TANGOS, CIRQUE ZIVA Set for MPAC, 3/7-8

Two different parts of the world - two very different types of performances - showcase the grace, athleticism and passion of two very different cultures. MPAC goes global in early March with Tangos: Featuring the Stars of Forever Tango on Friday, March 7, at 8 pm. Tickets are $29-59. On Saturday, March 8, The Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats present Cirque Ziva at 3 pm and 7:30 pm. Tickets are $19-39. The Golden Dragon performance is sponsored by McCarter & English.

Tangos: Tango's flamboyant history, from turn-of-the-century Buenos Aries bordellos to its acceptance in high society, comes alive through this sensual production featuring brilliant dancers and musicians from the internationally acclaimed production of Forever Tango. Through music, dance and song the audience becomes involved in an exciting look at the Tango's colorful, flamboyant history, from turn-of-the-century Buenos Aries bordellos to its acceptance in high society. The exciting, fully-staged touring production features ten of the brilliant dancers and five musicians from the internationally acclaimed production of Forever Tango.

Cirque Ziva: This unique cirque spectacular showcases traditional Chinese acrobats who dazzle with amazing feats of athleticism, daring heart-stopping stunts and the grace of their centuries-old art form.

The newest show from producer Danny Chang (Artistic Director of the Golden Dragon Acrobats), Cirque Zíva was created in 2011 for a 10-week engagement at Asbury Park Boardwalk's Paramount Theatre, the first-ever summer run held at the venue in its more than 80-year history. An instant success in Asbury Park, earning critical acclaim and packed houses, Cirque Zíva is a fast-paced, technically innovative and beautifully presented new show. The large cast and spectacular set designs illustrate the best of Chang's brand of artistic merit, high production value, and solid commitment to cultural exchange.

Lien Chi Chang officially established the Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats in 1967 with his family whose members included Danny Chang, his sister and other students. From 1967 to 1984, Lien Chi led the company to numerous performances in different nations. The Chinese Golden Dragon Acrobats dazzled audiences range from 8 years old kids to 80 years old seniors all across the globe. Danny Chang, often traveled with his father's Golden Dragon Acrobats, was later chosen by the National Acrobats Troupe of Republic of China to lead the various world tour produced by the most prestige acrobat school in Taiwan. Danny took over the troupe in 1985, when it made its U.S. debut.

Today, the Golden Dragon Acrobats have been recognized as the preeminent Chinese acrobatic company in the United States. As the director and the producer, Danny Chang has built a solid reputation based on his talents as both an acrobatic performer and artistic director. Every year, along with the choreographer, also his wife, Angela Chang, attend different acrobatic competitions to constantly select the most elite performers to join the Golden Dragon Acrobats.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2013-2014 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, F.M. Kirby Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. The Mayo Performing Arts Center has been designated a Major Presenting Organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Tangos: Stars of Forever Tango
Friday, March 7, 2014 at 8 pm
Tickets $29-59

Golden Dragon Acrobats present Cirque Ziva
Saturday, March 8, 2014 at 3 pm and 7:30 pm
Tickets $19-39

Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St., Morristown, NJ 07960. Contact the box office by calling (973) 539-8008 or online at www.mayoarts.org.

All Programs Subject to Change.