Rec Room Arts' Hit Kids Show Premieres All New Second Episode: GARBAGE ISLAND Episode 2 Opens April 8th

Parents, we heard you loud and clear: You want more GARBAGE ISLAND! Rec Room Arts' newest, original production, GARBAGE ISLAND, an original live sketch show for children ages 2 - 6, opened in February and ran to sold-out crowds for 4 weeks straight. The response was fantastic! Houston parents lined up out the door to give their children the opportunity to enjoy the wacky characters and sustainability-themed 30-minute performance, while they enjoyed a break...and a mimosa.

Rec Room Arts is thrilled to be able to offer an ALL NEW episode, opening April 8 and running through April 22. The new episode features some of the characters from the original show, finding themselves in even sillier garbage-themed scenarios. Additionally, there will be brand new segments such as The Garbage Zone, a riff on The Twilight Zone where the audience plays an integral role in solving the garbage mystery.

The show will again feature pre-taped segments; this episode will include a special shadow puppet video created by Houston non-profit arts group BooTown(hosts of the popular Grown-up Storytime and Neo-Benshi show).

Rec Room co-founders Matt Hune and Stephanie Wittels Wachs had the idea to launch a Saturday morning kids show to fill a gap they had found: There were no affordable, theatrical performances in Houston for young children. They approached local playwright (and parent of two toddlers) Abby Koenig, who conceived and wrote GARBAGE ISLAND as a fun and interactive live show that is both silly and educational. In the vein of children's sketch shows, such as You Can't Do That On Television, and The Muppet Show, GARBAGE ISLAND features absurdist humor and improv, as well as audience participation.

GARBAGE ISLAND takes place in a literal garbage dump where off-the-wall characters come to life to solve mysteries using creative and critical thinking skills. There is an underlying message of earth consciousness and rubbish reuse. Local singer-songwriter, Greg Cote (Catastrophic Theatre), hosts the show as Garbage Man Joe, and performing original music. Houston actors and Rec Room regulars Dano Colon (The Alley Theatre) and Orlanders Jones (Standing Room Only), return to Garbage Island and are joined by new cast member, Laura Moreno (Horse Head Theatre).

The set, designed by local artist Justin Dunford, and costumes designed by Houston Grand Opera costumer, Clair Hummel, are created using only found materials to further highlight themes of sustainability and reuse. Lights and sound are designed byGreg Starbird (Mildred's Umbrella).

Children are invited to bring an old toy with them every week that may be used during the performance as an improv piece for the actors. As such, no two performances will be the same and the audience is encouraged to return to see how the show changes each week. Each performance will culminate in a big kid dance party, with Garbage Man Joe and the cast. After each show, old toys will be donated to a local charity such as Women's Center of Houston.

Tickets are $10 general admission for ages 2 and above, and each ticket comes with a free drink (mimosa, coffee, juice box, soda). Children under 2 are free to sit on their parents' laps.

Rec Room is located at 100 Jackson St. Metered Street parking is available.

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