Magical, Interactive AQUARIUM Returns to Imagination Stage, Now thru 1/26

Imagination Stage will bring back its popular production of Aquarium for its youngest patrons, today, December 17, 2013, through January 26, 2014. Aquarium was developed by Lyngo Theatre and premiered in January 2011 under the direction of Patrick Lynch and Pietro Chiarenza.

As part of its My First Imagination Stage season, Aquarium runs in Imagination Stage's Christopher and Dana Reeve Studio Theatre December 17-January 26 at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, and 10 and 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Each performance runs approximately 45 minutes. Appropriate for ages 1-5, tickets are $10-$12, with a $5 lap seat for children under 12 months. Tickets may be purchased online at www.imaginationstage.org, at the Imagination Stage box office, or via phone at301-280-1660.

With gentle music, beautiful puppets, and props, friends Jack and Calypso lead children and caregivers to a magical, interactive world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons become the sun in a "let's pretend" sky.

In a 2011 interview with The Gazette, Patrick said the youngest audience members "will love the multisensory and physical aspects. The older children will laugh at the slapstick between Jack and Calypso, and the adults will perhaps get the many poetry references scattered through the script..."

Marcello Chiarenzo, co-founder of Lyngo Theatre with Patrick Lynch, developed this production in a unique way. He started with drawings, moved on to creating the set and props, and finished by writing the story. This format enables Imagination Stage's youngest theatre patrons to truly engage and enjoy the show because there is not an intricate storyline to follow.

"Since this production is very image based, it's just right for very young children," saysKathryn Chase Bryer, associate artistic director of Imagination Stage.

Following the performances at Imagination Stage, Aquarium will tour to the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC, from January 28-February 2, 2014.

Maggie Erwin will play the role of Calypso. Maggie is making her Imagination Stage debut and has a BFA in theatre arts/acting from Boston University. Phillip Reid and Adi Stein will share the role of Jack. Phillip has performed at Imagination Stage many times, including in Aquarium, and has most recently been seen in the Roald Dahl repertory andAnime Momotaro. Adi is new to Imagination Stage and has performed at many area theatres, including Keegan Theatre, Round House Theatre, Arena Stage, and more.

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