The Donovan Ensemble Comes To Union City June 9

The Donovan Ensemble, theater in residence at St. John's Episcopal Church in Union City, announces that it will be will be holding its second annual circus themed benefit performance and gala on Thursday, June 9th 2011 at 7:30pm at St. John's Gymnasium, 1516 Palisade Avenue, Union City, NJ. The scenery for the show will be made primarily of recycled clothing.

This is a unique opportunity to help The Puerta Abierta After School Program, a program of St. John's Episcopal Church, which has provided free bilingual after school care for youth from low income families since 1988. The program's state and local grant funding is constantly in jeopardy due to budget cuts plus St. John's own financial situation is precarious due to shrinking church membership. Without additional support this invaluable community program may not be able to continue.

The show, called Preposterosity: Tall Tales from the Enchanted Forest, will transport the audience into a magical land where Union City's own comedy duo Merril Garrick and Emmet (played by company co-artistic directors Joe Kolbow and Johnnie Niel) will introduce their favorite fairytale characters performing feats of strength and skill. However, not everything in fairyland is as perfect as it seems and soon Emmet and Merril are called upon to save the day.

The innovative set for this year's production will be made primarily of recycled clothing. "We want the audience to feel as though they are deep in a magical forest." said Jay Hebert, technical director for the event. "We'll transform old clothes into a giant tree and a leafy canopy that surrounds the audience." he added. Joe Kolbow said, "Students from Puerta Abierta will help us to build the set which is a great way to teach about the importance of environmental sustainability. As much clothing as possible will be re-donated after the event."

Last year's circus, Under the Big Top, raised over $2000 for the Puerta Abierta after school program. This year the fundraising goal has been doubled to $4000. All time, talent and materials for the production are being donated so 100% of the ticket price goes directly to the program.

This stupendous evening of death defying entertainment will also feature aerialist Guinevere DiPiazza, Trapeze artist Elie Venesky, stiltwalker Billy Bedlam, clowns Audrey Crabtree and Jeff Seal and others. All ages are invited to attend.

Advance tickets for adults are $27.50 ($40 at the door), Kids under 12 are $12 ($16 at the door) and Seniors are $19 ($25 at the door). To purchase tickets log on to: brownpapertickets.com/event/172966 or call 1-800-838-3006. For additional info please visit DonovanEnsemble.com

The Donovan Ensemble is a theater company based in Union City, NJ founded in 2005. Their mission is to create and perform theater full of fun, joy and mischief in Hudson County and then share it with the world by performing in New York and at US and international theater festivals. They are currently in residence at St. John's Episcopal Church in Union City, NJ.

WHAT:
Preposterosity: Tall Tales from the Enchanted Forest. A Circus Fundraiser for the Puerta Abierta After School Program

WHERE:
St. John's Episcopal Church Gymnasium,1516 Palisade Avenue, Union City, New Jersey

WHEN:
Thursday June 9th 7:30pm, mixer and refreshments to follow

COST:
Adults: $27.50 advance/$40 at the door, Kids under 12: $12 advance/ $16 at the door and Seniors: $19 advance/ $25 at the door.

TICKETS:
log on to: brownpapertickets.com/event/172966 or call 1-800-838-3006