Enter a World of Pure Imagination with La Belle

Saturday, Feb. 3

The internationally-acclaimed Imago Theatre troupe brings their mystical, magical, and downright imaginative production, La Belle to the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst University on Feb 3. Grab your ticket to another world, created with stunning visuals, professional performances, and masks, music and movement; you'll forget you ever started your evening in Erie, Pa.

La Belle tells the story of Beauty and the Beast using puppetry, shadow theater and song. Actors will be enrobed in enchanted costumes and use masks as part of the show; they tell the story through a combination of media, including interpretive dance. Brett Johnson, Director of Mercyhurst Theater Program explains, "The dazzling visual imagery of La Belle will keep young ones engaged while taking older audience members on a visceral and romantic journey." The show can be a great night for all members of the family — but leave those under four at home.

Also described as "a giant art work of a play," La Belle has over 100 moving parts and animation every 30 seconds. The production was developed over the course of three years and is the effort of over 40 dedicated individuals. For those who want a taste of what to expect, Johnson says "think Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The set is a giant ship with revolving water wheels, pumps, steam whistles, and automata, or clockwork puppets."

Imago Theatre was established in 1979 by Carol Triffle and Jerry Mouawad and since its inception, the group have performed in Asia, Europe, China and here in the U.S. The troupe is based out of Portland, Oregon, and took their shows Frogz and ZooZoo to Broadway's New Victory Theater.

Give your imagination some exercise this winter and enjoy a thoroughly engaging evening in a magical realm this February with Imago Theater. — Miriam Lamey

2 p.m. // 501 East 38th Street // $10-$15 // miac.mercyhurst.edu