Southeastern Louisiana University

Columbia's March 24 'Russian American Kids Circus' is entertainment for all ages

Contact: Christina Chapple

3/16/07

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     HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will continue its tradition of bringing family friendly shows to the downtown Hammond theater by presenting the Russian American Kids Circus on Saturday, March 24.

     Patrons can choose from two performance times – a 2 p.m. matinee and a 7:30 p.m. evening performance, said Columbia Director Donna Gay Anderson. 

     Featuring outrageous costumes, magical lighting and state of the art techniques in the hallowed circus tradition, the Russian American Kids Circus is comprised of a dozen children, ranging in age from six to 18. 

     “The Russian American Kids Circus combines the artistry and magic of the circus with the rich and time-treasured tradition of European theater and circus,” Anderson said. “This is a show by kids, but not just for kids. All ages are going to enjoy this wonderful spectacle. Don’t miss an unforgettable, fun-filled experience for the entire family.”

Trained and produced by veterans of the world famous Moscow Circus, young artists ages fill the stage with a blur of spangles, synchronized acrobatics, black lights, unicycling, expert juggling, daring aerial feats, and balancing acts.

The circus is celebrating 10 successful years performing on top stages in the United States and abroad. The troupe has appeared on national television programs such as “Good Morning America,” “The Cosby Show,” “MTV,” and “The Reading Rainbow,” as well as at Walt Disney World’s Millennium Celebration. The young artists also have been featured in commercials for CVS Pharmacy, Coca-Cola and Target; television programs in China, Germany, Japan, Russia and Mexico; and Voice of America broadcasts to 42 countries.

Tickets for the matinee and evening performances are $32, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $28, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; and $20, Orchestra 3 and Balcony 2.

Tickets are available online at columbiatheatre.org or at the Columbia box office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4371. Box office hours are noon-5 p.m., weekdays, and one hour before performance times.

Still to come in the Columbia’s 2006-07 season are the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s family concert on April 28 -- Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf” narrated by WDSU-TV meteorologist Margaret Orr -- and a June 29 concert by rock legends Eric Burdon and The Animals.

The Columbia will also be the venue for three Southeastern Department of Music and Dramatic Arts “Encore!” concerts – “Dance for Thought,” a multi-media dance concert directed by Martie Fellom, April 19; the Southeastern Jazz Ensemble I under the director of Glen Hemberger, April 23; Hemberger’s Southeastern Wind Symphony, April 26; and the Southeastern Chamber Orchestra directed by Yakov Voldman, May. 1.

For information about upcoming events in the Columbia Theatre’s 2006-07 season, visit columbiatheatre.org or call (985) 543-4366.

CAPTIONS …

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A CIRCUS PERFORMED BY KIDS, ENJOYED BY ALL AGES – The Russian American Kids Circus, coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts for two performances March 24, is made up of kids ages six-18, but the spectacular show with dazzling aerial techniques will appeal to all ages.

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JUGGLING AND BALANCING – Expert juggling and balancing acts are just part of the entertainment offered by the Russian American Kids Circus, which will present 2 p.m. matinee and 7:30 p.m. evening performances at Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts March 24.