Pontine's WEST FEST to Run 12/26-30

For the sixth year, Pontine Theatre presentss a host of New Vaudeville performers at its annual WEST-FEST. Performances are scheduled for 2pm, 26-30 December at Pontine's West End Studio Theatre located at 959 Islington Street in Portsmouth. WEST-FEST is modeled on the Phyzgig Festival which was founded in Portland Maine in 1997. It's a family-oriented festival that chases away the blues with performances featuring magic, mirth, and mayhem. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at www.pontine.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door a half-hour prior to each show (cash & checks only), based on availability. Contact: info@pontine.org / 603-436-6660.

Each of the featured performers are skilled in multiple forms: physical comedy, clowning, juggling, magic, and more. BJ Hickman, of Dover NH, is a master magician who consistently charms audiences. John & Rebecca Higby (The YoYo People), of Amherst MA, not only amaze audiences with their yoyo skills, they also perform with hula-hoops and a unicycle. Roderick Russell, of Burlington VT, performs magic, reads minds and swallows swords. Ryuosuke Yamazumi, of Quebec, Canada, is an extraordinary juggler from Japan. Justin Lander and Rose Friedman, the founders of Vermont's Modern Times Theatre, use puppetry and music jingle their way deep in the hearts of their audiences.

The schedule for each show features three acts:

SCHEDULE -- (subject to change)
Thu 26 Dec -- B.J. Hickman (BJHickman.com) Roderick Russell (roderickrussell.com)
Fri 27 Dec -- B.J. Hickman (BJHickman.com) Roderick Russell (roderickrussell.com) Sat 28 Dec -- The Yoyo People (yoyoshow.com) Roderick Russell (roderickrussell.com) Sun 29 Dec -- The Yoyo People (yoyoshow.com) Modern Times Theater (moderntimestheater.com) Roderick Russell (roderickrussell.com)
Mon 30 Dec -- Roderick Russell (roderickrussell.com) Phil Smith (abracadabraprod.com) Ryunosuke Yamazumi (bigballjuggler.com)

PERFORMERS --

BJ HICKMAN (26-27 Dec) He entertains family audiences with comedy magic, dazzling deceptions, and mind reading miracles. Hickman's audience participation magic shows are a popular favorite throughout New England. He also performs at various nation-wide venues including the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. bjhickman.co

MODERN TIMES THEATER (29 Dec) Modern Times Theater is duo entertainment at it's best. Mastering the thoroughly modern mediums of pantomime, puppetry and novelty music, husband and wife performers Justin Lander and Rose Friedman delight crowds with a fresh take on the entertainment styles of the past. Friedman and Lander are also co-founders of Vermont's premier Vaudeville troupe Vermont Vaudeville. (moderntimestheater.com)

Phil Smith (30 Dec) Phil Smith of Abracadabra Productions will delight and dazzle audiences with whimsical illusions and comic bits. (abracadabraprod.com)

RODERICK RUSSELL (26-30 Dec) Roderick Russell is a professional sword swallower, mind reader and stage hypnotist. He performs nationally and internationally. His work has been featured on the Discovery Channel, the Travel channel, CNN, NPR, and Ripley's Believe It Or Not. When not on the road, he resides in Burlington VT. Roderick performs one of the funniest, most mysterious shows on the planet! Maxim Magazine calls him "the REAL DEAL," and ABC News says he's a "RARE FIND." In his family-friendly show, Roderick Russell demonstrates the power of the mind to create our reality and excites non-stop laughter in the process. A special treat not to be missed! (roderickrussell.com)

RYUNOSUKE YAMAZUMI (30 Dec) He is an extraordinary big ball juggler from Japan. After finishing 3 years of professional study at the Quebec Circus School, Ryunosuke has been performing his sensational juggling act for galas, circus companies and a variety of festivals all over the world. Ryunosuke leaves audiences of all ages roaring! bigballjugger.com
YO-YO PEOPLE (28-29 Dec)John and Rebecca Higby bring back that nostalgic toy, the Yo-yo, reminding audiences of old favorite tricks such as Walk the Dog and Rock the Baby, then amazing them with new and bizarre tricks, such as Boingy-Boingy and Iron Whip. Yo-yos attached to bouncy balls, yo-yos with 10-foot strings, and multiple yo-yos looping while hula hooping and unicycling are just some of their finely tuned feats. High skill and deft timing to swingin' music coupled with high energy and sarcastic humor make the Yo-Yo People a favorite for every age. As seen on David Letterman, they hold a Guinness World Record, a Yo-Yo World Champion title, and have performed in over 20 countries. yoyoshow.com

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