High-tech laser magic meets vaudeville

"The zany comedy and feats of juggling that old vaudeville brings to mind are given a 21st century spin in Lazer Vaudeville, coming to WICA March 17."

“The zany comedy and feats of juggling that old vaudeville brings to mind are given a 21st century spin in Lazer Vaudeville, when a cast of fantastical characters leads the audience on a journey through the imagination: Awizard performs magical illusions with laser beams, a neon cowboy kicks up a luminescent rope-spinning display, and an audience member escapes from a straitjacket. It’s high tech laser magic, and the whole family can enjoy it at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts on Friday, March 17, at 7:30 p.m. The original theatrical production is part of WICA’s Family Series, funded in part by the Glaser Foundation, the Allen Foundation and Boeing, and sponsored by WhidbeyNet. All seats are $5; call 221-8268 for tickets.The master of ceremonies, a 7-foot-tall fluorescent, fire-breathing dragon named Alfonzo, has been known to perform such feats as break-dancing, ballet, and even dramatic poetry. Founder Carter Brown demonstrates the lost art of hoop rolling. The whole troupe creates pinwheel illusions and percussive sounds with South American bolas, and bounces balls off airborne drums. A floating castle lights up the stage and Monument Valley glows in the evanescent moonlight.The first 15 minutes of the show are in black light, so latecomers will not be admitted during this part. Attendees are asked to allow themselves time to be seated before the show begins at 7:30 p.m. “