Raleigh Little Theatre Preview

Zany Umbrella Circus will perform “The Enchanted Toy Box”
on May 9-11 in RLT’s Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre

The Zany Umbrella Circus of Pittsburgh, PA, will perform The Enchanted Toy Box on May 9-11 in Raleigh Little Theatre’s Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre. Zany Umbrella Circus performers include circus founder and executive director Ben Sota, Erin Carey, Alberto J. Almarza, Mitchell Kulkin, Amy Murray, Ian Green, Michael Carroll, and Jeff Gordon.

Dirt Rag Magazine salutes the Zany Umbrella Circus as “on par with Cirque du Soleil, but at a much more affordable price”; and Kelly B. Gormly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says, “The entertaining charm of the visual effects captivates children, but adults are not immune to it either.” Gormly’s colleague William Loeffler adds, “You don’t need elephants or flaming hoops to have a circus. Not if your name is Ben Sota....”

On its web site, Raleigh Little Theatre says:

“Acrobatic performers [will] create a spectacular outdoor show about a master toymaker whose whimsical collection of toys comes to life. [The Enchanted Toy Box is] Extraordinary family entertainment. Visit the concessions area or bring your own picnic for a family outing in the RLT.”

According to the Zany Umbrella Circus:

“The Enchanted Toy Box is the story of a master toymaker whose whimsical collection of toys possesses astounding abilities. He formulates a magical activation powder to bring them to life; but when things don’t go exactly as planned, he begins to realize how difficult it is to have toys that think for themselves.…

“Zany Umbrella Circus exists to build and strengthen communities through education and folk artistry -- particularly puppetry, circus, music, storytelling, street theatre and visual arts. Bringing together large, diverse audiences, we strive to reintegrate art into daily life through shows that tickle the imagination and teach important life lessons.

“Zany Umbrella Circus uses art as a vehicle to further social change, promote dialogue, teach cooperation skills and encourage children of all backgrounds to use their imaginations and create artwork of their own.”

Raleigh Little Theatre presents the Zany Umbrella Circus in The Enchanted Toy Box Friday-Saturday, May 9-10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 11, at 3 p.m. in its Louise “Scottie” Stephenson Amphitheatre, 301 Pogue St., Raleigh, North Carolina. $15 . 919/821-3111 or http://www.etix.com/ticket/servlet/onlineSearch?action=venueSearch&venue_id=279&cobrand=RLT. NOTE: All shows are wheelchair accessible. Raleigh Little Theater: http://www.raleighlittletheatre.org/performances/07-08/zany.html. Zany Umbrella Circus: http://zanyumbrellacircus.com/.

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