John Tartaglia's IMAGINOCEAN Returning to Segerstrom Center in March

John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean, a one-of-a-kind, live, black-light puppet show, returns by popular demand to Segerstrom Center for the Arts March 7 & 8, 2015 in Samueli Theater. Part of the Center's Family Series, ImaginOcean follows the lovable sea creatures and best friends Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel, who just happen to be fish. Audiences follow them as they set off on a remarkable journey of discovery. It all starts with a treasure map, and then the adventure begins, as they swim off in search of clues. All along the way, the friends sing, dance and make new friends, including everyone in the audience. Ultimately, they discover the greatest treasure of all: FRIENDSHIP. ImaginOcean is recommended for children ages 4 - 8.

As with all Family Series shows, there will be free activities beginning one hour before each performance. The Center's Education and Community Programs Department offers these to provide young people and their families more opportunities to play creatively together. Studies show creative play is critical in helping children develop their ability to think and problem solve.

Jam-packed with original music ranging from big band to R&B, ImaginOcean is a blast, from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye. Time Out New York KIDS called this colorful and wonderfully imaginative family-friendly show "absolutely magical," and Broadway World said it was "perfectly delightful."

Tickets are $20 and are available online at SCFTA.org, at the Box Office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries about group ticket discounts for 15 or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755-0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746. The 1 p.m. performance on Sunday, March 8, 2015 will be sign-language interpreted.

Tartaglia earned a Tony Award® nomination for his performances as Princeton and Rod in the Tony-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q. He has appeared in many other Broadway productions, including Disney's Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere) and Shrek the Musical (Pinocchio). A 10-year veteran of Sesame Street, Tartaglia was one of the youngest puppeteers ever to perform on the show, starting at the age of 16. He has also been seen on Disney Channel's Bear in the Big Blue House and JoJo's Circus, as well as Discovery Channel's Animal Jam. He is a former host of the New York Philharmonic Young People's Concerts.