Photo Flash: Mummenschanz Returns to New York City This Summer!

Mummenschanz, the renowned theatrical troupe known to fans around the world as "The Musicians of Silence," returns to New York this summer for the first time in nearly four years. The new show, "you & me," was created byFloriana Frassetto, co-founder of Mummenschanz, and plays The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College(524 W. 59th Street) for 20 performances only, July 4 - 22. The official opening night is Tuesday, July 10 at 7PM. The show will feature some of the most popular sketches created and performed by the internationally renowned troupe, as well as brilliant new creations.

Mummenschanz conjures a magical world, full of possibilities, without uttering a word. The troupe's playful and memorable exploits display an enormously inventive use of forms, shadow and light as well as creative manipulation of sculptural, expressive masks and abstract shapes. The result is a visually stunning spectacle of entertainment that is suitable for the entire family to enjoy. Mummenschanz offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination. The entire program of sculptural puppetry and visual antics is performed without music or sound.

Since its celebrated three year run on Broadway, Mummenschanz has pioneered a unique form of visual theater and has constantly and successfully toured the world having played in over 60 countries on five continents. In its last visit to New York, Mummenschanz earned rave reviews with The New York Times writing "for theatergoers, both big and little....they do not speak, they do not sing, they do not play music. But they do move and act, to great effect." WQXR Radio raved "they call themselves 'musicians of silence,' and they truly are. Performing in silence and using the power of the visual to capture the human spirit with fantastical shapes and creatures that are both funny and astoundingly creative." The Epoch Times called Mummenschanz "simply delightful. ...Makes you sit back, smile, ...and squeal with delight. ....Brings forth sighs of amazement from those watching. ... Mummenschanz is fun for the entire family. ...Never fails to surprise and delight those lucky enough to be in attendance, whether they are seeing it for the very first time or for the twenty-seventh. A truly unique theatrical experience."

"When we return to New York, we always feel like we are coming home," said co-founder and performer Floriana Frassetto. "The 'stories' we tell are unique in that they have no sound or music and we hope that our show will awaken the little child in everyone."

Mummenschanz returns to New York in their new show, "you & me," for 20 performances only, July 4 - 22 at The Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (524 W. 59th Street). Performances are Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 3PM.The first preview performance on Wednesday July 4 is at 3PM instead of 8PM. Tickets for Mummenschanz range from $29 - $85 and are on sale at Mummenschanz.com or OvationTix.com, (866) 811-4111.

Photo credit: Jeremy Varner