Heather Latter
The local “Kids & Company” entertainment series soon will be starting its 201-13 season, which includes a total of five shows instead of the usual four, with season passes and individual show tickets now on sale.
“We’ve increased it to five shows this year, instead of the four we’ve had in the past, but the season passports are still $30,” noted Leslie Danielson.
“So now they are getting five shows for the price of three, instead of four for the price of three.”
But organizers no longer will be offering discounts for families purchasing three or more passports.
“It’s just a straight $30 for season passes right across the board because they are already getting an extra show,” Danielson reasoned.
And she stressed they have an excellent lineup this season.
“There is something for everyone,” she enthused.
The first show of the season is “Dracula,” performed by the Toronto-based DuffleBag Theatre, this Monday (Oct. 15).
“It’s a family-friendly show,” ensured Danielson. “It’s not going to be a scary Dracula. It’s going to be a comedy and suitable for children.”
“And since it’s October, we thought we’d go with a Hallowe’en-themed show.”
In the fun and playful adaptation of this seasonal favourite, audience members are invited into the show to play the main parts.
“Accompanied by DuffleBag’s witty narration, these performances deliver hilarity and spontaneity every time,” Danielson enthused, noting the troupe has performed for “Kids & Company” several times in the past and always have done a fantastic job.
The second show, slated for Nov. 26, is Matt Baker with a comedy and stunt show.
Not only is Baker a Guinness world-record holder, he also was voted as Seattle’s Funniest Prop Comic and has performed his comedy stunt show in more than 14 countries.
He’s appeared on numerous TV shows, including “Last Comic Standing” and “America’s Got Talent.”
“He has clips from Piers Morgan and Sharon Osbourne from ‘America’s Got Talent,’” Danielson said. “They both said good things about him.
“He might be a highlight of this year’s series.”
Baker’s stunts include catapulting vegetables, spitting ping-pong balls at volunteers, or performing his famous garden weasels of death.
“It’s one show not to be missed,” Danielson stressed.
Then on Jan. 21, the audience will be treated to a percussion show by the Nova Scotia-based group “Squid,” which was founded in 2000 by an award-winning group of snare drummers from the Dartmouth Pipe Band Association.
Their shows are known for being both musically and visually stunning.
Then Maritime Marionettes will re-tell the popular folktale, “Jack and the Beanstalk,” on March 4.
The troupe, who also has performed at “Kids & Company” previously, bring stories to life with exquisitely-made and skilfully-manipulated wooden marionettes.
The final show of the season is “Motus O” with “Circus Terrifico.”
“I think it’s going to appeal to everybody,” Danielson remarked. “It’s going to be a comedic dance show.
“Everyone should enjoy it.”
The performance tells the tale of three circus performers boarding the train to their next show. A case of vanishing tickets, however, thwarts their plans and strands them on the platform.
It takes every trick in the book (and their suitcases) to create an impromptu show to raise money for new tickets.
Season passes and individual tickets for these shows are available at the Fort Frances Public Library Technology Centre, Revco Carpet, and Betty’s in Fort Frances, the Coffee Landing in International Falls, and at the door.
“Passports will be sold at the first show,” Danielson said, noting that after the first show, they won’t be available at the ticket outlets.
“They’ll only be available at the door [of the second performance] while supplies last,” she advised.
Season passes cost $30 each, while individual show tickets cost $10 each.
Children three and under are free.
All shows take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Townshend Theatre.
“We want to offer children and families a wide spectrum of diverse entertainment to both foster an appreciation of the arts and to enhance the quality of life within our northern community through unique and creative music, dance, and drama,” said Danielson.
“Kids of all ages are welcome,” she added. “The performances are tailored to families and kids.
“They only last about an hour, often including audience involvement, and kids are welcome to wiggle, dance, and move in the aisles,” she noted.
“It’s a great introduction to live entertainment for kids.”
For more information on “Kids & Company,” contact Danielson at 274-6019.
