MUMMENSCHANZ Plays the Eccles Center Tonight

For more than 40 years, the world-renowned, physical-theater troupe Mummenschanz has dazzled, delighted - and mystified - audiences. The fun, intriguing and reality-suspending antics of the Swiss-based company arrive on The Eccles Center stage tonight, April 4. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 435-655-3114 or online at EcclesCenter.org.

Mummenschanz performs in silence. A black backdrop offsets objects and bodies as they glide, contort and challenge perception. Using shadow, light and object manipulation, the company has mastered a unique brand of visual theater. There's science, athleticism and art involved. Giant people-like beings high-five one another. A sheet becomes a face, then a crumpled floating leaf. This pioneer of visual theater speaks a language anyone can understand. It's beautiful, bizarre and utterly captivating.

As the Boston Globe puts it, "The troupe's creations are zany and full of fun, but no matter what form - from slinkies to an electric socket - the performers take, they have something poignant to say about the human condition."

The result is both joyful and inspiring. "My inner kid seldom stopped grinning," writes a New York Times reviewer. And according to a Buffalo News review, "It's just all too surreal to be true, but believable enough to accept. And in that is a great abundance of joy."

Since Mummenschanz was founded by Andres Bossard, Floriana Frassetto and Bernie Schürch, the troupe has toured 60 countries and enjoyed a three-year stint on Broadway.

"This is the kind of show that gives us all an excuse to put down the ipad, the cell phone, the ear buds and actually interact with each other," says PCI executive director Teri Orr. "Silence really can speak volumes - particularly in the practiced hands of these accomplished theatrical artists. And this show is a fantastic and imaginative way for all ages and stages to revel in live performance."

Park City Institute presents Mummenschanz on Saturday, April 4 at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (1750 Kearns Blvd., Park City). Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $20 to $69* (20-percent discount for seniors, ½ price tickets for children ages 16 and under; $5 seats are available in the Copper Section for Summit County students (K-12). Tickets and information are available at The Eccles Center box office, 435-655-3114 or www.ecclescenter.org.

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