Montecito Journal

‘Isle of Silk’ Weaves Colorful Dreams

By Paul Foster Froemming
(Paul writes on all the performing arts-opera, ballet, theater and dance.  Write him at P.O. Box 392, Summerland, 93067)

“Expect Magic” was the first act of the  dance/drama ‘Isle of Silk,’ and magic is, well,  what you can expect from the unique  theatrical/dance troupe known as “The Blue >Moon Players.”

Its performances at Center Stage Theater on September 17, 18 and 19 were sponsored by  Arts for Humanity!, which provides arts programs for people with developmental  disabilities, at risk youth, the elderly, and others.  Performers with developmental disabilities  shared the stage with students and professionals. Its performances at Center Stage Theater on September 17, 18 and 19 were sponsored by Arts for Humanity!, which provides arts programs for people with developmental disabilities, at risk youth, the elderly, and others. Performers with developmental disabilities shared the stage with students and professionals.

From the opening number, which has over a dozen dancers cavorting with colorful Asian umbrellas, the imaginative scenes continued non-stop, with influences ranging from the “Cirque du Soleil” to Italian street theatre. Mimes and dancers Alex Knox as Cherubini and Jessie Stone as Koukla played the lovers in a charming Comedia del Arte skit. The whole cast joined in with enthusiasm. Among the solo vocalists, Meghan Finn enchanted the audience during a performance that had the whimsical, childlike charm of a painting by Marc Chagall. The entire event was created, produced, and directed by Karsen Lee Gould, a creative arts therapist, performer, and founder of Arts for Humanity!. For more information call 687- 6615 or visit www.artsforhumanity.com.