PHILADELPHIA — Well known in Philadelphia for thrilling acrobatics and emotional storytelling, Brian Sanders’ JUNK explores the realm of childhood fantasy with Snowball, on stage at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Dec. 4-15. Helmed by MOMIX alumnus Brian Sanders, called “the city’s most exciting choreographer” by Philadelphia Weekly, JUNK creates a wintry urban fairy tale where a group of characters discover that a little change in perspective can reveal big surprises. Snowball, appropriate for children of all ages, is part of the Annenberg Center’s Philadelphia-focused By Local Series and supports JUNK’s mission to make dance accessible to adults as well as younger audiences.
Set to a high-energy soundtrack of ’80s favorites, Snowball features the kinds of characters you might expect from a fairy tale — lost boys, toad kings and a fairy godmother — but tells their stories with JUNK’s signature wit and whimsy. In Act I, the residents of Grey Lane are losing hope, trudging through a bleak and unforgiving winter. But in Act II, their world is transformed into a Narnia-style frozen fantasia where an evil ice queen must be defeated to bring the city back to life.
An interactive experience for kids and adults, Snowball invites audiences to dance the Flake-Out, hiss at the ice queen and participate in a huge indoor snowball fight. Audience members who wear all white will receive five free snowballs to get started.
Snowball kicks off with a special Opening Night Celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 6 to 11 PM, including a pre-show reception, exclusive seating and a post-show party. For more information, visit briansandersjunk.com/snowball.
The Annenberg Center’s By Local series continues after the holidays with up-and-coming choreographer Gabrielle Revlock (Confetti, Jan. 24-25) and cabaret favorites The Bearded Ladies (Marlene & the Machine: A German Expressionist Cabaret, Feb. 7-8). For more information on the 13/14 season, visit annenbergcenter.org.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Snowball, $20-$40 (prices subject to change)
Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 PM (opening night celebration, $50-$150)
Thursday, December 5, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 6, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 7, 2 and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 8, 2 PM
Thursday, December 12, 7:30 PM
Friday, December 13, 7:30 PM
Saturday, December 14, 2 and 7:30 PM
Sunday, December 15, 2 PM
To purchase tickets, call 215.898.3900, visit annenbergcenter.org, or visit the Box Office at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104.
CREDITS
Conceived and created byBrian Sanders
Direction and Writing:Lee Ann Etzold
Costume Design: Jill Keys
Lighting Design: Jay Madara
Set Design: Pedro da Silva
Portions of choreography created in collaboration with Dinita Clark, Kyle Clark and Brian Sanders
The Company: Teddy Fatscher, Ann-Marie Gover, Laura Jenkins, John Luna, Billy Robinson, Tommy Schimmel, Connor Senning, Miles Yeung. With special guests: Dawn Berman, Robert Burden III, Dexter Carter, Sean Courtney, Greer Kristen Eobbi, Margie Foley, Kingsley Ibeneche, Jo Anne Jacobs, Nyasha James-Davis, Polly MacIntyre, Meredith Magoon, Christine Morano, Rodney Landis, David Rubio, Nicholas Schwasman
ABOUT BRIAN SANDERS’ JUNK
Brian Sanders’ JUNKis known for its ingenious use of found objects and clever inventions that bridge the gap between dance and physical theater. Company founder Brian Sanders built his signature style by blending traditional dance theater with inventiveness and physicality. The troupe’s shows are a mix of exciting physicality and creativity, elegantly balanced with beauty and wit. JUNK strives to produce work that is both artistic and accessible while maintaining a ceaseless desire to try new things. Through original productions and community outreach, JUNK seeks to serve as a catalyst for generating fresh ideas and to encourage us to see the world in a new and vital way.
ABOUT THE ANNENBERG CENTER’S BY LOCAL SERIES
The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts’ By Local Series spotlights artistic talent that thrives within the Philadelphia community. Curated by the Annenberg Center’s Director of Operations & Special Artistic Projects, Madison Cario, the series showcases both emerging and established Philadelphia artists as a part of the Annenberg Center’s artistic season.
