Interactive Kids Show GARBAGE ISLAND 4.0 Pushes Opening Due to Hurricane Harvey

Rec Room's new episode of the kids interactive sketch comedy show, GARBAGE ISLAND 4.0, has been postponed due to Hurricane Harvey. The new opening date will be Saturday, September 23rd, for a run through October 7th, with shows at 10:30am and 1 pm.

Back to school getting you down? Then get back to Rec Room for the ALL NEW episode of GARBAGE ISLAND 4.0, the only original live sketch show for children ages 2 - 6, in Houston.

GARBAGE ISLAND premiered in February and ran to sold-out crowds for 4 weeks straight. The response was so fantastic, it returned with a second and third episode, again selling out every show. Houston parents lined up out the door to give their children the opportunity to enjoy the wacky characters and sustainability-themed 30-minute performance, while they enjoyed a break...and a mimosa.

The new episode features some of the same characters from the original show, along with brand new characters, brand new actors, and Fall-themed fun! This episode focuses on the great outdoors, with a special video taped segment on how to use and reuse; including composting, seedlings and garbage costumes. As with previous GARBAGE ISLAND shows, kids are encouraged to bring their old toys that Rec Room donates to a local charity. This time around, the characters will engage with the kids in the audience in an improvised costume party, where the kids are invited to contribute their toy for a repurposed, Halloween-themed surprise!

Why GARBAGE ISLAND? Rec Room co-founders Matt Hune and Stephanie Wittels Wachs had the idea to launch a Saturday morning kids show to fill a gap they had found: There were no affordable, theatrical performances in Houston for young children. They approached local playwright (and parent of two toddlers) Abby Koenig, who conceived and wrote GARBAGE ISLAND as a fun and interactive live show that is both silly and educational. In the vein of children's sketch shows, such as You Can't Do That On Television, and The Muppet Show, GARBAGE ISLAND features absurdist humor and improv, as well as audience participation.

GARBAGE ISLAND takes place in a literal garbage dump where off-the-wall characters come to life to solve mysteries using creative and critical thinking skills. There is an underlying message of earth consciousness and personal growth. This episode will introduce a new MC for the show, local musician Joe Folladori (Catastrophic Theatre) as Garbage Man Joe's cousin, Garbage Man Joe (yup we are doing that!).

Houston actors and Rec Room regulars Dano Colon (The Alley Theatre) and Tasha Gorel (Horse Head Theatre) return to Garbage Island and are joined by new cast member, Brittny Bush (Classical Theatre Company).

The set, originally designed by local artist Justin Dunford, and costumes designed by Houston Grand Opera costumer, Clair Hummel, are created using only found materials to further highlight themes of sustainability and reuse. Lights and sound are designed by Greg Starbird (Mildred's Umbrella).

Children are invited to bring an old toy with them every week that may be used during the performance as an improv piece for the actors. As such, no two performances will be the same and the audience is encouraged to return to see how the show changes each week. Each performance will culminate in a big kid dance party, with Garbage Man Joe and the cast. After each show, old toys will be donated to a local charity such as Women's Center of Houston.

Tickets range from $8 - $15 for ages 2 and above. Children under 2 are free to sit on their parents' lap. Coffee and drinks available at the bar. Rec Room is located at 100 Jackson St. Metered Street parking is available. Visit www.recroomarts.org or follow www.artful.ly/store/events/13007 for tickets.

REC ROOM ARTS is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization whose mission is to develop innovative work by emerging and established artists across disciplines in order to energize a new generation for the arts.

REC ROOM is a performance space in downtown Houston where multi-disciplinary arts events are frequent, diverse, and accessible to all. We produce unconventional, out there, edgy, entertaining, laugh-out-loud-till-you-cry, original work including but not limited to concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, podcasts, variety shows, and film screenings. We want our patrons to experience an enriching world beyond their couches.

We believe that live performance isn't something that should be limited to holidays and special occasions. Rather, it should be frequent, diverse, and built into the cultural fabric of a community. Our organization aims to engage, educate, inspire and empower our community through the performing arts. This will help to make our city a competitive center for growth and progress. Rec Room is also available for rentals and private events.

Photo Credit: Annie Mulligan

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