Dancing Wheels Re-Imagines Jim Henson's LABYRINTH at Cain Park

By: Jul. 28, 2016
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Dancing Wheels Company returns to Cain Park's Evans Amphitheater to bring to life Jim Henson's magical and mysterious world of the Labyrinth.

With music by David Bowie, this production will give homage to the genius and artistry of this iconic master. Former company member Dezaré Foster, whose dream to bring this amazing production to Cleveland has been four years in the making, choreographs this world premiere. Other works that will be featured are Let the Good Times Roll and Walls of Glass.

Tickets for this event are $25 advance and $30 day of show. Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com (800-653-8000) or the Cain Park ticket office (216-371-3000). Cain Park is located at 14591 Superior Road in Cleveland Heights.

The Stone Oven Bakery Café offers a variety of picnic box dinners that can be ordered in advance of the event. Full menus and ordering instructions can be found on the Cain Park website or by calling 216-371-3000.

The fabled story first conceived by Jim Henson and Dennis Lee was made into a feature film that showcased Bowie's talents as an actor, musician and vocalist. Now for the first time, this story will be reinvented for a live-on-stage production featuring lead characters, Sarah and the Goblin King, portrayed by Dancing Wheels Company members, Sara Lawrence-Sucato and Demarco Sleeper. As a strong wheelist, Sleeper, along with Lawrence-Sucato demonstrate athleticism and power in their many encounters and adventures. Foster said her desire to create this new work with the Dancing Wheels Company was because "it was not only an integrated Company but also a strong, raw, eccentric and diverse group of dancers." She went on to say "With these characteristics and the charisma that each dancer possesses, I believe they can truly relay the overall message of this particular story." Other endearing characters are Toby, Sarah's sister portrayed by Emily Schwarting and Gigi, Sarah's guiding light portrayed by Mary Verdi-Fletcher. The production brings to life a whole host of scenes that include the twelve-member cast, ranging from the dark depths of the Labyrinth to the spirited and fun loving land where the "magic dance" takes place. In addition to the premiere of Labyrinth: A Tribute, two additional pieces from the Dancing Wheels repertory will be performed: Wall of Glass, choreographed by Lisa K. Lock, and an excerpt of Anomalies, choreographed by Mark Tomasic. The collective works on this program showcase the versatility and strength of this unique company.

Under the artistic direction of Founder, Mary Verdi-Fletcher, The Dancing Wheels Company, newly branded as the World Center for Integrated Dance & Art Access is recognized as the first and foremost professional Physically Integrated Dance Company in America uniting the talents of dancers with and without disabilities. Now in its 36th season, Company members include: McKenzie Beaverson, Mathew Bowman, Kelly Clymer, Tanya Ewell, Mary Verdi-Fletcher, Kristen Knabel, Kevin Marr, WillIan MacNeil, Demarco Sleeper, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Emily Schwarting, Ja'Vaughn White and Lianne Zydowicz.

Cain Park 2016 season sponsors include the Ohio Arts Council, The Westin Downtown Cleveland, oWOWNOW.com, and Motorcars Honda/Toyota/Scion.

Cain Park, a municipally owned and operated summer arts park, is one of the nation's oldest landmark outdoor theatres, and 2016 marks its 78th season. Cain Park is produced by the City of Cleveland Heights and is located on Superior Road between Lee and South Taylor roads.


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