April 10, 2008 issue
Inflatable Theater the Kids Will Love
Fred Garbo’s Unique Show at Hayes Center April 25
Story by Anna Oakes
The Hayes Performing Arts Center continues to bring a diversity of creative and interesting entertainers to the High Country’s newest venue. So far this spring, the lineup has included classical guitar, dramatic poetry readings, grown-up comedy, advanced puppetry and a tribute to Louis Armstrong, among many others.
On Friday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m., the Hayes Center presents a marvel for the entire family, and something you’ve likely never seen before: inflatable theater.
Larger-than-life, colorful inflatables are both the props and the costumes for acrobatic performer Fred Garbo and dancer Daielma Santos in the Fred Garbo Inflatable Theater Company.
Before long, the entire audience is playing catch with gigantic inflatable props that shimmer, balloon, deflate and bounce in a rainbow of colors.
Garbo and Santos “mesmerize audiences with imaginative imagery and artistic foolishness,” said the Inflatable Theater Company website.
Backed by music ranging from Latin to the Blues Brothers, Garbo, who is a master juggler, acrobat and mime, and Santos surprise audiences with their pop-action inflatables—including a dog called Puff the Air-Dale and a character called Fred Zepelin.
The New York Times called the unique show “helium light and hilarious.”
Countless performances include invitations to the Late Show with David Letterman, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Rosie O’Donnell Show, the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the Carnival of Venice in Italy and many more international venues.
Garbo was the acrobat inside Sesame Street’s Barkley the Dog and the chief juggler in Broadway’s Barnum. For the last 16 years, he has been inventing inflatables with artist/builder George York and has trained and performed with Master of Illusion Tony Montanaro.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 students. The Hayes Center is located at 152 Jamie Fort Road off U.S. Highway 321 in Blowing Rock. For more information, call 828-295-9627.
Want To Go?
Date: Friday, April 25
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Center, Blowing Rock
Cost: $20 adults/$14 students
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