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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY BRINGS DRUMS, DANCING AND MIME (CINCINNATI) — In February, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series features Rwandan drums and dancing, an imaginative African tale and lively pantomimes with Samputu and Ingeli: Drum, Dance and Song of Rwanda, The Elephant's Child and Mime Over Matter. All shows take place at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. in the Playhouse’s Rosenthal Plaza, between the Robert S. Marx and Thompson Shelterhouse theatres. The Playhouse is located in Eden Park on the edge of Mt. Adams. On February 3, Jean Paul Samputu comes to the Playhouse with Samputu and Ingeli: Drum, Dance and Song of Rwanda. One of the world’s most prominent African artists, Mr. Samputu is a cultural ambassador for Rwanda who shares that country’s singing, dancing and drumming, along with a message of peace and reconciliation. Mr. Samputu, along with the dance troupe Ingeli, performs in six languages and in styles ranging from soukous, rumba and vodou to Rwandan 5/8, Afrobeat, pygmy and gospel. The group has captivated people of all ages in performances at the National Museum of Civil Rights Freedom Awards and the World Culture Open at Lincoln Center. This performance is for ages 4 and up. Amikaeyla Proudfoot Gaston will share the classic story The Elephant's Child on February 17. Rudyard Kipling’s tale gets a superbly rendered and wondrously imaginative interpretation in this performance by an award-winning singer, percussionist and storyteller. Ms. Gaston’s interactive storytelling, original songs, flute and African drumming work in harmony with the beautiful scenes created by two vibrant dancers who bring all of the story’s characters to life. The Elephant's Child will take audiences on an incredible journey, incorporating sign language and audience participation. This lively production mixes the wonders of classic literature with the excitement of live theatre. The show is for ages 4 and up. Bill Bowers comes to the Playhouse on February 24 in Mime Over Matter. This lively collection of pantomimes uses traditional as well as contemporary movement, style and music. This Broadway performer brings the universal art of mime to the Playhouse in this entertaining blend of performance, discussion and audience participation. A student of Marcel Marceau, Mr. Bowers has performed on Broadway as Zazu in The Lion King and was a featured mime in the film Two Weeks Notice, with Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. The Boston Globe described him as “an amazing mime.” This performance is for ages 4 and up. Made possible by the Lois and Richard Rosenthal Foundation, the Rosenthal Next Generation Theatre Series involves youngsters in the excitement of theatre. To ensure the enjoyment of all in attendance, parents are asked not to bring children younger than the ages recommended for each production. All afternoon performances are signed for the hearing impaired courtesy of the Cincinnati State Interpreter Training Program. Tickets are $5 for theatregoers ages 4 to 18 and $6 for adults through the Playhouse box office at 513/421-3888 or toll-free in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, 800/582-3208. Tickets also are available through the Playhouse web site at www.cincyplay.com. Parking is free. Playhouse artists fly Delta Connection Comair, the Playhouse’s official airline. The Playhouse is supported, in part, by the generosity of the tens of thousands of individuals and businesses that give to the Fine Arts Fund. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund the Playhouse with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The Playhouse also receives funding from the City of Cincinnati. # # # |