DCCA presents lit-up version of classic fairy tales

Darke County Center for the Arts' Family Theatre Series will present Lightwire Theater's creative retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic story “The Ugly Duckling” at Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall in Greenville on Sunday, March 9. “Lightwire Theater brilliantly uses cutting edge technology to truly light up the stage,” said DCCA Artistic Director Keith Rawlins. “In this glow-in-the-dark spectacular, human artists wearing mechanical costumes illuminated by thin strips of light tell the familiar story; it's incredibly awesome!” Rawlins enthusiastically explained. The show starts at 2 p.m.

Lightwire Theater earned a national audience with appearances on NBC's America's Got Talent, earning accolades from the competition's judges as well as the viewing public. Combining the ancient art of full-body puppetry with electroluminescence to create a unique theatrical experience, Lightwire Theater imaginatively uses choreography and music to bring stories to life. “You'll be awed by the technology, you'll laugh at the humor, and you'll root for the resilient, heroic ugly duckling as he deals with the universal struggle for acceptance,” Rawlins stated. Aesop's fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” is also inventively retold in the show.

Sponsorships make it possible for DCCA' to keep ticket prices exceedingly low while presenting high quality performances that play big-city venues at a much higher price. DCCA's Family Theatre Series is sponsored by Dayton Power and Light Company Foundation, Second National Bank, Greenville Federal, Darke Rural Electric Trust, Edison Community College, The Andersons Inc., Dr. Doug Gordon, Jordan Insurance Agency, Wayne Healthcare, Greenville Kiwanis Club, Greenville Rotary Club, and Dan and Marty Schipfer. Additionally, support for Family Theatre is received from Ketrow Foundation, Lydia E. Schaurer Memorial Trust, Jean Louise Thieme Fund of the Hope Foundation, and the Greyson James Steyer Fund. DCCA also receives operating support from the Harry D. and Esther Stephens Memorial and the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that supports public programs in the arts.

Tickets for Lightwire Theater's The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare cost $5, and can be reserved by contacting DCCA at 937-547-0908 or dcca@centerforarts.net, and purchased at DCCA's office on the third floor of Greenville Public Library or online at www.centerforarts.net. Tickets are also available at Readmore's Hallmark in downtown Greenville as well at Worch Memorial Public Library in Versailles, and will be on sale at the door prior to the show.