Color Wheels (Photo courtesy Masskus Productions)
The Golden Dragon Acrobats will perform on Saturday, July 25, in a show that will benefit the Oak Ridge High School Masquers, the school’s drama program. It’s the group’s first visit to East Tennessee in more than a decade.
“The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today,” a press release said.
It said the Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the very best of a time-honored circus tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The group has more than two dozen highly trained acrobats and technicians.
The family entertainment event starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, and they are available through www.KnoxvilleTickets.com.
The press release said the 2015/2016 tour will mark the 36th year of the Golden Dragons’ touring career.
“The reputation of the company is solidly rooted in a commitment to the highest of production values and an attention to artistic details that is unparalleled in the art form,” the release said. “World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music, and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.”
The press release said the Golden Dragon Acrobats made their Broadway debut in November 2005 to a sold-out audience at the New Victory Theater, New York’s ultimate theater for kids and families by Disney.
“Their Broadway run over the next six weeks led to adoration and standing ovations from audiences of all ages and universal critical acclaim from the New York press,” the release said. “The run was highlighted by the Golden Dragons receiving two most prestigious New York Drama Desk nominations: Danny Chang for Unique Theatrical Experience and Angela Chang for Best Choreography. The Golden Dragons remain the only Chinese acrobatic company touring year-round in the United States.”
Oak Ridge High School is committed to keep music, theater, and art classes and programs strong and vibrant, even as many school systems across the United States consider whether to continue offering them. Proceeds from the July 25 special performance specifically earmarked for the Masquers Drama Club will help the Oak Ridge classes.
Also, students will have the hands-on opportunity to experience the workings of a live touring production, the press release said. They will help load and unload equipment, set lighting, cater, usher and take tickets, and sell concessions and artist merchandise.
The Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center is located at 1450 Oak Ridge Turnpike in Oak Ridge. Parking is Free. Tickets are available at all Knoxville Tickets outlets, by phone at (865) 656-4444, or online at www.knoxvilletickets.com.
More information about the Golden Dragon Acrobats is available at www.goldendragonacrobats.com/ or by calling their offices at (972) 473-7284.
Information about this performance was provided by Masskus Productions, which is led by Stephen F. Krempasky. Masskus Productions is an entertainment and arts agency bringing professional artists to live performances in the East Tennessee region. Masskus Productions presents and assists nonprofit organizations in their presentation of special events offered to the community, the press release said.
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Bicycle Group (Photo courtesy Masskus Productions)
