Inventive juggling troupe brings its wild antics to the Valley
Published 12:59 pm Thursday, October 2, 2008
Snoqualmie Valley Arts Live is delighted to present an act new to the Eastside, the Mud Bay Jugglers, as the fourth show in the current Arts Live series. You can see this amazing, inventive troupe on Saturday, Jan. 25, at either a 3 or 6 p.m. performance in the comfortable Mount Si High School theater, 8651 Meadowbrook Way S.E., Snoqualmie. (Disabled accessible.)
Based in Olympia, the Mud Bay Jugglers have toured all over the West and Canada, bringing their own unique brand of showmanship that delights audiences of every age. Described by Juggler’s World Magazine as “one of the most original and creative juggling troupes performing today,” they describe themselves as “an organized body of arms, legs and hands.” Watching them perform you’ll understand why as you see what happens when they seamlessly mix drama, choreography and juggling to create a flashpoint with the complex world of music. To develop this exciting blend of art forms, they have worked with Pat Graney and other Northwest dancers in developing the movement aspect of their performance, while incorporating music like that of Perez Prado, the “King of Mambo,” into their shows.
Mud Bay Jugglers was founded in 1980 and today consists of three men. First, co-founder Douglas Martin is artistic director, mime, escape artist “funambulist,” juggler and a musician who plays musical glasses! Second is Alan Fitzhum, who joined the group in 1982 and serves as choreographer and artistic co-director, helping to create the group’s theatrically expressive performance art of juggling and dance. He began his career as a rock musician! Third, Harry Levine, who in 1984 used his bachelor’s degree in music to found a satirical theater and music group called “Citizens Band.” He became the Mud Bay Jugglers’ percussionist in 1988 and in 1990, their stage manager and part-time juggler. In 1995 he went to work full-time with the troupe.
These are three, vastly talented performers and genuinely nice men who are having fun at what they are doing. Much of their virtuosity hinges on intricately choreographed passing patterns that depend on their rapport and co-ordination as an ensemble. No flashy technique of individual members here. Their style is individual improvisations supported by others in the troupe. You’ll have fun watching them. Weyerhaeuser Co. Foundation is a sponsor of this “fun for the whole family” show.
Tickets are $15 regular; $10 seniors; and $5 youth. They are available at Nature’s Market Place in North Bend; Isadora’s in Snoqualmie; Video Nites in Fall City; or online at www.ticketwindowonline.com. For information, call (425) 888-1514 or check our Web site at www.snoqualmievalleyartslive.org.
