balloons in the Arctic, so when you find one, it’s precious. If it gets lost, you have to go and look for it. Meet two lovable polar bears who are intrepid explorers, famous for their wild expeditions. Now they must explore unknown territory: the sky above their heads. They climb trees, jump on clouds, and reach for the stars as they race all the way into space. The presentation is from the London-based Unicorn Theatre and Glasgow-based Fish And Game, which produce high-quality live performance works for children and families.

The 2:30 p.m. performance, which is appropriate for all audiences, offers a more relaxed setting and 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 one hour before the show. They also may visit in advance by making an appointment date.

Machine de Cirque, Friday, April 27, at 8 p.m.; $20 & $30

Poetic and humorous, the five guys of Machine de Cirque really know how to please. Unfortunately, they are all alone in the world, so they take on a mission to find other survivors using a strange machine. Courageous, touching and funny, these five crazy characters are filled with a contagious spirit they can’t wait to share. They masterfully handle a teeterboard, juggling clubs, unicycles, drums and even bath towels. Energizing and daring, Quebec City’s Machine de Cirque will move and dazzle audiences, and make them laugh with its stunning feats. Before the performance, volunteers from the organization Juggling Life will conduct a free juggling workshop at the Theatre from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The workshop is open to Machine de Cirque ticketholders ages 8 to adult. Space is limited. To register, email Lisa Melillo at lisa.melillo@raritanval.edu.

To purchase tickets, contact the Box Office, 908-725-3420, or order online at www.rvccArts.org. Senior citizen, student and group discounts are available for most performances.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 15, 2018

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

PR #116