Cactus Shadows hosts original multi-media performance
STAFF REPORT~ 6/15/2011 ~

C. Nicholas Johnson’s “NOW!’” poses the universal question, “How fast do you have to be to catch the moment?” with 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center.
Original music by Kevin Glenn, dance, theater, mime, song, and film are combined in a fast-paced multi-media production. “NOW!” tangibly addresses the concept of being literally and figuratively “in the now.”
“These are the transitory moments that make up human existence,” explained creator Nick Johnson, “quiet moments, loud moments, memories, birth and death, love and war.” This show, like all Johnson’s programs, challenges children and adults with mature concepts that resonate with social commentary and cultural truths.
Nick Johnson and his “Alithea” performance company enjoy an international reputation for entertaining with thought-provoking works. They have performed at the International Mime Art Festival in Warsaw, Poland; the Shanghai International Festival in China; and at the United Nations in New York. In addition to his work with “Alithea,” Johnson is the head of the Dance Department at Wichita State University.
Evelyn Holbrook, director of Desert Foothills Community Education and manager of the Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, has produced Johnson’s unique performances for almost 30 years. “’NOW!” continues a tradition at Desert Foothills Community Education of which we are very proud,” said Holbrook. “Nick Johnson and his exceptional creative team always bring the best out of the cast while creating a visually intriguing and enjoyable show.”
The creative team is composed of Johnson (concept and direction, theatrical movement and mime), Sabrina Vasquez (dance), Kevin Glenn (composer and music director), Martha Glenn (vocal coach), Renee Swan (set and costume design), Elizabeth Lincoln (costume design), Vincent Pascoe (cinematography), Wes Sullivan (lighting design) and Andrew Cupo (theater arts).
Tickets to this benefit performance are available at the door. Adult tickets are $10; Student tickets are $5. There is no charge for children five and under. Proceeds support the Desert Foothills Community Education’s Artists in Residency program.
The Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center is located at 33606 North 60th Street, Scottsdale 85262 (½ mile south of Carefree Highway). Call 480-575-2070 for information.