The Dancing Wheels Company
Reimagines “Labyrinth” for Cleveland Audiences at Cain Park!
About the Performance
June 30, 2016:
In 2010, then Company member, Dezare’ Foster first proposed her vision
to create a story ballet based on the mysterious world of the “Labyrinth”. She
said “My inspiration comes directly from the 80s film with Jim Henson’s
puppetry, featuring music by David Bowie. I watched this movie as a young child and as I
grew up, David Bowie’s music has stayed close to my heart.” When she introduced the idea to Founding
Artistic Director, Mary Verdi-Fletcher, she commented “the idea sounded
fascinating, but the timing in which the Company could produce such a venture
was just not right.” Verdi-Fletcher did
however make a promise to someday bring the production to the stage. That promise along with Dezare’s vision will
finally come to fruition on August 12th when the Dancing Wheels
Company takes to the Cain Park stage for the world premiere performance of Labyrinth:
A Tribute.
The fabled story first conceived by Jim Henson and
Dennis Lee was made into a feature film that showcased Bowie’s talents as an
actor, musician and vocalist. Now for
the first time, this story will be reinvented for a live on stage production
featuring lead characters, Sarah and the Goblin King, portrayed by Dancing
Wheels Company members, Sara Lawrence-Sucato and Demarco Sleeper. As a strong wheelist, Sleeper, along with
Lawrence-Sucato demonstrate athleticism and power in their many encounters and
adventures. Foster said her desire to
create this new work with the Dancing Wheels Company was because “it was not
only an integrated Company but also a strong, raw, eccentric and diverse group
of dancers.” She went on to say “With
these characteristics and the charisma that each dancer possesses, I believe
they can truly relay the overall message of this particular story.” Other endearing characters are Toby, Sarah’s
sister portrayed by Emily Schwarting and Gigi, Sarah’s guiding light portrayed
by Mary Verdi-Fletcher. The production
brings to life a whole host of scenes that include the 12 member cast, ranging
from the dark depths of the Labyrinth to the spirited and fun loving land where
the “magic dance” takes place. At the
conclusion of the production the audience will be left with the intended moral
of the story…. Much like Sarah, we must
take responsibility for our choices and with perseverance, friendship and love,
we can overcome anything.
In addition to the premiere of Labyrinth:
A Tribute, two additional pieces from the Dancing Wheels repertory will
be performed; Wall of Glass choreographed by Lisa K. Lock and an excerpt of
Anomalies choreographed by Mark Tomasic.
The collective works on this program showcases the versatility and
strength of this unique Company.
About the Company
Under the artistic direction of Founder, Mary
Verdi-Fletcher, The Dancing Wheels Company, newly branded as the World
Center for Integrated Dance & Art Access is recognized
as the first and foremost professional Physically Integrated Dance Company in
America uniting the talents of dancers with and without disabilities. Now in its 36th season, Company
members include: McKenzie Beaverson, Mathew Bowman, Kelly Clymer, Tanya Ewell, Mary
Verdi-Fletcher, Kristen Knabel, Kevin Marr, Willian MacNeil, Demarco Sleeper,
Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Emily Schwarting, Ja’Vaughn White and Lianne Zydowicz. The Company is rehearsed by Catherine
Meredith.
Since its inception in 1980, the highly skilled
ensemble of stand-up and sit-down (wheelchair) dancers has reached over five
million people world-wide with innovative mainstage performances, school
assembly programs, guest appearances and numerous outreach activities. Furthering the mission of inclusive arts
programming for all, The School of Dancing Wheels opened its doors in
1990. Today, The School provides community
programming and student performances reaching over 6,500 children and adults
with and without disabilities annually right here in Cleveland!
Advance
tickets are $25 and $30 day of show.
Tickets for the 8:00 p.m. show can be purchased through the Cain Park
box office at 14591 Superior Rd., Cleveland Hts. by calling the box office at
216-371-3000 or Ticket Master at 800-745-3000.
The Dancing
Wheels Company & School is sponsored through the generous support of the
Cleveland Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, National Endowment for the
Arts, Ohio Arts Council, Target, The Emerson Foundation, The George Gund
Foundation, The Kuhn Family Foundation, The Kulas Foundation, Metro Toyota and
Toyota National, The Nord Family Foundation, Nordson Corporation and the
Sherwin-Williams Foundation.