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ArtPlay premiere of “A DANCEe Wild Rumpus” on April 26

  • March 30, 2015
Let the wild rumpus start with this reimagining of the children’s classic tale of Max and his island of monsters told through contemporary and hip-hop dance.

wild rumpusJoin ArtPlay for the premiere of “A DANCEe Wild Rumpus,” a fresh combination of hip-hop and contemporary dance created especially for families. Comical and tender, this mysterious and playful dance party tells stories of adventure, imagination and the wild terrain of the human heart.

Known for her innovative choreography that fuses a multitude of dance disciplines, Elizabeth Ross with DANCEe Birmingham Contemporary Dance Company brings her exciting original work to the stage in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center.

ArtPlay will present “A DANCEe Wild Rumpus,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, in the ASC, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $9 for children, $11 for adults. ArtPlay will present Meet the Artist school shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday, April 27. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.

ArtPlay will present “A DANCEe Wild Rumpus,” at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $9 for children, $11 for adults. ArtPlay will present Meet the Artist school shows at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday, April 27.

The dance has classic themes but plays on contemporary, energetic urban imagery, including breakdancing, graffiti and a glowing dance floor. A reimagining of “Where the Wild Things Are,” the show will melt the hearts of children and captivate and amaze adults, Ross says. Three young students from ArtPlay’s educational dance program will be featured in this “Wild Rumpus” production.

ArtPlay, the education and outreach initiative of UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, endeavors to educate, inspire and nurture creative growth and self-expression in people of all ages by providing innovative arts education programming in a collaborative and holistic environment.

An additional free sensory-friendly performance of this show is planned from 7-8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the ASC. Presented by ArtPlay in partnership with KultureCity, the sensory-friendly performance will feature a friendly, supportive environment for an audience of families and friends with children or adults who are diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivity issues. Slight adjustments to the production have been made, including the reduction of any jarring sounds or strobe lights focused into the audience. The outer lobby will include quiet areas and an activity area staffed with autism specialists for those who need to leave their seats during the performance. All are welcome to come to the performance, with the understanding that the theater is a judgment-free zone with a performance geared toward individuals with sensory issues. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org.