Write a commentAudiences were launched into both hysterics and low-earth orbit last weekend at the Art Scene (née CNY Arts Center) during its limited run of SPACE RACE.
SPACE RACE, a farcical reimagining of lunar touchdown written and directed by Nicholas Gentile, was presented on the 55th anniversary of the historic moon landing thanks in part to a generous regrant from CNY Arts, Inc.
"It was an unprecedented event for us," says box-office manager Marie Malone Brown. "We've never had a full run of a show completely sold out before opening night. Our free senior preview was also a packed theater. The crowds loved SPACE RACE, it nearly burnt down the house... literally!"
Brown is referencing a small ember that shot from the cold sparkler fountain for the indoor fireworks portion of the grand finale. Cold sparkler fountains are a safe form of indoor pyrotechnics that ignite at 62 degrees, which is lower than room temperature. While the theater was never in any real danger, the audience took great delight in watching choreographer and Head Stewardess Gina Mazzoli dance the twist atop the flame to extinguish the ember. The show also featured a variety of other special effects such as a Pepper's ghost (a Victorian-era style of hologram), fog cannons, flying spy satellites, and a character falling eleven-feet from the newly-installed balcony. The show was accompanied by the surf rock trio Underwater Bosses.
The Art Scene would like to invite you to the next two exciting performances of their summer series: Alice @ Wonderland, a modern-day retelling of the classic tale this August, and Sense and Sensibility, a faithful retelling of the beloved romance come September. Call today to reserve your tickets at 315-598-ARTS or on the web at www.theartscene.org
