Brian Sanders' JUNK to Present SNOWBALL at the Annenberg, 12/4-15

Well known in Philadelphia for thrilling acrobatics and emotional storytelling, BrIan Sanders' JUNK explores the realm of childhood fantasy with Snowball, on stage at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 4-15. Helmed by MOMIX alumnus BrIan Sanders, called "the city's most exciting choreographer" by Philadelphia Weekly, JUNK creates a wintry urban fairy tale where a group of characters discover that a little change in perspective can reveal big surprises. Snowball, appropriate for children of all ages, is part of the Annenberg Center's Philadelphia-focused By Local Series and supports JUNK's mission to make dance accessible to adults as well as younger audiences.

Set to a high-energy soundtrack of '80s favorites, Snowball features the kinds of characters you might expect from a fairy tale - lost boys, toad kings and a fairy godmother - but tells their stories with JUNK's signature wit and whimsy. In Act I, the residents of Grey Lane are losing hope, trudging through a bleak and unforgiving winter. But in Act II, their world is transformed into a Narnia-style frozen fantasia where an evil ice queen must be defeated to bring the city back to life.

An interactive experience for kids and adults, Snowball invites audiences to dance the Flake-Out, hiss at the ice queen and participate in a huge indoor snowball fight. Audience members who wear all white will receive five free snowballs to get started.

Snowball kicks off with a special Opening Night Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 11 PM, including a pre-show reception, exclusive seating and a post-show party. For more information, visit briansandersjunk.com/snowball.

The Annenberg Center's By Local series continues after the holidays with up-and-coming choreographer Gabrielle Revlock (Confetti, Jan. 24-25) and cabaret favorites The Bearded Ladies (Marlene & the Machine: A German Expressionist Cabaret, Feb. 7-8). For more information on the 13/14 season, visit annenbergcenter.org.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Snowball, $20-$40 (prices subject to change)

Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 PM (opening night celebration, $50-$150)

Thursday, December 5, 7:30 PM

Friday, December 6, 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 7, 2 and 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 8, 2 PM

Thursday, December 12, 7:30 PM

Friday, December 13, 7:30 PM

Saturday, December 14, 2 and 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 15, 2 PM

To purchase tickets, call 215.898.3900, visit annenbergcenter.org, or visit the Box Office at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.

CREDITS:

Conceived and created by BrIan Sanders

Direction and Writing: Lee Ann Etzold

Costume Design: Jill Keys

Lighting Design: Jay Madara

Set Design: Pedro da Silva

Portions of choreography created in collaboration with Dinita Clark, Kyle Clark and BrIan Sanders

The Company: Teddy Fatscher, Ann-Marie Gover, Laura Jenkins, John Luna, Billy Robinson, Tommy Schimmel, Connor Senning, Miles Yeung. With special guests: Dawn Berman, Robert Burden III, Dexter Carter, Sean Courtney, Greer Kristen Eobbi, Margie Foley, Kingsley Ibeneche, Jo Anne Jacobs, Nyasha James-Davis, Polly MacIntyre, Meredith Magoon, Christine Morano, Rodney Landis, David Rubio, Nicholas Schwasman

ABOUT BRIan SanderS' JUNK: BrIan Sanders' JUNK is known for its ingenious use of found objects and clever inventions that bridge the gap between dance and physical theater. Company founder BrIan Sanders built his signature style by blending traditional dance theater with inventiveness and physicality. The troupe's shows are a mix of exciting physicality and creativity, elegantly balanced with beauty and wit. JUNK strives to produce work that is both artistic and accessible while maintaining a ceaseless desire to try new things. Through original productions and community outreach, JUNK seeks to serve as a catalyst for generating fresh ideas and to encourage us to see the world in a new and vital way.

ABOUT THE Annenberg Center'S BY LOCAL SERIES: The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' By Local Series spotlights artistic talent that thrives within the Philadelphia community. Curated by the Annenberg Center's Director of Operations & Special Artistic Projects, Madison Cario, the series showcases both emerging and established Philadelphia artists as a part of the Annenberg Center's artistic season.

ABOUT THE Annenberg Center FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: The University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts has been the region's leading multi-disciplinary performance venue for theatre, dance, jazz, world music, new music and children's programming since its inception in 1971. The Annenberg Center's curatorial vision emphasizes four primary values: artistic integrity, cultural diversity, curatorial balance and a willingness to take risks. By presenting world-renowned and cutting edge artists and companies that express adventuresome perspectives on contemporary issues, timeless ideas and diverse cultures, the Annenberg Center promotes critical thinking and dialogue among its audiences, creating a uniquely rewarding arts experience.

The Annenberg Center has achieved national recognition for its outstanding Dance Celebration series (presented in partnership with Philadelphia's Dance Affiliates), touring theatre series, and for its superior offerings for children, including both its Student Discovery Series and the acclaimed 30-year Philadelphia International Children's Festival, the oldest festival of its kind in the United States.

Photo Credit: Pedro da Silva